After reading about successful 70cm EME contacts using just 80W and a 12-15 dBi Yagi with JT65, I'm considering taking the plunge. Currently have an IC-9700 and could build a modest 70cm Yagi setup. Recent advances in digital signal processing have allowed EME contacts to take place with powers in the order of 100 watts and a single Yagi. What's the minimum viable setup for my first moonbounce contact? Should I start with 2m or 70cm for best results?

Typically radio hams set up initially on one of three bands: 144MHz, 432MHz, or 1296MHz. For your first EME setup, I'd recommend 2m over 70cm - 144MHz moonbounce sits on a knife edge – it works, but only just, but there's more activity and larger community support. You'll need excellent timing synchronization and a good preamp.

Don't forget about Faraday rotation being more pronounced at lower VHF frequencies and becoming less significant at 1296 MHz. On 2m, polarization mismatch can kill your signal completely. A SSB Electronics SP70 preamp feeding an IC-9700 with optimized WSJT settings can pull out very weak signals.

I started EME on 70cm with similar power levels and had good success. WSJT should be set up for JT65b mode, and you should turn on equipment about an hour before scheduled Moonrise. The key is precise timing and understanding the exchange procedures - study the JT65 EME protocols carefully before attempting your first contact.