Pages: 1 [2] 3   Go Down

Author Topic: Buy New ICOM 7300 or Yeasu FT-710 AESS for $1049 or Used FT-1000MP for ~$1300?  (Read 759 times)

AF5CC

  • Posts: 1664
    • HomeURL

The Yaesu FT710 comes with an external speak for free, and the rig control software is free also on the Yaesu website.  That will save you a few dollars over the Icom.  You can get buy without the mini manual and full color manual also.

Plus it rates higher than the others on dynamic range, and is supposed to have great DSP noise reduction, and a APF filter for CW that can really help pull weak signals out of the noise. 

And Yaesu offers a 3 year warranty as standard.

73 John AF5CC
Logged

G4AON

  • Member
  • Posts: 2178


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
      

You are over thinking, you don't need any of the listed options, certainly not programming software, printed extra manuals, RFI kit, etc. You can do the "Mars" mod yourself. The only extra that I bought was a side carry handle as it makes my portable operating a little easier when taking the transceiver out of the house and into the car.

73 Dave
Logged

G8FXC

  • Member
  • Posts: 533

The FT1000 series were beautiful radios, but they are getting very long in the tooth now and repairs could become difficult, if not impossible. I've always avoided the 200W radios because of their dependence on OEM power supplies. 100W radios run on 12V and you can buy a suitable PSU from any one of many suppliers at something in the region of $100. 200W radios require a higher voltage - typically around 50V - at least to run the output stage. You'll have to go to Yaesu for the replacement PSU - very expensive and, for the FT1000, almost certainly no longer available.

I recently went to my local main dealer to buy a new FTdx101... My wife was encouraging me to pay the extra £1000 for the 200W MP version, but I chose to go with the FTdx101D specifically for this reason...

Martin (G8FXC)
Logged

K0UA

  • Member
  • Posts: 9589

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.

In my opinion you need absolutely ZERO of those options you mentioned.
The 7300 is good to go out of the box.
Logged
73  James K0UA

K0UA

  • Member
  • Posts: 9589

AND if you did want a desktop speaker, there are far better choices on Amazon or E-bay than ANY of the Icom speakers for a whole lot less money. Far far better. The speaker built into the 7300 is adequate. And headphones are better than any.
Logged
73  James K0UA

AF5CC

  • Posts: 1664
    • HomeURL

I second the headphones suggestion.  I always wear headphones unless operating mobile and driving.  You will hear much better with them than any external speaker.  Nothing fancy either headphonewise is required.  I use a pair of walkman type headphones from Walmart that were less than $10.

Don't forget the CW paddles unless you already have those.

73 John AF5CC
Logged

K7JQ

  • Member
  • Posts: 2602

IMO, there is no such thing as a "like new" FT-1000MP. While it was a good radio in its day, it's still an old, discontinued, and *used* radio with no warranty and no availability of some parts if it craps out, rendering it a $1,000+ door stop or paperweight. If you want to connect it to a computer, you'll need an external interface box with all its complexities. Don't discount the value of a spectrum scope/waterfall...built-in to all new radios (except the long-in-production Kenwood TS-590SG).

I don't know where you're getting your information, but all new radios have a one-year warranty and available repair centers with parts. And if you're thinking about a IC-7300, as K0UA stated, you don't *need* any of your listed gobbly-gook of options.

I own two IC-7300's and have used them extensively in contests for over 5 years with no problems whatsoever. But if you like the Yaesu's in that price range, they're OK also. But basically I'm stressing for you to buy a new, current production radio in any case. Spend your money wisely, and you'll be glad you did.
Logged

K0AP

  • Member
  • Posts: 278

IMO, there is no such thing as a "like new" FT-1000MP. While it was a good radio in its day, it's still an old, discontinued, and *used* radio with no warranty and no availability of some parts if it craps out, rendering it a $1,000+ door stop or paperweight. If you want to connect it to a computer, you'll need an external interface box with all its complexities. Don't discount the value of a spectrum scope/waterfall...built-in to all new radios (except the long-in-production Kenwood TS-590SG).

I don't know where you're getting your information, but all new radios have a one-year warranty and available repair centers with parts. And if you're thinking about a IC-7300, as K0UA stated, you don't *need* any of your listed gobbly-gook of options.

I own two IC-7300's and have used them extensively in contests for over 5 years with no problems whatsoever. But if you like the Yaesu's in that price range, they're OK also. But basically I'm stressing for you to buy a new, current production radio in any case. Spend your money wisely, and you'll be glad you did.

