I almost bought the 718 as my first radio last summer. But ended up going with a Yaesu FT450D instead because of the built in tuner. I got it on sale at HRO for 550$. Coincidentally, I just picked up the MFJ Versa tuner 2 for free. A ham passed away at our club and wanted all new hams to get his equipment. I was shocked and excited to get this piece of equipment! got to love hams.
Wow. For a guy like me going for a Technician License, this is a wealth of helpful information. The stuff about the distinction between HF, and VHF and UHF is all very helpful.Your video is one of the best I have seen so far as far as a station set up for prepping and so forth. There is so much confusing information out there, and you really get down to specific brass tacks. I am deeply in your debt and I think you are a very good mentor. When I get my call sign and all I hope you can guide me.-- Yours truly, Bruce--Canducie
Thanks for commenting. It's a great radio. When I was in Germany in the late 90's, we got two of these for the base MARS station. They worked great and were run 24/7. I remember making the adapter cables to use the old military handsets to work with them. We also had an old phone-patch connected to them.
Nice! Back then I had a TS820 with the optional counter. I sold the radio long ago but still have my Dentron Supertuner which I will probably never part with. Are you still active with MARS ?
Love your channel,I just inherited my Dads ICOM IC-718 MFJ-949-E a Power conditioned Power supply,30 Ft Tower antennas ant switches and more multiple FMs A complete Alnico Portable Rig with the MJF Mobile 945E tuner and more.Learning a ton from watching your videos.I go for my HAM Tech in the next couple weeks,GREAT VIDEOS HANK !! Thanks For POSTING1
Nice intro, thanks. I would love to see a comprehensive review of the capabilities of the IC-718, as I just got one in a ham fest today, and most of the YT videos are lean on details. Mine was missing the manual, so I'm also looking for that online. Loop antenna - wow, that is cool. Love to hear more on that too.
You can get the manual at Icom's website. www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/DownloadDocument.aspx?Document=17 Look antenna is great. However, remember you need to turn the power down. They are not 100 watt antennas.
Same here on multi-band radios, I have a few dual-banders but for the most part, all are separate, single band units. I have been looking at the 718 for my van/mobile,
Outstanding. We need more hams to secure our frequencies. I would like to do more entry-level radio type videos. Sometimes I forget that folks are starting from scratch.
I think for what it's worth that this is a excellent radio to have at your retreat. It's not a backpacking radio. You can set this up at your retreat, run it off solar, generator on grid if you have it. Nice no frills bit of inexpensive kit that I think all homestead preppers would be advised to acquire. Many thanks Larry
Currently running a Yaesu FTdx10 and an FT-991....but Im really considering adding this rig as a solid backup and emergency radio. Would be a good rig to connect to my portable battery box. At about $560 after rebates right now, it seems almost criminal not to grab one of these
No nonsense, no fuss radio. No fuss tuner. Just get on the air with a half decent antenna and start calling CQ. The IC718 is a tough unit. This is on my to buy list as a field day radio. Nice video mate. 73
Good entry level radio, I own one myself. Sometimes I see these selling for as low as $500 used on eBay and elsewhere. I do agree that the 1.3 receive current is high in survival situations, but that should not be a concern for everyday use on commercial power. The only drawback is that the CW filter is very expensive, it costs nearly a 1/4th of the price of the radio. Thanks for reviewing it....
Hey there, I just bought pretty much this whole setup. Would love to ask you some questions about the 718, especially about connecting it up for digital modes like js8call. And yep I've watched your while 718 playlist! May I email you?
Late to the dance here, but thanks for the good review. This is a nice little radio and clean used ones can be had for around $300-400 on eBay. But, my goodness, you are a brave soul putting the gear on the porch rail like that!
