new Icom 718 owner question

[edfiero]

I picked up a used 718. Question on the power output.

I've got the mic gain set at about 75% on SSB and get good movement on the ALC meter. If I whistle in the mic I see the full 100 watts out. However while speaking into the mic, peaks barely hit 50w and average is down around 20.

On my old Yaseu voice peaks are very near 100 and average is more like 60+.

Is the 718 a known dog that I missed the memo on? Did I get an abused radio? Or is there a menu adjustment that I haven't found yet?

Thanks

 

[sp5it]

Is compressor on or off?

 

[w9cll]

Do you have a peak reading meter? What you are experiencing is perfectly normal if you are using a none peak meter.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

RTFM. The manual explains how the ALC should be run. You did not tell us what meter you are using to measure power. If it is not a TRUE peak reading meter it will NEVER show full 100 watts on peaks and in any regard the difference between one radio showing 50 watts and the other 60 watts is negligible.

 

[edfiero]

RTFM. The manual explains how the ALC should be run. You did not tell us what meter you are using to measure power. If it is not a TRUE peak reading meter it will NEVER show full 100 watts on peaks and in any regard the difference between one radio showing 50 watts and the other 60 watts is negligible.

The meter is just a cheap Radio Shack combo Power/SWR meter. I am less concerned with the absolute reading and am more using it as a point of reference. The Yaesu FT840 gives a much higher average reading than the Icom does. Peak meter readings aside, I'd expect both radios to produce similar readings.

 

[L2]

I'd invest in a decent peak reading meter like a Daiwa 901.

 

[Low_Boy]

I had this same problem with a Icom 718. The problem is the factory power cord is junk. If you solder the ends on the power cord where it plugs it to the radio you may notice a bit more difference. I am not totally impressed with this radio at all.

 

[w9cll]

The meter is just a cheap Radio Shack combo Power/SWR meter.

There is your main issue, get a peak reading meter and compare the two.

 

[Bow]

I had this same problem with a Icom 718. The problem is the factory power cord is junk. If you solder the ends on the power cord where it plugs it to the radio you may notice a bit more difference. I am not totally impressed with this radio at all.

I have 2... been bulletproof for years... like since 2002