My IC718 is 20 years old and still going strong. I have made3800 FT8 contacts and worked 102 countries on FT8 with this rig. Great audio quality and great receiver sensitivity. She is a Keeper.
I am retired on a budget so I bought the IC-718. I have been a Ham for only a couple years. The radio is only as good as the antenna in my opinion. I built an 80 meter OCFD to go with my radio. Thanks for the video.
100% correct on the importance of a good antenna. The best one for my situation was a full wave horizontal loop cut for 40m, 450 balanced line into my shack that connected to a balun and that in turn to an LDG IT-100 tuner. Great DX plus a decent NVIS aspect that allowed great coverage in a 300 mile radius. Very immune to noise. Although, even bad antennas can work well enough sometimes. My very first contact was made with sloper 40m dipole which had a short in the PL259! I'm in Pittsburgh and had a QSO on 15m with a guy in Washington State!!
Debs husband says I appreciate what you said about the antenna. The antenna is a crucial part of having a good station. The best transceiver in the world is only going to work as good as the antenna it is connected to.
I got my 718 from a fiend, cost me £200.00 fully serviced. I got a DSP unit for it and WOW what a big difference that was. And the ANF button Automatic Notch Filter is very good indeed, no more whistles with that pressed in, and as for the NR Noise Reducer that makes a huge difference to it. The IF shift does help a lot when needed. Its not as good as the big guns, but what the hell, it works perfectly and over the years I have got some very good results about it.
Congrats! It's a super solid radio. I got a DSP speaker instead, but a game changer still. I use the DSP speaker with my G90 now, 100% improvement. Enjoy the 718 and thanks for watching! 73
I have one too but now operate a 7300. My 718 has the DSP and a CW filter. Living in a quiet QTH the DSP is really not needed. IF I use it it is on a low setting. The CW filter is another thing. It helps. Still, old timers had radios way worse than a filter less 718 and they where OK. Do I notice weak signals better? Not really. Definitely not to justify the price difference. I always had low setting on the mic gain and close to none compression and always was told I had nice audio. Guys with fancy radios sent audio files proving it. I do not even use the few "bells and whistles" this radio offers. Never needed them. So what does the 7300 offer in practical terms? The things one can measure and see in that little window. More like some of the things you can measure and see in that window. But you don't need it. de SA3BOW
With summer propagation in a lull, a 100 watt radio is best for POTA compared to my QRP radios that do great in winter. Unfortunately used prices on ebay are still too close to new considering one still has to buy the cw filter, dsp, & handle for that great POTA experience. I have an Icom IC75 RX which works very similar so i can say i would love the 718 too. I have a 20AH Lifepo4 Lion battery ready to go as well so power is indeed a necessary thing for 100 watt POTA. Thanks for the review! Cheers, Davey - KU9L
My IC-718 and MFJ-939 is coupled to my Hustler 6-BTV with 17m add-on. My Yaesu FT-450D is connected to my MFJ Cobweb antenna, but the internal tuner is not even needed. Entry level radios are all one needs to have amazing enjoyment out of Amateur Radio. If you want all the bells and whistles and don't mind paying to play, GOOD FOR YOU!
And there's no accident now the company ICOM still makes and sells the IC718. It is a feature-packed little radio--- huge bang for the buck. When Japanese money was down, I bought one new for 500 USD. Here's the good instruction book and memorize how to get all of the functions active. The larger radios simply have a separate knob for that same kind of function and you definitely want it on a good ham radio which the IC 718 is.
If i buy one of these do i really need an Eton 750 or a high end Grundig receiver just to listen to shortwave? or does this radio do all the shortwave frequencies already out of the box?
@@FutureEyesOnly-be3do HF ham radios such as this one generally receive approximately 1.8 through 30 or so MHz on AM or SSB. A really high end SW radio will receive on a much greater range of frequencies as well as more modes. If you're not interested in transmitting IMO a good SW is the better choice
Looking to get my first Hf Rig. It will be used as a base and for POTA, given that said in anyones opinion if it came down to the Icom 718 or the Ft-891, which one would you get. The Icom really doesn't seem all that much larger i know its twice the weight but i am not really worried about that. The 718 looks like it would be much nicer to operate.
I have owned two IC-718 radios and they're solid, reliable and look great. But the AGC rate on SSB makes extended listening on 80 meters tiring. Other thsn that they're great.
I remember a few years ago when places were selling them new about 550 range. I’d love to get one but finances do not allow. I wish it had 6 meters but that just seems to be the designated ft8 band anymore anyway 😒 before I draw heat from anyone ft8 is fine if that’s your thing. To me I grew up listening to cb and enjoy the challenge of actual intelligible conversation.