I owned an IC-718 for several years. I refer to it as a "Budget" radio, in lieu of a starter radio. It is not the radio my IC-7600 is, but for the price you can't beat it Wish it had slots for more than one filter. Lots of IC-718's on the used market that can be had for cheap, but not sure why someone would sell such a great backup rig. I also have an IC-7200. As far as the costs, IMO the 7200 is well worth the extra $250 or so. I can adjust the 7200 to sound almost as well as my 7600 and it is almost the same size as the 718. You can't go wrong with either one.
Love the teaching side of your videos, i am a newby, just bought a handheld last month so i can monitor our local VFD and NOAA , I got the Baofeng BF-F8HP and set up my local channels using chirp, Bought a Nagoya UT-108UV Antenna to go on my pickup but it does not seem to work, any suggestions . I live in the Far Northeast Tx Panhandle, we always have severe weather and extreme fire danger, over 400,000 acres on fire 1.5 months ago, that is why im looking into Ham radio, come to find out the ham club in the next county over no longer exist,
Any recommendations for portable (car) radios that will communicate nationally? I've seen some President radios like the Ronald or the Anytone 6666, but have seen mixed reviews. Do they have enough wattage to communicate from coast-to-coast? Thanks.
International communications requires High Frequency (HF) radios. To operate these types of radios you will be required to have an Amateur radio license - General Class or higher. The entry level technician class license does not include HF privileges.
I'm sure that the 718 is nice, but you need a general ticket to operate HF. What transceiver do you recommend for technician class that covers all the bands we are allowed access to? The only one I've found so far is the Yaesu FT-8900R. In SHTF, grid down, etc, I would think that you would want something with at least a little more reach than just a 2m hand held. Besides the towers won't be up for long (assuming they aren't knocked out by EMP).
My recommendation would be to get your General class license! It isn't that hard. I got licensed as a Tech and less than a month later I took the General class test. If you are smart enough you can learn it very fast and if not or even you are smart enough you can always just memorize the questions if you have an above average memory. I memorized the questions just for the sake of time but for my Amateur Extra class license I am going to spend the time learning the material. I would suggest doing all the tests at once or if you are already a tech doing the General and Extra together to take advantage of all of that fresh knowledge and future regrets of "why didn't I just do both?".
I loved my ft450, bought a ic7300 and really loving it. I'm giving my ft450 to my son but want a solid back up so thinking of buying the ic718. I would buy another ft450 as a back up but it has been discontinued. I have 3 tuners and the ic7300 has built in tuner so I'm really thinking this 718 is a good solid back up.
I have a quick question. I'm studying for my license and looking at equipment to purchase. All the information I read says not to use a tuner with the Chameleon Loop, but you discuss a manual and auto tuner. Please help me understand. -Jon
I would stress that a manual tuner is superior for it will work where a automatic tuner would not, also a plus is the use of ladder line as your feed line as opposed to coax. The only advantage to a automatic tuner is that you can re-tune "rapidly" when you have to change to another frequency.
I don't know. I was not in the QSO (transmitting). I was just monitoring those stations and did not have a copy on the other station - just the one in New Hampshire.
Just purchased the ic 718. I’m also new to Ham. Getting license this month. Question: TX only works between 14.0000 > 145000. ( approximation). Please explain. I contacted icom with this question and got nothing but a legal Lecture. Not doing any talking. Just want to understand my new radio. Thanks
I also have an IC-718 and it could be very handy for efficient HF comms in an emergency. But I also strongly recommend also having general coverage receiver capability all the way from VLF (Very Long wave) up to GHz so that in emergency you can tune to just about anything. Given that more and more comms is now digital - you probably need a decent notebook PC which you can keep powered up. If that's the case, then a good mid-range SDR and antenna wire is all you need to pick up anything :-) Mid-range SDRs include the Airspy and the SDRplay RSP1 which you can see being demo'd on the SDRplay UA-cam Channel: ua-cam.com/users/SDRplayRSP
I disagree, for the same reason crbrelativity mentions, current draw. 1.3A on receive minimum is quite high. My PRC-320 draws 175mA, and my KX2 150mA... Charging batteries would be the most challenging task in a SHTF situation, so anything drawing more than a quarter amp on receive is not a good prepping radio in my book. The 718 is a great radio, no doubt, but not the best for prepping.
