We are not using the internal Icom tuner, or an external Icom AH-4. Please refrain from posting comments suggesting we do not know how to tune our own station, as they will just be deleted from now on as this has been covered many times before. Thanks, Jarrad.
Well said Jarrad, thanks! Let me make an additional recommendation -- I always adjust the IC-7300 RF Gain down to an S1 noise level on most of the lower bands. It dramatically improves the dynamic range of the AGC as you explained. In conjunction, I also adjust the REF scope setting on the second layer of soft keys. I found that if I DECREASE the RF Gain down a few S-units to the noise floor, I INCREASE the scope REF setting +3 to +9db so that the scope gives me a more sensitive visual reading of signals across the band, too (no RF impact on signals, just scope sensitivity). Doing both of these together makes for an amazing user experience. Try it :) 73s Greg, KJ6ER Silicon Valley
I am going to order my 7300 soon! Thank you for the information! I will watch this again after I get it! Videos like this will make it easier to get it up and working easier!
Thank you for this very helpful video Jarrad. I've had my IC7300 a week and had contacts accident rather than design. Your tutorial has helped me understand the principles of set-up and I feel better understanding about tuning and using the RF gain. I'm looking forward to being on the air tonight! Please do more videos. You speak clearly and to the point. An excellent presentation. thanks again.. Robert ZL2JED
Dear Robert, Thanks for the kind words :) We're hoping to get a few more videos using the IC-7300 out soon as its a nice simple radio and good to use in demonstrations. That said, with the IC-7610 in the shack sooner or later we'll need to move it on, so if you have any specific requests get them in quick - my email is on QRZ.com but don't be offended if it takes a while to reply, especially if you send a long email as I'm a little time poor at the moment but definitely read them and file them away for later reply :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
First off, fantastic video! Any ham that is active on HF should watch this to get the most out of their receiver. The tips and advice here are applicable to any receiver regardless of internal architecture. Thanks for taking the time to explain these settings in such a simple way.
I will be receiving a ic 7300 Jan 3 so you made me a much better operator. My last contact was 1982 with a Drake c line. Back in the saddle again. A lot of new stuff to learn. Thank You
Very good Jarrad, I use my RF gain control on every radio I have, when needed. In the old days that was our noise reduction, and really still outshines the dsp version we have now. Its ability to increase dynamic range is the best reason to use it. Plus the fact that most of todays radios have way too much gain to start with. I do not have an Icom IC7300 or IC7610, but the use of rf gain is the best thing to do for all radios which have the function. Thanks again for your videos which will help a great many new hams. Lastly it sounds like you have had people harrass you on how you tune up the antenna, to me it was obvious how you were tuing and I have and do it that way as well, a carrier any way you can easily get it to use for an external tuner. And you did right making it clear that the know it alls can keep their tongues, 73 my friend
Great explanation on getting the best signal out of your rig with the minimal amount of noise! You were spot on about how irrelevant that S-Meter reading is in regards to someone's signal. During contests, everyone gives out 59's even if they have to ask for their call sign 3 or 4 times because they can barely hear them, so what does it matter. Great job mate..73's
This is exactly what Ten Tec say when using their radio,s, give it plenty of volume and use the RF gain pretty much as a volume control. Glad youve made a video about this, it should help people have a more pleasurable experience when listening.
Excellent video! So many HAMs overlook the use and benefits of the 'RF Gain' and 'Attenuator controls'. Mainly because no one demonstrated the advantages of using them. Thanks for doing so!
Yes very good discussion on RF gain. I use that very method for years on my FT-101E and still do. Not worried about S-meter readings. This is the way ran our radios years ago to get rid of the noise. Thank you for the great video and now our secret is out.
Dear Lyle, It certainly works magic with the FT-101E, I can attest to that. A well setup 101E produces some of the most pleasing SSB audio you will ever hear! 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Great video. I have been a ham since 1975 and have never had this explained so well. I followed along with your video while trying these adjustments on my 7300. Thank you Jarrad. Hope you are feeling better. 73 Vern W8UTS.
Brilliant - just got my 7300 and will definitely take your advice - band noise is high where I live, so this will be very useful. You are quite right - communicating with each other is the objective for us Hams - We sometimes lose sight of that!
Great advice, thank you. Most people will not turn down the receiver sensitivity when they can hear anything, even though that is exactly what may be needed.
Very helpful to me! I’m a new HAM. Just passed my General and working on my Extra. I have the 7300 and barely knew how to turn the dang thing on. Also don’t know much about this entire HAM craft yet. Passing the tests just means I memorized the answers. Guys like who take the time to make the videos are really help rookies like me. again, thanks you sir for the expertise and the delivery that a rookie could follow! 73! Bo Brewer KN4MLI - Florida
Hi Jarrad, I enjoyed your video, everyone who is thinking of using or buying a 7300 or 7610 should watch this. Unfortunately some operators run these rigs receive flat out and then complain about OVF and overload and distortion when they don't know how to use the radio! Classic example when a guy compared his FT 2000 to the 7300. He was running the 7300 with full RF Gain and pre Amp 1 on 40! I pointed out to him on his comments he didn't know how to use the 7300, then he got miffed about it and said the 7300 was at FAULT. Eff me....! I also have the 7300 and love it....I may get the 7610 later this year , maybe haven't decided yet... I will look for you on 40 and give you a call if I hear you on and say hello. Conditions are tricky for me from this QTH though on 40. I live in Echuca northern VK3. All the best and keep up the good work! Les, VK3TEX, Echuca, Vic.
