Icom IC-7300 Review - After Two Years
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- * Update 3/1/2021* With the new firmware upgrade, my biggest two criticisms/wishes for the 7300 have been added and I'm thrilled! In this video when I talk about the scope/waterfall view being able to be improved upon, Icom rocked out the new scope band edges and scroll feature. My only other suggestion for improvement was for presets, and Icom added a place for that too! **
If you are new to Ham Radio and unsure if the Icom 7300 is the right radio to start with, this video is for you. The IC-7300 was my very first radio, and after putting it to work for two full years, I finally decided to give it a review.
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Great job on the review - thank you. I'm looking at this as my first HF radio. I appreciate you sharing your experience after 2 years of owning one.
Nice review as usual. Easy to follow and understand.
This month I'll be a ham for a year . I got my general ticket last July and this was my first HF rig as well and I can't wait to make contacts on it. I can't say enough about this radio it's brought me lots of joy.
I have the ID 5100 for 2meter and 70cm it's also an amazing performer.
Great review. I’ve been a ham for about six years now and have bought several secondhand rigs during that time. I just ordered a 7300 brand new and am very much looking forward to receiving it.
Congratulations on the new purchase! I can't imagine that you'll be disappointed. It truly is an exceptional workhorse of a radio. Today I had mine out in 20 degree weather for about 4 hours. While my phone, camera, and other electronics were suffering frostbite, the 7300 just kept bringing in the contacts. I'm glad the video was helpful! Good luck!
Yeah it doesn't but it don't on a.m.
Just bought one. Thanks for the review. 👍
Great video. Licensed 18 months and this was my first rig and it’s terrific. Just upgraded to v1.4 and it has a new feature with FT8 settings saved. One other plus is the RTTY decoder and macros built it.
Thanks and glad to hear someone else likes the new saved settings feature of the 1.4 firmware. You are very right about the built in RTTY stores and decoder - a very good feature. Thanks for adding to the list of reasons why the 7300 is a great first radio!
you make really good videos,thanks
Thank you. If you have any suggestions on how to improve, or other content, I’m happy to oblige. 73, AC3DS
Thank's for the insight!
I am new to the hobby also. This video gives me the confidence that if I purchase a 7300 that I will be able to use and enjoy it. Your videos are well-done and a joy to watch!
Welcome Robert - I've had the good fortune to be able to use quite a few radios now, and the 7300 is still my favorite (maybe because it was my first and I'm a bit biased)... Either way, it is a great radio and sure to please. Welcome to the hobby! AC3DS
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 I have my own Icom 7300 now. Had it for two weeks and enjoying 20 meters.
@@roberts3942 Congratulations - 2 weeks in and many years to go. If you can, check out 10m sometime - I've had phenomenal success to South America on 10m. Cheers. AC3DS
Greetings. Great video! 👍 Thank you your review is helping me sort out whether to get the icom 7300 or save up a little more and get the icom 9700. I'm planning on getting a used Icom 7300. I can probably find a second hand certified used Icom 7300 for a good price. I'm going to get one here in the summer. I'm getting back on HF radio after about 10 years of being on local VHF/ UHF repeaters and my DMR hotspot, I have an Anytone AT 5555N, 10 meter radio, I'm on 10 m now and having the time of my life!!🙂 I can't wait to get this radio.Great video great review. Thanks,73.
Very nice review, tnx for it !
Great review, TU for posting ! I just passed the General exam and am looking forward to a 7300 for HF. They are on back order right now, but my name is on the June '22 list. I have a Astron RS-35M-AP coming this week that will feed the 7300 and a soon to follow VHF / UHF. Not sure which, but definitely an Icom fan here. Cheers! 73
Congratulations on passing the General - that is a real accomplishment. Welcome to HF! It has been a few months, so hopefully you've been able to get both your 7300 and VHF/UHF radios and are enjoying the fun of some very active bands. 73 - AC3DS
Thanks for the fine review. In my personal opinion the 7300 provides the most bang for the buck of any of the base station rigs out there. Icom, in bringing it to market has to be conscious of how any additional features will impact both the cost and consumer appeal.
