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Radio can be very tricky, and it can also be very easy.

This is why getting licensed is so very important: The training you get.

Three levels of licensing. Each license level brings more frequency bands and more capabilities to the license.

1. Technician. Very easy to get. Get the book ($25), two weeks study, and you’ll do fine. Even 7-year olds can pass this test, literally, 7-year olds do it. Gives basic radio capabilities. A nice taste of ham radio but not much in the way of capabilities.

2. General. This license is tougher to get but really opens up ham radio, especially the long distance stuff. This is perfect for what you are seeking in being able to knowledgably talk to others long distance. It also introduces digital capabilities for computer use on the air and other very interesting state of the art things.

Depending on your prior electronics experience, this may require a few months or more to get up to speed. If you have electronics experience, then this license level may be a breeze for you. I hold degrees in electrical engineering and took two weeks to prepare. I imagine anyone with even electronics technician (not engineering) level experience will be able to do the same.

3. Extra. This license is much tougher and fully opens everything. General is perfect for the majority of people and Extra is nothing that is needed. Besides, very few people have an Extra class license so who would you talk to anyway? I have an Extra class license but outside of some very unique things, the General level license serves my needs more than the Extra.

I HIGHLY recommend studying and getting a General license. It will teach you all kinds of great things about communications that is useful in peace or in war. Wait until you get into studying for General before buying anything. You’ll find your choices of equipment will be guided by that knowledge.

To other poster’s points, An Icom IC-7300 transceiver at $1,100 is the best bang for the buck goin. The gives a nice baseline for cost and performance. Price can be as low as $300 for a lesser, yet capable, transceiver, or as much as $12,000 for the top of the line.

You’ll need an antenna based on the frequency band you intend to use. There are many bands, so you’ll often see 6-12 antennas at a ham’s house. Some of these are very large, some merely wires. All, cost money, from $50 to thousands.

Again, just baselining costs for you.