[Vermont Lt]

Igotthe study app on my phone. I practiced for a week. I got all three licenses in the subsequent three weeks. So..lf I can do it, you can do it.

Your question is legit. But the biggest issue you will have isn’t the radio, but the antenna. With a good, tuned antenna, you can talk to the world with 5 watts. With a bad antenna, a $5000 rig will not get 50 miles.

$1,000 will get you a decent rig. Any of the “big names” will perform well. But you need to be clear about what you wish to do. You might be able to get away with a 2m rig. Those are for local communication.

[tired&retired]

Think I’ll buy a used 100 watt for a starter.

I tend to have no problems with tests, especially multiple choice, so I’ll go for the three licenses and get them out of the way.

I live in multiple states, moving with the seasons. An antenna at each location and move the radio with me would be easiest.

[tenger]

With a good, tuned antenna, you can talk to the world with 5 watts. With a bad antenna, a $5000 rig will not get 50 miles.

I went the same route of licensing recently, got them all within 2 months I think. I'm an Extra now. Haven't done anything with it.

Also good words about the importance of a quality antenna.

True story, my first broadcast attempt at DX, I immediately got a pileup. I was operating out of Mongolia (back in the 90s) and as soon as I gave the CQCQCQ, pileup. Fun times.