It may seem odd to some of you, but I have an established chat room on IRC (internet relay chat). It resides on the EFNET network servers and it is named #amateur_radio . One can use any IRC Client software (i.e. mIRC for windows or Xchat for Linux) and log onto any EFnet server then /join #amateur_radio . We are a group of hams ages teens to 70s that hang out and discuss ham radio, make scheds, discuss homebrew projects, antennas, qrp or whatever. Most of us are into technology and many of us are IT/programmer types too. If I am near a computer, chances are I can be found there. I'm always logged in but just ask for me and I will answer if I am around.
If you have java you can simply link
http://kx5jt.net/chat/amateur_radio.php here and wait for Java to bring you in. Change your nick to your callsign in the bottom right box. Hope to see some of you around. If no one answers you, hang out or come back. The activity changes depending on time of day and most of us idle in there.
KX5JT