Today was a bit of an emotional day. I sold my beloved IC-7300. I bought the radio in 2016 and I have taken it on many a trip. It has always been a solid, reliable radio. It was and still is the radio I recommend to anyone looking for a first or even second radio. Even though it is an older design, it holds its own when compared to more modern radios. It has a lower noise floor and in A/B comparisons, whatever I hear on one radio, I can hear on this radio. I have compared it with an IC-7610, FTDX10, and a FT-710. I usually test in a CW contest environment, probably the toughest out there. The secret is the ergonomics. All the controls I use are easy to get to and easy to use. The radio went to a follow club member so it is staying in the family. It will be missed – for a while.
I have reserved a spot with HRO for an IC-7300 MK2. They will be shipping by the end of the year. What drew me to the MK2 was a lower noise floor, cooler running, and reduced power consumption. The IC-7300 has a pretty low number (around 850 mA) and the new one is even lower.
Another interest is Dual Comm port. According to Icom, it can run two separate apps on two separate com ports for the radio. I think that’s pretty cool. They took the IC-7300, listened to its user base and then made a better radio. I like that about Icom.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the MK2. I hope it will be here by Winter Field Day. In the meantime, I still have my TS-590sg and IC-7200 for field duty. I must be patient, I must be patient. 73 de Scott
KK4Z 