Icom IC-7300 HF Transceiver Review

[2RT307]

Well, it may be the best thing since fried rice, but,.......... I NEVER buy a newly designed rig until it has been on the market for at least a year.

You can say that again!

73,
Brett

 

[RatsoW8]

Yet to be seen. I think Icom was on top of their game when they released this one. This is the game changer. Now, I'll wait for the SDR rig the size of my FTDX-1200

 

[2RT307]

Yet to be seen. I think Icom was on top of their game when they released this one. This is the game changer. Now, I'll wait for the SDR rig the size of my FTDX-1200

That's another thing that attracted me to the Yaesu's was that they looked and felt like a base station.

73,
Brett

 

[Moleculo]

Any idea of what transistors/mosfets the final PA uses? They are covered up in this photo:

http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/ic7300/images/7300pa_lg.jpg

I haven't cracked the case open yet, but I will and report my findings.

 

[Moleculo]

Moleculo, I know this is your shiny new baby, but is there any chance you will try it mobile? I am curious how well the noise limiter and blanker work.

I probably won't try it mobile because that is not it's intended use-case. However, I have plenty of wide band noise at my shack and have already started testing the NB capabilities. This type of test is somewhat subjective, so I'm going to spend plenty of time trying it out before I give my thoughts on the subject.

 

[Moleculo]

That's another thing that attracted me to the Yaesu's was that they looked and felt like a base station.

73,
Brett

The IC-7300 definitely has the look and feel of a small base station. This is not a mobile rig that has been repackaged for the base.

 

[Moleculo]

New update #2 in the review added above

 

[Moleculo]

New update #3 in the review added above

 

[tba02]

Firmware update released on 4/14/2016:
http://www.icom.jp/world/support/download/firm/IC-7300/1_12
--
Improvements

1. Audio processing improvement in SSB mode transmission
2. Minor graphic update

 

[2RT307]

I heard a fella talking on one last night, and he sounded great. Said it was his backup rig. Lol

73,
Brett

 

[2RT307]

Moleculo, are you going to add a demo/review video to your YouTube channel?

73,
Brett

 

[RatsoW8]

In case anyone interested in the rig hasn't joined the Yahoo IC-7300 group, I would recommend that you do. I've read enough there and in this post to have a serious desire for one.

 

[DainBramage]

there is a person on QTH right now, trying to sell (flip?) a "brand new, still in the unopened box" 7300.
Taking BIDS!!! when did QTH turn into Ebay?

I predict the price will drop $250 - $300 after Dayton

 

[Moleculo]

Firmware update released on 4/14/2016:
http://www.icom.jp/world/support/download/firm/IC-7300/1_12
--
Improvements

1. Audio processing improvement in SSB mode transmission
2. Minor graphic update

I applied the update using an SD card. I haven't noticed the improvements yet, but the upgrade process was painless.

 

[Moleculo]

Moleculo, are you going to add a demo/review video to your YouTube channel?

73,
Brett

Yes, I'll do a run through for youtube shortly.