Two features that might be considered for the next generation of this rig would be bluetooth functionality and a port for any external display.
To go further, although it might be too much to ask, would be two antenna ports or at least a separate receive-only port.
Each to his own. However, adding VHF/UHF to the radio might add considerable cost for features that some people may not find all that useful. Depending on what features you are looking for, VHF/UHF radios can be had for relatively good prices and come in small packages.
My impression is there are other great and a lot just comes down to personal taste.
Nice review of the IC7300
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!
Thankyou pal, your review is the reason I am now saying yes to a seller , all the best and thank you
Glad it was helpful. Most of us come to really enjoy the 7300, if not immediately, then not too long afterwards. Hopefully it is the same for you. Best wishes and hope to her you on the air sometime! 73 - AC3DS
That was a great presentation.
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful. 73s.
nice review. I have the same ICOM 7300 . still learning new tricks with it. also portable with mine. POTA A lot. runes so well on LiFePO4 battery ! i got 2 POTA boxes. 20Ah and a 50 Ah. the issue I have is when sun glair on display. easy fix. I saved my settings to SD card. you can control radio from laptop . repeater splits and PL tones for 10 and 6 meters. so much more. I want my VHF.UHF as a separate radio but that my preference . I use singe ear piece headset a lot. dead cat on mic boom . foot pedal . some times windy when I portable. I am in NY . 73;s
Have my extra license.. love the 7300 excellent radio with many features.
It really is a great radio and makes me wonder what Icom will come out with in the future. 73
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045
WSJT-X built in, I bet…
Hi Drew. Hope your weekend is going well. I really enjoy your content. I've been on the hunt for a good SW receiver after a long hiatus, but I realize that modern SW radios don't hold a candle to some of the older models. In addition, I don't want to risk getting an older SW radio on Ebay that may or may not function. With the above being said, what are your thoughts on using the Icom 7300 solely for the SW receiver capabilities --- at least for now? It seems like the advancements that would have otherwise been seen in SW radios as with most technologies over the years have sadly given way to the domain of transceivers as SW becomes less prominent.
Appreciate your review, I also especially like the waterfall & spectral displays.
Currently considering replacing my old Kenwood TS2000 with this radio
The touch screen, does away with the need to search for various buttons.
Internal tuning does a fine job. Extra nice feature is recording.
You might consider getting a used FT 857D for HF/ VFH/UHF capabilities
73 Steve AA4SH
Great videos! What external power supply do you use for your IC-7300?
I bet you were happy when the new firmware was released. Being able to zoom in was always easy, but the screen would move as you scrolled. The new firmware has added a feature to scroll a screen at a time, so the pointer goes to the end of the screen before flipping to the next screen. I understand that the added features started being implemented for this new release almost as soon as the 7300 was on the market, thanks to users who took the time to send in their thoughts. So write down your thoughts and send them in.
I was told by Tim at Yaesu, when discussing my 991A, that combining V/UHF w/ HF WILL result in a compromise, so instead, u might want to consider a IC9700. Separates are better. My original goal was to get the 7300 + the 9700 after getting back in to the hobby after a 16-year absence. I decided on a 991A which performed great, but ultimately replaced it w/ a Yaesu 101MP & an IC 9700. Top of the line on both counts! The best of both worlds. All I can say is, Tim was right!! My main headache now is grounding for use w/ my linear & tuner I just bought. Combo radios are great for what they are, but the diehard HFer will want separates. Quoting a Yaesu engineer, NOT ME! BUT....the 7300's a lotta radio for the money! 73s bud!
Hi Eric, You and Tim are both absolutely right about having the two separate. I've had the good fortune of being able to use both a 9700 and 7300 side by side at a local club for the past few months and absolutely love that they are separate. The 9700 is an excellent radio and I'm only beginning to scratch the surface of it. Hopefully I'll be able to add it to my own shack one day. Speaking of top of the line, your 101MP is a big beautiful beast of a radio. I spend 99% of my time on HF, so I appreciate the investment you've made on that front to get the very best you can. Well done. 73s.
Hi: Great review. I'm just starting and I bought the exact same radio. Could you please recommend me an antenna basic enough to start?
I am also a new ham and am planning on getting a 7300 next month. Thank you for the review, it was helpful in my decision to buy a 7300. What power supply do you use at home and how do you power your 7300 in the field?
Hi Scott, to power the 7300 at home I use an Astron 35M power supply. It is more than sufficient for anything that the 7300 can throw at it, no RFI, with quite a bit of headroom for adding on additional devices down the line. It is a heavy and moderately big power supply though and doesn't have native powerpoles, so there are definitely some tradeoffs. I also use an MFJ-4230DMP, which I like, but I have some technical reservations about that one (spiking voltage). When I'm out in the field for a Parks on the Air, I use a regular Lawn and Garden tractor battery from Walmart. Just this past weekend I had about 3.5 hours of use time on it at 50watt and I stopped before the battery did. This is actually a really good topic... Perhaps I'll put a video together on it! :)
Get an Alinco DM340MV power supply if you can find one...
Excellent review. Love my 7300! SOLP SSB Contesting from Wyoming x 31 years using TS-430, IC-735, IC-706MK-IIG, TS-940S, TS-950SD, but my favorite rig is my 7300. BTW, not sure if "functionable" is in fact a word? Perhaps you intended to say "functional" or acknowledge the "functionality" of the rig. November Seven Many Zebras Walking 😎
What a very thoughtful and functionable comment Chuck, thank you! :) All kidding aside, I'm not sure how or why I said that... perhaps I was combining functional and fashionable; If so, I totally nailed it. Thank you for the reply and it is good to know that the 7300 stacks up well against the other radios you listed. This will surely help others that land up here. 73!
Functionable ? Functional would be a better choice....speaking of choice: Icom 7300 vs Yaesu 991, do you have any familiarity with the 991 to make an informed opinion as to which would be preferable, and why ? Thanks !
Yaesu 991a vs Icom 7300 is the question? Difficult to make the decision. Also worry about the longevity of the touch screen on both models. Enjoyed your review.
You are very right to bring up the 991a as a potential option for consideration. HamRadioConcepts put out a pretty good review of comparing both radios. I certainly like the idea of having both VHF/UHF in the same package. I'm not too worried about the touchscreen. After having a first generation iPad for 9 years, and it still working fine after multiple children and thousands of hours of abuse, I'm thinking the Icom touchscreen should do just fine with so little wear and tear. Who knows though. Time will tell. Thanks for posting!
I setup all my presets for TTY, PSK31, FT8, and FT4 and save them to my SD Card. Switching modes couldn't be any easier! 73's
Great video. What type of antenna do you use with your 7300 ?
My primary antenna is a Hustler 6BTV (vertical monopole). My other antenna, a horizontal trapped dipole, was just recently taken out of commission when a tree fell on it. Both have worked very well.
Get a VHF, UHF DMR! You will love them. Not sure where you live but it is a safe bet there are repeaters near you. And I would also bet that there are nets on the repeaters.I am not in a high population and I have 3 weekly nets, one is weather, I think most like to keep track of the weather. Also twice a month ARES nets. Plus weekly DMR nets. I started with VHF UHF handy talky Anytone 878UVPlus, then 50 watt base/mobile radio Anytone 578. Love them both. Thank you for the information about the IC7300! I am looking at get one soon. HF radio cost a lot more than VHF UHF radios do.
I've definitely been considering getting a VHF/UHF DMR radio, though there aren't any DMR connected repeaters within range. My thought isn't for myself, but for my kids with the hope that they could connect with others, and DMR (through a hotspot) seems to be the best case scenario for that. I'll check into the Anytone radios you mentioned and will report out when I finally make a purchase. Thanks for posting!
