Compare Icom HF receivers IC-7300 IC-R8600

[@hdrvman]

I just retired and considering purchasing a R8600 . I am not a Ham,just a long time SWL ! I still have two R71A's and a R7000 that I bought years ago.Both 71's are the P.B.T. version. Decisions......!

[@KutWrite]

I'm a Ham, so I'm thinking a 7300 and a Uniden scanner for listening.

[@357Shakey]

Nice video. great overview and I like how you have your R8600 set up. I have a 7300, but I am always open to adding to my receiver collection. Your video is very helpful.

[@scanflight]

Very good comparison video, good idea on paper with the main technical points. I use this equipment (with a 9700) and the receiver is excellent. I use its 10.7 khz output to enter an AOR decoder which allows me to decode DMR, LE C4FM, Tetra with a reception part of very good quality, the price remaining a little high but is found for resale.73s HE9CIA

[@gregrush6570]

Great video! I have had the 8600 now for about 2 years and recently picked up the 7300 as a replacement for my older Kenwood TS440. I have a question regarding the MUTE feature. I'm assuming that you're using the same antenna for both radios, correct? I have thought about using an MFJ-1708B-SDR RF sensing switch to do what your video appears to indicate. If that's true, then your video likely saved me $150! I wasn't aware of exactly what the MUTE jack was even for. Thanks!

[@kwm380]

No! I’m not using the same antenna for both radios. The ants are separate.

[@LuisPerez-xe6nu]

Thanks for the video, great job! I have a question, does the IC-R8600 have CW and RTTY decoding capability? I am SWL enthusiast and I mainly do beacons, and I test different antenna configurations. So for me a good way to confirm a beacon signal is if the receiver is capable to decode the message.

[@Kibwunga]

I have an FTDX10 and am using a new 7300 for SWL and low noise second RX with a mag loop. The DX10 is a better selectivity RX but the 7300 is quite nice. I see why so many got one. And it's lower current draw for POTA than the DX10. So it will make a nice field rig. Later on I'll get a 9700 and I'll have the spectrum covered :)

[@DonaldB-k6h]

Where can you buy that external S Meter ? I have look with out any luck . Thank You

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle Video.73 de Jozef OE1CJG,(S56CJG).😊😊😊

[@junior3429]

I would like to learn more about the Analog S meter?

[@Homer19521]

Great review. Surprised scroll mode is not on the 8600 at over 2x the price. Thanx & 73. 👍

[@kwm380]

I'm hoping Icom fixes that and the 1 hz tuning on the next update. They don't update often.

[@Homer19521]

True for the Big 3 (Icom, Yaesu & Kenwood). I never understood this business model. Yaesu did just update the FT-710 after a short time of being on the market. I wouldn't be surprised that its the last update. I see the last F/W update for the 8600 was over 2 years ago. Troubling.

[@2WR467]

By far one of the best and most thorough video I've seen. I would love the 8600 but yes... a bunch of dollars. Is there another receiver that you would consider a great rig without the extreme cost? I am not a ham.

[@KutWrite]

Seems like for price and features, having a 7300 and a Uniden scanner would be the superior setup. What do you think?

[@kwm380]

Buying a 7300 plus a good scanner would be a good choice.

[@kamilsp7]

IC-7300 is exceptional for what you get vs price as a SWL/HF Rx. I have a huge affect towards older radios but 7300 just sounds better, performs better. MW bcast sound like FM stereo... Lastly I have discovered how good it performs for scanning of known HF utility frequencies like HF-GCS or Long Range ATC, it's super fast and quiet (no relays clicking in scan mode).

[@straightpride451]

What a cute lil vid.

[@davidsharp3110]

What is the model # of the external Icom meter on the the left side of the video and how is it connected with the 8600? Thank you.

[@kwm380]

You can use any 1 vdc or 2 vdc meter. It connects with a 3.5mm audio plug.

[@davidsharp3110]

@@kwm380 Thank you!

[@rlb4592]

Great video, I have the 8600, Ki5iYV. Are you going to Rayne Hamfest?

[@kwm380]

Yes I will be at Rayne.

[@rlb4592]

I have some questions maybe you could help me with about the 8600, are you a member of a club that will have tables? Send your call sign I will email you from QRZ, I have a pic on qrz on my station I am working on (Ki5iYV)

[@kwm380]

I will be at Rayne. You can email me at [e-mail] callsign is N5OFF @@rlb4592

[@Len_M.]

Can the R8600 do P25 Police Trunked systems/Repeaters? I’m going to get my Canadian HAM License, but listening to Police systems started my path down the radio rabbit hole. My local Police switched to a Trunk System a few years ago so my Scanner won’t pick them up anymore. I think I have the Uniden BCD996 (might be BCD996T or XT, not too sure, I know there was a companion single DIN setup to go along with my Scanner) without going to check.

[@kwm380]

The 8600 cannot track trunking but it can hear the frequencies if it is FM orP25.

[@Len_M.]

@@kwm380my local police use P25 Motorola setups I believe

[@Len_M.]

@@kwm380What would you recommend for a good antenna for mounting on the Peak of my House? Not ridiculously large, something with good waf? 😂 if I picked up the 8600?

[@kwm380]

@@Len_M. for vhf uhf I’d recommend a discone. For hf you can use a long wire.

[@Len_M.]

@@kwm380 Thx. Would an 8ga Audio Speaker/Power Wire wrapped around my house near the Gutters work? I have Rolls and Rolls of 8ga. I used to be sponsored in Car Audio Competitions, so have everything from 2/0 to 18ga all Rolls, tons.

[@Kibwunga]

A receiver isn't going to have a tuner because there is no RF to make an auto tuner work. But you can get a manual tuner. I was going to get an 8600 but I had an epiphany. I have a 705. Turns out the 705 is very very close to the 8600 in rx performance. It's a hell of an SWL receiver.

[@vr2zgr]

best receiver,❤

[@zelloToiletsTalk]

I want to scan 10khz - 300khz in CW mode can this be accomplish ? Looking for transmissions to submarine, Thank you ,Maxton

[@kwm380]

It will receive that but I don't know about scanning that low.

[@gusdx3654]

Icom IC705 has VHF-UHF

[@petergore1972]

Peter Gore Seer, I Need Hyper Bank Scan, As I Have Loads Of Stations.

[@martinryan5069]

Put the 705 in the mix if you have one great video please let me know if you have the 705 I have two of them excellent little radio's 👍

[@raybokor2]

the ic7300 fails big style above 30mhz due to lack of filters . the icr8600 is very good above 30mhz . i have found both radios to be excellent below 30mhz the 7300 being slightly better but again the icr8600 brings other stuff to the table

[@randyalanjones]

So would a 7300 and then a Uniden SDS200 be the best of Both worlds for about $1,700?

[@kwm380]

I use a Uniden BCD996P2 which is cheaper than the SDS200 and it works fine for me on analog and digital.