First Class CW Operators' Club


Founded in 1938, and with its roots, history and management in the UK, The First Class CW Operators' Club (FOC) promotes good CW (Morse code) operating, activity, friendship and socialising via its worldwide membership of approximately 500. Members are active on all HF bands and the character of the club is best expressed in its motto.


MOTTO

"A man should keep his friendship in constant repair" - Samuel Johnson (1755)

 
FOC MEMBERS AIM TO….

 Foster and encourage a high standard of CW operating ability and behaviour on the amateur bands.  

Observe the licence conditions and principles of band planning.  

Be considerate to other amateurs at all times.  

Protect the future of the hobby through being active, encouraging newcomers and supporting a national society.
BECOMING A MEMBER

If you have a genuine love of CW with a minimum operating speed of 25 wpm, and enjoy socialising with others of like interest then FOC could be just right for you. It takes some work to join - it’s not simply a matter of filling in a form and sending off a cheque.

First, someone has to nominate you - based on their experience of working you on cw on at least two bands within the last year.  Upon accepting the nomination you are then added to the Nominations List, which means that all FOC members know you are seeking further sponsorship.

You must then receive sponsorships from four more members within the next six months. Sponsors must come from at least two continents, with no more than three of the five from any one continent, and at least one must be from the UK. All sponsors must have a CW QSO with you on at least two bands.

In recent years, just over half of those nominated have gone on to attain membership. If you are active on the bands, particularly around 25kHz up from the band edge (10120 to 10125, 18080 to 18085 and 24905 to 24910kHz in the WARC bands), you will often find FOC members and, if you can hold a QSO at 25 WPM or so without your CW falling apart, you will find members eager to sponsor you..

CLUB FREQUENCIES

3525, 7025, 10120-10125, 14025, 18080-18085, 21025, 24905-24910 and 28025kHz
BAND OF THE MONTH
  
May: 17m
 
  
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

VE3LYC Cezar 1994
F5IN Michel 1993
G7VJR Michael 1992
G3NKC David 1991
K5FP Lowell 1990
EI7BA John 1989
M0CVR Dan 1988
SP4R Andy 1987
DL8PG Gerd 1986
KH6LC Lloyd 1985
G4BYG Vic 1984
S51WO "Sam" 1983
PJ4LS Hans 1982
DL3AZ Andy 1981
DJ5IL Karl 1980
K0VBU  Bill 1979
W4PRO  Jim 1978
G3LZQ  John 1977
G5CL  Ryan 1976
G3XJS  Peter 1975
OK1WF Jarda 1974
LA4XX Hal 1973
VU2PTT Prasad 1972



COMMITTEE OFFICERS

President  G3IZD, Ivan
Committee Chairman  GM3YTS, Rob
Committee Secretary  G3SXW, Roger
Membership Secretary  N4TY, Tyler
Internet Services  G4FON, Ray
Committee Member  G3XTT, Don
Committee Member  G4BUO, Dave
Committee Member  G3JKB, Dave

Treasurer G4FNL, Graham
WEB SITE

N4TY, Tyler
KR3E, Ed

 
 

© First Class CW Operators' Club.