[P8riot]

The other minor drawback, when you get your license, you have to give your address. That database is public.

That is true for Ham operators, but another option is CB (Citizen's Band). It operates on the 11 meter short wave band between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz. There are 40 main channels available, but with Single Side Band (SSB) transceivers you can effectiviely triple that. Range is limited (I've talked coast to coast when weather conditions are right) at standard output, but it does not require a license anymore.

[_Jim]

There are 40 main channels available, but with Single Side Band (SSB) transceivers you can effectiviely triple that.

Mention should be made that operating outside the normal 'forty' is frowned on (literally: it's illegal) and could earn one a 'citation' (infrequently a fine)