This one went up for auction recently and sold for $369, which is consistent with others I've seen lately. Probably one of the best deals out there to get into hf on the cheap
@@whiskeysix absolutely! Once things allow i will start watching them on there as a back up rig. I love my yaesu ft450 but honestly don’t think the dsp is anything special like the make it out. It could also be I’ve seen lots of videos on the new ftdx101 and ftdx10 radios and they seem to blow it out of the water. The noise floor where I am is plain ridiculous but that’s life. I could probably make some changes to help it some but nothing spectacular different to be worth it. The only thing that may help is an Antron linear power supply vs the noise prone mfj switcher
The newer radios do have some great features But This one seems to be built like a tank and without all the firmware and menu diving nonsense that I don't care to deal with. KO4HPC 73
My IC-740 is over four decades old, still functioning and one of the reasons I got the IC-718. Build and tested to Mil standards I have a feeling my IC-718 is probably going to outlast me lol 73 Lynn NG9D th-cam.com/video/k9wiQwh6OgI/w-d-xo.html
I have one as well. Yes they are a solid built radio but lack filtering and FM mode (as well as many other options/features you would expect to get for that kind of money) . Definitely not worth 700 bucks when you can spend a few more hundred and get so much more.
100w, and plenty enough to work the world with the right antenna! I did a function test video to show power output on various bands here th-cam.com/video/W0qX_V72rKk/w-d-xo.html
@@whiskeysix You're talking about all band that's why you're bringing up the 991a and the 2000 which can do VHF/UHF. He's talking about all mode. You misunderstood his comment : ) ... all mode to him means it doesn't have FM. Mode is not band.
A very underrated rig, I have one myself with MARS mod and it gets the job done‼️ waving from my tech bench. 73
I've had one for about 13yrs now, wouldn't trade it for anything.
My IC718 is 20 years old and still going strong. I have made3800 FT8 contacts and worked 102 countries on FT8 with this rig. Great audio quality and great receiver sensitivity. She is a Keeper.
A friend of mine had one of these in his boat for years. Never gave him any problems.
I pick up used icom-718 and icom sp-38 for 450.00 last September. It looks New right out of the box. Love the radio for a back up. I am a yaesu guy.
450 is an awesome deal.
I am retired on a budget so I bought the IC-718. I have been a Ham for only a couple years. The radio is only as good as the antenna in my opinion. I built an 80 meter OCFD to go with my radio. Thanks for the video.
Appreciate your comment. Maybe you've only been a ham for a short time but you've already learned the most important lesson!
100% correct on the importance of a good antenna. The best one for my situation was a full wave horizontal loop cut for 40m, 450 balanced line into my shack that connected to a balun and that in turn to an LDG IT-100 tuner. Great DX plus a decent NVIS aspect that allowed great coverage in a 300 mile radius. Very immune to noise. Although, even bad antennas can work well enough sometimes. My very first contact was made with sloper 40m dipole which had a short in the PL259! I'm in Pittsburgh and had a QSO on 15m with a guy in Washington State!!
Debs husband says I appreciate what you said about the antenna. The antenna is a crucial part of having a good station. The best transceiver in the world is only going to work as good as the antenna it is connected to.
I got my 718 from a fiend, cost me £200.00 fully serviced. I got a DSP unit for it and WOW what a big difference that was. And the ANF button Automatic Notch Filter is very good indeed, no more whistles with that pressed in, and as for the NR Noise Reducer that makes a huge difference to it. The IF shift does help a lot when needed. Its not as good as the big guns, but what the hell, it works perfectly and over the years I have got some very good results about it.
What is a DSP unit wtat does it do and how do you attach it to the 718. I just bought a 718
What brand DSP
I've had this radio with added DSP for 11 years and I wouldn't trade it for any other.
It's definitely an underrated unit.
Best radio been rain ☔ on ❄️ in before
All in one 😡 never to many
Sold
Mars mod lunch tip 😮
This is my very first HF radio and I really liking it. I even installed a bran new DPS unit, it makes a huge difference.
Congrats! It's a super solid radio. I got a DSP speaker instead, but a game changer still. I use the DSP speaker with my G90 now, 100% improvement. Enjoy the 718 and thanks for watching! 73
I have one too but now operate a 7300. My 718 has the DSP and a CW filter.
Living in a quiet QTH the DSP is really not needed. IF I use it it is on a low setting.
The CW filter is another thing. It helps. Still, old timers had radios way worse than
a filter less 718 and they where OK. Do I notice weak signals better? Not really.
Definitely not to justify the price difference. I always had low setting on the mic
gain and close to none compression and always was told I had nice audio.
Guys with fancy radios sent audio files proving it. I do not even use the few "bells
and whistles" this radio offers. Never needed them. So what does the 7300 offer
in practical terms? The things one can measure and see in that little window.
More like some of the things you can measure and see in that window.
But you don't need it.
de SA3BOW
@@whiskeysixWhat brand DSP?
