I called the Authorised ICOM Repair Center today and talked to them about what is wrong with my IC 7300 that I messed up. After explaining what I had done and that the radio would no longer power up, I asked what the total would be for Shipping(both ways), repair, and parts would cost. Without hesitating the guy said about $700. I said, "Damn I can just buy another brand new one for $1,100. I decided to keep the one I broke and use it as a parts radio since I already bought a replacement IC 7300. Wow! Talk about disposable electronics. This is definitely an expensive throw away radio. My old IC 718 still works nicely so I do have a backup but Hmmmmmm..... I'd rather buy another IC 7300 for a backup because it does everything except make breakfast for me. However the IC 718 is cut loose and if you can hear it you can talk to it. Also the IC 718 doesn't do FM and doesn't have 6 meters. I'm toying with the idea of getting a Kenwood or Yeasu with similar features to the IC 7300 if I can find one at or under $1000. One of those $600 full featured Chinese radios is starting to look good but it has to put out at least 25 watts. The Chinese 5 or 10 watters are a great deal but its like putting a 4 cylindar engine in a Rolls Royce. At the moment, my IC 718 has an LDG autotuner attached to it and is in my radio bug out backpack with 200 feet of wire and a bit of good coax and lots of test equipment. What am I going to use for 12 volt DC power? Either my car or somebody elses. I'm not toting around a 50 pound 12 voilt battery.
