I was just at a hamfest today and saw several sellers with used transceivers asking for, shall I say, nostalgic prices. Needless to say, those sellers were packing up their radios to take back home at the end of the day. I’ve bought a number of used transceivers and radios going back to a Heath HW-16 I bought back in the 1970s. Something I’ve learned is that, with a few exceptions, people usually don’t get rid of equipment they like. There is usually a reason that used equipment is up for sale. I was an early adopter and bought a new IC-7300 a few months after it entered the market and I’m glad I did. The IC-7300 is a very well designed radio for ease of use, keeps front panel clutter to manageable levels, has a very good receiver, and sounds great on air if the firmware version is current. I’m really glad I decided to go with a new IC-7300 instead of buying an only slightly less expensive used transceiver that might have undisclosed problems.

@user-mm2mq5ug2u

2 жыл бұрын

Dealers and wheelers don't know much of what they selling They are just conning people with their broken outdated junk Go new with warranty guys That's my advice to all new and old hams 73s

@wtmayhew

Жыл бұрын

@@msdsecretary8702 I’ve people asking like $300 US for something like an old Heathkit HW-16 in fair condition. At a hamfest, unless there is an electrical outlet and antenna available, there’s not a good way to know if a transceiver functions. Vacuum tubes are getting difficult to find u less they’re the common ones used in guitar amps or popular linear amps. Old gear may need special handling too, such as bringing up the voltage a few volts at a time with a variance over hours so that the dielectric on old capacitors re-forms. An old transceiver may need a lot of money invested to replace bad tubes and leaky or open capacitors. People are dreaming if they believe they’re going to get like-new money for an old dirty, dented piece of equipment they can’t demonstrate works …. unless it is something rare.

Very good video! Just wanted to let you know that I just bought a 7300 at DX Engineering @ 3:00AM this morning for $899.xx, charged transaction to my VISA! Now at 10:00AM I get a call from DXE saying ICOM won't let them honor the sale! I said then let ICOM know that the 7300 was my second ICOM HF Base purchase from you (and them), previously having purchased a new 7200. They said sorry, but they can't fulfill the transaction!!! I said...well, you're not yet sorry enough!

@nine7295

9 ай бұрын

They actually had a very short time that they had a pricing error that it was $999 with $200 rebate, but I knew they wouldn't honor it so I didn't even try. That was corrected in the same evening. According to the law, the advertised price doesn't have to be honored.

i'm a new licensed ham operator and been looking to buy used equipment but afraid of buying malfunctioning equipment, so I think i'm just going to save up for for the 7300 since it seems the way things are heading. so glad I saw this. thanks

Thanks, Tracy! These are all excellent points you make that I hadn't even thought of.

Just sold my 7300, bought a FTDX-10. A much better radio. Great selectivity and does not overload like a 7300.

Excellent synopsis! Yes, thank you ICOM!

So far we have yet to see second hand prices drop in the UK but fingers crossed. Look forward more of your portable films soon... started filming more mobile / portable of my own thanks to your channel's inspiration. 73

Indeed, a good and practical perspective on the IC7300 and its relation to the used rigs market, but then there are reasons other than the 'cost factor' that determine one's selection on a purchase. For example, I was looking for a rig with a particular quiet receiver and excellent CW performance---and settled on an older Ten Tec Jupiter----possibly an 'orphan', not too many around, and still demanding a fair price on the 'used' market, and in my view, and for my intent and purpose----a practical choice.

This is a very valid observation. I have owned six or seven radios, including the FT-1000MP and the IC-756PRO. I purchased a used IC-7300 in August 2020 and it has simply revolutionized the hobby for me. Yes it's smaller. Granted, it might not have the same visual impact in the shack as a big rig. But its performance and price point make it EXTREMELY competitive. And you are right, older secondhand rigs have to be priced more realistically now. A friend of mine who had the IC-756PRO and bought an IC-7300 as his second radio has since sold the PRO and how has two IC-7300s! Mine has reinvigorated my interest in the hobby after a couple of lean years. I think it's fabulous. De EI2KC, Anthony in Ireland.

I paid $960 for my Icom 7300 new, I can't imagine paying $800 for a used system.

@thebeststooge

5 жыл бұрын

Been a licensed ham since 1986 and for the last 15 years I have been waiting to see a radio like the 7300. I mean I saw the power of SDR so why not to transmit and receive as well? Digital filters, signal graphs, etc... I am shocked at what all it can do but the price is only because of the brand as it can be sold for half this much and still retain its quality. Like buying anything 40%-50% of the price is due to branding.

@MrDlt123

5 жыл бұрын

Same herre. You just dont know how many times Soldering Sammy or Homebrew Hammy has been inside a used transceiver or whether they even bothered to check their SWR. I couldn't justify spending $750 on a 20 y.o. used rig when I could get one with the latest tech and a factory warranty for another couple of Benjamins.

@Irontalon1

4 жыл бұрын

Me too. Paid 980. Worth every penny too !

@RobertMorgan

4 жыл бұрын

@@MrDlt123 It's exactly like buying a used car, with all the same risks to consider.

@RobDTom

4 жыл бұрын

A year later and they are $879 after rebate.

