Comparing the lab599 Discovery TX-500 with the Elecraft KX2. Which one should you choose?

Click on the following link to read the accompanying post to this video on QRPer.com. This post will have all updated links and notes:
qrper.com/2021/05/comparing-t...
The 3rd party TX-500 amplifier:
diy599.com/
TX-500 upcoming battery pack:
pileupdx.com/product/tx-500-b...
Julian OH8STN's website and KZbin channel:
oh8stn.org/
Extra notes:
I also forgot to mention that the KX2 does have a unique feature in that it can send PSK-31 and RTTY data modes (and decode them) without a computer!
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Thanks for watching!
73,
Thomas
K4SWL

[@toddbu-WK7L]

Nice video! It seemed well balanced. I was going to buy the KX-2 until I discovered the TX-500. I waited 4.5 months for my radio and was glad I did. I’ve had mine for about a month and am blown away by the quality and ruggedness. I also try to avoid all-in-one units because I like to upgrade/replace components on demand (especially batteries). For me, being portable means being in the rain much of the year, so water-resistance is vital. So while the KX-2 would be a great runner-up, the TX-500 can’t be beat!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thanks for sharing that, Todd!

[@DannerPlace]

Really good review, thanks for posting. The spectrum display and ruggedness of the TX-500 tip the scale, so to speak.

[@RRA556]

Thank you for such an in-depth comparison.

[@propagating-radio]

Nice side by side review. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ShoesOnTheTrail]

Thank you again, Thomas! Great video. Just pulled the trigger on a tx500 for my SOTA ops. Very excited to take it to the field!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You're going to love it!

[@ShoesOnTheTrail]

@@ThomasK4SWL been using the tx-500 for a week or so now. Made several CW QSOs with it -- LOVE IT! Very happy with my decision. 73 es tnx agn

[@betterbprepared]

Excellent comparison Thomas! I have been struggling trying to decide between the KX2, KX3 and TX-500. I am just starting out with CW and looking forward to getting one of these rigs. I believe after watching this video that less equipment with the Elecraft radios with the built in tuner, mic and speaker has just made my decision much easier and has pushed me towards the KX2 with the smaller footprint and great options. Thank you for the great videos.

[@c.f.leffen2929]

Thank-You, Thomas for the great review. Have a G90 now, with XPA125B, and budgeted for a Buddipole Deluxe Long Version. Have RadioWavz EFHW, Pathfinder Mk.I, 160M- 6M right now. So, drooling while waiting for each installment, between you and Julian OH8STN, you both had to get the TX-500... I’m dodging penury as it is, while studying for my licenses, and you guys have to present the PERFECT All Weather QRP Radio... Naturally, I’ll have to budget for ALL the bells and whistles... Thanks for making the bucket list for this geezer even deeper... All the Best to You and Yours!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so much for the kind comments. The G90 is a solid little radio! You've got some great gear to get on the air. All the best to you and 73! Thomas

[@BikingHikingRadio]

Nice comparison video. Looking forward to the comparison with the IC 705 next.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

And that is the next one! :)

[@ksb2112]

My hat is off to you for noting the correct price comparison. All the other reviewers have compared the TX-500 to the KX2 with the tuner option.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

And after the recent price increases from Elecraft, the base KX2 is very much comparable to the TX-500 in terms of what you get: a rig w/out ATU and w/out a battery. Thank you!

[@vaamorais]

Hi Thomas, great video. The only criticisms I have on my TX500 is the quality of the included power cable and the cable connect headphones (not as robust as the radio) and the speaker mic which is the same as the ones that ship with cheaper radios like the Retevis. Other than that, it is a keeper. Thanks for sharing

[@jeffdavis510]

Great video! Thanks for doing a comparison.

[@hunt555fish]

Thanks for the great explanation.

[@Demococcus]

Great comparison, thank you! But it makes it even more difficult to choose between the two, lol :) I am afraid that if I continue watching your channel, I will end up buying TX-500, KX2 and IC 705 :)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ha ha! Resistance is futile! :) If I'm being honest, my reviews of radio gear have lead me to buy *WAY* more radios than I would have otherwise. There was a time--albeit a long time ago--I was a one radio guy. I have a sincere appreciation for each QRP radio in my collection and would be happy with any one of them.