Agree Radio Prepper. I have a loaded Elecraft KX3 with autotuner built in and for emergency purposes can carry it in my hand with 8 AA enleoop batteries. Would also carry a Parz end fed 40-80 wire. Having said that, yesterday, I rolled up a large battery pack the 100 yards from the parking lot at Mt Mitchell, western NC , to to the summit observation post at 6,684 feet, the highest peak east of Mississippi www.portablesolarpower.biz/collections/portable-solar-generator-systems/products/lfp-100-pro-portable-solar-generator-system for extra power in case I decidec to power an amplifier (KPA100) and that was a royal pain in the ass! (The battery, even though Lithium, still weighs 60 lbs. but I like it because of all round general car-portability and rechargeability with 4 x 62 watt mil-spec folding panels.) I was able to work a guy from Troy NY, (class of 2010 RPI) on 20 m at 10 Watts with an Alex Loop, but generally very disappointed with the reception, so did not even try to break out the Buddipole. What gives? Lousy atmospheric conditions? Some of the few others I heard remarked how quiet the bands were. One said he left 40 meters for 20 and still no luck. I have never been able to get any workable reception at 40 meters. Is Chameleon loop better option? Hank, you seem to always to be able to work 40m.
I respectfully disagree with you both but thank you for taking the time to comment and add to the discussion. The Icom IC-718 is a great entry level HF radio for both preppers and new Amateur radio operators. It is low cost, easy to use, provides 100 watts, and is currently in production. Surplus military radios are too expensive and too hard to find to make UA-cam videos recommending them. Additionally, this video did not state that this radio was the perfect choice for portable QRP operations. This radio is great radio for someone new to radio. As for the loop question - I could not say which one is better as I have not used an Alex Loop. What I can say is I am always amazed by the Chameleon's performance and portability.
I certainly agree again that the 718 is a great radio. I wouldn't mind having one myself. It can't be the only radio a prepper owns however, because it will drain batteries faster than you could charge them without grid power. I also have never recommended military radios for prepping in most cases, because of weight and usually, age. I do have a couple (cheap and easy to find) PRC-320s now, but if I need to bug out on foot, they are not coming along. They can however run forever on a charge, unlike the IC-718 or any other radio burning that much current on receive. You have a substantial solar power system, great work on that one BTW, so a 1.3A drain radio might work for you, but not for most people. If you are prepping for a four-day storm, by all means, the 718 is a great choice. For anything longer, no. Better buy a transceiver that drains less than a maximum of 500mA; my personal limit is 250mA. An FT-817nd will last three times longer on the same battery, my KX2, more than eight times longer, my MTR, 37 times longer! All are in production. Again, not saying not to buy the 718, but not as your only radio, because when the grid is down, milliamps will matter.
Elecraft owners will always say their Elecraft is the best by far. Its a side effect of spending that kind of money on a radio you can hold in your hand. Its more of an emotional response than anything.
No, my argument is based on numbers. I am actually not recommending Elecraft for prepping either due to the lack of weather sealing, not without extra protection anyway. The Yaesu isn't too bad in that regard, from what I have seen. I don't care who makes the radio, but simply look at the numbers. I need no further argument.
Good Radio, but..... The ICOM 718 has a good reputation and I am sure it has its place in the prepping world but I am always concerned about powering the system. This radio draws 1.3 amps on receive and 20 amps on transmit which is comparable to all 100w radios. Depending on what you are preparing for, that might be a problem. Loss of utility power is one of the first things we think of. Unless you have a larger solar array your time operating this radio is measured in hours if pulling from a car battery or maybe days until your generator's fuel supply is done. That large solar array fixes you to one location which is also a problem. QRP rigs like the Yeasu FT-817 draw 300mA on receive and less then two on transmit. I can operate all day, every day on a portable solar panel and that can go on indefinitely. QRP does work and I make reliable SSB contacts on it daily so such a radio will be still an asset to me weeks after a 100w radio has gone dark. The ICOM 718 is a great radio, but I am not sure it is the best prepping radio.
