The Icom IC-7300 HF 50mhz is a Direct Sampling RF System introduced in an entry level amateur radio. The RF direct sampling system converts RF signals into digital data, the data is then processed in the Field-Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) This enables a simplified circuit design, and reduces noise that hides the weakest of signals.
The large 4.3″ color TFT touch LCD offers intuitive controls and easy access to features. Similar to the top-of-the-line radios, the waterfall displays changes in signal strength. This gives the user the ability to pounce on weak signals that may have already passed on the spectrum scope.
A new “IP+” improves the 3rd order intercept point (IP3) performance, in this process, A/D converter is optimized to reduce or eliminate signal distortion.
RMDR
The IC-7300’s RMDR improves Phase Noise characteristics by about 15dB at a 1 kHz frequency separation. The signal passes through one of fifteen chosen bandpass filters, and signals outside of the band pass are rejected. The IC-7300 utilizes High Q factor coils to reduce insertion loss.
The IC-7300’s real-time spectrum scope offers audio scope function to observe various AF TX/RX characteristics such as microphone compressor level, filter/notch width, and keying waveform in the CW mode.
You can listen to audio and have the spectrum scope sweep for signals. This means you can use either the spectrum scope, or the waterfall to quickly move to an intended signal. The Magnify function lets you first touch the scope screen near the intended signal. The touched part is magnified, and a second touch of the scope screen changes the operating frequency and letting you accurately tune.
Additional Features:
- Built-in antenna tuner
- 101 channels (99 regular, 2 scan edges)
- SD memory card slot
- Cooling fan system
- Multi-function meter
- Full break-in, CW reverse, CW auto tuning
- SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM
- 100 Watts (25 Watts on AM)
- Direct sampling - FPGA Processing
- 0.030 MHz - 74.80 MHz Rx Frequencies
Icom IC-7300 HF 50mhz Transceiver Review
I was a little excited to get this radio with all the hype about it. I hooked it up and was happy with the ease of use. After about a week I felt like I was bumping my head against the top of its entry level ability.
Coming from a Yaesu I missed the parametric equalizer, and the 2.9 band width limit seamed harsh. The radio only does Iambic B mode and I favor the A version, limiting me on CW. It connected easily to FT8 and my logging program.
The display was far more adjustable then my FTDX 3000, the reference level adjustment met me pull in the weakest of signals. The audio scope is a nice touch feature. The controls are easy to use, and the menus were intuitive without cracking open the manual. In no way do I think this is a bad radio.
The thing that made me sell it was the over shooting issue, If I set the power to 30 watts to run the amp it often over shot that tripping out my amp. My LA1K was not a cheap amp, none of them are, and possibly damaging my amp was my breaking point.
I acquired two more 7300's in buy outs, and it was fun to use them for a short while, It is a very nice radio, just not for me.