This is really cool guys-  a HF transceiver simulator which runs on your computer. It simulates HF propagation to your QTH and you can use it to get experience working an HF station while making real QSOs without worrying about a note from an OO (Official Observer). A topic at our last ham meeting was how to practice CW on HF. Some of the people wanted to try CW on VHF- well, here is a great way to do your code practice whether you have an antenna and rig or not. If you're reading this post, you probably have all you need to try out the HF Transceiver Simulator HamSphere 2.0. If you like it, don't forget to donate to the creator so he can keep the network going!

I don't care if it's "real radio" or not- it is a great way for novice operators to cut their teeth so when they want to get on the air at Field Day or a SET (Simulated Emergency Test) they'll be good to go- and not limited in experience on the air. It also should be loads of fun for anyone who travels or just is limited in rig and antenna capability.

Note: There also exists a similar program from QSONET.com which only runs under Windows making it less able to run cross platform. QSONET requires a valid ham license making it's use (and utility for prospective new hams) more limited. Most limiting of all is the requirement to subscribe to a service to use the program. This does have the advantage of offering some incentive to QSONET to continue operating the network. The Hamsphere package is free to use, works anywhere you have a Java runtime (works on Linux/Mac/Windows), needs no license (come guys it's a virtual radio- you don't need a pilot's license to use Microsoft Flight Simulator). Hamsphere is not requiring payment for it's use- making it more suitable for training usage for all.