Dear Les, please do give me a call, and you are spot on - so many of the 'OVF' worry warts have their receivers setup incorrectly. I can't imagine what kind of antenna would need a pre-amp on 40M, but some people believe that a pre-amp 'pulls in' the DX no matter what. In my opinion the less active devices before the ADC the better... this is the true SDR dream. The IC-7610 is very nice when running two antennas, but aside from that the IC-7300 is more than enough radio for almost anyone. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Really useful thanks! Returning to the hobby after 35+yrs (formerly VK2CHA now G1AJH) and just about to get a doublet upin the air here in Dorset (IO90at) I find all these topics very useful - especially as I'm planning on adding a modern IC-7300 to complement my original boat-anchor TS-520S which has followed me around the world for decades... great stuff and thanks! Just stumbled on your channel today mate and have thusly subscribed to the alerts,.
@@RateMyRadio I don't have any contact with the family, his wife moved away many years ago to be closer with family I believe. Barrie used to collect car plates, I imagine his family wanted to keep that one.
Hi Jarrad. I've had my IC-7300 for about a month now. This video inspired me to finally pull the trigger on one. Now that I've gotten familiar with it a little- I want to share what I've noticed and see what your thoughts are. This is mainly about the RFG. It seems like the RFG is way different from the traditional superhet radios. There's no surprise there since it is a direct sampling SDR. One of the main differences is that the S meter does go up as you turn down the RFG like it does on a classic rig. Instead, it goes down. Also - and this is the most important observation - the base level of noise doesn't go down at all until the S meter drops below 0. It may initially drop as you lower it a bit, but then the AGC catches up with what you did and the volume level of background noise goes back to what it was. In other words- the noise at S5 sounds the same if it's taken down to S1 with RFG. It seems like the direct sampling completely takes over, and the only way to get that noise down is to lower it below S0. Does this line up with your own experience?
Yes it does completely - well observed. You are also correct that 0 is what you should aim for to avoid ALC triggering - this even includes most SuperHets for my knowledge. I hope you are loving your purchase, 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
This is precisely how I use my IC-7300. I use an MFJ-1026 on some bands as well, but this is well spoken and proper if any owners have yet to figure it out. The controls are on the rig for a reason. KN4EWI Cheers!
Love your video, I noticed my reports were not 'Accurate' with the REF Gain turned down so once I get a good signal and RF where I like it, I set it to 12 o'clock to get the report and then put it back to optimal
Jarrad, your IC-7300 video are going to be helpful to me real quick! My 7300 has been sitting on my desk long enough! I need to get it set up!. Trying to figure out antenna system to use and how I'm going to ground the Radio. Im in a Condo (top level thank God!) with a out side porch, what I have to work with to set up some kind of antenna.
Great tutorial, helps a lot. I just got my General yesterday, have this radio new, not powered on yet also have the IC-7100. everything is kind of in Chinese to me still even though I studied for the upgrade, there are many concepts that I still do not visualize how they match or how they work; like if I power on the radio, I do not know what to do first but I guess that is why we get ourselves into this mess, I mean, hobby, lol. Little by little I will learn the ropes. 73 from Rody, KI7CSI
Dear Rody, I will be making a video on how to setup SUPERHET receivers such as the IC-7100, IC-7200, Kenwood TS-590SG in the coming weeks so it may be helpful as well. Basically the same concept, except the S Meter reads differently when RF Gain is adjusted. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Thanks for your kind words Graeme! They're sorely needed after my latest video advising IC-7610 owners to check for 2 known faults; apparently it hit a raw nerve with some and they've now decided I'm anti Icom! Who would have thought trying to help the community before the warranty expires (1 year in the states) would be so offensive? I guess some people get a little too emotionally invested in their new toys ;) 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the Rate My Radio Team :)
really stepped up my ability to hear better on the 705 and on my FT-991a even see the waterfall better and re-read the manual since RF gain acts differently on that radio... but principles the same ! didn't hurt that I went from a 1/4 wave loaded antenna to a EFHW that latter hears way better than the compromise antenna.. and noticed blobs on the WF... which were multiple signals close together :)
Good info. I use the RF gain as the volume control on my K2. I'm not worried about the S-meter - the RST code I think was developed before meters were common. No-one needs to be stronger than S8 anyway! Best wishes from Jon, G4LJW.
This is the best way to operate for sure. Some radios like the Kenwood TS-590SG will 'adjust' the S Meter to show you a compensated level which is kind of nice but takes a little to get used to; I wonder if the K2 does this?. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Thanks for the kind words Alan! I wasn't my best with this one; I'm sore from a big job yesterday and I feel a little zonked out due to the pain killers. I'm glad it made sense to at least someone :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Jarrad great video and yes I use this very system on my FT-101E and it sounds soo much better than full RF gain. A lot less noise and as far as the S-meter reading most are 5-9 anyway. Thanks again and I have used this technique on many old and new radios. 73 VE5EE
The REF setting is hard to cover, as its more a personal preference thing than anything; it really depends how you want your scope to look... whether you're a CWer etc.
Rate My Radio Well, for me when keeping the RF gain down it reduces the signal graph in the scope, the ref function increases the sensitivity or gain on the graph, thus giving you a level instead of nothing on the scope. I believe it goes hand in hand with what you’re teaching here. As you said the s-meter is reduced, but the ref function gives you that back in the form of the signal graph.
Dear Mark, Indeed - you have a point they are related. We're trying to figure out the best way to use the REF function, and are currently experimenting with some alternatives. We will do a video covering the REF function and how to make the most of it; depending on how you use the radio, it can either be a frustrating 'feature' needing constant adjustment, or something you can set and forget. 73, Jarrad VK3BL & The Rate My Radio Team :)
Jarred, Thanks for this enlightening video and I really enjoyed your explanation on this topic. I have both a 7300 and 7610. You have explained the rf gain process clearly. Thanks again. We will be looking forward in future videos as well. 73 Jerry KK6YO
Dear Jerry, You're most welcome! :) Thank you for taking the time to write your kind words - they are most appreciated :) 73, Jarrad & The Rate My Radio Team :)
The same logic should also apply to your microphone, but it's obviously apparent that you've over processed the audio on this video. That said, I did appreciate the video and found it very helpful.
