Icom: Icom 7300 vs 705 for HF listening

[bearcatrp]

If all goes well, will be selling my R8500 and R75 in a couple of days. So back on the hunt. Have owned the 705 in the past. Never owned the 7300. Trying to read up on the 7300 as far as filters and such. Both are close in price. Thought about the 8600 but a bit expensive, plus I already have a SDS200 and 15X. Am looking at software I can connect one of these radios to a computer for decoding CW, etc. If you have used either or both, would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks.

 

[MDScanFan]

I own both and I only use them for receiving. For HF listening the features are very similar. I think it comes down to ergonomics and how you plan to use the radio. If given the choice to only keep one I would not hestitate in picking the 705. I really like its portability and form factor. I can use it in the "shack", bedside, or in the field. I also appreciate that is receives VHF low and high.

Why did you get rid of your 705? What drives you to the 7300 or 705 versus your current R8500 and R75?

 

[bearcatrp]

The R8500 and R75 were good radios. Wanted a waterfall display on a radio and when I hook it up to a computer to have a waterfall display on my computer screen. Also, better technology with the newer radios. I regret selling the 705. Dumbass attack. Still looking at other radios (yaesu) but I keep coming back to Icom. Am impressed with Icom making the R30. Thought about using the R30 for HF but the screen is just to small and desktops have better options. Still researching software for decoding CW, etc.. for both radios. Is there one software that tops them all for computer control and decoding for these two radios?
am still considering the 8600 but the price is steep.

 

[mitbr]

I own the 7300 Icom. It is a great radio use it daily very easy to use. It does not decode morse code it does decode rtty.
Tim

 

[alcahuete]

Still researching software for decoding CW, etc.. for both radios. Is there one software that tops them all for computer control and decoding for these two radios?

My ear beats them all, but as far as software, MRP40 is probably the most accurate I have ever used. It's not free.
A lot of people swear by CW Skimmer. Tried it in the past and it was fine as well.

As far as the 7300 vs. the 705, basically going to be identical as far as receive is concerned. Of course you get 2m and 70cm with the 705.

 

[ka3jjz]

There are TONS of software packages for doing digital decoding. Specifically what do you want to see besides CW?

Mike

 

[bearcatrp]

There are TONS of software packages for doing digital decoding. Specifically what do you want to see besides CW?

Mike

Pretty much anything besides encryption. Looked over ham radio deluxe but want to look at others while I’m researching radios.

 

[rks1257]

antenna, antenna, antenna. portability? either is great radio

 

[w2xq]

For grins, you might want to read reviews of the 705 and 7300 on SWLing.com - a world of shortwave radio reviews, news, articles, how-to guides and innovations.

 

[W8KIC]

For grins, you might want to read reviews of the 705 and 7300 on SWLing.com - a world of shortwave radio reviews, news, articles, how-to guides and innovations.

And then there's Waters & Stanton

 

[bearcatrp]

Thanks folks for your replies. Am in no hurry getting a radio. Want to take my time to insure what I get will do what I want. The big deciding factor is computer software besides the waterfall display. This will be a desk radio. Have plenty of handhelds for mobile listening. Thanks again.

 

[k7ng]

There's free software for decoding all manner of digital signals. Most of it will log your finds for you if you want that. There's radio control applications for free and going up in cost from there.
A radio, used for any purpose, needs an antenna. Don't forget to decide what you're going to do in that regard.

 

[N4DJC]

I really like my 705. One advantage over the 7300 is the SDR Control (iPad/Mac) app for Icom that is available for the 705, it's a game changer as far as I'm concerned.

 

[bearcatrp]

I really like my 705. One advantage over the 7300 is the SDR Control (iPad/Mac) app for Icom that is available for the 705, it's a game changer as far as I'm concerned.

Did not know this. When did that software come out? Got a name of the software so I can check it out?

 

[bearcatrp]

There's free software for decoding all manner of digital signals. Most of it will log your finds for you if you want that. There's radio control applications for free and going up in cost from there.
A radio, used for any purpose, needs an antenna. Don't forget to decide what you're going to do in that regard.

Just changed out my discone to a Omni X. For HF, still using a 50 foot wire.

 

[tweiss3]

Did not know this. When did that software come out? Got a name of the software so I can check it out?

It is called SDR Control https://roskosch.de/sdr-control/
I don't know much about it, but I hear good things from those obsessed with apple products.

From my experience, there isn't much difference, if any, in HF receive between the 7300 and 705. Benefit of the 705 is connection via wifi/bluetooth vs. USB required for the 7300. If it were just about having a receiver, I would probably lean to the 705 for saved space, built in battery backup, and the wireless connections. I use both regularly.

 

[bearcatrp]

Am leaning toward the 705 but still considering the 8600. Still have a few more things to check out before deciding.

 

[bearcatrp]

Decided to go with the 8600. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[k7ng]

HDSDR
DXLab
FLDigi / FLRig
Multipsk

for starters

 

[wa8pyr]

Decided to go with the 8600. Thanks everyone for your input.

If your primary interest is listening, you can't do much better. Love my 8600, although I have a 7300 for HF/6m and a 705 for toting around and playing outside.