When I was learning the code to get my novice at the school for the blind, 
we'd go into the radio room, drag out the code practice oscillator and 
straight key, and take turns sending to each other like we were having a 
real contact.  Pretending, in other words.  Sounds just like this CQ 100, 
sort of speak, but as has been pointed out, what we did was free.  It was 
still fun, though, and that's what it really all boils down to.  If you 
ain't having fun at it, then a 300 foot tower and 10 element wide spaced on 
a Rohn 25G boom and an Alpha 8877 isn't even satisfying no matter how much 
it cost to put it up.

Phil.
K0NX