I purchased a slightly used ICOM 746 PRO about 8 years ago and have worked the world with it, great radio and have no intention of replacing it anytime soon. ICOM builds a great product, 73's W5DPV

Thanks Tracy, it's about time that someone else thinks that old radios are over priced. I'm sorry but places like eBay have killed the used radio market for years. Thanks again for all your hard work..73 from N9XCK... Dan

@johnbelcher7164

3 жыл бұрын

I Wouldn't Buy Anything at E Bay, They are to Nosey, And to Epensive

I agree, lots of hams think their old gear is gold. I hame my trusted TS-850 that I bought for 2400$ (canadian) with the filters in 1993, I gave it a new life two times already. As for the receiver, it can compete with any newer SDR direct conversion rig but I know that it's _maybe_ worth 4-500$ (canadian again) I also have my IC706MkIIg that I bought brand new in 2000... 1600$CDN, also gave it a new life three times. This radio keeps more value because it's really sought after for the size and capability it has, so it's maybe worth 600$CDN Yes, I'm a certified technician so it helps but... If ever I buy a "computer with an SO-239 in the back" like the 7300, I have to know that in 10-15 years when it breaks (and it will) I will have to dig-up my 850 and my 706 again, because it will be FUBAR.

When I upgrade my ticket to General class I'm buying the IC 7300 as a reward to myself : )

One year later, and a sizable portion of the used market appears to be the sales of used IC-7300’s.

I am happy with my ICOM -718, we got it used and it works fine. A lot times I think in ham radio is "keeping up with the Jones's" . Not everyone can drop a large amount on gear.

@bartee7744

3 жыл бұрын

A true sleeper rig. I got one with a Heil ICM hand mic. Best money I've ever spent radio wise.

@anthonycosta1776

Жыл бұрын

The 718 is a noise box. Horrible receiver and no AGC. If you can sit in front of a ic-7410 you will trash that 718. Its a dog.

@nine7295

9 ай бұрын

​@@anthonycosta1776it's an entry level radio and it's got a commercial version for the commercial market as IC-78. There is no comparison of course. My local friend bought an IC-78, and it seems he has no complaints. To be fair, if one is buying the 718, might as well buy the 7100 (now more expensive and hard to find, but this thread was a few years ago and at the time both were about the same price).

A nicely laid out argument. Thanks

Yeah I completely agree. Looking around the second hand HF radio market there are still some radios that are 10 years old and when compared to feature set and price I may as well save up a little more and get a new 7300 with warranty.

@johnmoyer2849

5 жыл бұрын

Looking at the 7410 I would need a 2 year college course on how to even turn it on.Way to many buttons.

@tdgreenbay

5 жыл бұрын

Agree on warranty... when you screw up and let the smoke out it's awful hard to get it back without warranty

Your point about emotional attachment is well taken. The advances really reduce the value of old radios.

Several months ago, being retired and single, and having denied myself for much of my life, due to family, income, etc., I began thinking that I might allow myself the luxury of purchasing a TS-890S or an IC-7610. Deciding to wait out the first year of their product life, for the bugs to get worked out and price drop, I purchased an IC-7300 to play with, while waiting. Figured I'd sell it for $100-$200 less than I paid for it, as I got ready to make the upgrade. After a couple months ownership, I decided I was not going to upgrade beyond the 7300. As a DX'er, of over 5 decades, I realize the 7300 totally fulfills everything I need in an HF transceiver, and an IC-7610 or TS-890S has nothing more to offer. The 7300 is a bargain, even if it was still priced at $1500, although it's now at around $1000. IMO, it is a truly outstanding bargain in both cost and performance.

@kd8opi

5 жыл бұрын

You figured you'd sell it for $100-200 less than you paid for it? After a year? I guess there's a sucker born every minute.

@1redrubberball

5 жыл бұрын

@@kd8opi Yeah, they are selling for around $800, when they are a few months to a year old. I personally wouldn't buy one used at that price, preferring to buy one new that no one else had touched, but that is my own personal preference.

@ThePaulv12

5 жыл бұрын

@@1redrubberball Camera lenses are like this too. I reason WhyTF would you pay 90% of the new price for a secondhand lens in the $1800-$2500 price range? People seem to have shit for brains but perhaps I'm one too since I bought a secondhand FT-1000MP for a $1000 lol.

@bobsullivan5714

4 жыл бұрын

I'm still VERY happy with my "OLD" FT897d. I am sure there are better radios but how much radio do I really need?This Yaesu does everything I want.... Well, I am going to get a YouKits HB1B.....and a chuck of wire....and a new slingshot........and a new pencil.... bob, KF7ZSA

@1OFGODSOWN

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThePaulv12 It's called,eBay Mentality because it happens there very often.

I wanted a kenwood 590sg but the price has remained too high for it, then Icom had some sales on the 7300 and I snagged one of those instead....I dont think I could live without the waterfall display now, going back to older radios feels odd not being able to see a range of band activity on the display. You hear alot of folks talking about their rigs on the bands, I would say over 50% of them have 7300s now