[@n97223]

Thanks for posting this comparison! I already have a KX3 and love it.. love it so much that I don't want to take it out doors! Lol... so I think it will be the TX500 for me.... something different and definitely built for portable operations! Plus it will be a unique addition to my growing collection of QRP radios K1(built by me), KX3 and the 705. As always I really appreciate all the effort you put into bringing this kind of content to the rest of us! 73 de N1ONE.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so much, Bill! I will say that your KX3 is a pretty sturdy machine, too. I put SideKX panels on mine and even purchased the Lexan cover. It's quite rugged--although not weatherproof--and I feel quite comfortable taking it to the field. And thanks again for the kind comments! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@n97223]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks Tom, I totally agree and I do use it in the feild, but it also does really well in the shack! I think I will add a panadapter PX3 to it as well! Love those Elecraft radios!

[@brian-k3es680]

Great review. I am quite happy with the TX-500 as my first QRP radio. For me, much cheaper than the KX2, because I could not have resisted all of the accessories. ;-) de Brian - K3ES

[@carolannefisher1516]

At the end of the day for me, the KX2 is an Elecraft and that make all the difference. I can’t wait to get one of my own!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It is a solid choice and has served me these past 5 years and will continue to serve me for many, many years to come. That's for sure!

[@rudyhardy370]

I ordered the TX-500 two weeks ago. I'm looking forward to playing with it! I also own the IC-705.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent choices!

[@WilliamParmley]

Excellent, very helpful.

[@o2bnov0307]

Thank you for another great video & review.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

My pleasure!

[@yungerallenelectricalcontr6415]

Wonderful Review.

[@potaactivator]

Thomas, very good review. I have the KX-2 and agree with your "shack in the box" assessment. The Lab599 looks compelling, but enough for me to ditch my KX-2. However, functionality aside, I like the look of the lab599. It may sway me if I owned neither of these transceivers. Keep the videos coming!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you! And I bet you give your KX2 a proper workout with the number of parks you conquer on a daily basis! :) I absolutely love the KX2 and I love the TX-500. These, at present, are my favorite two portable radios.

[@viahf1200]

Good review. Wish you would turn on the radios and compare the performance.

[@9999plato]

Thanks for the info.😊

[@BastHoen]

Excellent video Thomas. I'm really happy to see 18650 Li-ion cells in a Ham radio product. They are widely ignored in ham radio, bicycle lights and other battery dependent products. At the first day of 2022 I'm starting to build my K1 radio, and I have met Elecraft people many times at Friedrichshafen Ham Radio exhibition. So, I really like the company, great people. If I see your comparison video, we need a K2 radio with CNC machined housing and 18650 cells. :) Who knows what the future will bring. For now, HNY 2022, and I hope to meet you on the bands. Thanks for your great video work, I'm always happy to see your video's coming. 73 Bas PA5BAS

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you so much, Bas! The K1 is a solid little QRP radio. Beautiful RX--with a very low noise floor. Here's wishing you and yours a very happy new year!

[@stevecolby6505]

When watching KZbin reviews of new unique QRP rigs, I usually get very excited to buy one, but I find since I got my Icom 705, I'm not temped anymore. That new girlfriend feeling is lasting a long time with the Icom 705......she's a keeper.....

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No kidding! The IC-705 is really in a league of its own. It's not as rugged as the TX-500, but it's a superb rig. And proper "arm candy." :)

[@toddbu-WK7L]

Yeah, but when your new girlfriend is a TX-500, taking a shower together won’t ruin your relationship 😀

[@AE5X]

@@toddbu-WK7L - but the IC-705 is a girlfriend who is skilled in a larger variety of talents...

[@barrykery1175]

Well done comparison. Very informative. The 500 has a lot of nice features. I like looking at a display that shows where activity is on the band. The WX proofing is a nice feature but not needed for me. I'm sticking with my KX2 for now. I hope Elecraft comes out with a QRP radio (KX4) with a spectrum type display. I still like my old dependable IC 703+. The only downside is its size compared to the KX2. Barry, KU3X/QRP

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The KX2 is a solid transceiver!

[@qrptedmac]

I like the KX3 direct freq entry. I use it all the time.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It's amazingly useful!

[@TheHamNinja]

OK, this is the head-to-head I wanted to see. Excellent review & comparison! If I were to buy a Jeep or Forerunner, Mill-spec hummber, or tank, I'd buy the TX-500 and mount it on there. :) N1CLC

[@ThomasK4SWL]

And it would look SO at home there!

