Club Call Use

How to QSL on Behalf of Club

In order to encourage the use of the club callsign, make operating easier for everyone, and to maintain a good image for the club, the following guidelines and suggestions are provided for club members. They are subject to changes and improvements if club consensus requires that. They are not a substitute for courtesy and common sense. All efforts to adhere to these guidelines are greatly appreciated by everyone, especially the club trustee, NA7U, as any FCC violations would be brought against his license!

• Using the club call does not give you any operating privileges beyond what you already have for your license class. For example, if you hold an Advanced Class license you can not use the club call in the Extra Class sub-bands.
  
  
• There is currently no restriction on when you can use the club call. Some members feel that it should reserved only for club special events, such as the West Coast Triple or FISTS-sponsored events, but the club trustee would like to encourage all members to use the call at any time, the intent being to promote FISTS in general and help others towards awards by allowing them to gain 3 FISTS points.
  
  
• There is a restriction on where you can use the club call. Since we are a FISTS club and our intent is to promote the use of CW, the club trustee requires that you only use the club call sign for CW QSOs. The trustee reserves the right to grant permission to use the call for any other operating mode than A1. Furthermore, it is recommended that you use the club call at the well-known FISTS frequencies whenever possible.
  
  
• Multiple operators may use the club call simultaneously, even on the same band. However, if you know that another member is using the club call on the same band that you are (and there are not some special circumstances at the time, i.e. a club special event), you might want to consider moving to a different band or a different operating time so as to avoid confusion for non-member stations working the club.
  
  
• When making on-air contacts with the club call, identify the club, yourself, and give the club's FISTS membership number, 4400, and (optionally) Century Award number, 457. Remember that for the op on the other end of your QSO the contact is worth 3 points.
  
  
• When using the club call ask the other station to either "QSL via FISTS buro" or to "QSL via <your call>". See more below on QSLing.
  
  
• You can also give out your call and personal FISTS membership number, which will award the other op an extra FISTS point. However, experience has shown that this can cause confusion for the other op. Here is a suggested exchange that seems to work well: Call CQ (or answer a CQ) with the club call, K7FFF. After greeting and RST try this: "This is FISTS Northwest Club in <your QTH>. Club nr is 4400. CC nr is 457. Op is <your name>, <your call> es my FISTS nr is <your #>. Hw cpy?" Then you can complete your turn by signing K7FFF/<your call>.

Please take personal responsibility for QSLing your contacts when using the FNW club call. Direct your contact to QSL either via the FISTS buro or directly to your station QTH, if possible. NA7U will keep K7FFF SASEs on hand with the FISTS buro.

NA7U is currently trying to keep all members supplied with K7FFF QSL cards. Requests for more cards to the club address will be filled ASAP, especially if you include return postage (about 1 oz per 10 cards). If you don't receive some for any reason or your supply is depleted, the club encourages you to roll your own using the current club style or even your own style. If you make your own cards, be sure to include the club address and the club FISTS number (4400), and Century Award number (457).

Even if you direct any contact to QSL via your home call, QSL cards still find their way to the club trustee, Casey Bahr, NA7U. Casey does not mind acting as an incoming QSL manager and forwarding these cards on to the FNW member to whom they belong. It is appreciated by him if you send him an SASE for this purpose. Also, it is highly recommended that you send Casey a copy of your K7FFF logs so that QSL cards can be directed to the proper FNW member (e-mail or snail mail as you prefer).

NA7U is not going to act as an outgoing QSL manager. You are ultimately responsible for QSLing your contacts. And please QSL 100% if possible when using the club call.