Lab599 TX-500 Deep Dive & Ham Radio Review

Today I answer your questions on the Lab599 TX-500...
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Part one of the Lab599 TX-500 Video here: • Lab599 Discovery TX-50...
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[@alanb76]

AM is only partial power. Power must be reserved for the modulated sideband peaks. Select FM or CW key down for full power.

[@pauls8456]

Yes should draw more than an amp for 10W output…..

[@docpearson]

I believe this person has given the most excellent reason for someone either to want to have an internal antenna tuner or not. Of course this one does not have an internal antenna tuner. But please please listen to his explanation on this. It is compelling and the best explanation I have ever heard. Usually I trash any radio that does not have an internal antenna tuner. But I cannot do that to this one because of the compelling and excellent reasons given by this presenter. Kudo’s for him!

[@joshwalton2343]

Yea, I ordered one from HRO the moment I saw your first video. This second video has me really excited to play with it. I'm a KX3 fan boy, and may now become a TX-500 one too! Super interested in seeing it perform on digital modes too. Oh, it would be interesting to to hear the filtering/audio quality compared directly with a KX3 or other familiar radio just to see them side by side. Thanks again for posting this!!

[@cj5947]

When i saw this radio with water resistance and spectrum display, I sold my KX3 and ordered one. Also ordered some GX12 connectors and metal caps to cover connectors not in use.

[@jtzofrea]

@@cj5947 How's it working out for you? I'm trying to decide between the KX2 and this.

[@j204ever5]

@@jtzofrea KX2 for sure. The TX-500 is Russian made. You like this? AND they are expensive too.

[@johnhagenscuba]

Can’t go wrong with either. I just got my TX-500. I love it…

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

Very slick looking QRP rig! For those who want to use non-resonant antennas, you could use the LDG Z-817, Elecraft T1, or MAt-10. All are Auto Antenna Tuners, compact, lightweight, and would work great with this rig.

[@j204ever5]

A Elecraft KX2 or KX3 is far a better solution!

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

@@j204ever5 I agree. I prefer my KX2.

[@j204ever5]

@@JamesHannibalKH2SR The TX-500 looks good but - no built-in ATU - No standard connectors - No built-in speaker - The price has doubled within several month.

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

@@j204ever5 I agree.

[@andrewhamop6665]

Holy crap, best thing looks awesome! I can't wait to try qrp, but I think I need to wait a little lol. Getting my first HF radio tomorrow, it's an FT-891, I'm super excited to run digital, and also some SSB. Love the videos Josh, 73 de W8IJC!

[@brianrose2487]

You're going to love that radio! Congratulations

[@andrewhamop6665]

@@brianrose2487 thanks

[@KREllis-vr1ix]

891 is a good modern HF radio. BTW, lots of people use it portable and you can dial it down to 5w. No need for another radio to try qrp portable. Enjoy.

[@c.f.leffen2929]

Thank-You, Josh, for the great series of videos, concerning the TX-500!

[@loetvansermondt6703]

I still missing the test for the digital mode like FT8, how to connect etc

[@aldimore]

Can't wait for your IC-705 deep dive.

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Josh, great deep dive video. I bought the TX-500, I love this radio. I also bought and coupled it with the DIY599 PA500 60 watt Amplifier. This is a great supplement to the radio. The PA500 also has a antenna tuner. The PA500 is the same shape as the TX-500. This combination has become my favorite radio for POTA. Thank Josh for all your videos, keep them coming!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think TX-500 is a pretty slick readio. That PA500 though, WOW, its pricey!!!

[@lamplighter9725]

Very neat, thanks Josh. Wonder if this could work as a primary radio, from desk, to car to field. I'm not planning on having a shack really but want a good emcomms/prepper set up.

[@cj5947]

Lab599 has posted photos of a battery pack for the TX-500 that attaches to the back of the radio on it's Twitter site (Aug 26). It looks very nice.

[@ornotermes]

I have an Xiegu X5105, I would say they seem to overlap a decent bit. It would be interesting to see them side by side.

[@davidhook1980]

Sounds like with the battery and tuner accessory your still getting a better value with the IC705. I still have an ft817 going on a little over 20yrs and still love it especially on cw. It's in the Yaesu hospital now for some minor repairs but can't wait to go POTA with my new Wolfriver coil. Made tons of contacts with it back when conditions were better.