[@happyending486]

Awesome 🎉 very cool

[@phils2180]

I took delivery of a TX-500 around a month ago after a long wait and I'm chuffed to bits with it. It's everything I expected and my expectations were high. I have no problem with carrying a spare battery and prefer to use resonant antennas so the no internal battery/ATU "issue" isn't one for me personally. A big plus for me with the TX is the lower "worry factor" that I get carrying a more fragile expensive radio around in my pack and sitting it on a rock to operate. There is now an attachable key available for the TX which screws straight into the key port so doing away with the lead if you prefer. 👍👍 73.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The TX-500 is an amazing machine.

[@billcosgrave6232]

Tough one, although I am still sticking with the Kx2. In addition to everything you said, the KX2 has been in use for several years now so any problems or wrinkles have most likely been ironed out of it. I also agree, changing the battery on the KX2 is not the issue you sometimes read about on the web.

[@neoretrophoto9198]

I love my KX2- the internal ant Tunner is incredible and with the CW key added its as close to all in one box you can get. The TX-500 looks interesting, but not sure what I'd be getting from it over the KX2 except I could operate in the rain. I would get annoyed with all the special connectors I'd need to make to plug in things like my key and speaker / headphones. But, if I felt weather resistance was criterial, it would be worth it. Happy you mentioned cw clacking- takes TX-500 off my list. If I add anything, I think I'd go 705. Nice to have options- thanks for the review.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The KX2 is an epic portable transceiver and still (in my view) *the* benchmark. I love the TX-500, too, but could easily live only with the KX2 if I had to. (Fortunately, I don't!) :)

[@potatoslim2332]

I like the different form factor. My first rig was an FT-817nd and as much as I love that radio, I dont think the future of qrp radios is that old-style rectangular box like design. It's cool to see all these manufacturers exploring different designs and styles to see what the public likes. I think ultimately I'd like a more military like rig. Functionality like the 705 but with the connectors all on one side and a bit more beefy.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Good point. One of the best developments in the world of QRP radios, in my opinion, is the concept of top-mounted controls. Using the largest surface area on the radio for the encoder, buttons and knobs.

[@williamgreenleaf9302]

KD2QOJ Thanks for the comparison

[@freisprechen2142]

Hello,i m DH7TB afriend of DL4KA and i have the PA500 ,which is developed for the TX500. This worked fine and we waiting for the TX500 .In this moment i can use the PA with the FT 817 or the KX2. We are hopeful for comming the transceiver....have fun.i follow your videos 73 Hans

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Excellent! Yes, please keep in touch and let me know how well it all works! Danke! Thomas

[@rst5nn]

It is obvious that choose between KX2, TX500, ic705 is totally personal preferences. But I would select TX500 don't count the different prices.

[@alexanderdyupre2203]

Only kx-2!Super rig,73!

[@davidg5308]

Thank you - great review. Even with all the delays due to "whatever", I still am leaning to the KX2. Hopefully will pull trigger at/after year end. I have the KX1 and love it.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You'll never regret ordering a KX2. For a moment the other day, I seriously contemplated purchasing a second one when I saw a deal on QTH.com. Then I thought, "Dude...stop looking at ham classifieds while drinking Guinness. Bad combo!" :)

[@davidg5308]

@@ThomasK4SWL LOL, but the Guinness is sure good! Heard another ham say he bought "another" KX1 at a hamfest just because it was there. Definite Elecraft disease out there.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@davidg5308 I call it the "KX syndrome." It's a real thing. :)

[@makeshift75303]

I jave a KX1 and a KX3. I also have a Discovery. Now I'm looking at the KX2 and contemplating a purchase. 🙄

[@madcarew.3256]

My 817 still picking up original Marconi transmissions!!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I love the FT-817! It's so solid and reliable.

[@kevlarnegative]

I'm undecided, I'm based in EU and TX500 is easily available and I won't need to pay import taxes however in 2023 the price has creep up and is now almost comparable to the KX2 kitted out and with the new IBC unit I really want that KX2.

[@gsansoucie]

Great video. Still on the fence with the Lab599, though I’m sure I will get one eventually (can never have too many QRP rigs). My KX2 is a dream and you are right, a shack in a box. You missed the two digital modes the KX2 can do with just a paddle, RTTY and PSK31. In the field, it’s actually quite useful. I don’t know if the Lab599 can do that. de W1ND

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Thank you! Yes, I did forget to mention it in the video, but did mention it in the description of this video. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL

[@techguy9023]

Is anyone doing psk or has the world jumped on FT8 completely? I don’t see the fascination with FT8 myself. I understand making long distance contacts but it seems to require little human interaction. I like the connectors on the Discovery. Looks very sturdy.

