| W1BG |
Rating:      |
2016-07-12 | |
| It's fun |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| With the rotten propagation on HF this summer, CQ-100 has been a godsend. No, there's not a lot of activity on CQ-100 either and no, it's not real ham radio, but its a lot better than none at all. It's also great for those of us living in heavily deed-restricted HOAs or retirement living in apartments, condos, etc. Most of the ham s on CQ-100 are also active on HF, but turn to CQ-100 for the same reason I have. 30 day free trial and every Sunday (UTC time) is also free. You need to give this a try. (Ham license is required) |
|
| K5REZ |
Rating:      |
2014-03-04 | |
| Fun |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Is propagation lousy? No problem. Use CQ-100
Contesters everywhere? CQ-100 eliminates that.
Noise? RF issues? CQ-100 fits the bill.
A great alternative to HF for licensed folks.
Big tip: 14.200 is the calling frequency. Go there, call CQ and then move off. Plenty of nets, roundtables, etc. Great alternative.
|
|
| KD8TUT |
Rating:   |
2013-11-28 | |
| Just ok.... |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This program is a good idea, and functions well. The interface is pleasing, and there was a lot of skill employed in it's creation.
I would recommend it on principle. And I am a subscriber. But I'm very frustrated with the areas where it misses the mark.
First, the "free competition":
All of it's functionality is duplicated by Teamspeak. And I've been using Teamspeak with other hams for some time now (for free).
Echolink, does the same thing, and allows you to get on the air (for free).
Remotehams.com allows you real HF access (for free- but you can donate)
Second, where it misses the mark:
CQ100 is exclusive to only licensed ham operators, which I think is a marketing mistake on the scale of "old Coke, new Coke". There's a missed opportunity here to use "simulated modes" to recruit and acclimate non-hams into the hobby (and make money doing it!). Voip/internet modes present one of the greatest opportunities to recruit and teach new hams that this hobby has ever had. This program could be hotbed of recruitment into the hobby, while increasing it's activity level.
There isn't much simulation of HF conditions in the program. Which is something that would make me happier as a subscriber.
In short, this is a great program that really misses it's calling. It needs to go another direction from a commercial and practical standpoint. If you're looking for a "ham only" social club with perfect reception- this might be something that would interest you. But be aware, that Echolink, Remotehams.com, and Teamspeak can provide the same experience. And in the case of Echolink and Remotehams.com- you can even get on the air.
However, if the program opened itself to non licensed subscribers, I would be much happier with it- because "off air" or "simulated modes" are the future for getting people interested in the hobby.
So while I'm fairly disappointed overall, I am a subscriber based on "principle". These new "off air modes" are an important development in ham radio and need to be supported. |
|
| WA4LJO |
Rating:     |
2013-07-29 | |
| So very happy with this program. |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| WA4LJO thinks this program is great!! Hope many will join us here. My experiences have been very satisfying and helpful. |
|
| K7KLB |
Rating:      |
2013-01-04 | |
| Easy and Friendly |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I find the CQ 100 overall fun enjoyable and easy to use and yes it is Amateur Radio and they also require a license check to be on the program. Very nice people and they have a free 90 day trial for you to try. This is also great for our Elder ham operators that are limited to what they can do and still enjoy this wonderful gift we have been given. I am joining as well as a friend of mind. I have tried the others and I find this one to be my choice. Happy New Year to all. 73's Keith |
|
| W2BLC |
Rating:      |
2012-03-05 | |
| Excellent RF alternative |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been using CQ100 for several years on a daily basis. It allows me to keep in contact with many hams that can no longer get on the air due to living circumstances (no antennas etc.).
It works like HF radio, has rules and requires a current license. It does not involve RF - so condo rules can't stop you. Can even be used in a nursing home - or on the beach with WiFi.
Allows the communication and companionship of ham radio to those who would be without such if there was no CQ100.
I operate both RF and VOIP - and I enjoy them both. An advantage of CQ100 is no QSB, QRM, QRN and you can share pictures.
Go ahead nay sayers - refuse to use it because it isn't real radio. You can always watch TV or read a book. I use it to have communication and companionship.
----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by W2BLC on 2009-04-20
I do have to wonder why some reviewers rate the CQ100 system as a 0 or a 1, based solely upon their dislike for VOIP systems. The eHam review process is to tell others if a product works as designed and/or claimed. This is not the venue to vent about personal dislikes for particular modes of operation.
CQ100 is a fine ham radio use of VOIP. It provides ham radio style contacts without the need for antennas (very important to a growing number of ops) and allows ZERO chance of QRM.
The software and operation of the CQ100 QSO Net operation is technically excellent. I have spent the $32 for an annual membership - which is probably the least expensive purchase involving my shack I made in years. Considering the number of hours I spend on CQ100, the cost is pennies an hour.
The on screen "radio device" works FB. The software installs easily and is sure fire - very unlike my experiences with EchoLink.
Why anyone would want to include band fading and interference to make the experience more "radio like" is beyond me. I enjoy the quiet peaceful contacts I make on CQ100.
Hmmmm - maybe that is why some ops don't like CQ100 - they can't QRM anyone.
I have been hamming for over 45 years and treat CQ100 is just another mode that I choose to use as part of my overall ham radio operation.