An amazing radio all round - perfect implementation of an SDR in a box from the word go! Can't say anything bad about the IC-7300 and I'm wondering whether we'll end up with another just to match the upcoming IC-9700! 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Very informative, and well described. Thank you for shedding some light on this. I understand the theory of the settings, however you have fine-tuned the info so-to-speak.
Thank you for the great information. KH6JMK just rejoining HAM radio after a layoff of 40 years. I just ordered the 7300. Now in the Pacific Northwest. 73
Thanks Jarred that was extremely helpful! What is your take on using Noise Reduction? (Thanks to your video I discovered that my IC7300 preamp was on. There's no indicator on the regular screen, and it memorizes this setting by band. I guess it pays to check all settings BY BAND once in a while to avoid such surprises.)
When the RF gain is wide open, the band noise is Sn. If the noise level is reduced by the RF gain to S1, for example. If a station signal is S7, so the actual S number is, 7+n-1. Please correct me, if I am wrong. Anyway, giving 59+ is more than enough, unless the station want to have accurate reading, for the example, comparing antennas. I agreed, signal strength is not as crucial, than reability. I prefer 53 signal than 29+.. :) thank you for the excellent explaination. de, 9W2GNU, 73.
Dear Mohammad, in theory that should be the case. That said, Rob Sherwood measured the IC-7300 S-Meter as follows: S1-S4 2.8dB / Unit, S5-S9 3.3dB / Unit, so it isn't linear unfortunately. Another reason not to worry so much about signal reports; the only thing manufacturers agree on is that S9 = 50 uVolts. Agreed, 53 is better than 29+ :)
Rate My Radio I like to point out A very small mistake at minute 15:19 It should be 50 MHz,or 6 meters, not 50 meters. Again, I agreed with you, S-meter just a signal strength indicator, not a an accurate for scientific research. Yaesu and KEnwood rigs' S-metering also differs. At least we know the signal is weak or strong. Thank you.
I just got my tech and general ticket New ham KC1KNT I also just got the IC 7300 and am trying to learn how to use it. I noticed that when you change bands you say " let me tune this up" and yopu switch to RTTY and hold the transmit hard key on the radio front. What does that do please Great video it has been quite helpful
I think the internal tuner is fantastic; I love the fact it has an emergency mode that runs 50w but lets you match up to a 10:1 SWR which is far beyond the limit of what a good antenna would ever present. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Thank you for the smart video! Learning how to best operate my radios has been a long process, but this video makes it clear how I should operate the RF gain. No longer will my RF gain be all the way to the right all the time. :D de w8tam
Dear Thomas, you're most welcome! Thanks for the kind words and dropping by with the comment. Hope to work you and all our other viewers one day! 73 de VK3BL Jarrad & the RMR Team :)
Jarrad, you mentioned in this video that you'd make another one on how to set up other ICOM radios - did you make one for the 7100 (and I don't mean the short review that you've already put up)? It seems the 7300 is set up differently than the 7100, as it's an SDR. Thanks.
Jarrad, thank you for your fine video. I tried your procedure and the noise level did go down. But so did the information on my Spectrum Scope. All is blank. I had to change the REF to level 8 to see anything with your way of lowering the RF/Noise. Yet when I see your video, the Spectrum Scope is showing all manner of signals. Did you raise your REF to have it do so? Regards, 73 from N2LRB.
It depends on the band; the lower bands will tend to have more noise, but yes there is no problem of adjusting your REF for the scope. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Great video, thank you! One question follows: How are you determining that the AGC is coming into play? I see the AGC-M on the display and it seems to be unaffected by your gain changes. - Cheers - Jim (KK7CSC)
Thank you for sharing. May I ask a question, would 7300 will be sufficient to be used in DX and local HF use? As with reception quality when do we need to choose the use of IC-7610? (Disregarding the dual receiver function in 7610).
I have to admit I thought you were full of it but I checked it out and you were right by lowering the rf gain it lowered the static more than the signal present … how ever when u went to 10 m it showed several spikes with no signal present . I found that confusing 73 DE KD6ERP
It would be due to the fact I don’t have an antenna up presently for 10M and didn’t tune on that frequency; the spikes would be local noise sources. Glad it was helpful 73, Jarrad VK3BL
New ham question...If you reduce the RF gain until it is as you say tickling s1, doesn't that reduce the ability of the radio to hear weak stations that it would have heard had rf gain been set to the 12 oclock position?
Good question! I don’t actually recall ever seeing a meter for this on any radio, and its probably a bit of a trade secret too. That said, if you hear a static crash, and you notice the audio volume is lower and ‘ramps up’ back to normal afterwards, you know that the static crash pumped the AGC in a pretty big way. I don’t know of an easy way to ‘monitor it on the fly’, other than if you find that only using as much RF Gain as needed reduces ‘listening fatigue’, then you know AGC is in use. Basically, the answer is AGC is always in use, unless turned off. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
my understand was that S meters go off of AGC activity. at least on older radios like my 830S that's the case. it's also why the s meter doesn't move at all when AGC is off.
Icom 7300. Can you get the spectrum scope to work outside the amateur bands. I know it works in AM broadcast but if you go above any ham band the water fall stops and says out of range.
I wished that I had a AGC control setting on my cell phone, just so many adjustment's needed on a HF radio to hear/talk to someone, its just a toy to play with for Hams operators, me being one of them..
We run an external Palstar HF-AUTO Antenna Tuner; in order to tune it needs a carrier between 10-30 watts (it is rated up to 100). As we don't have a CW paddle on my desk, RTTY provides the easiest continuous carrier for my Palstar. Whilst the Icom radios have a 'Tuner' button, it only works with either the internal tuner or an AH-4. Does this answer the question? 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the Rate My Radio Team :)
Hi im a new m6 with a 7300 you say your tuning your radio why isn't the tuner button light on it looks to me your pressing your transmit button when I tune my antenna I hit tune button or am I doing it wrong Thanks
Dear John, you're almost certainly doing it correctly for your setup. What isn't shown in this video is my external Palstar HF-Auto tuner, that can tune with inputs up to 100W. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
If using a 7610 and doing a comparison of two antennas (Main and Sub receiver) , would you have the RFG set in the center position for both antenna 1 and 2 or would you adjust RFG so that band noise levels indicated are at the same level , different gain positions ?