[@MrLittlmike22]

great comparison ! (random Question of the day ... tell me about those nice packs!!!!!!!!!!!! struggling to get a way of operating portable that is not a hassle - and they look great!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So on the left, I have the GoRuck GR1 USA and on the right, a GoRuck Bullet Ruck. Warning, though: these are pricey. I'm a bit of a backpack snob. :) Cheers, Thomas

[@randalltom9750]

Thomas, great review video. You have the field experience, and with that, your insight are valuable. Alot of what you said resonated with me (pun). I own the KX2… in fact, because of your review of the AX-1, I bought it… and love it. My question is regarding your KX2 kit… What’s in the bag? I see the mic, key, earbuds, BNC binding post, and some adapters… what else? Curious… de W7UDT Rand (dit dit)

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Hi Randall. Someday, I should do a little video tour of the KX2 pack. So besides the items you mentioned, I usually have a spare battery, a cable to connect the KX2 to the KXPA100 amp (which I think I've only done twice ever), I have a barrel connector, SO239 to BNC, and a couple other adapters. I'll try to remember to do a video about it at some pont.

[@jayj4142]

Yaesu VX-7R was actually fully submersible. FYI. The VX-8D was “weatherproof”, but the 7R was rated for full submersion and I tested it by fully submerging and it worked fine. You might’ve meant ***HF*** transceivers, but you didn’t restrict your comment to just HF transceivers, so……

[@William849]

I really enjoy all of your videos. Also read your articles. Everything is very thoughtful and I actually feel that I am along with you when you activate. I was wondering if you could tell me what bag is (green with tan webbing) propped to the left of the KX2 - 73s Will

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So that is a GoRuck GR1 USA. I have the 21L model and got it on sale two or three years ago. I love it. They are pricey when not on sale because they're made in the USA and carry a lifetime warranty. www.goruck.com/products/gr1

[@William849]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks. Choosing a backpack is sometimes more difficult then a radio. I'll check it out.

[@qrptedmac]

@@William849 You'll have to get on the notify me list for that bag. Its sold out.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I should add: I'm not sure if they still offer the color combo I got. It might have been a one-time deal.

[@o00scorpion00o]

Another reason the Kx2 wins for me is that it can do a full 10 watts from the internal battery, even if it can't run for very long the option is there when you need it and then you can turn it back to 5 watts again to save power. It's really amazing that Icom would stick a 7 volt battery in a radio in this day and age considering how good lithium batteries are today, there's no reason the 705 couldn't do 10 watts with a decent battery.

[@MrButterpantz]

Thomas, I've got my TX500 and love it. Any suggestions into recommended settings for SOTA ops?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Other than loading up the CW memory messages with CQ SOTA and the summit designator, I can't think of anything. It is a brilliant SOTA machine, though! You'll be happy you have it when the weather turns on you mid-activation! :)

[@AE5X]

Nice video Thomas. When people talk about weatherproofing, I hear "ant-proofing". I would never operate outdoors in rainy weather but there have been two occasions when I had ants crawl into my KX2 - I could see them underneath the plastic display cover. Did they ever make it out or did they migrate to the innards of the radio? Who knows...but weatherproofing isn't just for weather!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ironic you mention this, John! I did an activation recently with the KX3 (not on video) and ants were trying their darnedest to get into the chassis. I wondered if there were openings large enough. Obviously so! :) There's enough H2O in those guys to make some funky thinks happen on the board, I bet! :)

[@AE5X]

@@ThomasK4SWL - wow, I never thought about the H2O content of the ant! Reminds me of a satirical piece of writing I read years ago about water being a high life form that uses humans and other lower animals to transport itself!

[@makeshift75303]

@@ThomasK4SWL and acid...

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Ha! Wow! Musta been quite the sight!

[@rst5nn]

Again watching this review and catch myself that KX2 an incredible TX. But from my QTH it is about x1.5 more expensive than TX-500 (KX2 without ATU and battery). Moreover, adding ATU, Battery, speaker increasing price difference of KX2 in x2 times which game changer for me.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You have a really good point: outside the US, the KX2 can be a very pricey radio. It is here in the US as well and has gone up in price recently. The TX-500 is also a nice choice!

