ICOM announced IC−7300Mk2 in tokyo ham fair
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what is the difference between the Mk2 and the 7300. I looked on the internet and can’t find anything that mentions the differences
W6LEN / Jess
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Some information starting to appear on FB groups.
Have a look at:
”https://icomuk.co.uk/Icom-Unveils-the-IC-7300MK2-The-Evolution-of-a-HF-Legend/2/5232/”
From a quick read, the key ones seem to be:
Improved RMDR of approx 105 dB
HDMI video out
CW Decode built in
USB-C connection
Ethernet hub built in
SMA connectors for RX chain, allows external filters, Rx antennas
Regards,
Peter VK3PF
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A “decode reader” ??? really ??? a better use of their time would have been spent in improving the receiver’s DNR capability.
Jess W6LEN
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the points of improvements are
HDMI output
cw decoder
LAN port
RX in/out port
USB c port
improved phase noise
improved cooling system
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it will be launched by end of this year, in JA market.
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Amazing how it’s 2025 and even recent radios like the FT710, for example, still have a DVI output and no HDMI.
USB C should be mandatory, at least within the EU due to legislation stipulating a single USB type. You still get the occasional Micro USB device, usually in cheap landfill outlets littering the more well known .cn haunts.
Any news from Kenwood or Yaesu at the event? An FT-6D would be welcome.
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The “transmit Phase Noise characteristics are improved by about 12 dB” bit will make a few folks happier, or at least less unhappy… 
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No they haven’t. EU specifies only a common charging connector (USB-C) and charger. You can use whatever you want for data. If you are going to quote laws then at least get them right.
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And presumably this only applies to mobile phones, not amateur radio equipment.
I wasn’t quoting any laws directly. I made reference to the EU mandate for a common charger:
Which given the end result is for USB-C to be the common standard across a variety of electronic devices you would imagine would have the knock-on effect of the eradication of previous USB standards. Not taking in to account the faster data transfer speeds etc, which is, in ny view, an added bonus for manufacturers to move to USB-C.
Again, referencing the EU here. What other continents do is up to them. I’m simply putting two and two together from the mandate.
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This time I’ll quote from the link above:
“From 28 December 2024, the rules apply to mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, videogame consoles, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems and earbuds sold in the EU. From 28 April 2026, they will also apply to laptops. “
So radio equipment isn’t specifically called out but you’d imagine manufacturers would simply move with the times.
Edit: apologies seems to have made a new reply. Can someone merge it please?
ONLY FOR CHARGING CONNECTIONS not for any other function. You don’t charge a 7300 via this USB connection so it can be any kind of USB device (as opposed to host) connector.
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Think there’s a miscommunication here. I wasn’t referring to charging at all. Merely the fact the Mark II has a USB C port versus the current model having the USB B port. Brining the new model in line with the modern standard.
No need for all the caps and yelling to make a point.
HDMI is trademark encumbered, other vendors have HDMI ports without referring them as such.
The SMA chain is interesting for inserting a QRM eliminator without a relay. Also for low-band reception antennas.
Looking back over the last 25+ years, radios have moved from analogue to part-digital, and eventually full SDR.
This trend has typically been accompanied by an increase in RX power consumption. Today, an SDR HF transceiver on RX will consume 1 amp or more from a 12V PSU.
One standout item for the new IC7300 Mk2 is the reduction in RX current from 0.9 amps (Mk1) down to 0.7amps.
This seems to reverse the trend of the last 25+ years.
How has this been achieved?
Possible candidates include:
1 Better ICs with lower power consumption, especially VLSI items such as CPUs and the like?
2 More-efficient voltage conversion / regulation when generating supplies lower than 12V?
3 Reduction in circuit complexity / parts count?
4 Explicit streamlining of long-standing, boiler-plate, circuitry aimed at a greener world?
etc.
I imagine the primary drivers for such changes will be computer systems, high-volume consumer electronics, the motor industry and so forth.
Ham radio is just ‘riding the wave’. Not sure.
73 Dave
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Target UK RRP has been announced - £1360: Icom Announces Target Pricing for the IC-7300MK2 Transceiver - News - Icom UK
Confirmation again that it will include 70 MHz in the UK/EU version.
Is a big chunk of the general power consumption increase due to the inclusion of bigger, full colour screens rather than a tiny reflective LCD display?
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4.2 kg excl. battery is a tat too much to drop into a backpack and lug up a mountain for me.
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