I traded up or moved up to an IC-718 from a TS-120.? It came with the DSP module that I installed.?? That was a big upgrade.? After working 100 countries on 80 meter SSB, I was desperate for some CW filters, (the filter between my ears was working too hard) especially for CW contests. But instead of buying the filters I bought the IC-7000 for my car.? The rig moved between my GMC Acadia and my shack very regularly,? ha!
In 2017 I bought a Flex 6600 and Maestro.
After using an IC-7600 in a CW contest I was ready to buy the new IC-7300.? I tried it when it first came, out and I posted that it was "a game changer".? I would have bought one but by 2017 the IC-7610 was on its way to the market.? I tried one but for the price the Flex 6600 is a lot more radio and I really like the Maestro.?? Both SmartSDR and the Maestro have their pros and cons.?
I now have a IC-7300.? I can operate all my Icom rigs remotely, but with the Maestro? the radio is on the Maestro and all the loggers and control windows are on the laptop screen.? I can't say for sure about other SDR RX's but the Flex SDR builds a receiver every 4 Hz, so the filters and DSP work great!?
I used my IC-7300 during a DXpedition to Bimini, Bahamas.?? Another Op used two IC-7300's for FT8 and SSB and another Op used his IC-706.? The SDR was hands down better at rejecting RF from the Kilowatt FT8 station.? And the other IC-7300 ran 100Watt FT8 24/7 without issue.? Even though the IC-706 and IC-7300 both used hi-quality BPFs during the DXpedition, the SDR does a better job keeping unwanted nearby (same band) signals out of the pass band.?
I'm so glad I have a IC-7300.? I will use it next FD and leave my IC-7000 for working the Satellites or as a back up.? And the IC-7300's built-in ATU works great!
I use a LDG AT-100 Pro II with the IC-7000.
Steve WA8Y
