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 <amsat-bb@amsat.org> 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 amsat-bb@amsat.org?

Thank you, 73 Richard AG5M