I have owned many high dollar radios but have had more fun with this little rig than all the others. The IC-718 has been in production for years and still is in 2022. The reason is that it is a solid, dependable performer that is easy and fun to operate and doesn't break the bank in price. I bought mine used at a great price, installed an FL-52A 500Hz CW filter and have been having a blast with this rig. I saw your review of the Yaesu FT-897D, and this review impresses me as well. You have the perfect voice, cadence and candor for these types of videos. I predict your channel to grow fast!
I got this baby when Japanese money was down for 500 USD brand new. I just got it out after years in the closet and the dial had corroded otherwise work great and this is the only $500 radio I know of with all the features of the big guys and none of the throat=choking costs. I am putting at low power on FT-8......... Note it's power output reading is representative -- not a measurement, so 40 watts would be about 45 watts on the meter.... "H" for high power indicates 100 w. input.
This is an excellent video - easy to follow and understand. I am torn between this radio and the ICOM 7300 for my first HF rig. I like the simplicity of the ICOM 718 (as you pointed out) but the 7300 model offers lots more modern features including an antenna turner albeit at a higher price. Any comments?
Thank you! Well I have used both of the rigs you mentioned and I find the benefits of the IC-7300 worth the extra money. The DSP filtering of the 7300 makes it a better player in crowded band conditions (unless you just want to operate only SSB or CW in which case the add on filters for the IC-718 may serve you well. However, since the filtering is already installed on the 7300 and it's ready to interface with a computer for digital modes I find it a compelling choice if the funds are available. The pan adaptor allows you to use your eyes as well as your ears to quickly locate any activity that's received. Plus, as you mentioned, you have a built in antenna tuner. I find the 7300 very easy to navigate and operate. Icom did a superb job of human engineering. -Dan
I have an Icom IC-718 and I love it. However mine is fitted with Collins mechanical filters for SSB and CW - there used to be a kit that enabled that mod. Also mine has the Icon DSP add on. I'm currently saving my hobby cash for a 7300 and suggest you do the same - if you can easily afford it.
The receiver is nicer in the IC-7300. The optional Icom filters for the IC-718 are no longer available. The transmitter power amplifiers are nearly the same in both radios. I like the simple controls of the IC-718 for mobile use in the car, but the IC-7300 is a much nicer radio. The IC-7300 has been one f the best radios I've ever had. The receiver on the IC-718 is noisy in comparison. The IC-7300 receiver compares well with more expensive radios.
The IC-718 is a decent radio, but I found it a bit complicated. I don't like radios with menus, radios that need to be programmed, and radios with buttons, switches, and knobs that do more than one thing. I recently bought a 30 year old IC-728 from its original owner, and like it much better. The receive is definitely better, the 728 has a triple conversion receiver, while the 718 has a double conversion receiver. The 728 also has much better audio. While not a tube radio, the 728 is much closer to the performance of a tube radio than the 718. They just don't make radios like they used to.
Agree. For me, I'd still go with old school rigs. It's much easier to use. When the DSP of modern radios bogs down, you're done. It'll be an expensive fix. And besides, thousands of dollar or cheap but in very good condition 30 - 40 year old radios just have the very same frequencies which all that matters to communicate. By the way, I have the IC-735.
If you were budget restricted would you buy the 718 or save a little longer and buy the ic-7300? I know the 7300 is a much better radio, and many more features, but would you spend the xtra?
I think it depends on your usage. If you're just going for casual operating and don't need the features of the 7300 you may find the 718 does what you need. But if you're planning on doing anything digital you may find the 7300 is a better bargain. Also consider the expense of an external antenna tuner.
Can anyone tell me why when I turn on the ATT, the signals go UP in level? I thought when ATT was on the screen, that meant the attenuator was on, which should lower the signals . I am so confused.
the factory named "inrad" makes IF filters for the icom ic718, for example a 2.8khz wide filter for ssb. that 2.8 khz IF-filter is solderd in instead the standard 2.4khz filter, the modularion sounds then so much better. the 718 makes a nice modulation, it has some potential. the original dsp unit for this radio is to outdatet in my opinion, it would be great if inrad or another factory would make a better dsp to replace the old dsp in the 718 with. a disadvantage is the lower dynamic range, the receiver doesnt sound that clear, thats not pleasent to listen to, weak signals become unintelligible. its a basic radio, for people who like the simplicity in use, price might be a point too.
I tried the optional factory Icom 2.8 khz wide filter af it wasn't that great in my IC718, but the Inrad 2.1 khz narrow filter is great. I bought mine when the DSP unit was optional in the US and the DSP unit was separate, but discounted in price. Later the US version came with the DSP unit factory installed, but other countries continued to sell IC718's without the DSP unit and it was still a separate option. The Irad 2.1 khz really cut the noise on mine, while still being wide enough to sound good. Mine has the early powder connector and early microphone and I installed the DSP unit.
@@PhantomWoIf The Inrad 2.1 khz filter sounds perfect in my IC-718. The Icom 2.8 khz was not good. The narrow Icom filter was 1.8 or 1.9 khz and I knew that was narrower than I wanted. The replacement filters are larger than the little ceramic 2.4 khz filter that comes with the radio. It is not a quality crystal filter.
