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[WA6ZHE]

I'd like to get into digital (FT-8 etc).  I have a IC-7300 and am looking for recommendations for an interface.  Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!
73,
Norm WA6ZHE

[K4GTE]

The IC 7300 requires no hardware interface, only a USB cable as it has a built in soundcard. WSJT-X , Ham Radio Deluxe, or other software available is all you need for FT-8 and other digital modes on the 7300.

[WA2EIO]

The IC 7300 requires no hardware interface, only a USB cable as it has a built in soundcard. WSJT-X , Ham Radio Deluxe, or other software available is all you need for FT-8 and other digital modes on the 7300.

Exactly!  You just need to plug the rig into you computer that has been loaded with WSJT-X, HRD, or other program.  Check Youtube videos here for basic info:



https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ic7300+on+ft8

[K4WH]

 Hi Norman.  As said above, you don't need an interface because there is a USB port and sound card in the radio.  if it is a new 18 month or so old rig, I think you will find that Icom added an automatic FT8 auto setup.  You will need to download the correct driver to your computer and then it will load automatically to the 7300.  IMPORTANT.  When you down load the driver to your computer, do not have the USB cable plugged into the 7300, and have the radio off.  After the driver has been installed on the computer ( very fast ), then  ... put the USB cable onto the radio, then you can turn on the radio.  You will have to pick a program you want to use either WSJT-DX or JTDX.  JTDX is a clone of WSJT-DX and has a different look and a few nice features.  You may have to download a time synchronization program if you are using a windows OS system.  They are free also.  FT8 and other digital programs do need to have exact and precise timing and the Windows clock and be off by a good bit sometimes.  You did not say if you were using a Windows computer or an Apple/Mac.   There are plenty of great online YouTube videos on setting up the 7300 for digital. Like I said please first read the manual IE: the menu/setup section and try and find that menu that has the FT8 auto setup.  Probably a lot of others here that know more than me, but I will be glad to get on the phone with you since my eyes and typing do not work together to well.  Check QRZ.com for my email.  I used a 7300 for a few years during the pandemic for FT8 and other modes and it worked great.  Still think it s great rig. Good luck

[K0UA]

If you need assistance with getting it up and running, you can give me a call on the phone, or if you like I can send you my setup in the form of a file which can be emailed to you. Assuming you have a PC that can transfer the emailed file into the 7300 via your SD card, that you hopefully have installed in your 7300 now for backup and upgrade purposes. Again, contact me and we can work all of this out. Also note that 7300's are susceptible to RFI into their USB connections and you may need some mix 31 clamp on ferrites to keep your own RF out of the USB cable interface.

Here is an example of a cheap USB A to B cable from Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NH11KIK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Here is one location to buy some Mix 31 ferrites. Put as many loops of the USB cable thru the ferrite as you can.

https://www.kf7p.com/KF7P/Ferrite_chokes.html

The 7300 is one of the easiest rigs to get on to digital modes and one of the most robust rigs on the market for running full power digital without overheating. That cannot be said for many other rigs.

[WA6ZHE]

I thank you guys for all your Excellent replies!  For sure I should have read the manual more completely!  I'll get the Amazon and ferrite chokes while I read some more in the manual.
Norm

[AC2KV]

I use this good quality cable from Amazon and it works well with the 7300.

It already has the ferrite chokes incorporated in the cable:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008VOPCGY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1