----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by W2BLC on 2008-12-26
I look at CQ100 as just another mode of ham operation. It is great for those that cannot have antennas, great when the bands are dead, and the audio is always clear.
I enjoy it very much, even though I have been on the air for 45+ years - and still am on the air.
No jamming, no snide unidentified comments, just good communication. And, communication is what ham radio is all about.
To make it real simple - CQ100 (VOIP ham radio) is much better than having no radio. $32 annually is very cheap entertainment. |
|
| K2BEW |
Rating:      |
2010-12-11 | |
| A wonderful program! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Notice I said "program", and yes, that is why it is in the software section. It never claimed to be radio and it makes no sense to me to see reviewers complaining it is not. If you're not interested then just don't use it why complain about something others enjoy?
I tried it a few weeks ago because I am in the process of moving and don't have a radio on the air. I also tried Hamsphere to compare and really like CQ 100 better, so I am subscribing to CQ 100. Also CQ 100 gives you a very generous 90 day free trial.
I did like the fact that CQ 100 limits use to only licensed amateurs and does a check to ensure you really are the license holder, unlike Hamsphere.
I found the folks talking on CQ 100 wonderful and as a newly licensed operator I have found it a great tool to learn how to operate better. Lots of experienced HAMS on the stations, and I think it is great that the program sticks to following proper radio procedure even though technically they don't have to.
There are many nets and even a few contests. There is a CW practice listening station, and with the ability to actually use CW with other folks I look forward to using it for CW communications once I get better at it.
No, it will not replace radio but when I don't have access to one or I am traveling with my netbook what better way to still enjoy the hobby?! Actually I am sure I will use this a lot at home once my radios are on the air too.
Finally, I thinks that CQ 100's greatest strength is it allows disabled or aging operators who can no longer get a radio on the air to continue this great hobby!
73
Tom B. N2BEW
|
|
| K3ROJ |
Rating:      |
2010-08-30 | |
| CQ100 is tops |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| This is my second posting since 2008 and have been using CQ100 often to talk to many friends around the world. By listening to code practice on CQ100, I am now able to use CW at 30 WPM or more using my Flex 5000A without writing anything down except for calls and names. Just by turning the CW practice on while doing other things in the shack soon trains your brain to use it just as we use speech.It is remarkable how the brain can learn new things when almost 70 years old and CW has opened up a new world in Amateur radio, being able to speak with hams in Europe who only use CW. It is a shame our ARRL didn't fight to keep the FCC from taking our most important mode from us by no longer requiring it in testing. |
|
| KE1MI |
Rating:      |
2010-04-23 | |
| FUN FUN FUN |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Well, here I go. I am going to throw my 2 cents in on CQ100. Been at it for a couple weeks now, and even though my 90 day trial time is not over, I have subscribed. What to me after 25 years in ham radio, is some of the most FUN I have had in a long time. Yes it is VOIP, and not what everyone calls "real radio". You guys need to get over that mentality, I did. Yes it is a paid service. 32.00 US/year. I can use this system forever for the price of one new ham rig.
No QSB,QRM,QRN, lids, freebanders, guys running 2kw to talk to their friend down the road on 75 meter CB (er band). No jammers, and all the other bozo's that make "real radio" such a joy these days. Great for apartment dwellers, deed restricted communities, assisted living centers, (yes we hams are getting older, median age is what now? 50-60yrs.). It does CW, ssb, sstv, and guys are playing with psk31,rtty, etc. Works well even with dial-up for those of us that are Internet connected challenged (i.e. Rural). I so far have always found activity, and if you like to ragchew, this is the place for you. In 25yrs, I never worked Japan, Austraila, and a host of other places, as I have on CQ100. Simple program, works right out of the box. I have not had any problems yet, and don't expect to.
Cons: to me none (well lets talk about the fee-- rig, antennas, 1kw amp, power supply, coax, meters, fittings. etc. = Thousands, well 2 or so anyway to get back into it) CQ100 32.00$ = priceless.
I could go on and on about what I like. Try it if you have not, then decide. If you want ham radio without the hassels of modern day radio, then here it is. More FUN than a ham ought to have.Thank You VE3EFC and Cormac Tech. for putting the fun and spark back into ham radio for me.
( I have in no way been compensated for my review. These are my impressions only)
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!! |
|
| VK2LEE |
Rating:     |
2010-01-26 | |
| My Views on CQ100 after having 4 QSOs.. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Well, after using CQ100 for a week and having 4 QSO's, [although I have been listening a lot]
I find it much easier to use than echolink..
and more Ham radio friendly...
just by looking at it.
I would love it to have a place to make notes,
and to send printed info while someone is talking, like echolink..
this would really make it User Friendly.
The First problem I had was when I had my first QSO
I didn't write down the other Ham's name or callsign, so when He switched it back to me..
I have a mental blank....
Cannot remember His callsign..
this happened a few times until I wrote it down.
I haven't heard any Young Hams...
I don't think the cost would make much difference,
seeing How much We spend on other Ham related items.
I will be really interested in the CQ100 TV when I pay My money..
I find the CQ100 very basic, easy to use, but , maybe it will get updated in the future..
Lee Noonan VK2LEE
|
|