I submit that an 'entry level' rig is often a handed down or used rig.
The 7300 is an 'economy' model direct conversion (which is not
unattractive to some)... however...
The IC-7300 should have had VGA/HDMI output for a larger display option
(ideally a Bluetooth link to extend the entire touch screen and a few
knobs to an interactive tablet app, then store the rig elsewhere like
under the back seat, trunk etc.). When a rig has a video display (not
just LED readouts) it is simply ignorant to ignore video output as a
standard feature (or as an available option), even on an entry level
rig. Not everyone wants a tiny touch display that may quickly get
covered in finger goo (mobile/portable environment is not nearly as
clean as the average shack) and having a larger display makes it easier
to actually see the scope etc. in a more comfortable operating position,
no hunching down to see it on the table.
However, I will be watching it as a potential RV rig (where I don't
expect stellar performance); my other choices (in order) are a basic
K3/100 with tuner (less 'stuff' when compared to the home rig, secured
during travel), the KW TS-480HX (already have one in the truck) and the
KX3 with an amp and the '7300 (huge cost differences). Even the 7300
minimal scope is better than no P(X)3 so it's a matter of how much to
spend to make a basic RV station. All can be managed by an external
computer, mentioned only to dismiss it entirely in discussion. In the
RV world, size (storage space or station space) and weight (load limits,
fuel use) are HUGE factors. A case of oranges and grapefruit perhaps (a
potential lemon tossed in)?
Further, the KW line and Elecraft menu/command structure is so simple,
logical and similar, I don't have to 'switch gears' to use either; the
Icom, is um, different. Always has been, I've never 'liked' it, I just
learned to adapt when I used one (Field day typically).
Rick wa6nhc
On 3/1/2016 1:18 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
If one is not a backpacker or wants 100W output - perhaps for mobile
work - the "traditional knob" interface, built in tuner, support for
the AH-3/AH-4 tuners at the antenna, 100W, etc. make the IC-7300 quite
interesting. IIRC, the 7300 will do PSK31/RTTY with an internal
decoder and attached keyboard. Icom's claimed RMDDR and phase noise
specifications will, if accurate, put the 7300 in the top echelon of
Sherwood's test results. The 7300 has what appears to be relatively
"tight" preselectors which should minimize the "composite signal level"
ADC overload (much more than the Flex-6300 with no preselectors) and
those with limited antennas (e.g. mobile, compromise wires, etc.) are
even less likely to see the strong signal composite overload than
someone with big antennas high in the air.
My disappointment is that after claiming the 7300 would be an "entry
level" rig, the price is well above that of Icom's other entry level
rigs (the IC-718 or IC-7100). At the announced price, the 7300 should
have included a RX ANT Out/RX ANT In "loop," support for a second
antenna, and a video output to feed a larger display.
At its size and power level the 7300 is not the "backpacker's special"
nor was it intended to be. To make that comparison is patently unfair.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
On 3/1/2016 3:58 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
YES! In addition to being a great mobile and fixed station rig, it's a
backpacker's dream! Last summer, I loaned my KX3/KXPA100 with a 20Ah
LiFePO4 battery to AF6RT and W6JTI, who dragged it up a 2 mile trail
with a 1,000 ft gain in elevation to light up a rare 6M grid. They were
also dragging an antenna, coax, a computer, water, and lunch. At the end
of the day, they still had power left in that battery.
73, Jim K9YC
On Tue,3/1/2016 12:08 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
Beyond that, the KX3:
- is about 1/5th the size
- is about 1/5th the weight
- consumes probably 1/10th as much RX-mode current
- has an internal battery
- has an attached keyer paddle
- has built-in stereo audio and CW/RTTY/PSK31 text decode with a PC
- works with integrated peripherals (PX3 and KXPA100) that can be
left at
your fixed station when traveling
So if you're operating portable, it's an apples/oranges comparison.
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[email protected]
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [email protected]
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[email protected]
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [email protected]
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[email protected]
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [email protected]