Agree and see remarks to Radio Prepper. Maybe have to go to Toys r' Us and get a kiddy wagon to haul my gear to from the parking lot to the veranda on Mt Mitchell.
I almost bought the 718 as my first radio last summer. But ended up going with a Yaesu FT450D instead because of the built in tuner. I got it on sale at HRO for 550$. Coincidentally, I just picked up the MFJ Versa tuner 2 for free. A ham passed away at our club and wanted all new hams to get his equipment. I was shocked and excited to get this piece of equipment! got to love hams.
Great tuner and great to hear that equipment is being passed to other generations.
İ didnt like the construction of ft450D. There are no shields among final .receiver, oscillator, filter stages.all of them are on 1 board
Well done, as always, Hank! And, thank you for your service!
Thanks for the comment and kind words.
Wow. For a guy like me going for a Technician License, this is a wealth of helpful information. The stuff about the distinction between HF, and VHF and UHF is all very helpful.Your video is one of the best I have seen so far as far as a station set up for prepping and so forth. There is so much confusing information out there, and you really get down to specific brass tacks. I am deeply in your debt and I think you are a very good mentor. When I get my call sign and all I hope you can guide me.-- Yours truly, Bruce--Canducie
Thank you for the comment and supporting the channel. I am glad the videos are helping. Welcome to Amateur Radio!
718 is a fantastic radio. I have one as a backup rig and love it. Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for commenting. It's a great radio. When I was in Germany in the late 90's, we got two of these for the base MARS station. They worked great and were run 24/7. I remember making the adapter cables to use the old military handsets to work with them. We also had an old phone-patch connected to them.
Nice! Back then I had a TS820 with the optional counter. I sold the radio long ago but still have my Dentron Supertuner which I will probably never part with. Are you still active with MARS ?
Not with MARS anymore. It has been 15 years.
These little IC-718 radios are solidly built and strong performing radios. Thanks for posting!
Thanks.
Nice video CP and excellent camera work CPH. 73
Thanks. I will pass to CPH. Hank
Love your channel,I just inherited my Dads ICOM IC-718 MFJ-949-E a Power conditioned Power supply,30 Ft Tower antennas ant switches and more multiple FMs A complete Alnico Portable Rig with the MJF Mobile 945E tuner and more.Learning a ton from watching your videos.I go for my HAM Tech in the next couple weeks,GREAT VIDEOS HANK !! Thanks For POSTING1
Sorry about your loss. Welcome to the hobby. Looks like you have the makings of a great station.
Great radio! I used a Icom IC-7200 now as a back-up/ field day radio.
I love the IC-7200! Very happy that they brought it back!
Great stuff sir I'm definitely new to this
Welcome. Hope the channel helps.
Nice intro, thanks. I would love to see a comprehensive review of the capabilities of the IC-718, as I just got one in a ham fest today, and most of the YT videos are lean on details. Mine was missing the manual, so I'm also looking for that online. Loop antenna - wow, that is cool. Love to hear more on that too.
You can get the manual at Icom's website. www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/DownloadDocument.aspx?Document=17
Look antenna is great. However, remember you need to turn the power down. They are not 100 watt antennas.
Same here on multi-band radios, I have a few dual-banders but for the most part, all are separate, single band units. I have been looking at the 718 for my van/mobile,
I already told you.
Do it.
The 718 is a great radio.
great video Comms I plan on getting my technician license as soon as I move and get settled you're giving me options
Outstanding. We need more hams to secure our frequencies. I would like to do more entry-level radio type videos. Sometimes I forget that folks are starting from scratch.
Commsprepper and that's why you what seem like ridiculous questions from me
Very excited to find this...!
