Virtual Amateur Radio

This has never really "floated my boat", but it may appeal to some especially when HF conditions are poor.  Also, if you just want to chat this may appeal. Unlike "real" radio, this does not need real transceivers or HF propagation. Instead the "bearer" is the internet.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/virtual .

Virtual amateur radio systems

http://www.hamsphere.com

It is some years since I tried the QSOnet and Hamsphere virtual amateur radio systems. These are virtual representations of the amateur radio bands running on a PC based "virtual transceiver" allowing very real simulations of HF operating with the ability to tune around and "work" real people just as one would using an HF transceiver and the ionosphere.

www.qsonet.com

Arguably they are a useful training ground for real HF operating. For some people without access to external antennas, they can provide a ham radio experience without the problems of TVI and the costs of a real radio.  This is NOT true amateur radio, but I have some sympathy with those who enjoy virtual amateur radio for the pure fun of using it or where circumstances prevent real operating.  The Hamsphere system has a very neat "transceiver" for both iOS and Android devices in addition to a PC version.