I see a lot of people taking issue with the subject of this video and whether an $1100 rig is “entry level”. I received my ham radio license in 1989. $1100 barely got you out of the used market. $1100 hardly got you into the new market, let alone getting a high-end rig. $500 got you an old, tired boat anchor. Most of these used radios still had tubes, analog dials and low output power. They were worn out and you were likely to be their last owner. On top of all of that, if you factor for inflation, $1100 in 1989 money, is now equal to $2250. The barrier, to enter this hobby, as expensive as it is, has never been lower. I left the hobby, for quite a few years. I was working as an RF equipment engineer and could barely look at another radio, at the end of the day. I got back into the hobby, about three years ago, when I retired. I was still expecting equipment to be insanely-priced. I nearly shat myself, when I saw that I could get a brand new, high-end HF rig, for $800 to $1000. You really need to have some historical perspective, before saying that $1100 isn’t “entry level”. You should know what radios used to cost, and feel lucky that they cost so much less, now. You should know how hard it was, to convince people to join the hobby, when equipment was REALLY expensive. I’m not arguing that $1100 isn’t a lot of money. Most good hobbies are expensive. I’d really like to own a helicopter, but that’s not something that I can afford to do. However, I’m also not commenting and complaining, on helicopter videos, about how expensive they are. If you can’t afford ham radio, find a hobby that you can. Oh.... and another point. Don’t EVER use Baofeng, or its variants, as a reference point. They are cheap pieces of crap, which need extensive modifications, to make them even BARELY useable. I fell into the Baofeng trap, as well. I bought a couple, to use as backup radios. That’s exactly how I’m using them. I’ve placed these radios on my garage floor, to know when to stop backing up. People will spend $800 to $1000, on a cell phone, which MIGHT last them two years, but then get spun up, when someone says that $1100 is a good price for a radio. These are radios, which will still be relevant in ten years, and last decades, if not abused. I’ve said enough on the subject. I think that you get my point. Used radios ARE coming down in price. The only reason, that they aren’t falling faster, is that a lot of people still want the older, larger radios. Many hams are older and can’t see the tiny buttons, and the abbreviated markings, on the newer radios. The older radios were also built in Japan. Unfortunately, finding parts for them, can be very challenging. (I’m repairing a Kenwood TS-790A, right now. If it wasn’t for owning a laser cutter, to make my own repair parts for the tuning encoder, this radio would be doomed.) Relax, and feel fortunate, that radios haven’t kept up with inflation. Things aren’t as bad as they seem. Have fun and be well! 73’s! :-)

@1redrubberball

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Lots of truth in your post!

@ftlaud911

5 жыл бұрын

Amen!! You have the older crowd that dont want touch screens and love their older rigs. Technology will always be changing. Passed my General a month ago and finally getting a HF radio now. I am happy to have so many great choices. To put it in perspective my phone is like $800 (way overpriced these days) and is outdated in a year. The 7300 is at the top of the list. With rebates they are under $1k. I was even looking at the 7610, but the 7300 is such great value it's hard to justify three times the cost.

@antcri730

4 жыл бұрын

Nothing at all wrong with Baofeng They have opened the door to a lot of people who otherwise would never have even thought about amateur radio. You don't like them because they're not overpriced like most of the other Chinese radios (Alinco, Kenwood etc), They're not the best but are adequate. Besides the expense its elitist attitudes(" If you can’t afford ham radio, find a hobby that you can.")that look down on newcomers because they didn't pay 6 months rent for basic gear that Kills the hobby. I own several Baofengs they all have been trouble free and nobody ever says they sound bad unless I tell them its a baofeng.

@RobertMorgan

4 жыл бұрын

What's even more jarring is starting in ham in the VHF/UHF world and then moving up to HF. It's like going from running a demolition derby car to sponsoring a professional racing team, as a cost analogy. When I was really into VHF I bought my Kenwood TM-D710ga, which is about as top of the line as you get in a dual bander, it has literally everything, and it was only $600. It does digital, packet, computer control, APRS, GPS, weather, scanning, cross-band repeat, on and on...but that same $600 would barely buy a used all-mode HF rig from decades ago. And lets not even get started on the 'lower end' but completely functional dual band non-hf gear like Boafeng, TYT, Anytone, and so on. A new ham can get on the air for $20 these days in VHF. If Baofeng ever made a workable HF rig, forget about it, the market would crater, and maybe that's not a bad thing.

So true! I'm just getting into it. Sadly most haven't caught on and still price their antique boat anchors as if they were state of the art. I was going to buy a 7300, when a friend gave me a good antique boat anchor TS-430S. So I'll see what use I can make of it before upgrading. The prices up here in PNW are almost always way out of line with reality. For example I can buy most tools new for the same or less than the clapped out used ones selling on Craigslist. Same here with radio gear. Perhaps there are those that jump into used without looking at the new market to establish price points.

Very well put Sir . I think you said it all ! And thanks for saying it .

I just got into ham radio this year, and I was saving up to buy the 7300. I looked at used equipment, but it was hard to find something that had similar features for the price. You might get a used radio for $500, but still need an antenna tuner, CW filter, Built-in keyer, etc. By the time you add up all the extras you could spend more, and you're still getting a used radio. I ended up finding a smoking deal on a great IC-735 for $250. It got me on the air, but I decided I would use it until I got enough money to buy the 7300, and then sell the IC-735 for what I paid for it. If I wanted to upgrade the 735 it was $130 for the CW filter, $130 for the built-in keyer, $175 for an antenna tuner. That's almost $800 for a 30 year old radio, and it still didn't have the waterfall display. I skipped the filters, and bought an external keyer for 15 dollars just to get on the air. I know that $1000 is a lot for a radio, but it's still considered entry level. I don't think you can beat it for the number of features that come built in.

I came into Ham Radio just before the IC7300 and I almost bought the IC7410 and then I seen the IC7300 advertisement and thats when I made the decision to wait just a little longer for the IC7300 to start selling and I am soo glad I did, I absolutely love the IC7300 its been my best radio, I dont think I will need to up grade for a long time.

@4150CHF

5 жыл бұрын

I did almost the same thing. Almost bought a used IC-718 for $500. Instead, I bought the IC-7300 at an HRO on the way to take my general exam. Could not be happier with my choice. Only thing is that Icom stiffed me on my $100 rebate. It never showed up.

