Icom Ic-7000: Ft8

The Icom IC-7000 is a brilliant "shack-in-a-box" radio. For FT8, it works flawlessly once you understand its quirks . It is not plug-and-play like a modern IC-7300 or a Flex, but for a mobile/portable rig with 100W on tap, it is a surprisingly capable WSJT-X companion.

Stick a small 12V USB fan on the heatsink blowing into the radio. It drops the operating temperature by 15°C and saves your finals. icom ic-7000 ft8

Deducted points for external sound card requirement, loud fan, and thermal stress. Added points back for receiver quality and reliable CAT control. The Icom IC-7000 is a brilliant "shack-in-a-box" radio

4/5 Stars (with caveats)

You are building a dedicated digital station. For the same used price ($500-$700), you can often find a modern SDR like the Icom IC-7300 (for a bit more money) or a cheaper dedicated transceiver with a built-in sound card. Stick a small 12V USB fan on the

You already own an IC-7000 for SSB/CW and want to dabble in FT8 without buying a second radio. It is a robust, great-sounding receiver.