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 If you don't have DMR near you then you should think about another digital mode. I hate to say that, because the others digital only have one brand making them. There are many making DMR radios. Anytone radios can be used for normal FM, but I think all of them can do that. BridgeCom Systems has far above all the best support. All have good service but if you look online you will see that BridgeCom Systems has a lot of information out for everyone. There may be others that want to do DMR and put a computer on a repeater already online. HotSpots use Raspberry Pi, but not sure if that can be used on a repeater. First Digital is 12.5 wide other repeaters are 25. I am a new ham and don't know a lot. But Like to help when I can. If there is anything I could do to help you let me know. Almost all Hams are that way! In the year I have had my license I have had many people help me. 73 W4DES
Hey Drew,
Good video, I'm contemplating getting the 7300 also. Been watching videos on it and the Yaesu DX-10. I already have the Icom 7100 and enjoy using it but there's something about having a dedicated HF rig, or dedicated VHF / UHF rig. It's been my experience that a "shack in the box" will be better, or worse, on one band or the other. Don't get me wrong, all mode radios aren't bad and are convenient and do the job but IMO there's just something to be said for a dedicated radio. For that reason the Icom 9700 would be a great companion for the 7300, but an all mode radio would probably be cheaper than the combo.
I've heard that the 7300 receiver is lacking. What do you think?
Also on the zoom feature you spoke of, I think Icom's main reason for that was to quickly change bands to that magnified frequency. After you tap it, tap it again and the receiver will go to that frequency. You might have to fine tune but it will definitely put you in the area, at least that's what I've read. Correct me if I'm wrong cause I don't have hands on experience with the radio.
Thanks again for the video and welcome to Ham Radio.
73's,
Tim, KR4AZ.
Tim, You are absolutely right about the benefits of having dedicated rigs. An all-in-one may be nice when limitations apply (in the field, traveling, space, funds), however, the benefits of dedicated rigs in the customary shack are significant. Most of my radio time is in the evening and I love the idea of being able to work dx while following along with the local repeaters, something I wouldn't be doing on an all-in-one. The 9700 would be a great companion radio. Perhaps I'll start saving for that after I'm done saving for a 705.
As to the 7300's receiver, I'm quite impressed by it. Granted, I don't contest, so I might not be as discriminating as some, but I still think it is solid. I've compared to a few other radios (Yaesu and Icom), and I've never found the 7300 to be lacking in any way comparatively... but perhaps I just don't have as well trained and refined an ear as others.
Regarding magnification, have you seen the new Scroll-F feature of the 705? To be zoomed in and be able to run the band is a magnificent thing. Still though, dynamically adjusting the parameters of the waterfall view seems like something that could be achieved (hold down a key and turn the VFO to zoom in and out.) Regardless, it is not a big deal and I can live very happily with the radio as it is. Thanks for writing and the thoughts! 73, AC3DS
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Drew, thanks for the prompt reply. Yes the 9700 would be a great addition but first things first, the 7300.😁
I'm with you I don't contest either and some of the reports on the noise floor of the 7300 could possibly be from improper receive settings, especially for an SDR radio.
If you were buying now would you consider the FT-DX10, have you looked at the specs on it?
And no I haven't looked much at the 705 so I'm not familiar with the scroll feature you spoke about but it does seem to be a useful addition.
I'll probably go with the 7300 due to the price point and familiarly to the layout since I have the 7100. I can do quite a bit of antenna updates with the cash savings. But I do expect the FT-DX10 to come down in price in a few months.
Thanks again fo all your help, good 2 year review of the 7300. 👍
Tim.
@@timsul3092 I've not had any hands-on time with the DX10, but from what I've read and seen, it looks like a great radio. The noise filtering is apparently something to behold and worthy of consideration. Personally, I've never found the 7300 to be lacking in filtering. Cutting through the noise is definitely possible, but everyone has a different experience depending on their location and environmental variables. If I were in the market today, and assuming that contesting isn't my goal, I'd still go with the 7300. Have you listened to the Ham Radio Workbench podcast where they interviewed one of the head people at Flex? It was an interesting and insightful discussion because of the understanding regarding the different SDR technologies. It makes me look at the modern SDRs just a little bit differently, and with more appreciation for the balancing act that they must inherently employ. Good luck in making a decision! 73 Drew
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 Thank you Drew for all your thoughts and advise. I will definitely look up the blog on SDR technology, sounds interesting. Like I said, I'm leaning towards the 7300 for what I do. Would I like to have the 7610, sure I would, but for what I do I just don't know if I could justify the extra cost. I've heard it said that your best radio is the one you use. If you have any other thoughts on the 7300 or any other transceiver please share.