[@davidcuttler8571]

The one thing that never seems to appear in most reviews, is how does one rig sound on cw compared to the others. All the specifications are fine, but what would interest me the most, is the fatigue Factor when listening to cw for long periods. Most modern rigs are great at digging signals out of the noise, but really sound poor compared to some of the classic older transceivers. I used to own an icom 703, which would do almost everything, but it was difficult to listen to over long periods. On the other hand I have owned some Ten Tec & Kenwood transceivers that I could listen to forever.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Ten-Tec and Kenwoods radios have excellent audio characteristics. Keep in mind that portable radios typically have robust audio--it's a bit of a compromise to keep current drain to a minimum. I just bought a used Argonaut V which has brilliant audio, but it needs about 1 amp in receive, compared with 110ma with eh TX-500, for example. One of the reasons I make real-time real-life videos of activations is so that there are extended recordings and examples of radio audio as heard in the field.

[@w4mkh]

Great video Thomas. I have one question though. I don't know Morse code but I want to learn. Which would be easier to learn on the KX2's pin diodes or the TX-500's relay architecture? Does it make a difference? Thanks.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Great question! For me, it's all about the sidetone level and less about whether or not the radio has PIN diode switching or relays. My own take? PIN diode switching is most appreciated during full break-in QSK: meaning, the transceiver's recovery from TX to RX is so quick, you can hear between dits and dashes sent. When starting out, I think it's generally best *not* to use full break-in QSK. That's because you have not only your sidetone, but RX noise between the sidetone audio dits and dashes. It can be a bit distracting when starting out. I would personally set your radio to a recovery time of 200ms to 400ms. I often do this anyway and it cuts down on distraction. Many CW ops never do full break-in QSK because they prefer muted audio when sending. In a nutshell? I wouldn't worry about it too much. Pick the radio you want and your brain will adjust to the rest. :)

[@w4mkh]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks Thomas. I have flipped my thinking several times but current thought is the Lab599 TX-500. It has a nice feature set and seems like it would be harder for me to break it than some of the plastic rigs.

[@JayN4GO]

I wish the kx2 had the rugged case like most foreign company’s make them. Seems made in the USA means extremely good internals and plastic knobs and skins. I must have an atu though. That still brings the kx2 to the top of the heep

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The KX2 is a solid choice. Both radios are in my opinion. Keep this in mind about Elecraft products: if a knob gets cracked or damaged--even an encoder--Elecraft stock all parts. They're quite cheap to replace and they're known for even sending them out free of charge as replacements to their customers. I recently thought about buying a spare encoder for my KX1 and worried about the price. Turns out, it's $4.00 and they've loads of them. :)

[@JayN4GO]

@@ThomasK4SWL very good Thomas. They sure are hard to find on the used market. Got my telescoping pole and mount today. Built a efhw antenna. Plan to take the 7300 out for a pota test. Really wanting a kx2 for sota though. Your videos intrigue me for a new Cw op. :)

[@TJVergerII]

Would the relay clicking also be heard using SSB?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No. At least, I've never noticed it. Since full break-in QSK causes numerous T/R switches in short order, it's more noticeable than when pressing a PTT to speak. Not an issue with voice.

[@riz94107]

I've been enjoying your videos recently. I know you don't like to edit, but would you consider doing a final pass over the audio for levels? The quality sounded ok, but I had a rally hard time hearing even at full volume. Switching to headphones helped, but not as much as you'd think... Anyway, i do enjoy the videos! Thanks.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

These days, I do more audio leveling in post and even use external mics. Hopefully, you'll notice an improvement.

[@Nicktgrief]

I used to own and love the ts120v a 10w rig ...but about 4x the size of these 2. out of these 2 i think id go with the KX2

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The TS-120V is a handsome rig! You're right: not as pint sized as this units. :)

[@bradl2636]

Excellent video comparison. Thank you. The Elecraft T1 tuner is OOS and back-ordered out the wazoo... can you recommend a suitable alternative for SOTA/POTA/man-portable use cases? Thank you in advance Thomas.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

In my opinion, the T1 is in a class of its own. That said, there are some made by Mat Tuner that are available and I'm also checking out a new one by Chelegance this week. Stay tuned!

[@bradl2636]

@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you. I have messaged Elecraft to see if they can offer any update on the outlook for T1 in stock availability.