Jarred I believe that the 7610 has a automatic notch filter built in to it. I believe you have to go into settings to turn this function on. That being said, it does not interfere with the reception as far as I see it. Leaveing it on has not caused any issues at all. 73 Jerry
Dear Jerry. It definitely does - its just 2 button presses rather than 1. You're correct for the most part it doesn't cause any issues with phone work and can be left on; the only time it especially does is digital modes and probably CW, although I haven't tested its effects there. That's why I leave it off - I spend a lot of time using FT8 :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
Hi Jarrad, nice explanation - in line with what I found with my IC-7300 by trial and error. A couple of additional points - you can change the settings for the slow, medium and fast AGC - in fact you can turn the AGC completely off by setting the value to zero when looking for those really, really, really weak stations. As well as the auto-notch, pressing and holding the notch button in takes you into manual notch and you can then position the notch where you want it, and adjust its width. Using that with the twin PBT can make it possible to hear really weak signals. Not directly related to the receiver question - have you considered making up a lead to allow the tune button on the 7300 to trigger the automatic tuning function in your ACU? Having to change to RTTY and then back each time you change bands seems a little long-winded. Of course those without an external ACU will simply use the internal one in the 7300. I made up my own cable to use with my MFJ 993B, but it's possible to make up cables for "most" makes. 73 Ed VK2JI / DD5LP / G8GLM.
Dear Ed, The AGC information is valuable - we think a follow up video is in order to cover that kind of thing :) As for the tune plug adaptor, I perhaps should make one. I used to have an Icom AH-4 plugged in as one of my antennas which is why I never did so, but we tend not to use that anymore preferring to stick to antennas with designed radiation patterns :) The AH-4 of course we will keep to use with our DXPedition kit that consists of an Icom IC-7100, Icom IC-7200, Icom AH-4 Tuner, LDG AT-600 Pro II Tuner & a THP HL-450B Linear Amplifier. 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
Hi Jarrad, Although a tuning plug is one option (I built one of those when I only had my LDG AT-1000 (non PRO) which had no external rig connection) but modern auto-tuners (including your LDG AT-600 Pro II and of course the AH-8) often have an external interface and it's that I'm talking about wiring to, so that it's a true one button press tune up - in my case it's either the "tuner" button on the IC-7300 or the "Auto" button on the MFJ tuner (both buttons control both ends). 73 Ed.
Here's some info on how to build a tuner plug (and my attempts to convert an LDG 1000 for remore control - failure). vk2ji.com/equipment/ic-7300-review-and-accessory-projects/atu-connectivity-to-an-ldg-at-1000/
I don’t really have an antenna setup for 10M and wouldn’t have tuned the doublet so realistically the radio is just picking up strong local noise. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
We are not using the internal Icom tuner, or an external Icom AH-4. Please refrain from posting comments suggesting we do not know how to tune our own station, as they will just be deleted from now on as this has been covered many times before. Thanks, Jarrad.
Well said Jarrad, thanks! Let me make an additional recommendation -- I always adjust the IC-7300 RF Gain down to an S1 noise level on most of the lower bands. It dramatically improves the dynamic range of the AGC as you explained. In conjunction, I also adjust the REF scope setting on the second layer of soft keys. I found that if I DECREASE the RF Gain down a few S-units to the noise floor, I INCREASE the scope REF setting +3 to +9db so that the scope gives me a more sensitive visual reading of signals across the band, too (no RF impact on signals, just scope sensitivity). Doing both of these together makes for an amazing user experience. Try it :) 73s Greg, KJ6ER Silicon Valley
I am going to order my 7300 soon! Thank you for the information! I will watch this again after I get it! Videos like this will make it easier to get it up and working easier!
5 years old and still super helpful for us noobs, thank you.
Thank you for this very helpful video Jarrad. I've had my IC7300 a week and had contacts accident rather than design. Your tutorial has helped me understand the principles of set-up and I feel better understanding about tuning and using the RF gain. I'm looking forward to being on the air tonight! Please do more videos. You speak clearly and to the point. An excellent presentation. thanks again.. Robert ZL2JED
Dear Robert,
Thanks for the kind words :) We're hoping to get a few more videos using the IC-7300 out soon as its a nice simple radio and good to use in demonstrations.
That said, with the IC-7610 in the shack sooner or later we'll need to move it on, so if you have any specific requests get them in quick - my email is on QRZ.com but don't be offended if it takes a while to reply, especially if you send a long email as I'm a little time poor at the moment but definitely read them and file them away for later reply :)
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
First off, fantastic video! Any ham that is active on HF should watch this to get the most out of their receiver. The tips and advice here are applicable to any receiver regardless of internal architecture. Thanks for taking the time to explain these settings in such a simple way.
I will be receiving a ic 7300 Jan 3 so you made me a much better operator. My last contact was 1982 with a Drake c line. Back in the saddle again. A lot of new stuff to learn. Thank You
As a new Ham and 7300 owner, these videos are priceless. I look forward to more.
Very good Jarrad, I use my RF gain control on every radio I have, when needed. In the old days that was our noise reduction, and really still outshines the dsp version we have now. Its ability to increase dynamic range is the best reason to use it. Plus the fact that most of todays radios have way too much gain to start with. I do not have an Icom IC7300 or IC7610, but the use of rf gain is the best thing to do for all radios which have the function. Thanks again for your videos which will help a great many new hams. Lastly it sounds like you have had people harrass you on how you tune up the antenna, to me it was obvious how you were tuing and I have and do it that way as well, a carrier any way you can easily get it to use for an external tuner. And you did right making it clear that the know it alls can keep their tongues, 73 my friend
Great explanation on getting the best signal out of your rig with the minimal amount of noise! You were spot on about how irrelevant that S-Meter reading is in regards to someone's signal.