@BEdmonson85

5 жыл бұрын

@@4150CHF I'd get on the phone with them and make some noise.

@4150CHF

5 жыл бұрын

@@BEdmonson85 $100 is not worth the stress. It has been over a year and I am not good about keeping records. The time that it would take for me to find all that crap, if I could even find it, isn't worth the effort. Everyone always bashes rebate programs. This is the first time that I have ever had a problem. I will keep this in mind, ICOM.

Lowering the cost of ham equipment is a great thing.

Great video.... very true of many things on the market. Very good for the hobby!

Thats it, Im going for a new ic 7300 on Tuesday ,here in uk from ML& S, THANKs

I appreciate your very insightful comments, as always. This is part of the greater cycle of more capability at lower prices we are seeing in all electronic products. ICOM has accelerated it for amateur radio. Thanks, de K6DHP

Decided to get back on HF after having FT891, FT450D, 767GX, IC-725, 440-S. Looked at lots of rigs. It was between this and a 991A. Used for the same price as the IC-7300? No way. I got a brand spanking new 7300 for $875 after rebates and sale at HRO. Warranty, can be upgraded w software, tuner works great for an internal tuner. The only thing that I dislike is that accessories like a handle or mike hanger are not included. Brought it home, hooked it up to an Alpha Delta DX-EE, hit the tuning button, and talked to New England 5/9 @50w from DFW area.

Excellent video and so true. The "computer" is driving all kind of stuff down in cost. Both in the world of the consumer and industry ie factories too.

As a new user I looked at this rig, but went for yaesu 991A because it has 6/2 and 70cm on it. One box that does everything for me.

@silahtar5213

5 жыл бұрын

I went with IC-7300 hundred as it has a better HF performance compared to 991A. I prefer having my 2m/70cm separate from by HF rig as I sometimes utilize them at the same time...

@tonymcgee1146

5 жыл бұрын

@@silahtar5213 Just sold my 991A.. nice rig but just didn't excite me. And I've heard the 7300 is so much better than the 991/A. Presently running a 15 year old rig that does all I want, and I also prefer a separate rig for 2m/70cm.

@codykn4rfg699

5 жыл бұрын

I as well got a 991a for my first rig

Pfff... The price of used gear is RIDICULOUS... Radios are sold almost the same price they were when they were new and those are 20 25 30 year old radios with rotten spewing capacitors and there are no replacement parts even for newer radios like the ic7000... Specially here in Canada with money exchange rate, customs, shipping and taxes...

@ThePaulv12

5 жыл бұрын

Yep. I paid $1000 for a Yaesu ft1000MP with all the filters a couple of years ago. it's a great base station and I love it because it is big and substantial and once you're used to it fantastically intuitive to use. I'll never sell it. If it blows up and I can't fix it I'll buy another and keep it for parts. I know I should've bought an IC7200/7600 or a Kenwood TS-590SG/2000 or put the money towards something that has an IF output so I can watch the pretty waterfall display (which I admit would be nice but there are workarounds for the ft1000mp) but this purchase was one of the better purchases I've made. it's been great and I don't regret the purchase except it arrived deaf after I bought it, but it turned out to be something cheap to fix $146 all of which was labor and 2x diodes about .30c.

@Hammerjockeyrepair

5 жыл бұрын

I guess youve never looked at a brochure for ANY radio sold back in 1960s to 1980s. A friggin basic bitch 23 channel cb radio was $300 lol

@Aleziss

5 жыл бұрын

@@Hammerjockeyrepair oh yes I did... I did work at radio shack in the 1990s so I know all the prices of many decades as we had all paper catalogs in store !

@BEdmonson85

5 жыл бұрын

@Kingy B Yep, it seems like once you add the "ham radio" tag to any piece of gear, it magically increases the price 3x or more. Take for example the popular Signalink; $140 for a soundcard in an aluminum box and a couple cables - ridiculous! I built my own for lest than 30 bucks.

@Munky332

5 жыл бұрын

Yea, I'm waiting for the Chinese to get in on the HF action. Would be awesome to see a chinese knock-off IC7000, or 706mk2g, or kenwood TS-570, TS-590, TS-480. Also waiting for a surge of DIY software radios, where you're basically just paying for the finals, and your computer or a Raspberry Pi does everything software needed via RTL-SDR. Tired of people selling their beat up garbage radio for the same price they bought it 10 years ago, or if an older radio, they're selling it for the same price you can get an entry level FT-450 new. Oh, how many times I've seen FT-101ZD's go for the price I can get in on a new FT-450AT... ridiculous!

KB6OZX here to say as an old timer I have never purchased a new HF Rig. I am now using a FT-1000MP and I payed $1,000 delivered to my door via UPS. I would love to compere the two side by side. I do love my old rig and think I will keep it. Perhaps I can pick one up on Amazon, play with it and if I choose not to keep it I have a hassle free return policy. LOL

ON POINT!

Especially with SDR-RTL, most of us have migrating to more software controlled radio.

Thanks for a very good review on the price war, for want of a better expression. I totally agree. Here in the UK we have the choice of the Icom IC-7300 or the Yaesu FT991a. Both for the same price, but just because the 991A has the additional VHF/UHF bands it stands well below the 7300 in a lot of other ways on the HF side. I am just going to bide my time and see what does happen to the market in the near future. I would love purely for nostalgic reasons to get my hands on a good priced FTDX 400. But as you will very well know, take into consideration the drift on any old rig. It would take some doing to get the thing any where close to a modern one. Then any spare parts ?. Yea make them. spend how many years getting the old thing into some what reasonable condition and I would be passed using it. It would be a nice thought to remember all the QSO's made on one at 9M2RH. 9/5+20dB reports back from Europe and the States. Possibly due what the Quad antenna was adding to the comms path. 73 de John - G0WXU.

