Hello, guys! My friend was telling me all about his radio setup, and how awesome it is. I'm a jack-of-all-trades type of guy, so I thought, why not give this a try?
I have a few questions, and I am pretty sure I understand the basics, but I've been wrong before. I did operate some CB radios for my search and rescue team, but those can only reach out a few miles, and the frequencies I was operating on, are illegal to use for civilian use. Obviously, I know things like the phonetic alphabet, and basic radio terminology, and manners. My first question being, is there any way to communicate long distance via radio, without expensive equipment, or a license?
My understanding is that there are three real ways to accomplish talking on the distances I'm talking about. Florida to Utah type distances that is. The first being a REALLY powerful signal, requiring unfathomable amounts of power and high frequencies, which seems both expensive and illegal without a license. The second way is by bouncing certain frequencies of the ionosphere. Also sounds fairly expensive, and requiring of a license. And the third, relaying radio signals via satellite, which I consider cheating. Haha.
So, with limited funds, and with no license, is there any type of radio for me? Where do I start? If I need a license, how expensive is it going to be, and how long is it going to take?
Any help appreciated greatly! Thanks ya'll.
* EDIT*
Also, I would like to add, I have done a LOT circuitry, and I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron. If it is cheaper to buy pieces and put them together, let me know too. Thanks.
I have a few questions, and I am pretty sure I understand the basics, but I've been wrong before. I did operate some CB radios for my search and rescue team, but those can only reach out a few miles, and the frequencies I was operating on, are illegal to use for civilian use. Obviously, I know things like the phonetic alphabet, and basic radio terminology, and manners. My first question being, is there any way to communicate long distance via radio, without expensive equipment, or a license?
My understanding is that there are three real ways to accomplish talking on the distances I'm talking about. Florida to Utah type distances that is. The first being a REALLY powerful signal, requiring unfathomable amounts of power and high frequencies, which seems both expensive and illegal without a license. The second way is by bouncing certain frequencies of the ionosphere. Also sounds fairly expensive, and requiring of a license. And the third, relaying radio signals via satellite, which I consider cheating. Haha.
So, with limited funds, and with no license, is there any type of radio for me? Where do I start? If I need a license, how expensive is it going to be, and how long is it going to take?
Any help appreciated greatly! Thanks ya'll.
* EDIT*
Also, I would like to add, I have done a LOT circuitry, and I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron. If it is cheaper to buy pieces and put them together, let me know too. Thanks.