License to use the internet

[W1RKW]

On EHam a lot of people are P&Ming about a program called CQ100 which simulates radio over the I'net using VOIP with a ham radio GUI.  The only benefit I see is maybe practicing CW with a live person. Or maybe a lot of SSB'ers will move there.  Other than that, nope.
Wonder if there's an AM window 

http://www.qsonet.com/programs.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YagTAAI4Yq4

[KX5JT]

So you join the P&M'ers and start a thread here to continue it? 

QSONET and it's CQ100 is actually pretty cool.  It simulates ham radio. 

You need to be licensed so that

a.) keeps only hams using it so you'll have at least that in common with others in there.  Also helps for 'accountability' using the system with some semblence of order. 

 b.) some people actually link it to their repeaters on vhf/uhf so it is necessary to be licensed because some actual RF like echolink is utilized on some "frequenices". 

Is it "radio"?  No.  Is it a cool tool for "ragchewing"?  Sure, you can make "contacts" with other hams around the world in a qrm/qrn free enviroment that "simulates" radio in that you call cq on a calling freq, move to a clear freq, can be listened too by others who may or may not choose to join in a roundtable.  You can have awesome "AM quality" audio if you know a little about computer sound.  You can use it when the feedlines are disconnected due to lightning.  You can use it in your hotel room with a notebook and wifi.  You can use it in your antenna restricted condo.  It's not "radio".  It is a supplemental tool for radio amateurs.  Use it or don't.  Why knock it?  What's the purpose?

The fact that people "act" like they're on real radio does piss some people off.  Oh well.  Some people (especially on eSham.net) seem to get pissed off that they were born!

John KX5JT

[KX5JT]

I just had a great idea!  I'm going to go to CQ100's "7.160" frequency and Call CQ AM!
Seriously, It would be pretty neat to get a bunch of AM operators in a roundtable there when the RF condx suck.  Could you imagine the other CQ100 users hearing us operating in there with our outstanding AM like roundtables, talking about plate current and 813's and 200% percent modulation schemes.  We might actually get some other people involved in AM.  Huh.

Caw moan!

[W1RKW]

I'll confess. Curiosity got the better of me. I downloaded the program.

[KX5JT]

 

Hey that eham.net article got the best of my curiosity too.  I had heard about the system in the past and thought "bullcrap, what's the point?"  We as hams tend to be very opinionated and bullheaded.  I think due to the fact that I posted an article (as a dare btw from someone who I was discussing phonetics with) about phonetics, and seeing some of the hostile replies, I figured I'd open my mind a little about other peoples postings and gave it whirl.  I actually like it!  People behave BETTER on CQ100 in QSO's than on real RF qso's!  Anyway, I went to the FCC ULS system and downloaded the "reference copy" of my license, did a screen capture cut to .gif file on it and uploaded it.  (They require some picture of your license).   I was approved within a couple hours and I have 3 months to play on it.  I've been meeting some real nice people mostly from europe on the system and making friends.  What can be so bad about that?

[Blaine N1GTU]

meh...
they want you to pay to use it, in this day with so many free voip programs it seems kinda silly.
i do like the little radio interface though.
if you really wanna play with  voice chat check out:
http://mumble.sourceforge.net
I had a little server setup and voice quality was excellent, you can create separate rooms/channels and even use passwords. keeps the trash out.

[K5UJ]

My understanding of QSOnet or whatever this thing is, is that it simulates ham radio on the internet right down to enforcing FCC rules--you have to carry on just like you are transmitting RF on a ham band, i.e. you have to identify, have a license, etc.  I think some of that goes too far since no RF is getting radiated.  My other dislikes are that you have to pay whereas Echolink is free, and it is only for Windows (I'm a mac and linux guy).

The biggest problem I've seen so far that concerns me was raised by Paul, W9AC:  Some HOA and other anti-antenna/radio types will see this as being equal to having an actual radio station, and use it as the basis for a claim that there is no longer a need for all those eyesore antennas if there is internet access.

73

Rob K5UJ

[WD8BIL]

...in a qrm/qrn free enviroment that "simulates" radio

No QRM ? So much for simulations!

[KX5JT]

...in a qrm/qrn free enviroment that "simulates" radio

No QRM ? So much for simulations!

Oh if you WANT the QRM and actual "realistic" ham radio enviroment complete with QRM/QRN/Propagation changes/ selective fading/ signal strength variations/ simulated power levels and accurate s-meter reflections (simulated of course) then there is Hamsphere.  Hamsphere is a "simulation" in the real sense of the word.  But they allow ANYONE to make up a callsign and do not enforce the amateur only thing.

Yes, the pay thing on qsonet will likely keep me from "playing".  It's like 30 something bucks a year to register.  You do get the "Video QSO" which is simply exchanging still pics in an sstv style manner with registration.

Echolink is free.  I like free.  The 30 day trial on qsonet is free.  So I'm in for at least 25 more days. *shrug*