Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment)
Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give
skip conditions -- but very very infrequently.
See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm

Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a
way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and
EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of
communicating.
See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR

As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or
mobile unit can be had for $40+
Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+
Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL:
http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm

For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

For Swap pages and used price guide see URL:
http://ac6v.com/swap.htm

For radio photos -- see URL:
http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo

Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio
--

73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'
------------------------------------------
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper