a bit off topic and just my .02, but get your ham license. with just the first level (technician) you can use your handheld to communicate directly (couple mile range) or by using repeaters on the 2 meter and 70 cm band (144mhz and 440mhz ranges), be able to talk (depending on propagation) up to 50 miles or more. those of you 4wheelin' out in TX and CA, have a bleep-ton of repeaters and in remote areas have near unlimited range.
you can study online and w/i a week or so take the test. although i'm only scratching the surface here and the hobby gets much more involved, it really is that easy.
also, the gear is top notch by the best names in electronics. nothing against Cobra, but it's not even in the same universe as ICOM, Yaesu and Kenwood. for around $300-$400, you can get a handheld that's submersible, built to military standards, able to xmit on both bands i mentioned, scan public saftey and marine freqs, listen to shortwave and broadcast radio, get WX alerts and updates, use APRS to send messages and map and locate beacons, etc. i know it's not cheap but it's quality and you can't beat the bang for the buck.
didn't set out to hijack your thread, but after all the advice i've gotten from members here, just thought i'd give a little back. take care.
