[amsat-bb] Just starting (back) up

[Sebastian <w4as@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

About 10 years ago or so, I owned a Yaesu FT-736R, and used AO-10,  
UO-16 and a few others.  I had a lot of fun.  Family and job  
obligations, as well as several hurricanes later (I'm in South  
Florida), I ended up getting out of radio for many years.

Now, things have changed.  I'm disabled, so I was able to retire early  
(49 years old).  I can't do any tower work, or antenna work anymore,  
so I have to rely on a friend.

I kept my old AOP-10 antennas, my Yaesu G-5400B rotor, and I currently  
have an Icom IC-746 (non-pro) and a Yaesu FT-8800.

I plan to put back up my AOP-10 antennas, and work the FM birds.

So here is my question.  Considering the equipment I have right now,  
and the birds that are currently up; is it worth it for me to get a  
satellite radio at this time?  I'm interested only in voice.

Should I even consider the old 736R, or go for the newer IC-910H.  I  
loved the 736R, but they still demand a lot on eBay; and it's an old  
rig, which I'm not sure there are still parts available from Yaesu in  
the event it requires service in the future.  It's also a relatively  
low powered rig, compared to the IC-910H, and even my IC-746.

The IC-910H is expensive, however it's a current model, and puts out 4  
times the power of the 736R.  But it's about 40% higher in price than  
a 736R.

Are there any birds planned for the near future which will require 440  
SSB?  I would appreciate any thoughts as to which direction I should  
go (I hope I have posted this in the right list).

73s de W4AS.
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