TLDR: The IC-7300MK2, announced by Icom in 2025, is the highly anticipated successor to the popular IC-7300 radio. It offers significant improvements including enhanced receiver performance, reduced power consumption, new connectivity options like HDMI and LAN ports, built-in CW decoder, and support for remote operation. The radio is expected to be available later in 2025, priced around $1,400.
Icom has announced the release of the IC-7300MK2, the successor to the landmark IC-7300 radio that originally debuted in 2015. The IC-7300 was a game-changer in the amateur radio community, popularizing software-defined radio (SDR) technology in entry-level rigs and selling over 100,000 units worldwide. The new Mark II version builds on this legacy with enhanced technical performance, new features, and improved usability, especially for remote operation.
Background: The Original IC-7300
The IC-7300 was notable for bringing SDR technology to a broader audience, combining advanced features with affordability. It included an automatic antenna tuner, built-in digital mode interface, sound card, CIV controls via USB, and an SD card slot for storing settings, logs, and firmware updates.
Key Enhancements in the IC-7300MK2
Improved Receiver Performance
One of the most significant upgrades in the Mark II is the enhanced receiver dynamic range. The new model achieves a Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR) of approximately 105 dB at 2 kHz signal spacing, compared to about 97 dB in the original. This improvement means the radio can handle strong off-channel signals with less distortion and blocking, allowing operators to copy weak signals more clearly even in crowded band conditions.
Reduced Transmitter Phase Noise
The transmitter phase noise has been substantially reduced by about 12 dB at a 1 kHz offset. This results in a cleaner transmitted signal with minimal unwanted noise components, improving overall transmission quality.
Optimized Power Consumption and Heat Management
The IC-7300MK2 features carefully selected components and an optimized DC power design that reduces heat and power consumption. The radio draws only about 0.7 amps on receive standby, a 23% reduction from the original 0.9 amps, enhancing long-duration operation efficiency.
New Features and Connectivity Options
HDMI Port for External Displays
For the first time in an Icom HF radio, the IC-7300MK2 includes an HDMI port, allowing users to connect a large external digital display. This addition enhances usability, especially for those who prefer larger screens for monitoring and control.
Built-in CW Decoder
The new model incorporates a built-in CW decoder that can decode Morse code without the need for a PC, simplifying operations for CW enthusiasts.
Separate Receive Antenna Connector
The radio now includes separate SMA connectors for receive-only antennas, filters, and preamps. This feature allows users to install external band-pass filters to improve signal quality.
USB Type-C and LAN Connectivity
The IC-7300MK2 upgrades its USB interface to USB Type-C, supporting virtual COM ports for easier connectivity. Additionally, it includes a built-in LAN port, enabling remote operation through Icom’s RSBA1 software or other compatible remote control applications.
Support for the 5 MHz Band
The radio supports the newly allocated 5 MHz amateur band, expanding operating options for users.
Physical Layout and Ports
The back panel of the IC-7300MK2 retains the typical DC power and ground terminals, antenna connector, tuner socket, ALC and send jacks, and key jack. New additions include two SMA ports labeled “in” and “out” for receive antenna or external band-pass filter connections, a LAN port, HDMI port, and USB Type-C port.
Band-Pass Filter Integration
The SMA connectors facilitate the use of external band-pass filters, such as those for the 3.5 MHz (80 meters) band. The signal path routes through these filters to enhance reception quality by reducing unwanted signals.
Availability and Pricing
Icom announced that the IC-7300MK2 will be released in the latter part of 2025, making it available to amateur radio operators within the year. While official pricing has not been disclosed, industry estimates suggest a price point around $1,400.
Conclusion
The IC-7300MK2 represents a significant advancement in amateur radio technology, addressing user feedback and incorporating modern features that enhance performance, usability, and remote operation capabilities. With its improved receiver dynamic range, reduced power consumption, new connectivity options, and built-in CW decoder, the Mark II is poised to become a favorite among radio enthusiasts.
For those interested in the latest in amateur radio technology, the IC-7300MK2 is certainly worth watching as it approaches release.
If you have questions or comments about the IC-7300MK2, feel free to share them and engage with the amateur radio community as this exciting new radio becomes available.