[ICOM] Opinions wanted ...More

[we1x at comcast.net]

Gareth,

US dealers are selling the 718 with the UT-106 DSP unit for $549 (after $50 mail in rebate).  Not sure if Canadian dealers are doing the same. You should be able to pick up a CW filter for about $100.  Together substantially less than a new 706MKIIG

Harry WE1X

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Gareth Gammon" <ghgammon at telus.net> 

> I am finally seriously thinking about my retirement present (and my birthday 
> combined) I retired last June and said I wanted a new radio to celebrate my 32 
> years in the classroom. I don't want, can't afford a very expensive radio, so I 
> was looking at an IC-718. It has all the capabilities and more than the one I am 
> currently using, a TS520. I am the orginal owner of this old girl, which was my 
> present to myself back in '75 for getting my Canadian Advanced ticket. 
> 
> When I checked a few months ago the 718 came with the DSP installed for the same 
> price as without, a gift from Icom I guess. Now when I look, the DSP unit is 
> back to being an optional extra. I do a fair bit of CW so would like to have a 
> narrow filter installed for that also. That puts the price up to pretty well 
> $1100 or more plus taxes Cnd. That is almost the price of a 706MKIIG. So what to 
> do? Which is the better buy? Which will give me the best bang for the buck in 
> terms of performance, ease of use and trouble free operation? I will not have 
> the opportunity of seeing or trying either radio before purchasing as the 
> nearest ham radio shop is 1000km away so it will have to be a mail order 
> purchase. 
> 
> I will not be going HF mobile, at least I don't think so, so the 718 is 
> attractive but the 706 has three more bands to play with and all the extras 
> already built in. The downside is the small size and the not-so-user-friendly 
> menu system from what I have read. I am not interested in a used radio, even 
> though I am sure there are some good bargains out there but I haven't had a new 
> HF rig in 32 years and aim to get me a NEW one! 
> 
> Any and all thoughts gladly accepted. Just think, If I were me buying a new, 
> lower priced radio, I would .............. 
> 
> 73 and Happy New Year to all 
> 
> Gareth VE7CGG 
> 
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