The Icom IC-718 is a reliable and straightforward HF transceiver designed for amateur radio operators who prioritize simplicity, performance, and affordability. As part of Icom's lineup of HF transceivers, the IC-718 has earned a reputation for its rugged construction, user-friendly interface, and excellent receiver performance, making it a popular choice among both seasoned operators and those new to the hobby.
Operating across the HF amateur radio bands (1.8-29.7 MHz), the IC-718 provides users with access to a wide range of frequencies for long-distance communication, DXing, contesting, and general amateur radio operation. Its robust receiver system features a high-performance, general coverage receiver with superior sensitivity and selectivity, ensuring clear reception of weak signals even in noisy RF environments.
One of the standout features of the IC-718 is its intuitive front panel layout, which features large knobs, buttons, and a clear, easy-to-read LCD display. The front panel controls provide tactile feedback and allow for precise adjustment of settings, including frequency selection, mode selection (SSB, CW, AM, FM), and volume control. The LCD display provides essential information such as operating frequency, signal strength, and operating mode, making it easy for users to monitor and adjust settings during operation.
The IC-718's transmitter section delivers up to 100 watts of RF output power, ensuring reliable communication over long distances. The transmitter features a built-in speech compressor and adjustable microphone gain, allowing users to optimize audio quality and maximize signal clarity. Additionally, the IC-718 is equipped with a built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU), enabling users to quickly match their antenna to the desired operating frequency without the need for external tuning equipment.
Despite its simplicity, the IC-718 offers a range of useful features to enhance the operating experience. These include adjustable DSP filtering, which allows users to tailor receiver bandwidth to their specific needs, reducing interference and improving signal clarity. The transceiver also features a built-in CW keyer for Morse code operation, making it suitable for CW enthusiasts and contest operators.
While the IC-718 excels in many areas, it is not without its limitations. Its lack of advanced features found in higher-end transceivers, such as digital mode capabilities, built-in antenna tuners, and spectrum scope displays, may be a drawback for users who require these features for their specific operating needs. Additionally, the IC-718's fixed IF filtering may limit its performance in crowded band conditions, where more advanced filtering options would be beneficial.
In summary, the Icom IC-718 is a reliable and straightforward HF transceiver that offers excellent performance, simplicity, and affordability. Whether used for casual ragchewing, DXing, or contesting, the IC-718 provides users with a robust and dependable platform for HF communication. Its user-friendly interface, rugged construction, and excellent receiver performance make it an ideal choice for amateur radio operators looking for a versatile and reliable HF transceiver.
Strengths:
Rugged Construction: The Icom IC-718 is built to withstand the rigors of amateur radio operation, featuring a rugged construction that ensures durability and reliability even in harsh operating environments. Its robust design makes it well-suited for portable field operations and mobile installations.
Excellent Receiver Performance: The IC-718 boasts a high-performance receiver with superior sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for clear reception of weak signals even in noisy RF environments. Its general coverage receiver covers a wide frequency range, providing users with access to a diverse range of amateur radio bands for long-distance communication and DXing.
Simple and Intuitive Operation: With its straightforward front panel layout, large knobs, buttons, and easy-to-read LCD display, the IC-718 offers simple and intuitive operation for amateur radio operators of all experience levels. The front panel controls provide tactile feedback and allow for precise adjustment of settings, making frequency selection, mode selection, and volume control easy and convenient.
Weaknesses:
Limited Features: Compared to higher-end transceivers, the IC-718 lacks advanced features such as digital mode capabilities, built-in antenna tuners, and spectrum scope displays. This limitation may be a drawback for users who require these features for their specific operating needs, such as digital mode enthusiasts or contest operators.
Fixed IF Filtering: The IC-718's fixed IF filtering may limit its performance in crowded band conditions, where more advanced filtering options would be beneficial. Users may experience increased interference and reduced signal clarity in such scenarios, especially in high-traffic bands or during contests.
No Built-in Automatic Antenna Tuner (ATU): Unlike some other transceivers in its class, the IC-718 does not include a built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU). While it supports manual antenna tuning, the lack of an automatic tuner may be a drawback for users who require quick and convenient antenna matching capabilities, especially when operating on multiple frequencies or bands.
Here are its specifications:
Frequency Coverage:
- Receive: 0.030-29.999 MHz
- Transmit: 1.800-1.999, 3.500-3.999, 7.000-7.300, 10.100-10.150, 14.000-14.350, 18.068-18.168, 21.000-21.450, 24.890-24.990, 28.000-29.700 MHz
Mode: SSB, CW, RTTY (FSK), AM, FM
Number of Channels: 101 channels (99 regular, 2 scan edges)
Frequency Stability: ±200 Hz (-10°C to +60°C; +14°F to +140°F)
Power Supply Requirement: 13.8V DC ±15%
Current Drain (at 13.8V DC):
- Transmitting (Max. Power): 20A
- Receiving (Max. Audio): 1.5A
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (unbalanced)
Operating Temperature Range: -10°C to +60°C; +14°F to +140°F
Dimensions (W x H x D): 240 × 96 × 239 mm (9.45 × 3.78 × 9.41 inches)
Weight (approx.): 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)
Transmitter:
- Output Power: 100W (SSB/CW/RTTY/FM), 25W (AM)
- Modulation System: SSB, Balanced Modulation, AM, FM, Digital P.S.N. modulation
- Spurious Emissions: Less than -50 dB (HF bands), less than -60 dB (50 MHz band)
- Carrier Suppression: More than 40 dB
Receiver:
- Receiver System: Double conversion superheterodyne
- Sensitivity (at 10dB S/N): 0.16 μV typical (HF, 1.8-30 MHz), 0.13 μV typical (50 MHz band)
- Selectivity:
- SSB, CW, RTTY (BW: 2.4 kHz): More than 2.4 kHz/-6 dB, Less than 4.4 kHz/-60 dB
- AM (BW: 6 kHz): More than 6 kHz/-6 dB, Less than 20 kHz/-50 dB
- FM (BW: 15 kHz): More than 12 kHz/-6 dB, Less than 30 kHz/-60 dB
Supplied Accessories:
- Hand microphone (HM-36)
- DC power cable
- Spare fuse
- Spare fuse holder
- ACC cable
- Mounting bracket kit
These specifications highlight the IC-718's wide frequency coverage, multiple operating modes, high power output, and robust construction, making it a versatile and reliable HF transceiver for amateur radio operators.