[@royramdeen8864]

To each his own, the Lab is true blue portability.. the KX2 is just beyond quality..

[@georgewashington7444]

Great review. Where are hams getting the TX500 from? HRO is always “out of stock” ?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So the TX-500 has a backlog of orders. There have been a few production runs and you have to pre-order to get in line with HRO. The TX-500 recently got CE approval for European distribution as well. Ask HRO, though, if you place an order when it might be shipped. They can tell you where you would be in the waiting list.

[@TJVergerII]

@@ThomasK4SWL it seems that the diy599.com site is displaying a warning ⚠️

[@michaellukasik1323]

I would like to know how both transceiver work against close by strong stations. I have a FT-817 and I am look at upgrading my radio.

[@toddbu-WK7L]

The TX-500 has an notch filter that will automatically block out strong signals even just 1KHz off the center frequency. It works great on SSB. It also has four built-in filters. I keep the 2.4KHz filter on all the time since the audio is still good and it keeps neighboring signals to a minimum

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Last year, I also posted a short clip as I tuned through this CW contest (which was pretty densely-packed): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXjNgGyHg9F8pKs

[@johnk8091]

Neither, the IC-705 would be my choice without hesitation. Thanks for the video

[@ThomasK4SWL]

That's my next comparison although the TX-500 and IC-705 are really more "apples to oranges" :)

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

@@ThomasK4SWL Yeah, I would rather have a KX2 in my backpack than all that weight and accessories of the IC-705. It really is apples to oranges lol.

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@@JosephAnthonyJosefius just curious what other accessories you would need with the IC 705 than the KX3?

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@Steven H the mic rarely makes a trip to my POTA/SOTA treks. I usually run 5 watts and the internal battery is awesome. I very rarely run digital but all I need is the connection from my computer to the 705. The KX3 doesn't need anything to run digital? I wasn't aware of that. As for tuners, I use a EFHW that doesn't require a tuner for my use. I take my 705, antenna, throw line, CW keyer and I'm in business.

[@BikingHikingRadio]

@Steven H I'm really happy with the 705 for POTA/SOTA and it suits all my needs. The TX500 would maybe take up less room in the backpack and perhaps a little more rugged (and waterproof) but I just don't see a long term benefit for me getting it when I have the 705 that works wonderful for me. If you get one I really hope you enjoy it!

[@harryporter7220]

Thanks for another excellent video, steering me away from the icom 705 and towards Discovery 599...gotta ask about the Canadian flags on your bags? de VO1JA

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So we (my family) love Canada and we travel there a lot (especially the Maritimes!). In a typically year, we might spend as much as two months in Canada in the summer. That and I think the flag really suits that particular bag. :)

[@harryporter7220]

@@ThomasK4SWL Which bag, the red n white maple leaf on the green bag, or the white maple leaf on the black bag? or both? When are you coming to visit us in Newfoundland? We have been to the Outer Banks and Nag's Head on the NC coast, and we're also big fans of Smithfield chicken n bbq~ it's a small world. 73

[@alan4cars]

Great review. 73 WA6MOW

[@o00scorpion00o]

Kx2 for me ( I wish ) because it has an internal battery, what's with this idea radio manufacturers think that we want to drag batteries everywhere and have wires sticking out ? Just a shame you can't charge the Kx2 battery when it's in the radio. Also a shame you can't get a Kx2 in Europe any more ( I have looked, maybe not in the right place ?) The other turn off is that if I order a Kx2 from Electaft I'd have to wait 3 months + by the time I pay import duties and 23% tax here in Ireland, not even including shipping it would cost around 1600 Euro's or more, this is with a few extras, clock, lithium battery, charger, mic, pouch. No tuner, don't need a tuner. The TX-500 no internal battery = no buy, not interested. I had the Xiegu X5105 and while it didn't have the best receiver connected to a home base antenna at night it was more than good enough for QRP ops with portable antennas, it had an excellent internal lithium battery and really compact, it could fit in the pouch for a Tecsun PL-660. I had said I would avoid the X6100 because I really don't want a big screen and waterfall, the Kx2 would be the perfect radio, I just with someone would release a simple no bells and whistles HF radio with up to 10 watts and good internal battery, no SDR and waterfall and USB C charging. If I'm to carry a battery around I'd rather just use my FT-891 and I can have 5-100 Watts and a 8.4 AH LiFeP04 battery will allow me operate for hrs at 100W even if it uses .08 Amps on Relieve it's not really an issue over a couple of hrs in the field. The 891 is a lot of radio for the money.