I have both IC7300 and FT1000MP. My MP is filled with Inrad filters and is far superior in performance over the IC7300 especially on CW. Operating CW Contest with the 250Hz filter is a pure joy. My favorite mode is CW and if I have to sell one of these two, it will be the IC7300. My FT1000MP was manufactured in 2000 and it's in pristine condition. If I was mostly FT8/Digi guy, I would probably keep the IC7300. Since I already have IC7610 and just bought mint FTdx5000MP, I might sell the FT1000MP at some point only because there is not enough room on the operating desk. If I ever sell it, it will be a real bargain for the buyer. It's one of the best ergonomic radios ever made, let alone the performance. How long will the radio last mostly depend on the operator. If you operate your gear properly and if you don't abuse it, it will last a long time. Just my opinion... since I own both radios.

73 Dragan K0AP
Logged

K4BDA

  • Member
  • Posts: 54

K0AP, your shack pic is great. Very neat. Did you have the furniture custom built?
Logged

K0AP

  • Member
  • Posts: 278

K0AP, your shack pic is great. Very neat. Did you have the furniture custom built?

It's not custom built, except for the upper shelf. I bought the furniture in mint condition for $100 (office desk and 5 other large pieces as a combo) from a neighbor in my subdivision who was moving to another house. Made in Denmark, high quality furniture. Original price for all was over $2500. Still can't believe I got all of this for one hundred bucks.

73 Dragan K0AP
Logged

K4BDA

  • Member
  • Posts: 54

Would be great if you posted more pictures to  give us a broad or panoramic view of the layout. Very cool!
Thanks
Logged

KX2T

  • Member
  • Posts: 1545

The FT1000MP, MP Field and the MK5MP were last manufactured in 2000 for the 1000MP+-, 2002 for the MK5 MP +-, and 2004 for the Field so there are not New radio's plus unless you have two of them its really hard to get some of the parts for servicing them. I loved my 1000MP I bought back around 1996 but today some of the newer rigs are just a cut above but remember these old rigs were $3Kilobuck rigs back in the day.
I have had the 7300 and also the FTDX10 which is around the same price as that used MP loaded, if you want a very simpleton radio to use with good basic performance the 7300 is hard to beat, the new FT710 gives you a bit more flexibility and better receiver performance but to me the FTDX10 would be my call cause it gives top performance almost right next to the FTDX101D.
If you looking at an amp forget the 200w radio, its not needed to run most amps today but these newer radio's don't need extra filters for increased selectivity but if you are a hard nose CW guy then look at the Ten cause along with great DSP they sell a 300Hz roofing filter which is the cats nuts on CW. Forget for a moment the GUI interface but look at the RX section cause way too many hams buy radio's because the GUI is pretty then they realize on a contest weekend when they can't find a clear spot that they bought the wrong rig, to me RX section first then the rest will follow. Also BTW the newer Yaesu have lot of flexibility in the ability to adjust your TX audio, Icom has just bass and treble but Yaesu has a three band parametric EQ which can really tailor you transmit audio which is allot more then they had in there rigs 20 plus years ago.
Logged

G8FXC

  • Member
  • Posts: 533

....
the new FT710 gives you a bit more flexibility and better receiver performance but to me the FTDX10 would be my call cause it gives top performance almost right next to the FTDX101D.
...

The FT710 is in fourth place in the Sherwood rankings behind the FTdx101D, a Flex and the FTdx10. It's a remarkable achievement to have got it that high with a direct sampling architecture...

Martin (G8FXC)
Logged

KX2T

  • Member
  • Posts: 1545

Yes the FT710 does kind of out perform the 7300 by allot, its simple compared to the the two other Yaesu's rigs out today and its a true SDR rig, it could be the 7300 killer but the FTDX10 with the addition of the 300Hz roofing filter in the front end superhet design with an sdr back end is the K3s killer which sold for more than double what the ten sells for today plus Yaesu does not option you to death. The 710 does pack a good punch for right around the $1K price range.
I have not played with one yet but have owned the FTDX10, IC7300, IC7610 plus the K3 and the K3 also the TS590s besides back when they were the top rig at the time a few 1000MP's. I prefer the Ten but today I have treated myself to the 101D. The Yaesu rigs do take some time to get used to, they seem to do more but are not as simple to use as the 7300 or the 590s but every one of these rigs are nowhere near as big of a PITA as the K3, what a horrible radio to warm up to. With the Yaesu rigs it boils down to if you RTFM, yes read the manual, it does help to actually read besides watching You Tube video's.
Logged

W1VT

  • Member
  • Posts: 6071

Another consideration is community support.

Yahoo Groups was a free service used by hams.  Popular radios often had 5000 members, so if you had an question about something, someone would know the answer.  But, that went away.

Some radios still have community support.  Elecraft runs its own forums so its owners weren't affected by the discontinuation of Yahoo Group services.
Some migrated to IO groups or Facebook.  May be worth searching around to see if anything is useful to you.

Logged
Pages: 1 [2] 3   Go Up