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Author Topic: Buy New ICOM 7300 or Yeasu FT-710 AESS for $1049 or Used FT-1000MP for ~$1300?  (Read 758 times)

K4BDA

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As mentioned on the forum I'm trying to get back on HF after being stuck on VHF for a few years.

I'm considering a number of radios and struggling between new and used including...

1 - A "like new" Yaesu FT-1000MP rig complete with the matching external speaker and microphone for which he is asking $1300...
     or from one guy who is asking $1150 for the radio only.

2 - A good condition Yeasu FT-1000MP Mark V "field" unit for an asking price of$1100.
     But the "field" version is only 100 Watts while number 1 above is 200 watts.

3 - A brand New ICOM 7300 for $1049.

4 - A brand New Yaesu FT-710 AESS for $1049.

- I like the idea of a brand new radio with the computer connectivity and waterfall display but I also like the full size of the FT-1000MP.

- Service and Repair on the FT-1000MP could be an issue so that worries me but...

- Looks like you have to pay for the Warrantee on the ICOM and there are so many "options" that I may end up spending $2,000 by the time I get done.

- I'm unsure if you have to pay for the warrantee for the new FT-710 AESS or not, haven't researched it yet... nor have I looked at the available "Options" ... many of which really seem necessary.

- Also, how much difference will 100 watts make vs 200 watts?

Thanks for any input on this folks.

K4BDA


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K1VSK

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As to your last question, you can easily look up the effect of doubling power and find it’s 3 dB which in most cases is indiscernible and therefore not a consideration.
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US7IGN

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    • https://www.us7ign.com/

I think you first need to answer two important questions - where and how the radio is planned to be used. I don't see how you can take 1k with you to the park. Also, I did not understand what filters already installed in 1k? In any case, they are such different radios that I would rather have both - 1k and 710.
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WA2EIO

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Yaesu and Icom have completely different user-interfaces.   Since you are just getting back into HF work, you don't have much of a frame of reference as to operating them.  Many find the Icom's touch screen more convenient for quick control changes, while Yaesu uses more menu-driven controls.   If possible, you should try using both the Icom and the Yaesu radios to decide which might be easier for you to operate.   Since the Yaesus are used, you should be able to try one with the owner's guidance.   (Not sure what to suggest about trying a new Icom though if there isn't a radio store nearby!)  As to 100 vs 200W of power, not a great difference, and if you decide to add an amp later on, most need a maximum of 100 W drive, so that is something else to consider.
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W0CKI

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I have had both FT 1000 rigs, great radios but now out of date. Expensive to repair.
Never had a 7300 but now have a 7610 plus a FT 101MP. Both great rigs. I find the UI on the Icom more suited to my preferences.  With regard to the FT 101MP, IMHO, 200 watts makes a big difference. My Icom drives an amp, the Yaesu doesn't. The go to rig is the Yaesu unless condx are such that an amp is needed.
I have owned lots of radios. All 3 make great rigs, Kenwood included, have you considered the Kenwood 590?
I find the current Yaesu radios have a not so good UI, my opinion. The Icom, easier to navigate.
Side by side the receive performance is the same. There are situations where one can be better than the other. Again, 200 watts can make a difference.
It's tough to choose. Fish finders and touch screens are fun and useful.
If I were to choose, I may be asking the same questions as you are.
I probably wouldn't by the cheap Yaesu, 710. But the 7300, Kenwood 590 or the middle ground Yaesu FT are all great choices.
Good luck,
Gary W0CKI
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N8NK

  • Posts: 179
    • N8NK QRP

This a question that cannot be answered. Too many things that are specific to you. And your likes, dislikes, habits, etc.
In my opinion, Rx performance can be ignored. All are great. Ditto Tx performance.
But you?
Desk size? Ever using portable/mobile? Eyesight good? How about hand-eye coordination.. any issues? Your age? Manual dexterity: no health issues that compromise it?
Distraction annoyances: Issues? I have them. I detest 'movie displays'. I have an FTdx3K and detest the bandscope. I use it as a tool when wanted or needed then turn it off.
For me,,
The bigger the rig the better for my desktop 'daily driver'. More controls, which translates to more convenient to use for your all day, every day rig. I almost feel sorry for rigs with all that computing and display power when left on all afternoon every afternoon. Heck, most of the time the rig is providing audible entertainment in the room whilst I do other things.
You'll be happier with the audio quality from the bigger rig, regardless of make or model. If using external speaker, this is not an issue however.
Know what I mean?  :)
As they say Sir: If in doubt, buy both. Or all three.
Good luck and be well. Merry Christmas to all from Chuck and Blitzy
73
dit dit
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AC9O

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I bought a 7300 in 2019 and been using it ever since. Bought and tried a 991A and didn't like it. Waterfall is awful. Ended up adding a 7610.

Don't have any experience with the new Yaesu, but have no desire to repeat my 991A experience.

For ease of use, digital modes, flexibility, can't beat the 7300 for the bucks. Depending on your antenna, you may need an external tuner. I only need one of 80m as I shoehorn a 40-10m vertical to get on that band (HOA issued).

Also, I don't think Yaesu warranties are transferable, Icom's are.

Best of luck and 73
Paul, AC9O
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K0RS

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Make sure you know what you're looking at.  Unless it's a Mark V, with its matching external power supply, the FT-1000mp is not a 200w radio.  Yaesu has built a number of iterations called "FT-1000MP" and it can be confusing.  The original FT-1000MP is a 100w radio and is getting long in the tooth by now.  The Mark V Field is also a 100w radio as you correctly noted.

Not being a huge Yaesu fan I would probably pick the 7300, which has modern features and good track record.  Personal taste influences my decision, I admit.  In any case, I would choose between either of the two newer radios.  The 710 hasn't been out too long.  My inclination would to wait and see if it has any inherent weaknesses.  I'm not aware of any manufacturer that charges for a standard warranty.  Perhaps for an extended optional warranty.

US7IGN brings up a good point about filters in the older FT-1000s.  One can spend a small fortune adding filters to these rigs.  Filters that are largely built in via DSP in newer radios.  Also noise reduction features tend to be more effective in newer radios.  Newer radios tend to be easier to interface to computers for digital operation.

If buying an older radio, getting original accessories and shipping cartons is a big deal.  IIRC, Yaesu triple boxed the radios in the 1000 series for safe shipping.  You need these if you have to send it off for repair or want to sell it to someone across the country.

W0CKI makes some great points.

Incidentally, I've owned both the FT-1000MP (twice) and the Mark V Field.  Also a couple of FT-1000Ds (200w).  My current radios are Kenwood and Elecraft and my focus is on CW operation.  YMMV.
« Last Edit: December 20, 2022, 09:48:01 AM by K0RS »
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AI5BC

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- Also, how much difference will 100 watts make vs 200 watts?
None you will ever notice. To get a noticeable difference takes 6 dB gain or 400 watts. 3dB is not enough to do much of anything.

Buy new equipment, anything used on the market is way overpriced and not worth the risk.
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G4AON

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A low cost option… if you can find a good used IC-7300 (with good clock battery), you can use it for a while and sell it for about what you paid for it.

As others mentioned, the IC-7300 is easy to use and easy to configure for logging programs, data programs, etc. the spectrum display has averaging (lacking with Yaesu) and can be configured to show a pleasing green trace on black, resembling a spectrum analyser trace.

I use an IC-7300 and IC-9700 for hill top portable operating in VHF/UHF contests.

73 Dave
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KE6VG

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My Ftdx10 has a better noise blanker than my 7300. Both are great radios though. I use a 7610 most of the time on my main desk in the house though.
If you order a new rig (I know my costco Visa card doubles the manufacturer warranty) So do many others. So, you get a 2 year warranty for free. I've used the warranty several times on big $2500 LCD TVs so I know it works. Just save your receipts and make the claim with the credit card if the manufacturer warranty is up after the first year.
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K0RS

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- Also, how much difference will 100 watts make vs 200 watts?
None you will ever notice. To get a noticeable difference takes 6 dB gain or 400 watts. 3dB is not enough to do much of anything.

Poor advice.  These kind of statements tend to be made by operators that have read too much theoretical literature and don't have enough real world on-the-air experience.  3dB produces a signal that is perceived to be approximately 12% louder by the human ear at the speaker or headphones.  This can win in difficult conditions.

