Yup, the Icom IC-718 is an okay HF radio. I had one for a while, but sold it many years ago. It's a no frills radio, that works okay, and it's been Icom's entry level HF radio for many years . You get what you pay for, and there are better receivers on more modern radios, but you'll pay for the improved performance. Radio choice is ultimately a personal decision. I'd say look at the various models out there, and see which one meets your needs, much like pkveazey and Johny have done.
You should also consider the modes that you'll be using. For example, the IC-718 requires an additional interface to go between the radio and a computer, if using digital modes. It isn't complicated, but it is an additional item that will need to be purchased. More modern radios just use a USB cable between the radio and the computer.
I've found that no one radio meets my needs. When mobile I use an Icom IC-706MKIIG, which covers HF, VHF, and UHF in one compact radio. I carry the same model when I'm operating overseas. If I'm operating backpack portable I use an Yaesu FT-817, or one of the MFJ single band low power SSB radios, which use internal or external batteries. At home and in Go boxes, I have Icom IC-7200's, which cover HF and 50 MHz, and will do digital modes without additional equipment. For loaner radios, which are to be used by people with limited radio knowledge, I use Atlas 180's or 210's, these can be found on eBay for around $200. Note, all of these radios are solid state, which means they don't use tubes. They are more susceptible to EMP's and CME's, and they should be protected. Older radios, which use tubes are generally more EMP resistant and relatively inexpensive, depending upon the vintage and collectability. I'd say avoid used Heathkit radios because you don't know the skill level of the original builder of the radio, and due to the age the capacitors will begin to dry out, which can cause problems.
Hamfests (electronic fleamarkets) and eBay along with
www.QRZ.com and
www.QTH.com are probably the best sources to find used equipment. Do your due diligence and research the particular model of radio that you're considering. A good site for equipment reviews is
www.eham.com and they also have a classified ad section.
As pkveazey mentioned, simple wire antennas are the easiest to construct and install. However, like radios, no one antenna will meet your needs. When traveling, I use either a homemade endfed zepp antenna, and or a Buddipole. The Buddipole is a commercially made HF/VHF/UHF antenna that breaks down into a compact carry bag. It doesn't work as well as a long wire antenna, but it works on a balcony or even in a room, and it can be used discretely. Wire antennae are easy to build, and there's lots of info available on the internet.
Radios need power to operate, usually 12 volts DC, the same voltage that most U.S. vehicles use. When operating as a base station, the radio will need a power supply, which converts your household 110 volts AC to 12 volts DC. Typically, a basic power supply will run $150-100, so factor that into the total cost of your radio station. Alternately, the radio can be run off of a DC solar system, or off your vehicle, or off of batteries. There are a number of companies that manufacture batteries specifically for portable radio operation, and it can be expensive. Lower powered HF radios need less battery storage.
So, there are many considerations when constructing an HF radio station. I didn't get into VHF/UHF radios too much, but like their HF brethren they need antennas and power supplies. VHF/UHF radios can be more portable due to antenna lengths and power considerations. As mentioned in other threads, the Baofeng UV-5R and UV-82's are cheaply priced. I consider the Baofengs to be disposable radios, and have a number of them to be used as loaner radios. I've been using Icom ID-51A's for my personal portable radio because of its unique capabilities, such as the ability to transmit data, photos, etc. It can also be used as an analog or digital radio, and for those without digital capability, it's impossible to intercept the conversation when in digital mode. The Icom ID-51A's also have a built in GPS, so there's no need to carry an additional GPS. The new Kenwood TH-D74A has potential, as it works much like the Icom, but it also has automatic position reporting capability, which could be useful in searches. or following a group.
All in all, folks getting into amateur radio at this time have a great selection of new and used gear available. I'd suggest that now is a good time to obtain the knowledge of how an amateur radio station operates. Sure, you can go out and buy the station components, but you really need the background knowledge of how and why the various station components are installed. The only way to truly understand how the station works is by practical experience. Reading about it will not impart the knowledge necessary to operate a station under adverse conditions.
