[FARC] 70 cm 440Mhz HAM Radio reception of polar orbiting satelllites

[John C.]

All,
 
Does anyone have experience with 70 cm 440Mhz HAM Radio reception of polar orbiting satelllites? I'd like to know more about it. So far it looks like the most affordable receivers are the Realistic/RadioShack HTX-404 UHF handheld radios. They are discontinued but the used prices went up and they are now selling for $80+ on ebay. I'd like to be able to see equipment like this in action before making a purchase. I found a free software named Orbitron that shows the satellite locations. These are the best web links I've found on the topic so far:
 
http://www.satelliteguys.us/fta-shack/48437-fm-satellites-easy-way-get-into-working-birds.html

http://www.arrowantennas.com/440-7ii.html
 
Thanks,
 
John (new member)