Thanks. It's a great radio.
I think for what it's worth that this is a excellent radio to have at your retreat. It's not a backpacking radio. You can set this up at your retreat, run it off solar, generator on grid if you have it. Nice no frills bit of inexpensive kit that I think all homestead preppers would be advised to acquire. Many thanks Larry
Larry thanks for the comment and channel support!
Currently running a Yaesu FTdx10 and an FT-991....but Im really considering adding this rig as a solid backup and emergency radio. Would be a good rig to connect to my portable battery box.
At about $560 after rebates right now, it seems almost criminal not to grab one of these
No nonsense, no fuss radio. No fuss tuner. Just get on the air with a half decent antenna and start calling CQ. The IC718 is a tough unit. This is on my to buy list as a field day radio. Nice video mate. 73
I could not have said it better. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Good entry level radio, I own one myself. Sometimes I see these selling for as low as $500 used on eBay and elsewhere. I do agree that the 1.3 receive current is high in survival situations, but that should not be a concern for everyday use on commercial power. The only drawback is that the CW filter is very expensive, it costs nearly a 1/4th of the price of the radio. Thanks for reviewing it....
Thanks for the feedback and supporting the channel.
Hey there, I just bought pretty much this whole setup. Would love to ask you some questions about the 718, especially about connecting it up for digital modes like js8call. And yep I've watched your while 718 playlist! May I email you?
Late to the dance here, but thanks for the good review. This is a nice little radio and clean used ones can be had for around $300-400 on eBay. But, my goodness, you are a brave soul putting the gear on the porch rail like that!
Wish I could find a good clean used one for $300-400
2021 August - used eBay models are going for $435-475 now.
I owned an IC-718 for several years. I refer to it as a "Budget" radio, in lieu of a starter radio. It is not the radio my IC-7600 is, but for the price you can't beat it Wish it had slots for more than one filter. Lots of IC-718's on the used market that can be had for cheap, but not sure why someone would sell such a great backup rig. I also have an IC-7200. As far as the costs, IMO the 7200 is well worth the extra $250 or so. I can adjust the 7200 to sound almost as well as my 7600 and it is almost the same size as the 718. You can't go wrong with either one.
Would it be possible for you to compare the IC-7200 vs IC-718. Thank you I always enjoy your videos
I will try. Not sure how long I can keep the IC-718.
Love the teaching side of your videos, i am a newby, just bought a handheld last month so i can monitor our local VFD and NOAA , I got the Baofeng BF-F8HP and set up my local channels using chirp, Bought a Nagoya UT-108UV Antenna to go on my pickup but it does not seem to work, any suggestions . I live in the Far Northeast Tx Panhandle, we always have severe weather and extreme fire danger, over 400,000 acres on fire 1.5 months ago, that is why im looking into Ham radio, come to find out the ham club in the next county over no longer exist,
Perhaps you can start a new club?
Any recommendations for portable (car) radios that will communicate nationally? I've seen some President radios like the Ronald or the Anytone 6666, but have seen mixed reviews. Do they have enough wattage to communicate from coast-to-coast? Thanks.
International communications requires High Frequency (HF) radios. To operate these types of radios you will be required to have an Amateur radio license - General Class or higher. The entry level technician class license does not include HF privileges.
@@Commsprepper Thanks
I'm sure that the 718 is nice, but you need a general ticket to operate HF.
What transceiver do you recommend for technician class that covers all the bands we are allowed access to? The only one I've found so far is the Yaesu FT-8900R.
In SHTF, grid down, etc, I would think that you would want something with at least a little more reach than just a 2m hand held. Besides the towers won't be up for long (assuming they aren't knocked out by EMP).
My recommendation would be to get your General class license! It isn't that hard. I got licensed as a Tech and less than a month later I took the General class test. If you are smart enough you can learn it very fast and if not or even you are smart enough you can always just memorize the questions if you have an above average memory. I memorized the questions just for the sake of time but for my Amateur Extra class license I am going to spend the time learning the material.
