Lab599 Discovery TX500 QRP Ham Radio

Today we get to this at this new TX500 QRP Radio from Lab599 in Russia. This is a slim and sleek looking QRP radio that is great for SOTA and backpacking.
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USA: hr2.li/83pax
UK: hr2.li/o8jwh
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Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio #lab599 #tx500

[@e4949]

I've had the TX500 for almost a year. Great for POTA and performed well at Winter FD. I watched the 705 users run for cover when it stated snowing while I kept operating. It integrates really well with my Alex Loop. There have been several firmware updates that have removed bugs and added multiple features. I have had about 200 QSO's, both SSB and CW with good RST reports. I use the Heil BM17 headset with the W2ENY mic adapter cable instead of the hand mike. W2ENY has multiple accessories for the TX500. It is also a general coverage receiver from 0.5-56 Mhz. The TX500 is a utilitarian radio which gives you everything you need for SOTA/POTA and skips all the bells and whistles. Its the Ford Truck of radios

[@luissanchez3214]

Please continue with the videos on the TX500 no matter how simple the task or activity. Include us on the ride.

[@rantingraven4428]

Love my TX500. I have a Digirig on order and am using an end fed half wave. Very well constructed and seems very easy to use. Menus are intuitive and easy to understand. I bought it mainly for travel when I go up to ND, WY and MT. It works well with an end fed half wave. Gotta get a CW key. I have a 6ah battery on order. I won't worry about damaging it during travel. I have ordered a 3d printed cover, with covers for cable attachment ports. Currently running it off a 20ah battery.

[@LJH08Ralith]

I picked one up. I was part of HRO's end January fulfillment. I've used it exclusively in the house so far apart from a little outside testing in the yard. On a base antenna with a long feedline I've talked as far away as Calgary from NE AL. As soon as I can get back out to POTA it will by my primary SSB rig. I like certain things about it better than my 705 such as it's much more rugged build quality and the smaller form factor overall. I wish it had a built in soundcard and speaker but knowing these limitations I think it's a fair radio for the price. Power consumption is great in that it sips power. I expect I can activate on my 3AH and 6AH batteries with no problems. Next on the list is a Powerfilms Max to keep it powered indefinitely.

[@GordonHudson]

I have one. It fits in a Nintendo Switch case! I have a second case with battery and mic in it. Works well, even down to lower voltages so you get a lot of life out of the batteries. I have used 10x AA NiMH in a cell case 2.5 amp/HR and got several hours use. Most radios refuse lower voltages as the battery drops. The sockets are for aviation style plugs - easily obtainable, Amazon, eBay etc. DE GM4SVM

[@catronics9883]

Love my TX500, so well constructed and is excellent for POTA and am not worried about it getting splashed in the rain

[@twohandsandaradio]

The funky connectors on the side are GX12 aviation connectors. Widely available. Used in aviation for their waterproofing capability.

[@HamRadio2]

There is a guy selling a 5-pack on ebay that are specifically for this radio and can be pinned to whatever you want

[@MrZas2485]

I own one and so far I really enjoy it, it seems to be my quieter radio for portable ops.

[@StuartM0TTQAmateurRadio]

Got one, got the matching amp, love the pair. Can't wait for the winds to die down a little so I can do some serious portable work with them.

[@HamRadio2]

I've got the matching amp too and will be using it this week for a POTA activation

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Jason that's a very nice qrp radio I read the specs on it and one thing I like about it it can withstand a downpour if you were in a bad rainstorm it's really made well thank you for sharing it 👍

[@jamiearnoldw2gpr655]

I put up a post on the TX500 and POTA FB page from an activation with mine today. Great little rig. W2GPR

[@slick8086]

I'm studying for my general, and this radio will be my reward for passing.

[@HamRadio2]

Nice!

[@lrsdus]

Love the radio just got the battery pack and its amazing run it straight off the solar panel just amazing

[@kweeks10045]

Interesting rig!

[@DaveW6OOD]

Those connectors on the bottom are called Pogo pins

[@JimBrand]

I've got one of these. I've had it for a few months. I'm really liking it! It's been winter here in the midwest, so the outings have been a bit briefer than usual. If coupled with a few of the qrp guys antennas which are really small light and work good with the 10 watts, you get a really nice portable package. Those antennas are all resonant, which is my preference, so I don't miss the tuner. Coupled with a little bioenno battery, everything goes in a tiny backpack. There have been a bunch of firmware updates, for both bugs and features, if you've never done one.

[@503Nick]

DigiRig ft8 video link isn’t there @14 minutes in

[@ghostinthecodeRF]

Martin Lynch & Sons does not sell this radio but Waters & Stanton /navada does. Got mine a couple of months ago and just built a 18Ah li-ion battery to fit the same form factor as the radio now housed in an MTP gps pouch. Already made contacts from Moscow to Pennsylvania from a rather noisy London 🇬🇧 with a home made wire antenna.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

I haven’t heard any negative reviews on this radio. Very cool radio. But QRP isn’t for me. I would definitely need a portable amp for it.

