HF ALL BAND TRANSCEIVER

IC-718

The Origin of the HF Transceiver
Now Improved Even More

Classic Simplicity, Compact, and Timeless Reliability

The IC-718 is a compact rig with ample features for HF communications. The HF bands enable you to communicate across long distances, even reaching the other side of the Earth. With its wide dynamic range, high S/N ratio, and full duty operation, you will make contacts easily. Experience the combination of RF and digital technology and you will realize the IC-718 is the most practical rig for your needs.

Superior Basic Performance

The IC-718 is a long-standing HF radio, with over 150000 units*1 produced since its launch. It is renowned for its simple, user-friendly operation and reliable basic performance, making it popular among both new and experienced operators. The well-designed receiver system minimizes image and spurious responses, ensuring better signal fidelity, while delivering superior receiver IMD, particularly against nearby in-band interference. The general coverage receiver spans from 0.03 to 29.99999 MHz*2 continuously in SSB, AM, and CW modes. Additionally, the IC-718 is rugged enough to meet MIL-810-STD environmental testing standards.

*1 As of November, 2024.
*2 Guaranteed range: 0.5 ~ 29.999999 MHz

Noise Reduction Function

The Noise Reduction pulls desired AF signals from noise. Outstanding S/N ratio is achieved, providing clean audio in SSB and AM.

Automatic Notch Out of the Filter

The Notch Filter function automatically minimizes beat signals and heterodynes while preserving the received signal. Also, the notch frequency is automatically adjusted to follow interfering beat signals. For example, reducing interference from RTTY signals during SSB operation.

Interference Rejection — IF Shift

To reject interference, the IC-718 has an IF Shift function which shifts the center frequency of the IF passband electronically to reduce adjacent interference.

Microphone Compressor

The IC-718 has a low distortion microphone compressor. This feature compresses microphone audio input to increase average audio output level. The result is that talk power is increased. This function is effective for long distance communication, or when propagation conditions are poor.

RF Gain Control

The RF gain adjusts minimum response receiver gain and ignores signals weaker than the preset level — providing pleasant standby or scanning operation. It is combined with the squelch control.

Ample CW Features

An electronic keyer with a variable dot/dash ratio (2.8:1 to 4.5:1) control is built in. By simply connecting a paddle, easy CW operation can be made. The CW pitch and the key speed are also variable from 300 ~ 900 Hz, 6 ~ 60 wpm, respectively. Of course, full break-in capability is available with an adjustable break-in delay.

Easy VOX Operation

A VOX (voice operated transmission) is included with the IC-718. It provides hands-free operation by detecting audio signals from the microphone.

Built-in Voice Synthesizer

Built-in voice synthesizer announces the operating frequency, mode and S-meter level in clear electronically generated voice in English. Audio level, speed, and contents are adjustable in the SET mode.

Five Selectable IF Filter Widths

6 kHz: Wide standard filter
2.4 kHz: Normal (Narrow for AM) standard filter

The FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) digital filtering system has been adopted. Two standard IF widths are available, and a third width can be selected from five to suit your style of operation and no need to purchase a filter.

Front Mounted Speaker

The IC-718 has a speaker mounted on the front panel. With the speaker facing the operator, audio sounds can be clearly heard without impediment during operation.

Digital S/RF Meter

Built-in multi-functional digital S/RF meter indicates signal strength level while receiving, and either transmit output power, ALC level or VSWR ratio while transmitting.

Simple Operation

The IC-718 is equipped with a minimum number of buttons and knobs for superior feature selectability. Use the 10-key pad on the front panel to directly enter an operating frequency, or a memory channel number. The auto tuning steps function helps quick tuning activates when quickly turning the dial. And the band stacking register is very convenient when changing operating bands.

Optional Automatic Antenna Tuner

The optional automatic antenna tuner, AH-730 performs tuning operations at a high speed of about 2 to 3 seconds. When you change the operation band, band information is transferred to the tuner and automatically matches to the antenna.

Optional Automatic Tuning Antenna AH-740

The optional vehicle mount automatic tuning antenna provides relay-driven highspeed tuning from 2.5 to 30 MHz. Its IP55 dust-protection and water jet resistance ensures reliable operation in harsh weather conditions.

Other Features

• USB, LSB, CW, RTTY (FSK) and AM modes are built-in
• Level adjustable noise blanker
• RF attenuator and Pre-amplifier
• A variety of scanning function types
• At total of 101 memory channels
• A hand microphone is supplied

Rear Panel View

General

Frequency coverage
(Differs according to version)
Rx 0.030 ~ 29.999 MHz*1
Tx 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 A1A, A3E, J2E, F1B
(USB, LSB, CW, RTTY (FSK), AM)
Frequency resolution 1 Hz
Frequency stability

Less than ±20 ppm (–10˚C ~ +60˚C, +14˚F ~ +140˚F)

Power supply requirement 13.8 V DC ±15 %
Antenna connector SO-239 (50 Ω unbalanced)
Number of memory channels 101 (99 regular, 2 scan edges)
Power consumption Rx 0.7 A typ. (Standby), 2.0 A (Maximum audio)
Tx 20 A (at 100 W output power)
Operating temperature range –10˚C ~ +60˚C, 14˚F ~ 140˚F
Dimensions (W × H × D; projections are not included) 240 × 95 × 239 mm, 9.4 × 3.7 × 9.4 in
Weight (Approximately) 3.9 kg, 8.6 lb


*1 Guaranteed range 0.5 ~ 29.999 MHz. 

Transmitter

Output power SSB, CW, RTTY 2 ~ 100 W
AM 1 ~ 35 W
Modulation system SSB Digital PSN modulation
AM Digital low power modulation
Spurious emissions Less than –50 dB
Carrier suppression More than 40 dB
Unwanted sideband More than 50 dB
Microphone impedance 8-pin connector (600 Ω)

Receiver

Sensitivity (at 10 dB S/N) SSB, CW Less than -16 dBμV (0.16 μV) (1.8 ~ 29.999 MHz)
AM Less than 22 dBμV (12.6 μV) (0.5 ~ 1.799 MHz)
Less than 6 dBμV (2.0 μV) (1.8 ~ 29.999 MHz)
Sensitivity (at 12 dB SINAD)
(RED version)
 
SSB, CW  Less than 10 dBμV (3.16 μV) (1.8 ~ 2.999 MHz)
Less than 0 dBμV (1.0 μV) (3.0 ~ 29.999 MHz)
AM Less than 16 dBμV (6.3 μV) (1.8 ~ 2.999 MHz)
Less than 6 dBμV (2.0 μV) (3.0 ~ 29.999 MHz)
Selectivity SSB (BW = 2.4 kHz) More than 2.4 kHz/-6 dB 
Less than 3.4 kHz/-40 dB
CW (BW = 500 Hz)

More than 500 Hz/-6 dB 
Less than 700 Hz/-40 dB

RTTY (BW = 500 Hz) More than 500 Hz/-6 dB 
Less than 800 Hz/-40 dB
AM (BW = 6 kHz) More than 6.0 kHz/-6 dB 
Less than 10 kHz/-40 dB
Squelch sensitivity (Threshold) Less than 5.6 μV (SSB)
Spurious and image rejection More than 70 dB (1.8 ~ 29.999 MHz)
Audio output power More than 2.0 W (at 10 % distortion with an 8 Ω load)
External speaker connector 2-conductor 3.5 (d) mm (1/8) / 8 Ω

All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Applicable U.S. Military Specifications

Standard
 
MIL-STD-810-G
Method Procedure
Low Pressure

500.5

I, II

High Temperature

501.5

I, II

Low Temperature

502.5

I, II

Temperature Shock  503.5 I
Vibration 514.6 I
Shock

516.6

I

*Also meets equivalent MIL-STD-810-C, -D, -E and -F.

Supplied Accessories

  • Hand microphone
  • DC power cable
  • Spare fuses

(May differ depending on the version) 

News

  1. News Releases

    IC-PW2 Firmware was updated.

  2. News Releases

    IC-PW2 Firmware was updated.

Catalogs / Brochures

Brochures Name Size
IC-718 (N) 1.03MB
HAM Radios and Receivers 3.28MB

Firmware / Software

Type Model Name Version Last Update
Firmware IC-PW2 Version 1.30 2025.04.30