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