Thanks for all you do and best wishes in the hobby.
Tim, KR4AZ.
The 746 might be a better choice for those who are into ARES or traffic nets where one is on one frequency for long periods of time.
The 746 is a good radio and worthy of consideration. I don’t have any experience with ARES or traffic nets, so I am glad you shared that perspective. Thank you for adding to the discussion!
Great honest review and just what I was looking for Drew, thank you for your efforts making this vid! De m0kty
I have used a 7300. One thing about Icoms is that the front control panels of the HF rigs have simular layouts. Going from 746 Pro to 7300 not a big learning curve.
Agreed and good point - continuity of experience is important. Icom keeps the interface consistent and straight forward. When I got an Icom mobile radio for my car, I was pleased that it felt very natural. Thanks! 73s.
What antenna do you use with the ic 7300 ?
I’ve had mine for 2 years and just noticed I have white dots on the 4 corners of my screen. Anyone know what that’s about and will it get worse???
I am a ham of almost 50 years transmitting rf. I have had many hf radios, tube and solid state and from Kenwood to now all Icom. For the price, this is the best radio Icom has produced including the fantastic receiver. I disagree with one thing on this video and a few others. This is not a beginners radio and is not simple to learn overnight. If you want a simple radio, try the Icom IC-718. I have one of these too. The IC-7300 is superior. I have also had Icom 751A and an Icom 756 III Pro. The IC-7300 is better than any of them. I have seen newer ham operators having problems navigating around the radio and some have sent them back to the factory and found they are in perfect working order. The problem is often operator error because they don't understand all the functions of this radio. I can do anything with this radio that I could do with a radio with twice the price. Again, it is a small radio in size but a powerful radio on what it can do. I am not a contester and other radios might be better but for general hf use, this is the best I have used so far. I have one year on this radio and I have the upgrade installed.
Richard, thank you for bringing your expertise to the conversation. I hope that anyone that is new to the hobby reads your post and realizes that the 7300 will be a radio that they can grow with and won't disappoint. It may not be the simplest of radios (I agree, the 718 is simpler), but if the end user wants to learn and is willing to do some research and take the time to dive into this rig, it will certainly provide a robust experience. 73, AC3DS
Hi, Wb8bra here and have been an amateur radio for over 55 years. I started with tube radios like the heathkit 301 and 401. I have the Icom 7300 and love it. It is one great radio. If you would like a series of great videos on how to operate this radio I would recommend you look at wa2ivd tutor videos on youtube. This guy is the one I blame for buying this great radio… He is really really good in the instruction and use of the Icom 7300. I like your video on this radio … job well done sir….
I'm a first-time ham radio operator I'm in the market for getting a rig. If I'm spending all this money should I just get a better unit than the 7300? Any suggestions? Thank you
I realize I'm way late to this post, so I hope that you made a decision and are happy with the way you went. I'd love to know what the verdict was for you.
Dont forget Hammers, getting a rig that includes HF,VHF and maybe UHF is a real space saver ! However, if one band craps out on you and you have to send it out for repair
you will have no rig to use !! So keep that in mind. 73
Hi. Thanks very much for that as Ive not been operating for quite a few years and thinking of going back on and thinking of getting the 7300. You mention the software update, do you please know the latest update number version? Thanks again. Dave..G4MCL...Manchester..UK.
Greetings Dave! All things in their seasons, and now is certainly a good time to jump back into the hobby. The 7300's new software update is version 1.4 and I did a release video on how to upgrade the firmware: th-cam.com/video/AUI1jfLxiAE/w-d-xo.html ... Good luck and I hope to hear you on the air sometime soon! Drew - AC3DS
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 Hi Drew and thanks for the info and I will watch that tomorrow. I really am looking forward to getting back on, when I used to be on many years ago I had a 3 element beam in my garden but where I live now Im thinking of just a vertical as in the Diamond BB7V because of garden space etc, used to a lot of RTTY in those days and I so surprised that these days some rigs show it on screen, how times change from an extra box and a monitor on the table, amazing.
