Icom IC-718

[KB3SJV]

I have been looking for a 1st HF rig. How does the IC-718 sound???

73 de KB3SJV, John :D

[KI4WCA]

The 718 is the rig here.I love it.Be sure to get one with the audio dsp installed.It come free on the brand new ones.If you want to try cw you should get one with a 500hz filter installed.I have found the 718 works very well for me, it is basic but has everything you need.
I paid 400 for mine, delivered.(used).

[KB3SJV]

well, thanks for the help. Its either the 718 new or a 746 (the discontinued model) used.

[AE5JU]

I bought an IC-718 last month. It is very lightly used, has the UT-106 DSP unit installed.

Very nice radio, easy to use. I had an Icom R75 for a while, so the 718 is all familiar.

First, the positives... easy to use. Easy to read LCD display. And it's easy to use. You can also tx on 160 meters, and receive the AM (MW) broadcast band. Comparing the 718 and my Yaesu FT-897 on the air, other hams cannot tell the difference, I sound the same on either radio. Also, it's easy to use.

I don't really miss, as compared to the FT-897, the lack of 2 meters. I really like having a separate 2 meter rig in the shack, even with the 897, which has 2m/70cm also.

OK, the negative. The DSP is not much more than a tone control. I was not impressed with the UT-106 module on the R75, either. If you turn it up higher it begins to distort voice without really knocking the noise down any more. But the DSP in the Yaesu FT-897 is nothing to write home about, either. It's not as effective as the UT-106 in the Icom.

With the 897 I added, internally, the BHI 1016 module. If I had it to do over again, I'd just do what I have done with the 718.

I purchased the West Mountain Radio CLR-SPKR, which contains its own audio amp and DSP. The four levels of DSP of the CLR-SPKR sound the same as the BHI DSP I added to the FT-897. Both radios need an external speaker, and this makes it easy to add better DSP. I highly recommend this accessory.

Power supply, I have a Samlex SEC-1235M which is rated 30 amps continuous and 35 amps surge. It has Volt and Amp meters. Voltage is adjustable internally. This is a nice power supply but is a little overkill.

Samlex makes the SEC-1223, which is 23 amps continuous, 25 amps surge. This power supply is the same size as the 1235M, but lacks meters. This power supply will do the job for you with enough left over for a 2 meter rig.

LDG IT-100 tuner. I have one of these, too. It works similarly to the LDG AT-897 I have mounted on my Yaesu FT-897. I was very pleased with the AT-897, which is why I purchased the IT-100, and I was not disappointed. The IT-100 will operate from the Tuner button on the 718's front panel. Quick and easy. It just does what a tuner is supposed to do. Nothing more to say.

I put Anderson PowerPoles on everything. The West Mountain Radio CLR-SPKR came with PowerPoles aready installed on the power lead. I've got a West Mountain Radio #4008 Rig Runner power strip on the side. It has 8 fused outlets, over and under voltage LED's, and audible warning tone.

[G0GQK]

The 718 is an excellent litle rig, not so good for those who use CW I have read but for digital activity it can't be beaten for value for money. The 746 has been a pain ever since it was made, I have one and like most, its been troublesome.

G0GQK

[N2JTZ]

:) I've had the 718 for a year and a half. it is easy to use
, hidden menus are not hard to find. good reports from dx stations. using dipole antennas, 15, 20, 40. the handmike is good, but I replaced it with the Icom SM-8, which improved the sound quality. Plus the price is reasonable.I'm very happy with this rig. good luck.
Ken
N2JTZ

[VK3FTIM]

It's a wonderful little rig

I have the UT 106 DSP installed and the 500 hz filter and i find that it works just fine
good audio out of the stock 8 ohm speaker and a good handmike aswell
Cw paddle built into the mike
hidden menus not hard to find
if u have a high swr it knocks back the power
and it has mars mod which allows you to transmit from 1.6 to 33.0

10/10 radio

[KB9LXP]

I also have the IC 718. very easy to operate. incl. 106 dsp, and for antenna tuner is z 100, super simple to operate...Highly recommend for the price!
good luck:cool: 73:rolleyes:

[KF4VKD]

Well I have 2 of them the oldest about 2 years or so seems to have a problem it has been back to ICOM 3 times for the same problem the front end seems to get blown out very easy and quits receiving above 2.00 mhz. ICOM keeps telling me it rf overload but the second one has never had a problem at all. I do not run a AMP and their is no other HAM within 10 miles. In addition I have an antenna switch which grounds the input when the other transciver is in use who knowes ICOM seems to have no suggestion as to why. They have repaired the thing under Warenty twice but they charged me this time.
If any one has any idea why please let me know. Great little radio other than that.

Bill KF4VKD

[VE3FMC]

I have been operating the 718 since Dec/07.

My first one had front end problems. One minute it was fine, the next minute it was dead on receive.

I sent it back to Icom Canada. They repaired it, but it did not receive as well as it did when new. The radio was only 4 months old at the time.

I contacted Icom Canada, and was told to send it back using their shipping company, no charge.

They contacted me, and asked me the usual questions, two rigs in shack, lightning etc etc.

Finally they agreed to send me a new rig. I have not had any issues with this one.

The 718 is a good rig to run on digital. I control mine with HRD and a $16 CT cable. It works just fine when operating digital.

On CW it is not bad, and I do not do much CW. The problems lies with the ACG, you can not control it. Apparently there is a mod to solve the problem. strong CW signals seems to pump the front end.

On voice, it is very good both TX and RX. I use a Heil Icm mike with mine, and also have used the Icom SM5 desk mic.

Now I recently bought an old Icom 720A. The same rig I replaced with the 718 when the finals went on the 720A.

Comparing it on RX to the 718 I found the 720A better. But that might be my ears.

All in all the 718 is a good buy for the money. Used ones are readily available at decent prices.

[K7VV]

we purchased 40 of the 718's for a digital radio project and they work great. Very sturdy, easy to use. We did add an automatic antenna tuner (outboard) and that helps a lot.

de K7VV