With summer propagation in a lull, a 100 watt radio is best for POTA compared to my QRP radios that do great in winter. Unfortunately used prices on ebay are still too close to new considering one still has to buy the cw filter, dsp, & handle for that great POTA experience. I have an Icom IC75 RX which works very similar so i can say i would love the 718 too. I have a 20AH Lifepo4 Lion battery ready to go as well so power is indeed a necessary thing for 100 watt POTA. Thanks for the review! Cheers, Davey - KU9L
My IC-718 and MFJ-939 is coupled to my Hustler 6-BTV with 17m add-on. My Yaesu FT-450D is connected to my MFJ Cobweb antenna, but the internal tuner is not even needed.
Entry level radios are all one needs to have amazing enjoyment out of Amateur Radio. If you want all the bells and whistles and don't mind paying to play, GOOD FOR YOU!
Yes it is. And so is the IC-7200. Still got my IC-718 as a backup Radio for the Case of the Case. 73 de Uncle Guenter 💯🔔🔔🔔🙋♂
I’m so close to getting one!
Do it! It's a great radio! Mines still actively receiving bids on eBay. Throw an offer in while it's still up for the next few days
@@whiskeysixI did, but it went past my max bid.
Go go go...do it 💯🔔🔔🔔👍
And there's no accident now the company ICOM still makes and sells the IC718. It is a feature-packed little radio--- huge bang for the buck. When Japanese money was down, I bought one new for 500 USD. Here's the good instruction book and memorize how to get all of the functions active. The larger radios simply have a separate knob for that same kind of function and you definitely want it on a good ham radio which the IC 718 is.
If i buy one of these do i really need an Eton 750 or a high end Grundig receiver just to listen to shortwave? or does this radio do all the shortwave frequencies already out of the box?
@@FutureEyesOnly-be3do HF ham radios such as this one generally receive approximately 1.8 through 30 or so MHz on AM or SSB. A really high end SW radio will receive on a much greater range of frequencies as well as more modes. If you're not interested in transmitting IMO a good SW is the better choice
Looking to get my first Hf Rig. It will be used as a base and for POTA, given that said in anyones opinion if it came down to the Icom 718 or the Ft-891, which one would you get.
The Icom really doesn't seem all that much larger i know its twice the weight but i am not really worried about that. The 718 looks like it would be much nicer to operate.
The 718 is a Great Radio. But for a Little more you can get the Yeasu 450D. Built in Antenna Tuner, and a Little more Filtering.
Never operated one, but I know they're highly regarded. Thanks for the comment!
Kenwood TS-120 from ~1980 is quite similar. It can accept optional passband filters.
I have owned two IC-718 radios and they're solid, reliable and look great. But the AGC rate on SSB makes extended listening on 80 meters tiring. Other thsn that they're great.
I have a 7300, BUT I always liked that 718. Solid, good performance. I guess you sold it??
I remember a few years ago when places were selling them new about 550 range. I’d love to get one but finances do not allow. I wish it had 6 meters but that just seems to be the designated ft8 band anymore anyway 😒 before I draw heat from anyone ft8 is fine if that’s your thing. To me I grew up listening to cb and enjoy the challenge of actual intelligible conversation.
This one went up for auction recently and sold for $369, which is consistent with others I've seen lately. Probably one of the best deals out there to get into hf on the cheap
@@whiskeysix absolutely! Once things allow i will start watching them on there as a back up rig. I love my yaesu ft450 but honestly don’t think the dsp is anything special like the make it out. It could also be I’ve seen lots of videos on the new ftdx101 and ftdx10 radios and they seem to blow it out of the water. The noise floor where I am is plain ridiculous but that’s life. I could probably make some changes to help it some but nothing spectacular different to be worth it. The only thing that may help is an Antron linear power supply vs the noise prone mfj switcher
I break pile up after pile up with the 718 and a 4 band ocf dipole from MFJ
The newer radios do have some great features But This one seems to be built like a tank and without all the firmware and menu diving nonsense that I don't care to deal with. KO4HPC 73
My IC-740 is over four decades old, still functioning and one of the reasons I got the IC-718. Build and tested to Mil standards I have a feeling my IC-718 is probably going to outlast me lol 73 Lynn NG9D th-cam.com/video/k9wiQwh6OgI/w-d-xo.html
I have one as well. Yes they are a solid built radio but lack filtering and FM mode (as well as many other options/features you would expect to get for that kind of money) . Definitely not worth 700 bucks when you can spend a few more hundred and get so much more.
RF power would be great...
100w, and plenty enough to work the world with the right antenna! I did a function test video to show power output on various bands here th-cam.com/video/W0qX_V72rKk/w-d-xo.html
this is the radio I wanted until I found out it was not all mode. so no thanks.
Not truly all-mode, no. There's really only a few transceivers that are real all mode units. FT-991a and TS-2000 are the first that come to mind
@@whiskeysix You're talking about all band that's why you're bringing up the 991a and the 2000 which can do VHF/UHF. He's talking about all mode. You misunderstood his comment : ) ... all mode to him means it doesn't have FM. Mode is not band.
So it's so great you want to sell it. You explained nothing about the radio.
No six metres or fm and a bit expensive a 706 mark 2 is a better buy
Sell it to me!
No