Icom 718 - Pactor Modem Compatability

[cvondo]

Hello. I have an icom 710 with a pactor modem. Since I have my licence I was wanting to change to an icom 718. I was wondering if the 718 is compatable with the pactor modem and if is easy to connect the two. Is this a wise move? Any other ideas on a non channelized icom and pactor. Thanks chris

[btrayfors]

Yes, the 718 works well with Pactor modems. You can buy connecting cables ready made.

However, the 710 is a great radio and works very well with Pactor modems. Why do you want to change? It also works well on the ham bands (I assume that's what "I have my license" means).

Unless you're a ham who likes to cruise the bands frequently, I'd stick with the M10. If it's just Pactor email and maybe some net participation you do -- like most cruisers -- stay with the M710. You can program in all the desired frequencies.

Bill

[cvondo]

Thanks Bill, I do not cruise the ham bands but will mostly hit the nets and use the pactor. I have a ham friend who thinks this the way to go. I have no experience but have my extra licence. What makes the m710 so desireable? Thanks chris

[btrayfors]

Rock solid...one of the heaviest built marine radios. Type-accepted for marine use. Can be used on both marine and ham bands (legally, provided you have the licenses required). Does email very well at full power. Great audio..both receive and transmit (noticeably better than many ham radios). A $1,500 radio vs. a $500 radio from the same manufacturer.

No contest. For what you say you wanna do, keep the M710.

Bill
WA6CCA

[cvondo]

Thanks Bill, ThAt is A big help. I will keep the 710 esp since it is set up reAdy to go. Thanks again chris v. KJ4IJQ

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by cvondo

Thanks Bill, ThAt is A big help. I will keep the 710 esp since it is set up reAdy to go. Thanks again chris v. KJ4IJQ

You're welcome, Chris.

When you get a chance, check into the WaterWay Net. Daily @ 0745 EDT on 7268 kHz LSB. You'll want to plug that freq into one of your memories.

WX for first 15 mins, then general checkins. Position reports beginning at 0815. I'm Net Control on Mondays...will listen for you.

Cruizheimers Net begins at 0830 EDT on 8152 USB.

73,

Bill
WA6CCA

[cvondo]

I stArt cruising jan 1st . Just getting the boat reAdy to go I look forward to the morning net and thanks for the valuable service. C chris

[ussvdharma]

The icom 718 is a great radio, does just anything you want and the price is great. Remove one diode and it opens up the frequencies so you can do sailmail as well as the airmail via Pactor. I truly do not know how many icom 718's I have installed on various peoples boats.

[ussvdharma]

Originally Posted by cvondo

Hello. I have an icom 710 with a pactor modem. Since I have my licence I was wanting to change to an icom 718. I was wondering if the 718 is compatable with the pactor modem and if is easy to connect the two. Is this a wise move? Any other ideas on a non channelized icom and pactor. Thanks chris

If you are cruising you will want to tune the short wave bands for Radio Australia, Radio New Zealand, and Radio Canada for entertainment, music , DRM, quiz shows, dramas, latest news, etc. The 718 allows you to turn dial and browse the frequencies. It also has many,many memory channels that you can set to net frequencies, pactor frequencies, etc or just tune to the proper frequency. The MARINE radios do not allow you to tune across the bands but use discrete channels instead....for my opinion, not handy.
I used the 718 for almost 20 years cruising the south pacific and now use it ashore for shortwave, nets, ham radio, and pactor. And consider the over $1000 price difference between the two. For me there is no choice, and oh yes, I have a K3 right next to the 718....I use the 718 most of the time for voice, pactor, and CW,.