Bought my 7300 at Dayton in 2016, last minute buy before we made the ride home. The dealer did not have any left in stock so I had to wait about five days. Great rig! No many problems and all user error.... one is a problem that happens from RF feedback, the 7300 will shut down and takes it's time to reset, all because I use a homebrew power supply!

Here in Japan is a bit different. You pay for crystal filters installed, so if a rig is equipped with 2 standard and 3 optional filters price is already USD500, each filter costs about USD100. So the filters make the radio valuable, not the SDR technology.

When I'm playing around on HF, I like to bring up QRZ and giggle at the OM who think that a TS-130 is worth $450-500. Always a good laugh.

@rickvia8435

5 жыл бұрын

What are you "playing around" with, and how much did it cost? Hmm..?

@gortnewton4765

5 жыл бұрын

My goodness, a TS-130 at $450 to $500 is ridiculous. They are worth FAR more than that! Must be something wrong with it.

@fearlessleader1436

5 жыл бұрын

I love my ts-430s. Performs better than newer rigs. Built like a tank.

@DollarbillDollarbill

5 жыл бұрын

Good radios come in all brands. I have also seen all brands in repair shops. Repair hurts.

@maryhsu

5 жыл бұрын

I bought a TS-130 at local swap for $200 last summer. Put a Ebay $14 mic on it, worked great on Field Day ! :) 73 All

You make a valid point. Thanks.

As a 27 year old ham, all these geezers selling their old shitty used gear that's been kept in a smoke filled room for close to the price they paid for it kills they hobby.

You go that right! I have one BUT! I also have vintage gear. Heathkit DX-100 and SB-303 receiver! Love the old gear!

@gatesmw50

4 жыл бұрын

Doug Rademacher The "old gear" as some call it, does not have those annoying menus to go through to change a setting. In some of the new radios you have to step through a menu just to change the power output, such as my yaesu FT 891. That control SHOULD BE a knob on the front of the radio. My Yaesu FT757gx has that ! 73

This is very welcome information Thanks

i'm glad u made this video

Great video. Could not agree more.

I still have My Yaesu 757 Mark III original owner & loving it still & wonder what it be worth now?

Your right on overprices used rigs. Ended up getting a new Yaesu FT 891.

You are absolutely correct.Used radio gear has been seriously over priced for years!! There are hams trying to sell 30 and 40 year old gear at prices higher than what the were worth when they were new!! I guess the thought is they are "collectible" But it just isn't so. Many of those older rigs have proprietary parts, (including ones having early LSI chips that can't be fixed or you can't find the replacement chips.) components and switches that have been out of production for years. In my opinion radio gear has no value if it doesn't work. Of course like every hobby there are those who like to collect and fill up shelf space with old dusty radios. The only way to fix these rigs are buy other rigs for parts(also grossly over priced) to make one good rig. By the time you do this and throw in your time to fix it, the fact that the electrolytic capacitors are all going bad, it just isn't worth the aggravation when you can buy a far superior 7300. The concept of all old radios being collectible just isn't true. I'm in the hobby to "play radio" - not struggle with old, out of date junk that needs fixed . For newer and younger hams this change will be welcome. They will be able to find older radios, fully functional with decent specs at relatively affordable prices, instead of being grossly over priced as they have been . On the other end of the scale, with the 7300 at great prices, are radios with much higher price points like the IC-7610, TS 899 or others at much higher prices really worth it?? Only if you are a bells and whistles kind of guy and have a lot of money to spend on "Radio Bling" for features most hams don't even know how to use!! For the average Ham, it doesn't make sense to waste the money. That extra money is far better off spent on a better antenna system!!

LISTENING SKILLS are the most important asset of any H.F. Amateur Radio station. " If you can't hear 'em, you can't work 'em." as goes the old saying. And you will not be able to "hear" them if you haven't developed your listening skills. Often, you will have to be able to listen through static, noise floor, man-made electrical noise, adjacent stations, noise from AM broadcast stations on HF bands, Electric Company noise, bad band conditions, lightening strikes, weak incoming signals, and the neighbor's barking dog !!! There are a hundred roadblocks trying to prevent you from hearing the station you want to make contact with, regardless of the quality or cost of your equipment. Here is what to do: 1. Try to build, buy and erect the best antenna/antennas possible for the band on which you are working. Perhaps one is permanent and the other is one is temporary and light which you erect only during darkness so neighbors don't see. 2. Use the best feed line you can afford. 3. Buy a good set of headphones that fit your head well. 4. Print out a list of Nets (from the internet) that meet regularly, and listen to them. Also tune into any HF contests and try to make contacts with the contestants. 5. Keep a log as you listen. Try to write down all the stations' call signs you hear and a signal report after each station speaks. The weaker stations are the ones that make you listen harder, so try to get their call signs and listen to what they are saying. You may have to "fill in" a few words once you understand the context in which they are speaking. 6. The more you can identify and copy these weak stations, the better you develop your listening skills, and this will be extremely valuable when you want to capture and contact those elusive distant DX stations from distant locations that you want to add to your contacts list. 7. Continue this exercise which trains your brain to ignore the noise, the static, the distractions that come along with that faint signal that you care about so much. In a contact situation, you may need to repeat your call sign and signal report many many times, and he may have to do the same for you, but patience really pays off, so just keep trying until you finally establish the contact both ways. The most rewarding contacts you will ever make are not those stations that hit you 5/9 + 40 dB over from a guy one state over from you. No, the most exciting contact will be that station across the country or in Japan, or Europe, or South America, or New Zealand or a distant island in the middle of the ocean, that says "I think I've got your call right, and I'm reading you 2/2 but please give my your call again, again, again....and finally you MAKE THE CONTACT !!!!! And you have just talked to a station several thousand miles from you!!! Look them up on QRZ or another database, and send them a QSL card in an envelope, with a SASE envelope with your address on it WITH MORE THAN ENOUGH RETURN POSTAGE so you will get the card back to add to your collection. The more you listen to and work distant faint stations, the better your hearing/listening skills become, and these listening skills will be the key piece of equipment you need most to make more contacts than you ever thought possible, as well as those distant DX contacts than you never dreamed of contacting. Be patient and be tenacious. You will work the world.....and even stations in outer space !!! (I've worked the MIR space station as well as the International Space Station, and it took patience and tenacity, but I finally got through and I have the QSL cards framed by my radio desk) Best of luck !!! '73 and '88s !!

