Second the idea of an Arrow to start with. But FWIW, I started out with two small yagis that I already had on hand, 4EL on 144 MHz, 5EL on 435 MHz, one mounted horizontally, the other vertically, on separate tripods to further minimize desensitization, no rotors, outside on my house deck. Worked just about everything I heard, no big investment of money, lots of exercise running 2-3 times out onto the deck manually turning the yagis during passes. I still have yagis on tripods on the deck, same 4EL on 144 MHz but 9ELx2 on 435 MHz as a major interest is low horizon DX on RS-44 and 435 MHz downlink birds. And both are now on cheap TV antenna rotors. No preamp other than what’s in the ICOM 9700. Standing at 66 DXCC and 49 WAC (need a HI volcano SOTA to finally make 50). Go for it, play around with antennas, learn, have fun. Good luck. Will be listening for the two of you.

Wes NA1ME Maine FN54

On Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 10:05 AM GC via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:

Folks, Looking for some guidance. Been in the hobby for years but have never spent the time with satellites - I'm wanting to start. I also have a 13 yo daughter who just got her Extra here (KD9PDL) and she is asking about Q's on the birds....so am trying to keep up with her interests as well.

Can we expect reasonable results with some non-directional eggbeater or wagon wheel antennas or should I go all in and invest in a couple of LEO yagis and rotor? I I have the room for either setup, just wanted some opinions from those that have the experience. 73/Greg N5IF

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