Video Review
Good news for HF operators and anyone thinking about upgrading. The Icom IC 7300 Mk II has been announced and is expected in the UK soon. The projected UK price including VAT is £1,360, and UK dealers are hopeful of delivery before Christmas or in early January, depending on shipments from Icom in Tokyo.
Why the IC 7300 made an impact
The original IC 7300 was launched nearly nine years ago and became the go to budget class transceiver for many hams. More than 100,000 units have been sold worldwide. It introduced a lot of operators to SDR techniques and showed that high performance does not have to come only in flagship radios.
Key features of the IC 7300 Mk II
- On screen CW decoding without a PC, so CW can be displayed straight on the radio screen.
- HDMI port on the rear to connect an external monitor for a larger, clearer display.
- Ethernet port to support various forms of remote operation.
- Dedicated receive antenna socket to help combat local noise and to simplify use of a separate receive system or bandpass filters.
- USB-C socket for modern connectivity and data applications.
- Improved RF chain with performance gains compared with the original 7300.
- CW decode explained and practical limits
- The decoder works best with machine keyed CW, where timing and rhythm are consistent.
- Accurate tuning is required. You will often need to adjust the tuning to the correct pitch for reliable decoding.
- If the sender is using a straight key with variable spacing or a non rhythmic style, the decoder may struggle.
- HDMI and external monitor benefits
- Separate receive antenna and noise reduction
- USB-C and Ethernet for modern use
The built in CW decoder is a welcome addition and will encourage some operators to learn CW or to follow fast CW without a PC. A few practical points to bear in mind:
The HDMI output means you can connect almost any modern monitor, including budget screens. A larger display helps because modern transceivers show a lot of information on screen, and larger text and waterfalls make operating easier, especially as eyesight gets less sharp with age. You do not need an expensive monitor; a simple HDMI display bought online will work well.
The dedicated receive antenna socket, typically using an SMA connector, is a very practical feature. Many hams now face increasing RF noise at home. Using a small outdoor loop or a dedicated receive antenna can dramatically reduce noise on receive. A built in receive socket avoids cumbersome external switching arrangements and reduces the risk of transmitter energy accidentally feeding the receiver.
The addition of USB-C reflects the changes since the original 7300 was designed. USB-C and Ethernet make the Mk II more suitable for data modes, remote operation and modern station integration.
Price, availability and what it means for buyers
The projected UK price of £1,360 including VAT is likely to be a pleasant surprise for many. When you consider that the original 7300 was priced many years ago, the Mk II is not a large step up in cost while adding significant new features.
Some likely impacts and practical points:
- Secondhand prices for the original IC 7300 (Mk I) will probably fall as the Mk II becomes widely available. Expect part exchange values to reduce accordingly.
- If you are considering an upgrade, dealers may offer reasonable part exchange deals on the Mk I.
- Dealers are dependent on Icom Tokyo for initial shipments, so delivery dates are estimates and may slip. Early delivery before Christmas is possible, but January is also realistic.
- Some dealers will take names for interest lists rather than taking deposits. There are practical reasons for avoiding deposits, such as potential complications if stock or allocations change.
Dealer ordering and deposits
A common dealer approach is to accept names for the order rather than taking deposits. Deposits can cause problems if the allocation is different to expected. Registering interest keeps options open and avoids being tied to one dealer if another has stock available.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Pros:
- On screen CW decode without a PC
- HDMI for external monitors
- Ethernet and USB-C for modern connectivity
- Dedicated receive antenna socket to tackle noise
- Improved RF performance in a proven platform
- Cons:
- Might reduce resale value of the original IC 7300
- CW decoding still has limitations with hand keyed operators
- Delivery depends on global shipments and could slip
Projected UK price including VAT: £1,360
Final notes
The IC 7300 Mk II brings practical and welcome updates to a hugely successful platform. If you are interested in purchasing, contact your dealer to register your interest. Dealers placing large orders are likely to have a good chance of meeting demand, but exact delivery dates will depend on Icom in Tokyo.
Whether you want on screen CW decoding, a larger display via HDMI, better options for remote and data use, or a separate receive antenna to tame noise, the IC 7300 Mk II packs a lot into an affordable package.
For more information please visit our online store or alternatively contact us and our team will be happy to assist you!