During contests, everyone gives out 59's even if they have to ask for their call sign 3 or 4 times because they can barely hear them, so what does it matter. Great job mate..73's
This is exactly what Ten Tec say when using their radio,s, give it plenty of volume and use the RF gain pretty much as a volume control. Glad youve made a video about this, it should help people have a more pleasurable experience when listening.
Excellent video! So many HAMs overlook the use and benefits of the 'RF Gain' and 'Attenuator controls'. Mainly because no one demonstrated the advantages of using them. Thanks for doing so!
Yes very good discussion on RF gain. I use that very method for years on my FT-101E and still do. Not worried about S-meter readings. This is the way ran our radios years ago to get rid of the noise. Thank you for the great video and now our secret is out.
Dear Lyle,
It certainly works magic with the FT-101E, I can attest to that. A well setup 101E produces some of the most pleasing SSB audio you will ever hear!
73, Jarrad VK3BL
Great video. I have been a ham since 1975 and have never had this explained so well. I followed along with your video while trying these adjustments on my 7300. Thank you Jarrad. Hope you are feeling better. 73 Vern W8UTS.
Thank you so much for this video I didn't realise about the notch filter when someone is tuning..never too old to still learn something new. 73 john
Brilliant - just got my 7300 and will definitely take your advice - band noise is high where I live, so this will be very useful. You are quite right - communicating with each other is the objective for us Hams - We sometimes lose sight of that!
Thank You So Much for this video!!!! As a newer HAM and a 7300 owner this will really improve my 7300 & HF Experience! Thanks Again and 73’s
You’re most welcome 73 :)
Great advice, thank you. Most people will not turn down the receiver sensitivity when they can hear anything, even though that is exactly what may be needed.
I found this out the hard way. Wish I saw this months ago. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad I subscribed to you Jarrad. You are a real asset.
I am a new 7300 owner. I definitely found this video helpful
Very helpful to me! I’m a new HAM. Just passed my General and working on my Extra. I have the 7300 and barely knew how to turn the dang thing on. Also don’t know much about this entire HAM craft yet. Passing the tests just means I memorized the answers. Guys like who take the time to make the videos are really help rookies like me. again, thanks you sir for the expertise and the delivery that a rookie could follow! 73! Bo Brewer KN4MLI - Florida
Thank you Jarrad, I just bought my first 7300, this video really helped. Thank you 73
Hi Jarrad,
I enjoyed your video, everyone who is thinking of using or buying a 7300 or 7610 should watch this.
Unfortunately some operators run these rigs receive flat out and then complain about OVF and overload and distortion when they don't know how to use the radio!
Classic example when a guy compared his FT 2000 to the 7300. He was running the 7300 with full RF Gain and pre Amp 1 on 40!
I pointed out to him on his comments he didn't know how to use the 7300, then he got miffed about it and said the 7300 was at FAULT. Eff me....!
I also have the 7300 and love it....I may get the 7610 later this year , maybe haven't decided yet...
I will look for you on 40 and give you a call if I hear you on and say hello. Conditions are tricky for me from this QTH though on 40. I live in Echuca northern VK3.
All the best and keep up the good work!
Les, VK3TEX, Echuca, Vic.
Dear Les, please do give me a call, and you are spot on - so many of the 'OVF' worry warts have their receivers setup incorrectly.
I can't imagine what kind of antenna would need a pre-amp on 40M, but some people believe that a pre-amp 'pulls in' the DX no matter what.
In my opinion the less active devices before the ADC the better... this is the true SDR dream.
The IC-7610 is very nice when running two antennas, but aside from that the IC-7300 is more than enough radio for almost anyone.
73, Jarrad VK3BL
Not only those SDR transceivers ! ;-)
Thanks especially for your comments on S meter readings.
Just purchased a 7300, and this is very helpful, vs attempting to read a book, I prefer those who have used it and can focus on the important aspects.
Great video, thank you very much! Down from surgery so I'm learning all about IC-7300, very well done.
Really useful thanks! Returning to the hobby after 35+yrs (formerly VK2CHA now G1AJH) and just about to get a doublet upin the air here in Dorset (IO90at) I find all these topics very useful - especially as I'm planning on adding a modern IC-7300 to complement my original boat-anchor TS-520S which has followed me around the world for decades... great stuff and thanks! Just stumbled on your channel today mate and have thusly subscribed to the alerts,.
This is very helpful for this new 7300 owner. Lots it can do. Thanks for sharing.
Great video, Jarrad. I learnt a lot about my 7300. Unrelated, but I knew the previous holder of VK3BL licence very well. 73 from Mark VK3XVC
Any chance he will sell me the car plate?
@@RateMyRadio I don't have any contact with the family, his wife moved away many years ago to be closer with family I believe. Barrie used to collect car plates, I imagine his family wanted to keep that one.
@@CircuitofDoom thanks for the info. I’ve seen it once on a 4WD In dandenong a few years back now. The family should keep it if they have. 73!
Well done. Debugged a few of my problems with reception. Makes the scope much cleaner to view. 73 from VA2FN.
Hi Jarrad. I've had my IC-7300 for about a month now. This video inspired me to finally pull the trigger on one.
Now that I've gotten familiar with it a little- I want to share what I've noticed and see what your thoughts are. This is mainly about the RFG.
It seems like the RFG is way different from the traditional superhet radios. There's no surprise there since it is a direct sampling SDR. One of the main differences is that the S meter does go up as you turn down the RFG like it does on a classic rig. Instead, it goes down. Also - and this is the most important observation - the base level of noise doesn't go down at all until the S meter drops below 0. It may initially drop as you lower it a bit, but then the AGC catches up with what you did and the volume level of background noise goes back to what it was. In other words- the noise at S5 sounds the same if it's taken down to S1 with RFG. It seems like the direct sampling completely takes over, and the only way to get that noise down is to lower it below S0.