[@phils2180]

I've had the 891 for some years now, yes it's an excellent radio for the money. I use mine primarily mobile but have used it a couple of times for portable. I recently acquired a TX-500 solely for portable ops and I'm much happier using it for that than the 891. The lack of internal battery is not an issue for me personally but everyone has their own priorities. I'd say the receiver on the TX is at least as good as the 891, maybe even has the edge in some circumstances and is certainly easier to use. Likewise, the lack of internal tuner, which neither radio has, isn't an issue if you're using resonant antennas.

[@dennisschultz1175]

@Thomas Witherspoon. Please do the same thing against the G90. Great videos and review blog btw!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I'll try, Dennis! So I sold the G90 I purchased for review last year. A retailer sent me another so I could review the GSOC, but the G90 faceplate simply failed after one of the routine firmware updates. I will likely make a video, however, before I ship it back

[@DR4Christ]

How is the CW decoder in both?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

The TX-500 doesn't do decode (I don't think?). Hmmm...might need to double check when I have it with me. The Elecraft decoder is one of the best that comes built-in.

[@willieb6529]

CW decode is much better in the tx500

[@OllieVK]

For all else... there's the 705 =D

[@paulclark7664]

The Russian tx looks terrific ..but how many rigs can anyone use ?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

(Don't ask!) :)

[@tom_olofsson]

Thomas is absolutely correct. Never let your rational brain get in the way of an emotional decision.

[@098317]

27 minutes and neither radio has been switched on. Some comparison please.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So this was less a performance comparison and more a features/form-factor comparison.

[@docpearson]

This unit does not pass muster because it does NOT have an INTERNAL ANTENNA TUNER so it may fall flat on it’s face. Check out Xiegu’s new 6100 with internal antenna tuner. It smokes this one and it has internal antenna tuner and Bluetooth and is much better quality and is cheaper. So this unit is a no go for me.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Just an FYI: the Discovery TX-500 has been in very high demand and has a backlog of pre-orders. In terms of build? It's one of the highest quality radios I've ever owned. The performance is also outstanding. I carry a T1 ATU with me, but mostly pair it with EFHW antennas so I don't need an ATU. Regarding the X6100, I hope it's a good one, but I'm kind of a "show me" guy. No one has really tested the first production model yet--the one early adopters will receive. Josh has taken a look at a pre-production model on HRCC (I highly recommend checking it out), but the pre-production unit has a number of issues that we hope will be solved in the first production run.

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

the Xiegu X5105 does all that th kx2 will do

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I just got one on loan from Radioddity and look forward to checking it out. Sure is a lot of radio for the price.

[@ghostinthecodeRF]

One is an outdoor radio the other isn’t

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I use both outdoors all the time. :)

[@ghostinthecodeRF]

@@ThomasK4SWL you must have nice weather all year round

[@elanpaim33]

it will take if ever years till you can buy the tx500 all they say they will ship soon to HRO not real even there is much more issues sorry to tell you you cant even comparing the tx500 to kx2 or kx3 they are like lemon vs apple

[@ThomasK4SWL]

It is getting very difficult to source TX-500s now. I've owned the KX3, KX2, and TX-500 all since they were first introduced and logged 100s of hours on them. Since they're all QRP transceivers that have very low current drain, cover HF, and can push as much as 10 or 15 watts, they're very much comparable! :) They're not apples vs oranges. More like different varieties of apples. :)

[@user-lm9bn1xs8q]

нихуя не понял, какой лучше?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

They are both great radios. It has more to do with you as an operator. Is water-resistance important? Is having an internal ATU important? It really depends.

[@djvnet]

Kid exists. The tx500 does not. -.-

[@ThomasK4SWL]

"Kid"? I'm not sure I follow, but the TX-500 can still be ordered from HRO. I understand they took it off the site, but you can call in and order.

[@willieb6529]

dumped my kx2 as soon as i got my hands on a tx500... kx2 was worst ham purchase in 20 years... tx500 is much easier to use, intuitive menus and controls, bulletproof finals, much more rugged... tx500 is a true /p qrp rig.. the kx2 is too fragile, indecipherable menus, nonfunctional clock, serial card, insipid charging scheme for internal battery.. awful rig!