I bought a used Kenwood TS-440S 15 years ago when it was what, 20? years old for $450. Had it packed away, just doing VHF. Got it back out recently and can't believe it's still selling for $400-500? If I didn't have it, yeah I would get a 7300, especially given you can get a warranty.

Brilliant! I've got some nice older rigs, including a pristine TS-440AT/S and an IC-706MKIIg, but I've never considered selling them because they're worth more to me for the nostalgia than a few hundred bucks. Even though they're just wasting space in storage, they've more than paid for themselves in pleasure over the years. I just LOVE my IC-7300 and when I got it I said to myself, "This is the last XCVR I'll ever need"

@dalecole5387

5 жыл бұрын

That's WHY I bought it!! Over 45+ years licensed only two rigs bought new...a Heath HW101a and the 7300

I had been pondering over the IC-7300 when it was first released. After playing around with the display at Hamvention 2016, I couldn't wait to order one. I put in the order to DX Engineering on a Monday and was OTA Wednesday afternoon. For me this is an upgrade from my Yaesu FT-897D. Of course not having 2m & 70cm on the 7300 is a slight drawback but I don't do SSB on those freqs anyway. But... the 897 is ready for action if I ever get the bug to do VHF and UHF SSB.

Unfortunately your video is right on point. I’m preparing for a Local Hamfest in a few weeks. Currently struggling with asking prices for my 20 year old HF radios. However upon searching EBay I was happy seeing my old FT857D is higher than expected. But not so for some my other HF radios Taking to heart your message I am considering selling more of my old equipment. And purchasing a ICOM factory refurbished 7300 . 73 Steve AA4SH

Don't hold your breath. With the exception of used gear available through stores (that understand these concepts) or at estate sales, the old stuff is just going to sit there at ludicrous prices. There a guy on CL here right now who wants $100 MORE for an Icom 7100 than it costs BRAND NEW because he can't get past what he paid for the radio back whenever. Be glad you can get the 7300 for $1000 because that's pretty much what you'll have to do unless you want to buy some real junk.

I did get a IC-756 pro II this year for $600. Good radio and a fair price considering Icom support. I've seen IC-720A 's for parts being sold for $350... I love the radio! WOW! There is only one part that fails and no replacements.

Only had my 7300 for a little over a week and already have about 100 CW QSOs so far. My TT Eagle is boxed up now and my KX2 is in its case. I didn’t realize how much of a game changer this 7300 really is. N1XF

I can confirm your conclusion. I had my Icom IC-756PROIII for sale at a NH hamfest for $1100 in May 2018. I had to drop the price when people started telling me about the Icom IC-7300 selling for $1200 new. At the end of the weekend, it did not sell. I was happy to get $910 for it on eBay a few weeks later.

Almost pulled the trigger on one a couple of weeks ago...now nobody has them in stock...typical. And by the way, you are right on target. Stuff used to be used, now it is "vintage" and has a price about twice what it is worth typically.

I have no experience with SDR, but would like to try one. I believe the community is not ready yet to completely replace true analog transceiver beasts with SDR, but the used market sure has an inflated price level. Though I wouldn’t call the IC-7300 an entry level model myself, it sure is accessible for many. And for most of us the IC-7300 does all we need and much more. Therefore I believe you are right on the impact it may have on the second hand market. So I welcome this one with open arms, even if I can’t afford one myself.

You make great points here, but I think the problem still remains - many sellers of used ham radio gear are fundamentally irrational and set their prices based in large part on what they think gear ought to be worth (and how much they "like" the radio) rather than the comparative value of new radios with the same or, in many cases, far fewer features. Hams remember that a certain radio was well-regarded in its day, or that it cost a certain amount of money when they bought it... therefore, it must be worth at least $XXX now. Or in many cases, they don't really *need* to sell anything, so they may set a price at which selling makes it easier for them to to part with a beloved radio that's gathering dust (and maybe a spouse has been bothering them to dispose of)... so if it doesn't sell, oh well, too bad. I have spent a considerable amount of time looking at prices for decent used HF rigs, and most often the discount versus the 7300 (which I cannot afford right now) is almost never enough to justify the missing features. Radios that are likely to fail soon, if they haven't already ("as-is", "worked the last time I tried it" (10 years ago?), etc.) and are hard to find parts for are hardly a bargain at at at $500+ when a very decent radio is available for around $1000. But the fact that $1000 is still a lot of money seems to encourage people to over-price their gear. Ultimately, buyers of used gear need to refuse to overpay. If you have gear that still works but is substantially lacking in features, and a new ham with limited resources but interested in getting into the hobby is interested in your unused equipment, think seriously about the arguments in this video. Hanging onto your gear while it gathers dust because of a misguided belief that it's worth more than it really is does nobody any good... unless of course you're really going to open that ham radio museum you've always been dreaming of... in which case, good luck to you!

