Many people do not recognize this as being true Amateur Radio but CQ100 fills a void for people who already have an FCC license yet unable for one reason or another to have a station setup. I stumbled upon this unique means of communicating over the Internet from a friend who told me how interesting it was to actually talk to other hams using the same online radio service. By going to their site, I downloaded the console and discovered I needed to send a copy of my license to verify I am an Amateur Radio Operator. The service is owned by the Cormac Corporation and operated by VE3EFC. Any license class is recognized, from Novice to Extra Class to operate on the virtual 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. There is a free 90 day trial period and if you enjoy using it, an annual fee of $32 is required.
By visiting Wal Mart, a nice set of headphones including microphone was found for $29 and on the package said it was intended for Skype. My first contact was with Bill WB3KAH who had beat me to it and had his working well. It amazed me how well the audio sounded and over the past year have made many contacts, some with people who otherwise would have never gotten on the air either because of antenna restrictions or sometimes physically impaired where a small laptop sufficed. To make this VOIP service even better, they came through with QSO-TV where any picture from your computer can be sent and received within seconds. There is actually a sound of Slow Scan TV when sending it. You can use Morse Code also by using the keyboard and can even patch audio to and from CQ100 to interconnect to repeaters and other services. The Cormac Corporation has certainly done a good job with this and there no problems with it getting though fire walls and other constrictions.
On the 14 MHz band, you can find some digital modes with some hams using 3rd party software and use virtual audio for trnsmit and receive. Lower down on the 14 MHz band, you will find code practice with my favorite using short words at high spee. so that your mind can eventually copy by ear. It has helped me reach Morse Code speeds approaching 35 WPM or more.
