You know how sometimes in a show or a movie there is a character that has a "radio friend" that they talk to? Yeah that's what I want to do.
But I do not know how to so I came to ask you! Cheap, preferably.
Out of curiosity, I found this app on IzzyOnDroid, (which gave me the idea in the first place) Codec2Talkie that seems to be what I'm looking for but I'm unsure due to my ignorance.
A radio modem seems to be required as the app description dictates. I can find one somewhere no issue. But is this the correct approach? Is there a better way that I don't know of?
Yeah, ham radio. If I was doing it all over again, I'd go for the most basic SSB radio I can find that plugs in to a computer sound card - that should in theory be able to do anything reasonable. You'll also need feed lines, an amp and a large-ish antenna, which is where things get a bit more technical hardware-wise, especially if you're in an apartment or have something like an HOA, but it nothing you can't figure out.
And yes, a licence. So far I've found the requirements pretty reasonable in my jurisdiction, they relate to not frying yourself or your equipment, and how not to be a menace to other people sharing the radio bands. You used to need to learn Morse code fluently enough to pass a practical test, but most places have gotten rid of that.