[@slick8086]

I think "modular" is a good way to describe the aspect that there are lots things to to plug into it.

[@503Nick]

That thing is so awesome. The matching amp and battery pack makes it a dream radio for me

[@HamRadio2]

I've got the amp. Did the battery pack get released?

[@503Nick]

@@HamRadio2 I’ve seen it on a few videos.

[@rantingraven4428]

@@HamRadio2 Did you build the amp kit or did you get it shipped? I am on the waiting list for the amp. Where did you buy the Amp?

[@joeframo3347]

Jason they didn't supply caps plastic caps for each of those sockets to keep on it so dirt don't get in there that confuse me you think they would have given you a caps to cover those sockets for the eight pin to 7 pin and so forth

[@adam-g7crq]

I've had my tx500 since late last summer, love it compared to my 705 it's built like a brick s@#t house great bomb proof front end very efficient and reliable finals sips power great for all environmental conditions can see the screen in bright sunlight also use it with 2 and 4 meter transverters drive's them well.

[@TheM14guy]

I had one on order through HRO early 2021. After the 3rd (or was it 4th?) delay I cancelled and got in line for an IC 705. Wow, what a great radio! Got the bug for the 599 and waited a month for it; again through HRO. Radio came in 11/21 but died in less than a month. No audio out! I was doing an SWR sweep using an Elecraft AX-1 antenna direct to the radio radio BNC. Apparently my radio had a counterfeit audio chip installed. I only learned of the issue looking at forums. Nothing official from 599! A month later I have my radio repaired. Have not tried the radio with the AX-1 yet. I did get a nice email back from Roman but no explanations. The tech in Reno also did not tell me what the issue was nor was there a repair description when I got the radio back. The recommendation was to not do that again! What? The radio built like a tank cannot handle 10 watts of RF?! Unacceptable. I have used EFHW wire antennas with good effect. I love the radio and use it with my KXPA100 amp going coast to coast and some DX!! I’m going to test the AX-1 again. I love the radio but not impressed with the lack of transparency on the issue or repair.

[@HamRadio2]

Seems like a strange experience. Glad you got it fixed though

[@davidcarlson4412]

I bought mine from Waters & Stanton London. I’ve used it for a week on SSB. Outstanding rig. I also have KX3 and IC705. I also bought the PA500 which was designed for TX500 by German company. Amp also works with KX3 and IC705. The TX 500 and PA 500 are perfect match. Identical size and engineering. The AMP puts out 60 watts but gets warm so I run it at 50 watts. Great for field operation amp only draws 5 to 7 amps. Dave WA6DKN.

[@HamRadio2]

That's the same setup that I have. I'm planning to use it on a POTA activation soon.

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

you have nice toys. hahah

[@duncanchaboudy4187]

I like that.

[@Screamingtut]

Just looked on HRO's site they have them for $950.00, now. this was on 2/20/2020.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes but are they in stock? The listing is there but what about stock?

[@daveycrockett9447]

Now they are $1300- ugggggh

[@dansloss2566]

The pins on the back are for a planned battery pack.

[@HamRadio2]

I suspected it was something like that

[@yungerallenelectricalcontr6415]

I wish that I could Like this Video 2 times ! Great Content Bro! DE K4KHO 73

[@HamRadio2]

I appreciate that!

[@markdewey5412923331]

What watch is that?

[@agplay2290]

Have one on backorder! And say Jason I bought a Wouxon uv920p from you a few years ago. Loaned it to a youngster and in getting it back he has lost the mic. By any chance do you have one I can purchase?

[@HamRadio2]

Sorry, I don't

[@agplay2290]

@@HamRadio2 darn.

[@indy.b]

Checked a few days ago with EU shop and as they are made in RUS they won't be getting any new shipments. So if you see one in stock and want one then grab it...

[@HamRadio2]

They are now selling direct - lab599.com/purchase/ I am not sure about the VAT and duties, though. Try a mock-order and see.

[@zulu3006]

Back in stock at HRO

[@HamRadio2]

Cool

[@elsuperpollo2273]

Are these expensive KQ4HCU

[@Jacob-bb5rk]

Any idea when the amp with be available?

[@HamRadio2]

The PA500 is available now from diy599.com

[@Jacob-bb5rk]

Sorry, I don't see where you can order? Thanks for the help!

[@GearZenChannel]

Pretty sure the sanctions might kill this radio. It is no longer on HRO. Seems like a great investment for anyone who got one, as these are about to become rare and desirable.

[@HamRadio2]

They're selling it directly now

[@GearZenChannel]

@@HamRadio2 Interesting. I wonder if customs might have something to say about the import? Would really stink to buy and then have it seized. Also wondering about possible payment processing issues and the fact that no price is listed.

