Icom IC-7300 firmware V1.41 (July 2021)

This might be much ado about nothing, but when I saw a new firmware version, I jumped right on figuring out what had changed. Version 1.41 was released on July 9th. Check out what has changed and please let us know if you understand what the one change is/does.

[@f6dfzgeorges196]

Hi, with V1.40, the spectrum display of transmitted signal was dependent of the REF level. For example with -20dB, transmit spectrum display was weak, with +20db, transmit spectrum display was strong. Now with V1.41, transmit spectrum display is no more dependent of the REF level. I do hope to be clear. Best regards Georges F6DFZ

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Thanks Georges for helping us to understand this change. I've pinned your post so that others can see, learn, and benefit. Very much appreciated!

[@WFTL14]

Nice job on explaining everything. I didn't know about the new firmware till I saw your video. I was on 1.40 and I like to keep the 7300 up to date.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I’m glad that it was helpful to you! Hopefully Icom will keep bringing us new and helpful features. 73!

[@thork0tjt515]

That’s a great update! I just did the IARU contest and had wished that pushing the PTT would stop the voice recording. Very convenient! Thanks for sharing! 73

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Awesome, I'm glad that you'll get some good use out of that new feature when the next contest rolls around. Hopefully you had fun and did as well with the IARU as you hoped. 73

[@hamateurradio82]

The important thing to remember about firmware updates is that many companies make changes to code behind the scenes that they don’t tell you about. There are often general fixes and not features. Fixes to problems that you may not have realized that you have. That’s an important reason to do firmware update.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Excellent point. I’m accustomed to extensive open source software release notes and a barrage of bug fixes, but with a closed system like 7300 comes many code changes we will never know.

[@gregkurtz1950]

Nice job on showing the upgrade!

[@AmericanConstellation]

I just bought a new one and I love it.

[@gerufish]

I've had my 7300 for about a week now. I'm still learning how to use this GREAT radio. Don't believe I'll do this update. Will probably confuse me. Thanks for showing how to update the radio. Nice video.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I'm glad the video helped, and I completely understand not wanting to upgrade the firmware quite yet. When you get to that point though, consider looking at my video on the version 1.40 firmware as there is an awesome set of changes in that firmware which has made my life a lot better with the 7300. Enjoy that new rig and please feel free to ask any questions!

[@miker1473]

The update, really, makes the radio LESS confusing. I'd do the update now, so you won't need to "unlearn" the old annoyances.

[@ko4otv43]

I just did mine last week. I was worried too then after I did it I couldn't believe how easy it was. It definitely has a better sound quality to it now. 73

[@GM6DX]

The PTT interruption on the memory messages was something that was standard on all ICOM radios prior to the 7300 such as the 756 pro 2 etc. I can't believe it has taken them 5 years to fix that in a firmware update.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Yeah, it does seem like an easy win that could have been done awhile ago, but Icom did such a great job in general with this radio that it is easy to understand how they could have overlooked a few things. Hopefully more good updates will keep coming! 73s.

[@chuckwilliams6294]

Try running a major contesting pileup (from Wyoming) using a memory "CQ Contest" message, and having to reach over and "kill" the message by touching the screen, every time another station answers your CQ. After 24-36 hours (even with a headset and nominal VOX settings) having to perform that additional action will make you wonder why that arm is hurting the next day. 🤣 This was a great fix! 😎 N7MZW

[@jeffreywyke368]

Good video! Wish everyone was as easy to follow as YOU are! 73!!

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Thank you! If you come across any topics that you would like to see content for, please let me know and I'll happily produce. 73 - AC3DS

[@giorgiofontana8604]

With 1.3, if I set 3.73 MHz with the knob, then I move to a memory frequency, say 7.12 Mhz and then go back to 80m with the touch screen band selector, I find the radio at the previous 3.73 MHz. With 1.40, if I set 3.73 MHz with the knob, then I move to a memory frequency, say 7.12 Mhz and then go back to 80m with the touch screen I find the radio at a different 80m frequency, say 3.68 MHz. What happens with 1.41?

