I agree.
I have been playing with remoting my ham radio staion for a number years to connect to via my laptop during my travels for work.
On VHF I use Echolink and IRLP, but for HF I now found
www.remotehams.comThis is by far the easiest solution on the web today and is in constant development now.
Download the FREE client software and/or the FREE server software for Windows and start playing with a growing number of about 25 HF stations worldwide for now
Ask to tune first, and if no response is received, start tuning.
This is done by direct entry or by pointing and clicking on the digits or by grabbing and dragging the tuning knob around.
Remember you will share the station with many other hams, but usually you will be the only one there.
To get transmit privileges, you have to ask for permission and a copy of your licence will be uploaded to the server operator station (sysop).
The software has it's own VOIP client, or you can use a FREE Skype
computer to computer call.
Skype also allows for a live video link to some stations and will connect automatically.
The server software allows for a 3 minute timeout timer to guard against stuck mikes etc.
Identify as "Yourcall operating the Servercall Remote."
Please disconnect when you are done.
Best 73,
KC9SGV
Sysop - KC9SGV Remote
Chicago.