Kenwood TS-430s vs Icom IC-718
- Thread starter lpt423
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Key question to put on your list when comparing: When it breaks, where / how do I get it fixed? And are service parts still available from the manufacturer so that it can be repaired? I don't know the answer for the two radios you are looking at, but it's likely that someone responding here will (claim to) know.
I believe the TS-430 was Kenwood's first all solid state mobile transceiver and it was introduced around the early 1980's. That means most any TS-430 you find is going to be 30yrs old. I've had two of them and they were great radios in their time.
The Icom 718 is a newer design and any one you find would be newer than the TS-430. There are other things to consider when buying a radio but I thought I would at least point out the TS-430 age and there are lots of problems that can develop in old radios.
prcguy
The Icom 718 is a newer design and any one you find would be newer than the TS-430. There are other things to consider when buying a radio but I thought I would at least point out the TS-430 age and there are lots of problems that can develop in old radios.
prcguy
Weaksignal
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The TS-430 is over 30 years old, where as the 718 is a newer rig. If they're both operating well, in nice cosmetic condition and the Kenwood is priced less that the 718, perhaps the TS-430. It offers a nicer fluorescent display, a real S meter and that great Kenwood transmit audio.
If the TS-430 includes some options like the FM-430, FM board, the YK various filters and maybe an MC-60A desk mic, it would be hard to resist.
Good luck and have fun...
If the TS-430 includes some options like the FM-430, FM board, the YK various filters and maybe an MC-60A desk mic, it would be hard to resist.
Good luck and have fun...
N5TWB
Member
Ditto to this ^^^^^ -- the 718 is a good, basic rig but signal selectivity is not one of its strong points. It will likely be lower in cost over the 430 outfitted with the options noted above, even though the 430 is older.
I have had a 430S since it was new in the early 80's. You cannot beat this radio for receive selectivity and transmit audio. Looking at the specifications, the 430 beats the 718 in almost every category. I love this radio and I just wanted to pass along my feelings on the rig. Good luck with your decision.
Mike
Mike
Thank you very much! I wasn't sure about the TS and wanted to hear something positive about the rig. The only thing you can really say is that it is old but it does what it is supposed to.
I have used a few 430s, over the years. It is a nice rig.
The 718 is an entry level model. While there is nothing wrong with it, the rig is not meant for contest level usage.
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The 718 is an entry level model. While there is nothing wrong with it, the rig is not meant for contest level usage.
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What is contest level usage ??
TheSpaceMann
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Nonstop screaming into the microphone! The rig must be capable of transmitting "You're 5-9" for many hours on end.
The 718 runs 100w with 200w finals... I think it would take it....
A "contest grade" transceiver has more to do with the receiver being able to work well in a congested band with lots of other stations transmitting very close to you in frequency and physical distance. Great radios will not even know the other stations close by exist where a low performing receiver will be overloaded and useless.
prcguy
prcguy
No radio works well when they are stacked up 1 kc apart... Lol
TheSpaceMann
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I heard that there are a few radios that can handle almost any QRM or QRN. However they are used by the government, and cost a small fortune.
I don't know of any receiver or transceiver used by the US Govt that equals or exceeds some of the new high end amateur transceivers like the Elecraft K3, KX3, Yaesu FTdx-5000, Flex 6700 and a few others.
The highest performing HF transceivers as in "contest grade receiver" in the US Govt inventory to my knowledge was the Harris RF-5000 series, which was replaced by the newer Harris PRC-150 manpack feeding various amplifiers up to 400w. The PRC-150 has more features but the older RF-5000 series was a better radio, its a full blown DSP based radio with great roofing and DSP filters but no match for a K3.
prcguy
The highest performing HF transceivers as in "contest grade receiver" in the US Govt inventory to my knowledge was the Harris RF-5000 series, which was replaced by the newer Harris PRC-150 manpack feeding various amplifiers up to 400w. The PRC-150 has more features but the older RF-5000 series was a better radio, its a full blown DSP based radio with great roofing and DSP filters but no match for a K3.
prcguy
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