@kd8opi

5 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more. There is a very strong case to be made that nearly all base-stations from ICOM/Yaesu/Kenwood made prior to 2010 are worth less than $500. New, full functioning, warrantied, 100W 160-6m transceivers can be had for under $650 (Yaesu 881, ICOM 718); and going to around $1000 today bumps you into a category of radios with a host of SDR features that weren't available 10 yrs ago on entire product lines of the "big three" brands. Right now, on eBay, some joker is asking $900 for a 7 year old ICOM 7410 with "signs of wear" - scratches (how the hell does that happen). Its just nuts.

@ThePaulv12

5 жыл бұрын

I made a very decent offer on a radio awhile back except i offered the purchase price less the shipping which was $80. The contempt i was treated with was out of balance to the price reduction on a $1000 radio. Needless to day i didn't secure it. This was an older ham.

@624radicalham

2 жыл бұрын

@@kd8opi "WORTH" is what the markets dictates, not what "an argument can be made for" or what you yourself think prices you should be. Is gasoline "WORTH" 5 or 6 dollars a gallon? Whatever the market can bear it will bear.

@kd8opi

2 жыл бұрын

@@624radicalham Yup, and I think that with what Icom and Yaesu are putting out in the market today for around $1000, it’s going to be tough to sell inferior, out-of-warranty (and maybe out of factory service) gear that sold for $2k-3k new 10-15 years ago for the prices near $1000. You seem to know a lot about worth, but what about value? Value is described as getting the most for your dollar, and I’d submit that no gear made 15 years ago or more compares value-wise to what’s being made today for around $1000. I even think it’s tough to justify buying most used gear from 2015 for $1000 - maybe Elecraft K3’s and K3s’ are an exception. That’s about it.

@624radicalham

2 жыл бұрын

@@kd8opi Oh believe me I agree completely. I think it's beyond laughable what people are asking for some gear on QRZ. Not to mention Ebay. And to your point, it doesn't even make sense because I guestimate that 95% of what's sold isn't even considered collectable. However value doesn't come into play with emotions. And as long as emotions rule the market will be what it will be. I too was hoping after the game changing Icom 7300 that people would stop paying ridiculous sums for a Kenwood TS440 from 4 decades ago. It hasn't happened yet and it's been 5 years.

The Icom IC 7300 is an incredible radio for the price. With that being said, I would still spend the same amount of money or a bit more for a good condition Yaesu FT 1000D or 1000 MP simply because those two were my dream rigs back in the day.

The prices for used radios amaze me. People ask stupid money for 2nd hand rigs. One of my other interests is high end audio, no-one would dream of paying more than 50% original retail for a 2nd hand item, but 2nd hand radios are demanding like 80% retail or more. Insane.

You should be happy we can get quality for this price .

Facts: 1. Antennas are 99% of any transceiver. 2. Waterfalls and screen displays are toys that don't help pull in signals or make contacts. 3. Most operators rarely if ever operate on 10, or 6 meters. 4. Transceivers using menu-driven functions make you jump through hoops in order to allow the radio's size to be very small. 5. Older, large size base station transceivers provide knobs and buttons for functions, NO MENUS and are SO much easier to operate, especially during Contests and Nets. 6. The fundamental features of any transceiver have remained the same: Receive sensitivity and selectivity, Transmit selectivity, power, Audio quality and Voice processing. These are the basics of what allows you to receive stations, and make contacts. The rest of radio features are unneeded icing on the cake.

@psyexplorer8296

5 жыл бұрын

Hear, Hear, Jennifer!!!!

@nine7295

9 ай бұрын

1. Antenna isn't part of a transceiver (I think it's in the exam?). 2. Amateur Radio equipment are toys, so even those without the waterfall and the LCD screens are still toys. The signal meter doesn't get you the signal either. 3. So you prefer a radio without 10m and 6m? That's getting hard to find but sure. What's your point? 4. Without menu, there can be only so many adjustments or you need a radio the size of your wall, so which do you prefer? Fewer features I guess. Most users wouldn't though. Most want more. 5. With more features it's impossible to not have menus. Show me a current (can buy new) model desktop HF ham transceiver that doesn't have any menu. And bonus point if it's a contest grade one. 6. So you are implying that newer designs such as SDR do and cannot improve on RX or TX performance? Isn't that a bit broad? Do you not use a smartphone then?

@jennifer86010

9 ай бұрын

@@nine7295 I made several solid and clear points. Apparently you didn't understand them. Perhaps it would be helpful for you to study more for the "exam" you mentioned.

Amazing Icom ic 7300, SDR is the future! 73 de IS0HMZ Luca

Great video

I've seen fudds trying to offload their "mint condition drake 8" for $799. Good luck with that!