I would suggest doing all the tests at once or if you are already a tech doing the General and Extra together to take advantage of all of that fresh knowledge and future regrets of "why didn't I just do both?".
In this price range I really like the Yaesu FT-450d. It has a built in tuner and a large display.
I loved my ft450, bought a ic7300 and really loving it. I'm giving my ft450 to my son but want a solid back up so thinking of buying the ic718. I would buy another ft450 as a back up but it has been discontinued. I have 3 tuners and the ic7300 has built in tuner so I'm really thinking this 718 is a good solid back up.
I have a quick question. I'm studying for my license and looking at equipment to purchase. All the information I read says not to use a tuner with the Chameleon Loop, but you discuss a manual and auto tuner. Please help me understand. -Jon
Hey Comms great video what level of license to you need for HF radio?
+ScottyM1959 general class
I would stress that a manual tuner is superior for it will work where a automatic tuner would not, also a plus is the use of ladder line as your feed line as opposed to coax. The only advantage to a automatic tuner is that you can re-tune "rapidly" when you have to change to another frequency.
Great points.
I just got a 718, tuner and the r7000 vertical for $500. I really didnt need it but i have a friend that is about to get his license.
Hello sir thank you for your explanation is soooooo perfect 👏👏👏👏 to other way sir how call of legend3. frequency 1 to 80???
Can you tell me what was the call of the station calling? Thanks..
I don't know. I was not in the QSO (transmitting). I was just monitoring those stations and did not have a copy on the other station - just the one in New Hampshire.
Just purchased the ic 718. I’m also new to Ham. Getting license this month. Question: TX only works between 14.0000 > 145000. ( approximation). Please explain. I contacted icom with this question and got nothing but a legal Lecture. Not doing any talking. Just want to understand my new radio. Thanks
+Evil DroneZ Ham equipment transmit is locked to Ham bands. Most radios will receive outside of ham bands but will not transmit.
I also have an IC-718 and it could be very handy for efficient HF comms in an emergency. But I also strongly recommend also having general coverage receiver capability all the way from VLF (Very Long wave) up to GHz so that in emergency you can tune to just about anything. Given that more and more comms is now digital - you probably need a decent notebook PC which you can keep powered up. If that's the case, then a good mid-range SDR and antenna wire is all you need to pick up anything :-) Mid-range SDRs include the Airspy and the SDRplay RSP1 which you can see being demo'd on the SDRplay UA-cam Channel: ua-cam.com/users/SDRplayRSP
Thanks for the info and tips. Respectfully - Hank
Neat antenna
Thanks for the comment and channel support.
Would you still recommend this radio still here in 2020?
Yes
THANK YOU FOR THE POST,,DES CREAN BELFAST IRELAND,,68CT022,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Thanks for the comment.
Are you licensed? If so, what is your callsign. This is KG5SLO
Yes I am licensed.
Very nice. How long have you been a ham?
Commsprepper that’s cool what is your call sign?
I disagree, for the same reason crbrelativity mentions, current draw. 1.3A on receive minimum is quite high. My PRC-320 draws 175mA, and my KX2 150mA... Charging batteries would be the most challenging task in a SHTF situation, so anything drawing more than a quarter amp on receive is not a good prepping radio in my book. The 718 is a great radio, no doubt, but not the best for prepping.
Agree Radio Prepper.
I have a loaded Elecraft KX3 with autotuner built in and for emergency purposes can carry it in my hand with 8 AA enleoop batteries. Would also carry a Parz end fed 40-80 wire.
Having said that, yesterday, I rolled up a large battery pack the 100 yards from the parking lot at Mt Mitchell, western NC , to to the summit observation post at 6,684 feet, the highest peak east of Mississippi
www.portablesolarpower.biz/collections/portable-solar-generator-systems/products/lfp-100-pro-portable-solar-generator-system
for extra power in case I decidec to power an amplifier (KPA100) and that was a royal pain in the ass! (The battery, even though Lithium, still weighs 60 lbs. but I like it because of all round general car-portability and rechargeability with 4 x 62 watt mil-spec folding panels.)