Which area in the States are you Drew, I go to the Indy 500 every year, except last year of course and not to sure about this year yet. Thanks Dave.
The Diamond BB7V doesn't have radials if I remember correctly. I looked at that when I bought a vertical -- landed up going with the Hustler 6BTV, though I honestly don't remember the difference. When you get back on the air, feel free to find me on QRZ and let me know and we can try to make a contact. That would certainly be exciting for me as I've not had a truly good QSO to England beyond a few seconds in length. Hope to hear you on the air soon!
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 Hi Drew. Yes thats right no radials and a few tests I read seem ok for what I need. If you dont mind me asking, as I mentioned I used to use RTTY a lot in the old days and the 7300 does read it on its screen but I cant find anywhere on the net that show that you can connect a keyboard so a long chat etc, do you know anything about that. ...and yes when I get sorted a QSO would be lovely. Thanks Dave.
I’m not sure why the 7300 doesn’t support a keyboard, and perhaps it is possible, however I’ve not seen it done. Using RTTY without being connected to a computer is neat, but very limited. I’m really surprised that this hasn’t been hacked yet. Maybe it has. I’ll do some research and report out.
now whats your thoughts on the icom pro 746 and whats the most would you pay for a pro?
Buying a 20 year old 746 pro is a viable means of adding both HF and VHF to a shack. I actually have a 746 pro set up in a different room than normal and have been using it frequently. It is a very capable radio and I love being able to have both VHF and HF on the same box. It is a big radio that is seriously heavy duty. Considering the cost of an Icom 7100 new is $800, I'd probably max out around $550 for a 746 pro. Really though, it all depends on what you want to do with the radio.
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 Well,I paid 800.00 plus free.shipping. the radio is pristine. I don't regret it. I knew.I.could.of got a.7100 but didn't care.for a.remote head. I knew I.paid to much. But I love the radio. I was kinda embarrassed to say what I paid
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 Call here is kd8zkw
@@Kens1966 The only bad purchase is the one that doesn’t get used. The 746 is a great radio that will bring you a ton of contacts, good memories, offer opportunities for exploration, and lots of fun. And those are at the crux of why we do what we do, so I would never shy away from a radio purchase that is bringing you closer to your goals, regardless of cost. Have you gone mobile with it yet? Have you tried to work a satellite with it yet? Those are still on my to do list with the 746. I don’t think I’ll be doing a SOTA with it, but who knows!?
73 - AC3DS
@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 no I haven't went mobile with it yet nor have I worked satellites with it yet. I do enjoy the radio
How come when I key up on FM it shuts off
Good question... The only time that I've had that happen is when my power supply (a battery) couldn't provide sufficient amperage. The moment I keyed up and started to talk, the radio shut down. Try dialing back the RF power using the multi-knob and see if the radio shuts off when you are at 5%. Also, test and see if the problem happens only on FM, or also on USB/LSB.
What’s your antenna choice for the unit.
I have two HF antennas up: A ground mounted Hustler 6BTV (Vertical multiband), and a horizontal trapped (80,40,20,15,10) dipole at about 20'. Both have performed well for me, however I tend to use the Hustler most often because it gives better omni-directional performance. I don't have a tower or tall trees, so these are about the best that I can expect, and I've made plenty of contacts into eastern Europe and South America. No complaints.
Does it have vga to pan the screen to a monitor desk top 🖥?
No, however there are a few ways to be able to see the waterfall on a monitor. There are software options and even an add on board that goes inside the radio to do that.
7610 or 9700
Ooooohhh.... Now that is a tough call. The 7610 is such a beautiful high end HF radio. The 9700 is such a beautiful high end VHF/UHF radio. For me, since I still don't own a VHF/UHF base station, that is my dream radio to talk locally, work some satellites, and use the 1.2GHz for EME! :)
I don't like your curtains.
I do like then.