Does this line up with your own experience?
Yes it does completely - well observed. You are also correct that 0 is what you should aim for to avoid ALC triggering - this even includes most SuperHets for my knowledge. I hope you are loving your purchase, 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
This is precisely how I use my IC-7300. I use an MFJ-1026 on some bands as well, but this is well spoken and proper if any owners have yet to figure it out. The controls are on the rig for a reason. KN4EWI Cheers!
Jarrad: Thank you for the demonstration and the mention. Well done. John/NG0Z
Thanks for the information, I had a hard time with noise yesterday and look forward to applying your recommendations this afternoon, 73
Love your video, I noticed my reports were not 'Accurate' with the REF Gain turned down so once I get a good signal and RF where I like it, I set it to 12 o'clock to get the report and then put it back to optimal
Hi Jarrad,
Works on my FT450. Thanks for jogging my memory. 73 WB3BJU
Jarrad, your IC-7300 video are going to be helpful to me real quick! My 7300 has been sitting on my desk long enough! I need to get it set up!. Trying to figure out antenna system to use and how I'm going to ground the Radio. Im in a Condo (top level thank God!) with a out side porch, what I have to work with to set up some kind of antenna.
Great video. I am running a G5RV and using the ATT has been helpful. Thanks for the good tips! 73
You're most welcome :) A G5RV is quite a bit of wire on bands above 80M, so it certainly doesn't hurt to add a little attenuation :)
73, Jarrad VK3BL
Excellent video. Well presented. 11/10! Too many youtubers either have annoying voices, tiresome accents or try too hard to be funny!
Great tutorial, helps a lot. I just got my General yesterday, have this radio new, not powered on yet also have the IC-7100. everything is kind of in Chinese to me still even though I studied for the upgrade, there are many concepts that I still do not visualize how they match or how they work; like if I power on the radio, I do not know what to do first but I guess that is why we get ourselves into this mess, I mean, hobby, lol. Little by little I will learn the ropes. 73 from Rody, KI7CSI
Dear Rody, I will be making a video on how to setup SUPERHET receivers such as the IC-7100, IC-7200, Kenwood TS-590SG in the coming weeks so it may be helpful as well. Basically the same concept, except the S Meter reads differently when RF Gain is adjusted. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Excellent video Jarrad, good to see someone explaining this.👍 Cheers, Graeme VK3PGK.
Thanks for your kind words Graeme! They're sorely needed after my latest video advising IC-7610 owners to check for 2 known faults; apparently it hit a raw nerve with some and they've now decided I'm anti Icom! Who would have thought trying to help the community before the warranty expires (1 year in the states) would be so offensive? I guess some people get a little too emotionally invested in their new toys ;)
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the Rate My Radio Team :)
Excellent video tutorial. Thanks for creating and sharing this information.
really stepped up my ability to hear better on the 705 and on my FT-991a even see the waterfall better and re-read the manual since RF gain acts differently on that radio... but principles the same ! didn't hurt that I went from a 1/4 wave loaded antenna to a EFHW that latter hears way better than the compromise antenna.. and noticed blobs on the WF... which were multiple signals close together :)
"In the business of communicating and not instrumentation" - Well said.
Very nice video production Jarrad and good information for a new ham such as myself. Thanks for sharing your experience and insights. 👍 📻 ⚡
Another fine video from this guy
Very nice video with easy to understand explanations. Good job.
Thanks for your kind words Mark :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL
20 minuts of vido for learn to use attenuator and rf gain....unbeliveble!
Good info. I use the RF gain as the volume control on my K2. I'm not worried about the S-meter - the RST code I think was developed before meters were common. No-one needs to be stronger than S8 anyway! Best wishes from Jon, G4LJW.
This is the best way to operate for sure. Some radios like the Kenwood TS-590SG will 'adjust' the S Meter to show you a compensated level which is kind of nice but takes a little to get used to; I wonder if the K2 does this?. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Brilliant explanation, everyone should be taught this.
Thanks for another great video 73 De 2E0WET
Thanks for the kind words Alan! I wasn't my best with this one; I'm sore from a big job yesterday and I feel a little zonked out due to the pain killers. I'm glad it made sense to at least someone :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Jarrad great video and yes I use this very system on my FT-101E and it sounds soo much better than full RF gain. A lot less noise and as far as the S-meter reading most are 5-9 anyway. Thanks again and I have used this technique on many old and new radios. 73 VE5EE
Great Video. I learned some great stuff. Thank you. I wish when LID's transmit, it would give their location. lol.
I’ve been for ever!! Great too here someone put it out there ... good job
Thank you so much for this. I have been finding a lot of noise on 20 meters this will help. I run the 7300 also. 73s
WEll Done Jarrad! Great explanation of the RFG , My FT101ZD is receiving great amongst the suburbian noise. 73 de TEX
Signal to noise ratio ! The Ref setting would be good to cover here too.
The REF setting is hard to cover, as its more a personal preference thing than anything; it really depends how you want your scope to look... whether you're a CWer etc.
Rate My Radio Well, for me when keeping the RF gain down it reduces the signal graph in the scope, the ref function increases the sensitivity or gain on the graph, thus giving you a level instead of nothing on the scope. I believe it goes hand in hand with what you’re teaching here. As you said the s-meter is reduced, but the ref function gives you that back in the form of the signal graph.
Dear Mark,
Indeed - you have a point they are related. We're trying to figure out the best way to use the REF function, and are currently experimenting with some alternatives. We will do a video covering the REF function and how to make the most of it; depending on how you use the radio, it can either be a frustrating 'feature' needing constant adjustment, or something you can set and forget.
73, Jarrad VK3BL & The Rate My Radio Team :)
Jarred,
Thanks for this enlightening video and I really enjoyed your explanation on this topic.