@seanwatts8342

3 жыл бұрын

Post-corona time ... just found an R8 on ebay for $599. _JUST A RECEIVER_

@norrad515

2 жыл бұрын

I love my old Drake TR-4C. Yes, they can be expensive. I don't know about the newer drake 8, but the older ones are quite valuable. I have received some great audio reports running barefoot at 300W from the TR-4C.

Two-plus years after this video and I'm still waiting for those price drops...

Excellent

It should be noted that this rig is more FPGA integrated circuit than it is transistor rig which is probably a factor in its price point. Interesting to discuss at the least.

Just got my 7300 on May 28 2020, $1,000 new, love it!

@stephenwade8093

4 жыл бұрын

Lucky you dont live in Australia $2500+

@BrianBattles

4 жыл бұрын

@@stephenwade8093 Yow!

You're 100% correct. I paid about $550 for my used 7410, and it works really well. My only problem is that my antenna sucks moose -- I'm trying different ways of getting an antenna that works and won't alert my HOA.

I just bought an Icom IC735 in perfect condition for $265 (USD). Good buys are there.

IC-720A is still my fave

I think you make several very well supported points. Your synopsis in my mind, is spot on. de KM2U.

The 7410 is one of the best deals around.

I was an early adopter so I paid a bit more. Thanks for the vid Tracy.

Icom pulled the pants off the HF market with the IC-7300. I have one. Love it. Great receiver. Well designed interface. And with the stock condenser mic, the 7300 sounds better than all of the guys out there running pro mics and EQ preamps etc.

I spent a month weighing my 7300 against my 590SG and opted to keep the 7300. It was a very close race, so the tie went to the 7300 due to it's bandscope feature.

@stimpsonjcat67

3 жыл бұрын

@@lostinspace280 fair enough. I was using a small SDR as well, but the output for that does drop your signal 3db.

your right i bought a ts 140s for 200 and im happy but ive seen the same radio for 600 plus. i will buy a 7300 if its on sale next year

You are spot on here

I totally agree and have three second hand rigs.

Great perspective. The market value is not just supply and demand - the technology component in niche markets like Amateur Radio is worth reviewing as such markets have unique attributes that establish price-points. Understanding those dynamics and relevancies empowers the consumer to make informed purchases. Another relevant video... Thanks Tracy! 73, K7GYB

Do one please on programming g and using the 4 button external keyboard please

Well done you saw the deflation well before the rest.

This is great I can buy some good second hand stuff as soon as I get my license I can buy old radios. I'm a classic kind of guy. 😁

@johnbelcher7164

3 жыл бұрын

Always go Old School

Great Radio! Hands down

I agree, i just bought a Icom 706 for 150 pounds and its like new, just because of that, the new ones are way more advanced but for me the 706 its enough. 73 from CT9ABQ - M0IVC

@wtmayhew

5 жыл бұрын

I had a IC-706 Mk IIg and kept the 706. The 706 is a great radio in a compact package and really is all-mode, all-band up through the 70 cm band with the exception of 1.25 meters. The 706 makes a lot of sense as a mobile radio because it is compact and VHF/UHF capable. The frequency accuracy and receiver characteristics of the 7300 eclipse the 706, but with good filters and an AH-4 antenna tuner, the 706 is a very practical mobile radio

Great production values. I need to work far harder on my ham radio videos!

@OutdoorsOnTheAir

4 жыл бұрын

HI Richard, thank you for your comment. I just watched one of your videos and it looked just fine to me! Feel free to send me an email if you want to connect on this or any other topic.

@williambarrett7927

3 жыл бұрын

I have always relied on on used gear, and would like to recommend you shop Swap.Qth.com for some good buys, or selling what's become excess to your needs. De WW5MB.

I've always noticed that the price of a used transceiver tends to be 95% of the cost of the same transceiver new, unless a disruption occurs. When I got my first license in 1982, a multi-mode transceiver, with a tube final, was about $1,000. I had nowhere near that amount of money. Then the solid-state radios hit the market. In November, 1984, I bought my first HF SSB radio, a Swan Cygnet 260. Cost: $160!

Bought a used 590 in very good/excellent condition from a club that i do not belong to, however they own/operate/maintain a repeater that i use quite often... (rig was a members that had passed away) That being said I was more than happy to give them 500 bucks for it....

very well said

most hams are so cheap that they'll squeeze the nickle so hard that the buffalo urinates.

@gammondog

5 жыл бұрын

A better expression is to 'squeeze every quarter until the eagle screams'.

@timothykearns2232

4 жыл бұрын

excellent comment!

About time!

!00% agree, but I'll go further. Since you made this video many of the IC-7300 owners who got one new when they first came out are now looking to upgrade to a 7610 or 7700. That means it's even possible to get a bargain 2nd hand 7300! I got a mint doubled boxed 7300 for about 65% of new price and am very happy with it. I was able to get a FT-950 and a FT985d in the last couple years very cheap for exactly the reasons you mentioned and will probably keep them both as they cost little so won't sell for much either - and they are still nice rigs. You just need some patience and keep your eyes open, and make sure you know what the realistic prices are before hand so you can move quick. A bargain goes quick and I missed the first one I wanted.

true.. once the yaesu FT101 comes out.. id go for a used 7610.

Also prices are dropping on HF radios because of the low propagation cycle,just look at the prices of radios in the hieght of cycle 23 versus now.If theres no dx or low dx prices generally fall from manufacturers.When the Yaesu ftdx 1200 first came out IT WAS $1500 now you can buy them for about $900 USD.

Where is a good place to look for used rigs in Canada.