ICOM HM -219 Hand mic smokes the HM-36

[Bow]

It's OK, but no FM, no filters, AGC is miserable. The 718 would puke next to a 7300. If they dropped the price on the 718, or add a filter, then I'd love it more.

I've never had any trouble DX'ing with mine... and FM? only for 10M? I don't even miss it..

I have had my first 718 since 2002... it was $450 back then, then picked up a second one about 10 years ago second hand with an AT-130 Antenna Tuner from a friend for $400 total.

Even today, it is $400 less than any other Icom. it is a good, solid no frills radio.... and you can put an extra filter in it, if needed...

 

[binrat]

It's OK, but no FM, no filters, AGC is miserable. The 718 would puke next to a 7300. If they dropped the price on the 718, or add a filter, then I'd love it more.

It's a great radio for being my 1st. Bought used for a few hundred and in time sold it for the same to another newbie. Nothing advanced, not too many knobs, buttons, switches for the operator to get overwhelmed.

 

[Mudfoot]

I had the IC-707, which was the predecessor to the 718. I bought a new 718 when it came out. The 718 isn't to much of a turd, but if one was going to buy a new one, I'd recommend a used 7300. I'm not crazy about the 7300. After owning several Alinco SR8T's, I'd be more apt to recommend it over the 718. It's just more rig for the money. I think the only thing Icom ever added to the 718, was the inclusion of DSP.

I suppose if they added more features to the 718, it'd be in the $ range of the 7200. IMO, the only thing the 718 has in its corner, is that it's an "ICOM" and it's the cheapest one they sell.

 

[L2]

HM-219

Good mic. There's a mod to make it louder too.

 

[Bow]

After owning several Alinco SR8T's, I'd be more apt to recommend it over the 718. It's just more rig for the money. I think the only thing Icom ever added to the 718, was the inclusion of DSP.

I have always looked at the Alinco SR8T... it seems to be very much like the IC-718, except it has FM.

Are they a decent rig?

I suppose if they added more features to the 718, it'd be in the $ range of the 7200. IMO, the only thing the 718 has in its corner, is that it's an "ICOM" and it's the cheapest one they sell.

That is probably very true, it is the only HF rig I've ever had, so it works for me.

 

[W4KVW]

Screw that, the 718 is a great rig... no BS, and the price can't be beat

I like operating 10 meter FM & it's not a possibility with the 718 since ICOM for some reason did not even make an Optional FM Board for anyone who would like it? I will just keep my ICOM 7600 & ICOM 746 & they both have it.

SIX-SHOOTER