Richard: In addition to amsat-bb and Bryan's suggestion to watch Twitter (especially if you start chasing satellite WAS or satellite VUCC), there is an active satellite users forum on QRZ.com. The amsat-bb and QRZ forum archives have a lot of discussions on antennas, including the M2 eggbeaters. YMMV with them, I know of several ops using them successfully, and others who thought they were a waste of their money. Much seems to depend on if your QTH is RF quiet or not. Another option is an Arrow or Elk either handheld or on a tripod. You'll get better gain, ability to match polarization of the satellite's downlink, and have portable options available. There are satellite-related groups on Facebook, but I do not follow them.
I'd start with the radios you have. One of the biggest hurdles for new sat ops seems to be the expense of a "satellite" radio. You have 2 good ones already on hand, and they will let you learn everything you will need to learn about Doppler tuning and locating your downlink on a linear satellite. The 9700 is a great radio, but why spend the $$ if you don't have to?
73 Steve KS1G
On Sat, Oct 16, 2021 at 4:09 PM Richard AG5M via AMSAT-BB < [email protected]> wrote:
*Hello. New to the amsat-bb. *
*For a long time I have wanted to get into satellites. That will all change next Spring. A few questions: Question 1: I have both a Yaesu FT-726R (fully populated for satellite work) and a Yaesu FT-847. Is the FT-726R still a very good radio to begin learning satellite operation? Same question for the FT-847. To get my feet wet, so to speak. **Yes, I know the FT-847 is superior, but the FT-726R works very well and I plan on giving it to my son to get his feet wet. We can always upgrade later.*
*Question 2. Come to think of it, what is the best satellite radio most people are using these days? The Icom IC-9700? Others? Just curious. *
*Question 3. I am thinking of using the M2 Egg Beater antenna system (expensive) to start with, but no rotor to mess with, keeping things simple. Unless I homebrew my own antennas, which I still might do. None-the-less, is the M2 Egg Beater antenna system really good for a newbie to start out with for satellite operation? Can always upgrade later. Question 4: Are there any groups dedicated to satellite operations I should be subscribed to other than this [email protected] [email protected]? Thank you, 73 Richard AG5M*