"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



You will need to be able to work the HF bands (i.e. shortwave) for this kind
of communications. So you will need to get a General class ham license.
This means that you will need to pass the Technician written, General
written and a 5wpm Morse code test. The Technician license only requires a
single written test but only gives you privileges on VHF and higher
frequencies. These frequencies are more for local communications although
under some unusual circumstances, VHF frequencies can travel great
distances.

As far as a rig goes, it would be best to find some hams in your local area
to advise you. Some probably have decent spare rigs that you could buy.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE