It was another beautiful day here today. The next 3 or 4 days are going to be awesome as well.

I've been into a ham radio simulation program called Hamsphere for about a year now. My friend Kelly who wrote the software just released the updated software for beta testing a week ago and I have to say WOW it's awesome. The first version has really buggy and had a lot of server problems but it seems he has gotten things worked out. Since Kelly first started the Hamsphere it has always been free to use but rumor has it he needs to start charging people to use it. I can't imagine how much it costs to run and develop. I'm willing to pay to use Hamsphere. It's really going to be worth what ever he decides to charge. I've made hundreds of radio contacts over the last year and is a great alternative to actual ham radio. I'm all set and ready to take the tests for the Tech and General class licenses but the nearest testing site is too far away for me to get to so I can't take the tests. Hamsphere is perfect. I don't need a license but all the rules apply. My call sign for HS is 2HS415. Kelly decided to have everyone who uses the software either has to have a genuine ham radio call sign verified or a HS call sign. In version 1 I used my buddy Glenn's old call sign N1MPO in memory of him but with the change I had to make the switch. It's cool I like the new call and it's my own identity and not Glenn's. I'm thinking about maybe in memory I'll get another tattoo with his call with an /SK. The /SK after his call signifies "silent key". Glenn was the brother I never had.