>>582
Well then either linked repeaters, stuff like echolink/IRLP or get on HF.
Depending on where you live you should be able to get some older HF rig for around 250eur. Bouht my first HF rig for 250eur, it was a Icom IC-731.
It if you are not afraid of tubes, then older hybrid rigs are also quite cheap (hybrid like solid state everything else except the power amplifier). I have heard and seen FT-101's going for 150eur.
Then there's also it building and modifying old equipment.
f op is in the usa and is a tech license holder then some "freeband" or "export" cb with ssb that does 10m might be a fine choice for getting on hf.
Or some older 10m only rig like realistic htx-100.
A friend of mine has had great fun with his 10m rig (he's a former 11m freebander so the thing does 10m) and worked all around the states and south America.
So there are low cost options out there.
>>578
Just call. it only hurts once. If they give you shit then just turn of the radio and do something else for a moment.