[@martylinux7643]

Even though I am a Yaseu fan...I love this Icom radio 73

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

There is a lot to love about this radio. That said, I’d love to get my paws on a Yaesu at some point. It has been a few years and I’m getting curious…. Maybe my next next radio. 73

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

I really like your clear well edited videos and information-M0FXB

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Thanks M0FXB! I've been watching your videos for a while now and really appreciate the diversity. You are adding a lot to the community! -AC3DS

[@QSasquatch]

Even though I can open the SD card then I can see the files there when I put it in the transceiver and open up the SD card it says no files

[@stephen1711]

Pushing the mic PTT has always silenced my voice keyer. So, I dont see how thats anythig new. Owned my rig here now for three years. Ive always appreciated that feature.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Interesting. I wonder why we had a different experience with that. Perhaps I was mistaken on how something was working or did my testing incorrectly.

[@digitalmediafan]

I've just updated from 1.12 and even though I saved settings I've lost all my voice memories not that it matters I barely use them

[@BlackHamRadioUniversity]

Are we able to connect the IC-7300 to the Mac and update the firmware using a Mac?

[@tomcruiser2407]

Great video, just the second point I didn't understand very well what it was about, but that's because of my English knowledge Hi

[@kevinokeefe7796]

I’m waiting for icom to come out with a rig to compete with the yaesu ftdx10 I love my icom 9700 but know if I get this one within 6 months they will introduce a new ring. Hopefully it will happen soon

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I've not had much hands on time with the Yaesu FTDX10, but it is certainly a great radio. I did just start playing with a 9700 and wow is it a lot of radio - lots of fun. The 7300 has been around for a few years now, but still seems young in radio life-cycle terms. Regardless, if Icom does release a new rig to compete with the FTXD10, it will certainly be a contender.

[@ThomasMarcotte-jt9od]

Does your MARS mod allow transmit from 30-50 Mhz? I have 1.41 and mine doesn't allow it.

[@bruceclaxton5721]

Would be nice if they would put something in like a CD decoder. There is one for RTTY, but why not CW. Doesn't the G90 have that?

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Agreed, it would be nice and the G90 does have that feature. I haven't found much success with any CW decoder though and I wonder if, barring some sort of sophisticated processing algorithm, whether it is even reliably possible. I think that the RTTY works cleanly because of the way in which the device processes and sends the tones, but CW has so much variation as a result of the individual's "fist" being the source of the signal. I've been dabbling with CW for a while now and really need to commit to learning it in earnest.

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Very nice thanks

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Rock on - thank you for the feedback!

[@Charlee2015]

Question: I just got my 7300 a couple of days ago. I was trying to listen to 38 LSB. I know you can't transmit on 11 meters. But that antenna wouldn't tune. Is this because it in unable to transmit on 11meters????

[@billmccullough777]

Yes. IC7300 transmits to tune.

[@davekl6443]

Can i upgrade old firmware from v 1.13 to the newest???? The radio works fine now without the extras.

[@jeffreywyke368]

If the radio WORKS THE WAY YOU LIKE IT, then don't bother with the firmware update. HOWEVER... I feel confident there have been "unseen" changes you may benefit from by updating. SAVE YOUR CURRENT SETTINGS and update your firmware. I think it will be beneficial. Don't forget to download the new operations MANUAL, too. Good luck!

[@thork0tjt515]

Hello. Thank you for the video. I just did my 7300 firmware update and I have discovered an issue. When I press menu, then press “2” to go to the second menu screen where the FT8 setting button is and press the FT8 button, my top option is written in Japanese (?). Not English. The FT8 below it is normal. Any idea as to why this button is titled in Japanese? Everything else I’ve found in normal. Thanks.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I just checked my 7300 and I didn't have this issue on mine. I then checked two other radios that I have access to and were updated not by me... Also no issues. The top option should be the word "Normal." I'm really not sure what would cause a single word to appear in Japanese. Very strange. If you do find a cause, I'd be curious to know what the culprit is. Sorry I am not more help, but I'm at a complete loss aside from random speculation.

[@thork0tjt515]

@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 thank you for the reply. I have not discovered what caused the issue. I’ll let you know if I figure it out. Thanks again and 73.

[@miker1473]

@@thork0tjt515 Do the update again. It might "fix" it???

[@thork0tjt515]

@@miker1473 Thanks Mike R. I’ll give that a try. 73

[@DB-qu5um]

I have not done the other earlier updates, do I have to do them before I can do the 1.41 update?