I have both a 7300 and 7610. You have explained the rf gain process clearly.
Thanks again. We will be looking forward in future videos as well.
73
Jerry
KK6YO
Dear Jerry,
You're most welcome! :) Thank you for taking the time to write your kind words - they are most appreciated :)
73, Jarrad & The Rate My Radio Team :)
The same logic should also apply to your microphone, but it's obviously apparent that you've over processed the audio on this video. That said, I did appreciate the video and found it very helpful.
Great video. I love my Icom 7300, great radio for the money!
An amazing radio all round - perfect implementation of an SDR in a box from the word go! Can't say anything bad about the IC-7300 and I'm wondering whether we'll end up with another just to match the upcoming IC-9700! 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Very informative, and well described. Thank you for shedding some light on this. I understand the theory of the settings, however you have fine-tuned the info so-to-speak.
Excellent explanations about IC 7300 73 KC9QVE Tony Gas City,Indiana
Hi Jarrad...very nicely done...all beginners should see this as required watching! 73 de Robert K3RRR
Dear Robert,
Thank you for your kind words :)
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
Your right on the att and RF gain
Would you suggest this Receiver for a new HAM Operator?
If you haven’t already, a demo of these features on a Yaesu would be nice. FT-991A maybe. 😁
Thank you for the great information. KH6JMK just rejoining HAM radio after a layoff of 40 years. I just ordered the 7300. Now in the Pacific Northwest. 73
Thanks Jarred that was extremely helpful! What is your take on using Noise Reduction? (Thanks to your video I discovered that my IC7300 preamp was on. There's no indicator on the regular screen, and it memorizes this setting by band. I guess it pays to check all settings BY BAND once in a while to avoid such surprises.)
When the RF gain is wide open, the band noise is Sn. If the noise level is reduced by the RF gain to S1, for example.
If a station signal is S7, so the actual S number is, 7+n-1.
Please correct me, if I am wrong.
Anyway, giving 59+ is more than enough, unless the station want to have accurate reading, for the example, comparing antennas. I agreed, signal strength is not as crucial, than reability. I prefer 53 signal than 29+.. :)
thank you for the excellent explaination.
de, 9W2GNU, 73.
Dear Mohammad, in theory that should be the case. That said, Rob Sherwood measured the IC-7300 S-Meter as follows: S1-S4 2.8dB / Unit, S5-S9 3.3dB / Unit, so it isn't linear unfortunately. Another reason not to worry so much about signal reports; the only thing manufacturers agree on is that S9 = 50 uVolts. Agreed, 53 is better than 29+ :)
Rate My Radio
I like to point out A very small mistake at minute 15:19
It should be 50 MHz,or 6 meters, not 50 meters.
Again, I agreed with you, S-meter just a signal strength indicator, not a an accurate for scientific research. Yaesu and KEnwood rigs' S-metering also differs. At least we know the signal is weak or strong.
Thank you.
Thanks for posting I was able to share this with a new ham!
Thank you for the good information it was a great help.
I just got my tech and general ticket New ham KC1KNT I also just got the IC 7300 and am trying to learn how to use it. I noticed that when you change bands you say " let me tune this up" and yopu switch to RTTY and hold the transmit hard key on the radio front. What does that do please Great video it has been quite helpful
Great video thank you. What do you think of the 7300's internal antenna tuner?
I think the internal tuner is fantastic; I love the fact it has an emergency mode that runs 50w but lets you match up to a 10:1 SWR which is far beyond the limit of what a good antenna would ever present. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Hi
What is suggested for audio output settings for AM?
Thanks
William
Thank you for the smart video! Learning how to best operate my radios has been a long process, but this video makes it clear how I should operate the RF gain. No longer will my RF gain be all the way to the right all the time. :D de w8tam
Dear Thomas, you're most welcome! Thanks for the kind words and dropping by with the comment. Hope to work you and all our other viewers one day! 73 de VK3BL Jarrad & the RMR Team :)
Thanks for the brief explanations. 73
Jarrad, you mentioned in this video that you'd make another one on how to set up other ICOM radios - did you make one for the 7100 (and I don't mean the short review that you've already put up)? It seems the 7300 is set up differently than the 7100, as it's an SDR. Thanks.
What a great video this has improved my radio 100% on 80 meters thanks for the help 2E0IDS
Why is the squelch combined? Does it have to be technically?
Jarrad, thank you for your fine video. I tried your procedure and the noise level did go down. But so did the information on my Spectrum Scope. All is blank. I had to change the REF to level 8 to see anything with your way of lowering the RF/Noise. Yet when I see your video, the Spectrum Scope is showing all manner of signals. Did you raise your REF to have it do so? Regards, 73 from N2LRB.
It depends on the band; the lower bands will tend to have more noise, but yes there is no problem of adjusting your REF for the scope. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Great video, thank you! One question follows: How are you determining that the AGC is coming into play? I see the AGC-M on the display and it seems to be unaffected by your gain changes. - Cheers - Jim (KK7CSC)
Thank you for sharing. May I ask a question, would 7300 will be sufficient to be used in DX and local HF use? As with reception quality when do we need to choose the use of IC-7610? (Disregarding the dual receiver function in 7610).
Absolutely
Thank you for the explanation de 2E0TWD
I have to admit I thought you were full of it but I checked it out and you were right by lowering the rf gain it lowered the static more than the signal present … how ever when u went to 10 m it showed several spikes with no signal present . I found that confusing 73 DE KD6ERP
It would be due to the fact I don’t have an antenna up presently for 10M and didn’t tune on that frequency; the spikes would be local noise sources. Glad it was helpful 73, Jarrad VK3BL
New ham question...If you reduce the RF gain until it is as you say tickling s1, doesn't that reduce the ability of the radio to hear weak stations that it would have heard had rf gain been set to the 12 oclock position?