Scenario:  You own a radio that is capable of producing 200W.  You're calling a DX station that at best is S4~S5.  He's having trouble picking signals out of the pileup.  What output level would you set your radio for, 100w or 200w?  Might as well conserve electricity since it makes no difference, right?  Or maybe you'd choose to be 12% louder in his ear.

An average small tribander produces about 3 dB more gain than a resonant dipole, yet given similar operator ability, will win out in a pile up 9 times out of 10.

I currently have a 100w radio (TS-890) and a 200w radio (TS-990) side by side, so I can run comparisons.  From personal experience there can be large differences.

My neighbor built a monster quad.  It had about 3 dB more gain than the Yagi I was running at the time.  We would work JAs on 15m in the evening.  When the band was wide open, S9 or better signals from JA, most Japanese operators could perceive very little difference in our signals running a KW.  Usually reports were "the same"  or "back and forth" between us two.  As the band faded and signals dropped into the mud, or the JA station had a poor or compromise antenna, the difference became apparent.  Often he was Q5 to JA when I wasn't.  Does 3 dB make a difference?  Depends on the scenario and conditions.  I hear QRPers make the dB excuse all the time, justifying why there 5w watts is as good as (or nearly so) as 100w.  Really?  Not to insult QRPers.  I run QRP, 100w, 200w and LL frequently.  I know the difference from actual experience.

Quote
Buy new equipment, anything used on the market is way overpriced and not worth the risk.

More poor advice.  Usually made by people that haven't the confidence or experience to accurately evaluate the equipment in question.  I've got a shack full of equipment purchased "pre-owned" that looks new, works perfectly and that I'm not worried about failing.   

« Last Edit: December 20, 2022, 11:56:36 AM by K0RS »
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"90% of the people in a pile-up have no idea what's going on.  It's up to you to be in the remaining 10%."  *W9KNI*

K4GTE

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New Icom IC 7300 out of those choices. The warranty is free, no options required to get on the air, more user friendly interface.
« Last Edit: December 20, 2022, 03:39:08 PM by K4GTE »
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K4BDA

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Great feedback Guys.

As far as "use" is concerned...
- I'll be working 80, 40, & 20 mostly. Maybe 15 & 10 if open.
- I've never done the other HF bands but I may experiment.
- I've never been a contester but I like to check into nets and also do some occasional CQ's & making new contacts and/or rag chewing.
- I'll be working both CW and SSB.
- I've never done other modes of transmission (Except AM of course:-) but I may, or may not experiment with those down the road... even though not a high priority.

When I was last on HF my base station rig was an Icom 7410 (I think) and my mobile was a Yeasu FT-100d with the Yeasu ATAS-100 screw driver antenna.

I'm aware that doubling the power only results in a gain of 3 db... that said I would guess on occasions that may be a small advantage... but 100 watts is probably fine for me to get back on the air with.

Now to the Icom 7300 Options... by the time I add in the options for the $1049 Icom-7300  I'll be between $1600 and $1900... not including sales tax.

$34.95   Programming Software and Cable   
$44.95   Mars Mod   
$59.95   External Mobile Speaker   
$32.95   Caring Handle   
$25.95   Mini Manual
$39.95   Full Color Manual      
$22.95   Nifty Wire Bale Desk Stand   (angles the rig up some)
$139.95   IP Remote Control Software (for controlling via my desktop PC?)
$54.95   Radio Dust Cover   
$39.95   Standard RFI Kit   
$44.95   Receive-Only Antenna Jack   
$541.45   Total Less Desktop Speaker
      
Optional Desktop Speaker (nice addition)
$119.95   IC-SP33 Desktop Speaker   
$182.95   IC-SP38 Desktop Speaker   
$254.95   IC-SP41 Desktop Speaker   

Compare that to negotiating the price down on the $1300 Yeasu MP-1000MP with speaker & mic and I could be on the air for less than half the ICOM 7300...

Complicated choice.

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N1RND

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Also keep in mind, the ft-1000mp has a cfl backlit display that does go out and is no longer available.
Been there, done that.
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