Note
While the Icom IC-718 is designed for straightforward operation, it contains several advanced features typical of modern HF transceivers.
In Icom’s amateur radio lineup, the IC-718 occupies a unique and enduring position as the entry-level, no-frills workhorse. Despite its basic appearance, it is one of the most successful transceivers in the company's history, remaining in production for over 25 years.
The IC-718 is positioned as the most affordable full-power (100W) HF base station in Icom's catalog. The "Toyota Corolla" of Radios: It is frequently described as a rugged, reliable utility rig. It lacks the large touchscreens and real-time spectrum scopes found on mid-range models like the IC-7300. The radio uses a double-conversion superheterodyne architecture designed for stability and interference rejection.
Focus on Fundamentals: It prioritizes a "knob-per-function" philosophy for basic operations, making it a favorite for emergency kits, backup stations, and new hams who prefer tactile controls over menu-diving.
While modern Icom radios (like the IC-7300 and IC-7610) use SDR architecture with direct sampling, the IC-718 is a double-conversion superheterodyne design. It represents the bridge between old-school analog RF and modern digital processing. It uses a traditional receiver circuit but incorporates a digital system to handle tasks like noise reduction and automatic notch filtering.
Interestingly, the IC-718 has been "discontinued" in certain markets several times due to evolving components, only to be re-released. For example, it was re-introduced to the US market in 2023 because of its continued demand as a simple, durable radio for those who don't want the complexity of a touchscreen-heavy interface.
In short, it is the "old reliable" of the Icom family—situated at the very bottom in terms of price and visual features, but highly respected for its longevity and performance-to-cost ratio.
Features
– Built-in SWR Measurement: The radio includes a circuit to measure antenna SWR directly, requiring no external equipment.
– Electronic Keyer: It features a built-in electronic keyer with adjustable keying weight and speed (20 to 60 wpm). Note: The minimum speed of about 20 WPM seems a little high for many ops, especially given that this is a "starter" rig.
– CW Break-in: Supports both Semi Break-in and Full Break-in modes, allowing the radio to switch between transmit and receive automatically while keying.
– Digital Mode Support: It can be configured for RTTY (Radio Teletype) in both FSK and AFSK modes.
– Remote Control: The transceiver can be remotely controlled by a PC using Icom’s CI-V interface for frequency and mode adjustments.
Accessories
– Antenna Tuners: It is designed to work with several optional external automatic antenna tuners, such as the AT-180 (desktop), AH-4 (long wire), and AH-740 (tuning whip).
– Linear Amplifiers: The rear panel includes [SEND] and [ALC] connections for integrating non-Icom linear amplifiers.
– Portability Options: For mobile or field use, it can be equipped with an MB-23 carrying handle or an MB-118 mobile mounting bracket.
Specsifications
– Frequency Range: Covers all HF amateur bands.
– Operating Modes: Supports USB, LSB, CW, RTTY (FSK), and AM.
– Sensitivity: 0.16 µV for SSB and CW (at 10 dB S/N).
_ Selectivity: 2.1 kHz/–6 dB and less than 4.5 kHz/–60 dB selectivity for SSB/CW modes.
– Intermediate Frequencies (IF): * 1st IF: 64.455 MHz; 2nd IF: 455 kHz.
– A Digital IF filter that allows for adjustable noise reduction (NR) and an automatic notch filter (ANF) to remove annoying beat tones.
Transmitter Specifications
– Output Power: Adjustable from 2 W to 100 W for SSB, CW, and RTTY modes. For AM, the power ranges from 2 W to 40 W.
– Modulation Systems: SSB: Balanced modulation; AM: Low-level modulation.
– Spurious Emissions: Better than –50 dB.
– Carrier Suppression: Greater than 40 dB.
– Antenna Impedance: 50 Ω (unbalanced).
– Microphone Impedance: 600 Ω.
– Remote Control: Uses Icom’s CI-V protocol with adjustable baud rates (up to 19,200 bps) and a default hex address of 5Eh.
– External Relay (SEND): The internal relay is rated for 16 V DC and 2 A. If you are using an older linear amplifier with higher switching voltages, you must use an external buffer relay to avoid damaging the radio.
Power Requirements
– Voltage: 13.8 V DC ±15%.
– Current Drain:
Transmit (Max Power): Approximately 20 A.
Receive (Max Audio): Approximately 2.0 A.
Standby: Approximately 1.3 A.
