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The Icom IC-7300 SDR HF/6m Transceiver

by Adam Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJ

******** Hot News! Icom Japan has released Firmware V1.40. ********

The IC-7300 is the first direct-sampling/DUC SDR transceiver from a Japanese amateur radio manufacturer.

IC-7300 front panel.
Fig.1: IC-7300 front view.
IC-7300 rear panel.
Fig.2: IC-7300 rear panel.
IC-7300 spectrum scope screen.
Fig.3: IC-7300 spectrum scope screen.
IC-7300 autotuner.
Fig.4: IC-7300 autotuner.
Internal speaker, baffled by die-cast chassis.
Fig.5: Internal speaker, baffled by die-cast chassis.
Top interior view: RF, PA & SDR Units.
Fig.6: Top interior: RF, PA & SDR Units.
Bottom interior view: ATU & RF Unit.
Fig.7: Bottom interior: ATU & RF Unit.
Simplified IC-7300 RX & TX block diagram.
Fig.8: Simplified IC-7300 RX & TX block diagram.
IC-7300 RMDR & phase noise.
Fig.9: IC-7300 RMDR & phase noise curves.
Audio spectrum analyser/oscilloscope screen.
Fig.10: Audio spectrum analyser/oscilloscope screen.
Firmware upgrade screen.
Fig.11: Firmware upgrade screen.
Band/frequency entry keypad menu.
Fig.12: Band/frequency entry keypad menu.
Frequency change on touch-screen.
Fig.13: Frequency change on touch-screen.
IC-7300 at Orlando HamCation 2016.
Fig.14: The IC-7300 at Orlando HamCation 2016.
Audio SA & scope, at Orlando Hamcation.
Fig.15: Audio SA & scope, at Orlando Hamcation.
Screenshot capture (NPR test).
Fig.16: Screenshot capture (NPR test).
Screenshot capture: SWR graph, 75Ω load.
Fig.17: Screenshot capture: SWR graph, 75Ω load.
Screenshot capture: Spectrum scope resolution BW ≤ 50 Hz.
Fig.18: Screenshot capture: Spectrum scope resolution BW ≤ 50 Hz.
Spectrum scope with Dave N9EWO's settings.
Fig.19: Spectrum scope with Dave N9EWO's settings.

We are pleased to announce the new IC-7300, which was unveiled at Tokyo HamFair 2015 (August 22-23, 2015).

Here are some salient features:

*Note on Firmware:

The latest IC-7300 firmware release is V1.30 (20 July 2018).

Sidebar: A note on the new IP+ feature

From the Japanese-language IC-7300 Instruction Manual. Translated by N. Oba JA7UDE

IP plus (IP+) Feature:

This feature improves the receiver IMD (Intermodulation Distortion) by making the best use of the direct sampling architecture.

It optimizes the level of the ADC (Analogue/Digital Converter) for strong input signals in order to reduce distortion. It also minimizes the reduction in sensitivity for weak signals and improves IP3 (3rd order intercept point).

IP+ softkey. Courtesy Icom Inc.
Fig.20: IP+ Softkey. Courtesy Icom Inc.
  1. Push FUNCTION.
  2. The FUNCTION window opens.
  3. Touch IP+.
  4. Every touch toggles the IP+ feature ON or OFF.
  5. ON for better IP (linearity), OFF for better sensitivity.
IP+ indicator. Courtesy Icom Inc.
Fig.21: IP+ Indicator. Courtesy Icom Inc.
  1. Push EXIT to close the FUNCTION window.

The IC-7300 IP+ (Intercept Point Plus) feature activates on-chip Dither and Randomization in the ADC. IP+ has two selectable modes; ON (optimum linearity) and OFF (optimum sensitivity).

Further reading: ADI Tutorial MT-004

Links:

FCC ID: AFJ376500, granted 24 February 2016

Industry Canada Certification: 202D-376500.