Icom IC-718 vs Elecraft K2/100

[KD8HMO]

Is the Elecraft K2 really a good deal compared to the IC-718?

K2 Transceiver $629

KPA100 100 watt option (required) $389

KSB2 SSB option $99

K160RX 160m option $39

K60XV 60m and transverter interface option $89

KNB2 noise blanker $39

KDSP2 DSP filter $229

KAF2 audio filter $79

KAT2 automatic antenna tuner $169

FDIMP finger dimple for tuning knob $6 (why no dimpled knob?)

KIO2 RS-232 interface $89

MH2 Hand mic (sold seperately??) $59 (OMG!)

Total: $1856


Icom IC 718 $600 or so including the DSP module


Someone please help me out here...

[K9XR]

I think it would be a draw because the Elecraft is 3.1 times as good on CW as the 718.

[KD8HMO]

I could buy an Icom IC-7000 for around $1200. That kit seems very over priced to me... For the money, they could at least put a nicer display and meter on it. My galaxy DX-959 "type accepted" cb has a much nicer meter than the Elecraft...

[G0GQK]

As they say in the trade " you pays yer money and yer makes yer choice " or put it another way, its horses for courses.

G0GQK

[KB3PXZ]

I think it would be a draw because the Elecraft is 3.1 times as good on CW as the 718.

The 718 does have CW filters that can be purchased extra if you need them. I just use mine for SSB and am very pleased with it. I did by an LDG at100 pro tuner to go along with it. Can't really comment on the K2

[K0DXC]

The 718 does have CW filters that can be purchased extra if you need them. I just use mine for SSB and am very pleased with it. I did by an LDG at100 pro tuner to go along with it. Can't really comment on the K2

I don't really think he cares about the CW filters.

As for my answer... I think you should stick with the 718 just because the K2's extra features (CW and more) won't be needed by you.

It depends on how much money you have though. If you can, go for it. My 706MKIIG is always for sale to you if you want to by that also.

[AB9LZ]

My galaxy DX-959 "type accepted" cb has a much nicer meter than the Elecraft...

Yes, the way you use radios the Galaxy is a much better choice, the K2 is waaay out of your league.

73.

[KG4LLQ]

I've used my 718 since January 2003 & wouldn't part with it. I operate CW about 90% of the time and don't have Icom's CW filters. I use a SCAF (Switching Capacitor Audio Filter) which I built from a kit. It does an excellent job of totally eliminating nearby stations and cost less than $100. I have friends who own and operate the K2 and I know it's a very competent, advance rig--much more so than the 718. However, when you compare the two rigs, to me dollar for dollar the 718 would be very, very difficult to beat. 73, Ken

[YC3TKM]

I think it depends on your budget. And your favourite operating mode. I never have one, because I hate those SMD's, but I had ever use it for some time. My friend lend me for reviewing.

For the price, that's what you get.

I use SSB most of the time, and the radio is fine, not great.
I do love my TS-440 more for SSB.

And of course, for homebrew enthusiast, K2 offering more 'homebrew' appeal.
For the quality and satisfaction, K2 is the choice.
For casual ham like me, IC-718 much more preferred.
I can save more dollars to do / buy something else to complete my station.

:):):)

73 de yc3tkm, juhar

[n6gus]

Before purchasing my ICOM 718 (for $540 from HRO), I studied many reviews on it. These were 95% positive and encouraging. The features which I wanted the most--as a new General Class Ham--were: 1) quality design and construction, 2) larger control panel and display screen, and finally, 3) simpler operation. Now, six months later, I feel that I got all this, and more. To complete my station, all I needed was an ICOM AH4 Antenna Tuner and a $5 piece of magnet wire. This combination has allowed me to comfortably reach Canada, the East Coast and Hawaii so far. I am now trying to figure out how to make the next jump: Europe and East Asia...with the same equipment!

[KC2TAU]

Before purchasing my ICOM 718 (for $540 from HRO), I studied many reviews on it. These were 95% positive and encouraging. The features which I wanted the most--as a new General Class Ham--were: 1) quality design and construction, 2) larger control panel and display screen, and finally, 3) simpler operation. Now, six months later, I feel that I got all this, and more. To complete my station, all I needed was an ICOM AH4 Antenna Tuner and a $5 piece of magnet wire. This combination has allowed me to comfortably reach Canada, the East Coast and Hawaii so far. I am now trying to figure out how to make the next jump: Europe and East Asia...with the same equipment!


Build yourself a decent dipole,string it up nice and high and you'll have absolutely no trouble working Europe. Good thing is,Google,eHam and these forums are chock full of good ideas. Might I suggest a doublet antenna? These are very cheap and easily to make as well as being surprisingly effective.

[NE3R]

Scion XA vs. BMW 745

They will both get you there, and one costs a lot more than the other

The K2 and the 718 really aren't in the same class.

73 de Joseph Durnal NE3R

[K2MMO]

As I work CW mostly and I use the rig for CW work only the rig is a good out of the box plug it in and use it radio.
Great rig for the money...........Been using it steady for 2+ years

[KB2FCV]

The K2 vs the 718 is not exactly an even comparison, they are two radios in different classes. It's kind of like comparing my IC-746 to an IC-7800. Both will make QSO's, but the 7800 outnumbers the 746 on specs, features, etc. Same deal with the K2. Assuming it's built right, the K2 has better specs and has more capabilities (fully loaded). There's alot of performance in that little grey box. If you go the QRP route with the box, you have a complete station minus key and antenna - power and all. Just plug in your paddles and shove a long wire in the back and you're on the air. They make a smaller radio than the K2, the KX1, that also costs more than the 718 when it's loaded up and that doesn't even run all the bands or modes. Then again, it's built for another purpose. It's probably the most trail friendly radio out there. Small, lightweight, etc.

Both are very capable radios.