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Yes, you can. When you go to download the firmware it gives the following instructions: 3. If you are updating the firmware from version 1.30 or earlier, the transceiver will not display a dialog to recommend saving the settings and memories described in step 4-4, so we recommend backing them up on the SD card in case the settings and memories are reset. - If you are updating the firmware from version 1.40 or later, proceed to step 4. 3-1. Display the SD CARD screen in the Menu. 3-2. Touch “Save Setting” on the SD CARD screen to open the SAVE SETTING screen. 3-3. Touch to display the FILE NAME screen. 3-4. Touch [ENT], and then the dialog “Save file?” is displayed, touch [YES].

[@FernandoRodriguez-uo2fk]

Doesn’t change the waveform reference level for TX, just for RX

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Hmmm... Can you elaborate a bit more? I'm wondering: Is there a visual difference? Is this an aesthetic change? I must be just overlooking some difference from the before and after. Thanks

[@SteverRob]

Dumb question; my 7300 is still running the original software. Can I skip the earlier updates and load this latest with no issues?

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Yes, should not be a problem - ICOM gives upgrade directions for different versions, but the only difference is in needing to save user settings prior to upgrade -- nothing that actually affects the firmware upgrade itself.

[@SteverRob]

@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 thanks!

[@AA-nm8fi]

is the firmware update for all versions of the 7300 (like the japanese and european versions)?

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I don't know the answer to this with absolute certainty, however I think the answer is Yes. Here is why: When you go to the Icom UK or Icom Europe websites and choose "Support", they push you to the Icom Japan website, with everyone getting the same drivers as far as I can tell. Good luck!

[@AA-nm8fi]

@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 thank you so much

[@francismcclaughry3794]

as for as computer input. I run a chrome book and not windows. I doubt that a chromebook would even attach to this radio

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I've never tried connecting a Chromebook in a live waterfall or digital mode fashion, however as far as downloading the firmware and putting it onto a flashcard, it should work just fine.

[@michanoymark2109]

Is there backlighting for the buttons?

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Good question. No there is not any backlight on the buttons. If operating in near darkness though, the screen puts out enough light to see most of the buttons without any problems. I operate in a basement and have never had any issues when the lights were out. 73.

[@colinsphoneemail]

Yes. It was cleaner

[@thomashenderson603]

I have only version 1.30, can I do this upgrade?

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Yep, should work just fine.

[@francismcclaughry3794]

I do more listening that talking anyhow. I did not need this radio but I wanted it. I have a radio that seems to be as good. I have the five ninety no S version. but a real nice radio. there used to be people on forty that would help you set a radio up. No it is u tube vidoes to fined out anything about the radio. I'm glad there was an elmar out there that helped me set the radio up out of the box. Now do to people making trouble for the group that was on forty. the group disbanded. sort like the old day's when we had a nice group on thirty eight lower on the Cb. oh well I guess I'm not supposed to mention C b. radio. I just wished the sun would get back like it was in the seventies and eighties I had a cobra two thousand and a super scanner at fifty feet and a three hundred polmar. could talk just about any where. today I would go to ten and do it.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

Good thoughts and I'm glad you are sharing about the power of radio to help others. I'm extremely grateful for the elmers that have helped me in my journey, and I'm happy to give back in this small way through making videos. You are more than welcome to mention CB here - we are fully supportive of all modes of radio that get people active and interested in communicating. I started with a CB and have nothing but fondness for that mode. I'm a bit more inclined towards ham, but I take nothing away from the many positives of citizens band.

[@francismcclaughry3794]

for me I don't think it would be worth it to do it

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I completely understand and I'm glad that the video helped you to make a decision - that was the goal.

[@markstump7079]

They did not treat the 9100 right, that's for sure.

[@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045]

I don't have any experience with the 9100, but I'm guessing you have had some bumps along the way. For being a HF, VHF, UHF and D-Star capable radio, it certainly has a lot of places to become problematic. I hope you are having better success with your 7300 if you have one. 73 - AC3DS

[@markstump7079]

@@transmittinguntilrobotsrep1045 We'll, the 9100 had only 2 firmware updates. It had problems that were not the end of the world, but for a 3000$ radio should have been addressed. Mine works fine and is a solid radio for what it does as you said it's a shack in a box. The 7300 is a different animal as we know and gets plenty of love from icom.