I was able to work a guy from Troy NY, (class of 2010 RPI) on 20 m at 10 Watts with an Alex Loop, but generally very disappointed with the reception, so did not even try to break out the Buddipole. What gives? Lousy atmospheric conditions? Some of the few others I heard remarked how quiet the bands were. One said he left 40 meters for 20 and still no luck. I have never been able to get any workable reception at 40 meters.
Is Chameleon loop better option? Hank, you seem to always to be able to work 40m.
I respectfully disagree with you both but thank you for taking the time to comment and add to the discussion. The Icom IC-718 is a great entry level HF radio for both preppers and new Amateur radio operators. It is low cost, easy to use, provides 100 watts, and is currently in production. Surplus military radios are too expensive and too hard to find to make UA-cam videos recommending them. Additionally, this video did not state that this radio was the perfect choice for portable QRP operations. This radio is great radio for someone new to radio.
As for the loop question - I could not say which one is better as I have not used an Alex Loop. What I can say is I am always amazed by the Chameleon's performance and portability.
I certainly agree again that the 718 is a great radio. I wouldn't mind having one myself. It can't be the only radio a prepper owns however, because it will drain batteries faster than you could charge them without grid power. I also have never recommended military radios for prepping in most cases, because of weight and usually, age. I do have a couple (cheap and easy to find) PRC-320s now, but if I need to bug out on foot, they are not coming along. They can however run forever on a charge, unlike the IC-718 or any other radio burning that much current on receive. You have a substantial solar power system, great work on that one BTW, so a 1.3A drain radio might work for you, but not for most people. If you are prepping for a four-day storm, by all means, the 718 is a great choice. For anything longer, no. Better buy a transceiver that drains less than a maximum of 500mA; my personal limit is 250mA. An FT-817nd will last three times longer on the same battery, my KX2, more than eight times longer, my MTR, 37 times longer! All are in production. Again, not saying not to buy the 718, but not as your only radio, because when the grid is down, milliamps will matter.
Elecraft owners will always say their Elecraft is the best by far. Its a side effect of spending that kind of money on a radio you can hold in your hand. Its more of an emotional response than anything.
No, my argument is based on numbers. I am actually not recommending Elecraft for prepping either due to the lack of weather sealing, not without extra protection anyway. The Yaesu isn't too bad in that regard, from what I have seen. I don't care who makes the radio, but simply look at the numbers. I need no further argument.
Would you be able to do a video on grounding?
I have one. ua-cam.com/video/IY0tj7AJqNM/v-deo.html
Good Radio, but..... The ICOM 718 has a good reputation and I am sure it has its place in the prepping world but I am always concerned about powering the system. This radio draws 1.3 amps on receive and 20 amps on transmit which is comparable to all 100w radios. Depending on what you are preparing for, that might be a problem. Loss of utility power is one of the first things we think of. Unless you have a larger solar array your time operating this radio is measured in hours if pulling from a car battery or maybe days until your generator's fuel supply is done. That large solar array fixes you to one location which is also a problem. QRP rigs like the Yeasu FT-817 draw 300mA on receive and less then two on transmit. I can operate all day, every day on a portable solar panel and that can go on indefinitely. QRP does work and I make reliable SSB contacts on it daily so such a radio will be still an asset to me weeks after a 100w radio has gone dark. The ICOM 718 is a great radio, but I am not sure it is the best prepping radio.
Agree and see remarks to Radio Prepper. Maybe have to go to Toys r' Us and get a kiddy wagon to haul my gear to from the parking lot to the veranda on Mt Mitchell.
I use a solar panel trickle charger with a 12 volt battery. I think I paid around $10 for it at harbor freight.
without DSP, 718 sucks . noisy receiver
Useless.