W0BKR
05-30-2002, 08:26 PM
I recently purchased a new IC-718 HF radio for grins. I primarily wanted something alishgtly bigger then the typical "tiny box" radio for portable or even mobile operation. Originally, I purchased the Ten-Tec jupiter but it exhibited such poor performance, not to mention the quality problems that forced me to return it for rework (mis-wired), I decided to return it for a refund and use the money towards something more applicable.
I looked at the DX-77T and the IC-718. Upon reading the reviews on both, I decided to go with the 718. What a fun radio to use!! Not only is it easy to use, it hears well, has many features the Ten Texc didn't have (at it cost over $1200!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif. I has easy to read display, up/down controls, shift, split-dual VFO's, DSP and filter slots. The front end is susceptible to hammering by near field signals (i.e. 5 kHz away) but so was my Ten Tec and so are other radios without optional filtering.
All in all, I think if you want a radio to get into amateur radio, this would do the trick and you would probably hang onto it long after you upgraded to more sophisticated equipment.
The price can't be beat (under $560 from AES in May 2002; and you get the DSP option free!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif.
I looked at the DX-77T and the IC-718. Upon reading the reviews on both, I decided to go with the 718. What a fun radio to use!! Not only is it easy to use, it hears well, has many features the Ten Texc didn't have (at it cost over $1200!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif. I has easy to read display, up/down controls, shift, split-dual VFO's, DSP and filter slots. The front end is susceptible to hammering by near field signals (i.e. 5 kHz away) but so was my Ten Tec and so are other radios without optional filtering.
All in all, I think if you want a radio to get into amateur radio, this would do the trick and you would probably hang onto it long after you upgraded to more sophisticated equipment.
The price can't be beat (under $560 from AES in May 2002; and you get the DSP option free!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif.