>> … Specially I asked about the M2 Egg Beater antenna system.  No bad words about it, and I now know the M2 Leo Pack is "the" de-facto satellite antenna system. 

Huh? My $15 tape measure antenna greatly out-performs my $329 m2 eggbeater for working the FM voice satellites.

Great for general receive. Well, very good for general receive. ESPECIALLY the 2m model. But they almost always 

mandate thinking of adding pre-amps … adding to the cost.

>> …  the Diamond D130J Discone …

Another no-gain, wide-receove antenna. 

We are working satellites 500 miles away that have less than a Watt TX power. You need gain and directionality 

for best success.

Clint Bradford K6LCS