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

Mother Russia!

[@turkeyslayer63]

So is FT-8 = to HF echolink or fake dx

[@HamRadio2]

Incorrect since FT8 is over the air and not the internet like Echolink is

[@turkeyslayer63]

@@HamRadio2 only meant it as a joke

[@Johnyrocket70]

They probably stack up with a amplifier.

[@HamRadio2]

It stacks with the PA-500 pretty well

[@ChipEckardt]

Neat portable radio. W9OQI

[@N3PEM]

Your going to have to tell me how to get that challenge coin :)

[@HamRadio2]

I give them away on various orders that are placed on my merch store. Email me your info and I will send you one for being a great POTA advocate ;)

[@N3PEM]

@@HamRadio2 QRZ good?

[@HamRadio2]

@@N3PEM Yeah

[@DominicMazoch]

The Eastern European stiuation may impact supply chain issues.....

[@ChipEckardt]

I think the same about good companies like Rig Expert, that is in Ukraine:-(

[@DominicMazoch]

@@ChipEckardt I was saying this in a ham radio friendly way.

[@MailmanJustin]

What I love about my TX-500 is that, after a day operating at a sandy beach, I can come home and literally RINSE THE RADIO OFF UNDER A FAUCET to get the salt/sand off. What other radio would you even THNK of doing that with...? It may be pricey for its feature set, but this radio is at home in the elements and inclement weather.

[@HamRadio2]

I'd be scared to try that, but I just might have to do it

[@MailmanJustin]

@@HamRadio2 it's splash proof, so as long as you don't submerge it and are careful, you're good. Those connectors not only prevent the wrong cables from being plugged in the wrong spot, but they are also waterproof connectors adding to the water resistance of the unit.

[@hdcd1]

I have been thinking of taking it to the beach and wondering if rising was an option.. What kind of antenna you use?

[@MailmanJustin]

@@hdcd1 I've been using the k6ark tiny EFHW. I get skunked every time I try to use my MPAS 2.0. Resonant antennas are key. And as for rinsing, I am careful about it, and make sure it's just a brief swipe under light pressure. I definitely don't blast it.

[@hdcd1]

@@MailmanJustin yeah just to get the salt and sand off.. I do have the k6ark antenna kit. Just need to put together. Thanks!

[@77062west]

Waterfall display. Please.

[@petermajor4599]

💎💎💎💎💎💎

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Was it always $900+??

[@HamRadio2]

As far as I know

[@DominicMazoch]

QRP rigs: 1. I got my 703+ more for a SWL than transmit. I was a Tech so 6 and 10 ate legal. At the time the 703 price point was neat the high end SWL receive only radios. So a bonus. And it does have s tuner. Now I do have a brick for it, so I van do QRP or 100w for portable and backup for the 746pro. 2. True QRP rigs sip power even on standby. Good gor battery power for POTA, SOTA, IOTA, FD, MSWE, Uri ice storms or power failures. 3. That said, a "drop in" 703ish rig is just not out there in terms of the rig itself or price points.

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

it's from Russia so don't hold your breath for future updates. hahah

[@DOA62]

You can buy a X6100 for almost half the cost and get way more from it then this radio, It's nice but $$$$$ for what you get.

[@HamRadio2]

That isn't even close to being true. The x6100 has more bells and whistles maybe, but the quality of the TX500 far surpasses the x6100

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Hi Rob, if you'd like to compare the two radios in person, let me know, I'd be glad to meet up for some POTA.

[@DOA62]

@@HamRadio2 I which way? I would like to see them side by side.

[@DOA62]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I would like to but do not have either one, I have just been looking at them and watching yours and other Videos, I am still very new to this and don't have alot of money, I am just seeing thing from the new ham point of view, I am (and many other new Hams) are find it hard to find info on radios and antennas, most reviews are from people that have been doing this for a long time and don't understand some or most of the terms put out there, Sorry but I am still learning and looking for the best bag for the Buck and the X6100 just looks better and has more to offer, I am I wrong about this radio YES i could be, I freely admit that. p.s. I would be more than willing to talk more about this and what I am finding out there from the new hams view.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@DOA62 excellent. I do understand what you're saying. The offer stands, I'm in northern Illinois and am happy to show you both radios and get your input /compare thoughts. Feel free to reach out anytime!

[@g7npl]

H R O Should not be trading with Russia.

[@JK00JK]

Looks like they removed it altogether. The item listing on HRO as found via google shows "Item Not Found" and there are no search results "TX500 QRP" from the HRO search field.

[@g4joe]

Dumb yankee sanctions, not even hurting Russia but sure backfired on Britain an EU. 👎🇬🇧

[@daviddurflinger3104]

Great review, I still like my G90, more power.