For non-ham operators, and ham operators, this is really cool.

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi.

Sorry for posting so much, but when I find something interesting I just can't help but to share it with everyone.

I can't explain this properly, so I'll post the description, and give you the website link so you can check it out for yourselves. You don't even have to have a Ham radio License to use this...

Website Link: http://www.hamsphere.com/

Here is a picture of the software which you use....
http://www.hamsphere.com/smallradio.gif[/img_size]

Description: Ham Radio Software Transceiver
What is so great about this Ham Radio Software Transceiver?
No extra hardware needed, just your PC, a microphone, speakers and you are ready to call CQ on the virtual Ham Radio bands. Once you have installed this Ham Radio Software you will be able to communicate with thousands of Amateur Radio operators and radio enthusiasts from over 200 countries around the world.

Both Voice (Double Sideband) and CW (Morse code) is supported. The software works in Windows, Linux and Mac or any other Java driven system. HamSphere can be used by licensed Amateur Radio operators and unlicensed radio enthusiasts.

Features of the Ham Radio Software Tranceiver
The Ham Radio Software Transmitter virtual output is adjustable between 10 watts and 2.5 kilowatts. HamSphere covers 11 virtual Ham Radio Bands between 160m and 6m. The system does not emit any RF so it is 100% safe to operate in any country. You can also use the built in 48m Broadcast band to create your own shortwave radio station.

* Modes: DSB (Double side band modulation) and CW (built in keyer)
* Filters: 700hz in CW, 2.4kHz and 3.8 kHz in DSB.
* AGC: Fast and slow
* 6, 10, 11, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 48, 80, 160m bands.
* Band span: Usable bandwidth for each band is 96 kHz.
* Power: Adjustable between 10 to 2.5 kW.
* Simulation on/off (Turn off shortwave reality mode and use as a 2m like transceiver)
* VFO and memory mode (9 memories)
* DX Cluster

Amateur Radio simplified
You probably know what the Amateur Radio hobby normally requires such as big aerials, antenna permits, expensive hardware and an abundance of sun spots. Perhaps you live in a block of flats where Amateur Radio is impossible. Well, this Ham Radio software will get you the real Amateur Radio feeling without those things. You will be able to work that DX country on the other side of the world that you always dreamt of working.

Again I apologize for the posts...

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi.

I was just tinkering with the software, and I have to say it acts, and works like the real deal. If you are a real Ham operator you will no doubt find this extremely interesting, and if you are simply trying get your license (practice) this is the way to go to get that practice in.

When you register it's a free trial of 5 days. They do not ask for any I.D, or Visa etc. Just re-register when the trial is done to continue, or become a full fledged member by paying I think close too $40.00 dollars US for the full year.

Anyway, I just finished listening in on two people talking, one gentleman is from New York state, and the other from Malta.

I can't believe how close this program/server acts like the real thing, it's simply amazing.

Here is a comment from a person who has been using this for a couple of years, and who has contacted over 6000 people, in 203 countries...

---------------------------------------
Thanks Kelly for the very interesting software, simulated HamSphere Radio.

The virtual Internet Radio sounds and feels like the real thing, a transceiver connected to big physical antenna on a big tower in the backyard.
I have many great memories of working the real Amateur Radio Bands years ago.

Your latest version HamSphere 2.0.19 is very stable and full of features, all of which adds to the simulation of your Virtual concept Communication Transceiver such as what is available today on commercial equipment.

Besides making new friends during these voice contacts worldwide your software provides not only entertainment, but is also an educational tool. I hear many times how some users are thankful for the opportunity to practice the English language to enhance their communicational skills. It is always exciting to hear non hams speak of studying to obtain their Ham Radio License and then I receive emails months later with news about PASSING TESTS …….. Very rewarding to hear such NEWS,

Your dreams to create this internet VOIP Simulated radio with QRN ( band noises) , QRM ( band condition interference ) , QSB ( audio fading) and Worldwide DX stations is remarkable and fun to operate………. Thanks for your idea, many hours of writing code programming and testing the software. You should be proud of the outcome and your successful accomplishments. Well done Kelly 5B4AIT.

I have been involved with HamSphere for almost 3 years now starting back in the early version 1.0 . I have been fairly active at times ( hi hi ) always looking for new DX Stations (must be in the blood from years ago on Real Ham RADIO).

Some statistics from my LogBook --- of my HamSphere experience :
Total # QSO’s – 6143 ----------------Total # Countries worked 203

Knowledge of World-wide Country Prefix's will help you identify DX Countries in the Cluster. Some of these DX Operators do not remain on the bands very long. It is important to be at the right place at the right time when they are active. Making the DXing a very interesting & challenging part of HAM RADIO.

Break down of QSO based on Continents via HamSphere from CANADA
Europe-----------------2666 - 43%
North America--------1631 - 27%
Asia----------------------899 - 15%
Oceania-----------------370 - 6%
Africa--------------------320 - 5%
South America---------257 - 4%

Countries Worked related to HS callsign versus Ham Callsign
Both HS & HAM --- 50%
Only HS callsign --- 20%
Only Ham callsign --- 30%

Thanks Again Kelly……….. Good luck in your future endeavors in programming more of your dreams and ideas……….for us to use and enjoy !!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATED Jan 24, 2011

73
Vic
VE3JAR
Canada

Later!

[Michael Slaunwhite]

Hi.

This software requires Java. So here is the link to download the latest version.

Man, it works great with Dial-up...

Java Download Link: http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

Later!