Simple test: Disconnect the antenna. If the noise out of the speaker drops, then the answer is no. :). Good question, 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
How do you know if signals are making your AGC work?
Good question! I don’t actually recall ever seeing a meter for this on any radio, and its probably a bit of a trade secret too. That said, if you hear a static crash, and you notice the audio volume is lower and ‘ramps up’ back to normal afterwards, you know that the static crash pumped the AGC in a pretty big way. I don’t know of an easy way to ‘monitor it on the fly’, other than if you find that only using as much RF Gain as needed reduces ‘listening fatigue’, then you know AGC is in use. Basically, the answer is AGC is always in use, unless turned off. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
my understand was that S meters go off of AGC activity. at least on older radios like my 830S that's the case. it's also why the s meter doesn't move at all when AGC is off.
Icom 7300. Can you get the spectrum scope to work outside the amateur bands. I know it works in AM broadcast but if you go above any ham band the water fall stops and says out of range.
I wished that I had a AGC control setting on my cell phone, just so many adjustment's needed on a HF radio to hear/talk to someone, its just a toy to play with for Hams operators, me being one of them..
what does the orange T beside the green R mean on the screen?
Question: When you change bands, you "Tune up" by switching to RTTY and pressing the TRANSMIT button. Why? What does this do?
We run an external Palstar HF-AUTO Antenna Tuner; in order to tune it needs a carrier between 10-30 watts (it is rated up to 100).
As we don't have a CW paddle on my desk, RTTY provides the easiest continuous carrier for my Palstar.
Whilst the Icom radios have a 'Tuner' button, it only works with either the internal tuner or an AH-4.
Does this answer the question?
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the Rate My Radio Team :)
Rate My Radio thanks! I was looking all over the manual for some feature I might have missed, but that explains it.
Rate My Radio
Is there any difference if I use AM or FM mode compared to RTTY mode, in term of TX power output. ?
Thank you.
The Icom TUNER button also activates the LDG IT-100 and Z-100Plus (both interface compatible with the Icom AH-3 & -4 tuners.
Hi im a new m6 with a 7300 you say your tuning your radio why isn't the tuner button light on it looks to me your pressing your transmit button when I tune my antenna I hit tune button or am I doing it wrong Thanks
Dear John, you're almost certainly doing it correctly for your setup. What isn't shown in this video is my external Palstar HF-Auto tuner, that can tune with inputs up to 100W. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Does this approach also work for the IC9700?
If your swr is high do you lengthen or cut?
well done Jarrad, very good..
If using a 7610 and doing a comparison of two antennas (Main and Sub receiver) , would you have the RFG set in the center position for both antenna 1 and 2 or would you adjust RFG so that band noise levels indicated are at the same level , different gain positions ?
Good question, I would normally adjust so both tickle S1, and then listen for Signal to Noise ratio advantages. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Thanks, that is what I have been doing after watching your video on this topic.
Jarred
I believe that the 7610 has a automatic notch filter built in to it. I believe you have to go into settings to turn this function on. That being said, it does not interfere with the reception as far as I see it. Leaveing it on has not caused any issues at all. 73 Jerry
Dear Jerry. It definitely does - its just 2 button presses rather than 1. You're correct for the most part it doesn't cause any issues with phone work and can be left on; the only time it especially does is digital modes and probably CW, although I haven't tested its effects there. That's why I leave it off - I spend a lot of time using FT8 :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
Hi Jarrad, nice explanation - in line with what I found with my IC-7300 by trial and error. A couple of additional points - you can change the settings for the slow, medium and fast AGC - in fact you can turn the AGC completely off by setting the value to zero when looking for those really, really, really weak stations. As well as the auto-notch, pressing and holding the notch button in takes you into manual notch and you can then position the notch where you want it, and adjust its width. Using that with the twin PBT can make it possible to hear really weak signals.
Not directly related to the receiver question - have you considered making up a lead to allow the tune button on the 7300 to trigger the automatic tuning function in your ACU? Having to change to RTTY and then back each time you change bands seems a little long-winded. Of course those without an external ACU will simply use the internal one in the 7300. I made up my own cable to use with my MFJ 993B, but it's possible to make up cables for "most" makes.
73 Ed VK2JI / DD5LP / G8GLM.
Dear Ed,
The AGC information is valuable - we think a follow up video is in order to cover that kind of thing :)
As for the tune plug adaptor, I perhaps should make one. I used to have an Icom AH-4 plugged in as one of my antennas which is why I never did so, but we tend not to use that anymore preferring to stick to antennas with designed radiation patterns :)
The AH-4 of course we will keep to use with our DXPedition kit that consists of an Icom IC-7100, Icom IC-7200, Icom AH-4 Tuner, LDG AT-600 Pro II Tuner & a THP HL-450B Linear Amplifier.
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)
Hi Jarrad, Although a tuning plug is one option (I built one of those when I only had my LDG AT-1000 (non PRO) which had no external rig connection) but modern auto-tuners (including your LDG AT-600 Pro II and of course the AH-8) often have an external interface and it's that I'm talking about wiring to, so that it's a true one button press tune up - in my case it's either the "tuner" button on the IC-7300 or the "Auto" button on the MFJ tuner (both buttons control both ends).
73 Ed.
Here's some info on how to build a tuner plug (and my attempts to convert an LDG 1000 for remore control - failure).
vk2ji.com/equipment/ic-7300-review-and-accessory-projects/atu-connectivity-to-an-ldg-at-1000/
what's up you hade 10 meters on the scope and it showed several spikes but no signals present
I don’t really have an antenna setup for 10M and wouldn’t have tuned the doublet so realistically the radio is just picking up strong local noise. 73, Jarrad VK3BL
Self train and have a bit of fun... Spot F'n on Old Man
That's it! No other reason to be in a hobby unless you have fun, and what a great one it is when learning is involved too :)
Thank you, great knowledge. Larry
I have a 7300, new at this. What do u adjust to make the voices sound normal