[@schoocg]

I am number 12 on HRO list to get one, can't wait. PS: I am an absolute champion of the KX3 (QRP & with KXPA-100 & PX3). I run 100% portable rigs and antennas. I do not expect this radio to match a KX3 receive and filtering and flexibility ..thats not my goal here. My goal is for even more QRP portability and 'robustness' and quality build. I think the TX500 will deliver. Question: you mentioned in a new firmware CW pre recordings. Any mention of having a, like 15sec, ability to pre record a 'voice CQ call'? QRP requires a LOT of CQ CQ. Could you inquire for us please? Comments: - Tuner is coming...that's great if it didn't I would have chosen the Elecraft QRP tuner, great product a tad expensive but you get what you pay for with Elecraft. - I saw your Buddipole PowerMini. In my opinion, even if you don't use portable solar, one of the most versatile and powerful tools a portable operator can have for battery management and even better if you add solar. This product is nothing but amazing and NOTHING like it anywhere for its intended use, and it does it brilliantly. It gets little to no exposure. I would love to see you give a full review in what it can do for an operator. Anyone that owns one will say the same as I do, once you own one hard to imagine operating portable with out one. Less than handful sort of reviews and all did a poor job of it.

[@ChrisN8PEM]

Great video as always. Looks like a great video for the right operations.

[@GlenJenkins]

Really enjoyed you your review of the TX-500, did not know it even existed. I may consider it vs a KX3 or IC-705. WB4KTF

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s a compelling option based on your radio needs.

[@RobertWardJones]

It seems to be a radio style for those who buy old military radios are seeking. Weather resistant and tuff. Gill at Ham Radio Prepper is always looking for a radio like this.

[@richardcorfield9926]

It would have been handy for me today, wanting to do CWT from the fields at the end of the village and not worry about the damp weather. I agree - very interesting for SOTA, for the spectrum display, low receive current and ruggedness.

[@MrSmithChart]

Beautiful shot of the QTH external - looks like Malibu Creek State Park - Gorgeous. Thanks for the time and effort and posting. You should set up a tip jar... 73

[@eliqb]

Im about to order this w/ the amp. Getting my license next week, excited to try Ham. We used to call for fire with those handsets in Iraq back in 2003. Full volume is for listening like a speaker while your sitting/guard duty/ sleeping bag, etc

[@willieb6529]

you will have a wait for the matching amp... however, an mx-p50m works well with this rig, which is the finest qrp rig ever made

[@radiotec76]

I just love this radio. It's the first rugged portable radio that wasn't military. I also think too much is made of not having an antenna tuner. This is portable operation with limited power and you would benefit more from an antenna or two cut to resonance for the bands you plan on using. If you must you can build a small L match. They're not hard to build and at 10 watts the L match can be very small.

[@dansloss2566]

Nice review, Josh. I'm envious. I'm getting to know you like the back of your hand, haha.

[@applemachome]

Underappreciated joke right here

[@amateursandairwaves]

Awesome review. Great looking radio!

[@Auxrad39]

thanks for the great review on this unit , I'm looking forward using this for SOTA

[@don_n5skt]

Great video Josh. I have been thinking more now of radios that would fit what Gil (Radio Prepper) has experienced on his recent excursions on his boat. Will it marine? I think this radio might but curious on your take on that.

[@forthy62]

Great video. Ordered mine directly in Rusia. Hope to get it in August :-) 73, Stephan, DF6PA

[@hehe3301]

Greetings from Massachusetts

[@k9rka489]

Really like these new qrp radios coming out. A little disappointing that they price them as high as full hf rigs. Would love to pick this or the new Icom 705 up instead of buying older used rigs (all my radios I’ve but used as I can’t afford “new” prices). Between an Icom 7200 and yaesu 818 I still spent significantly less then either of these new rigs go for separately.

[@doomgod314]

Growing up with Toughbooks, I get the appeal.

[@LifeIsTooShortForQRP]

I LOVE Toughbooks. Bought one once just for the heck of it. Needless to say I love this radio too.

[@bruceforster3709]

I Volunteer with Adventist Disaster Response.I'm going to take a HARD look at this radio for my Response Go Kit! This radio with a 15 Amp LiFePO4 Battery and Chameleon Antenna would be a NICE setup!

[@ChrisKeller]

9:45 freakin' H-250, I love it!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yeah! It sounds good too!

[@dennisschultz1175]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Where did you get the speaker mic from?

[@rustyvandeusen2394]

good follow up on questions...helpful!

[@LifeIsTooShortForQRP]

I love military radios, and this TX-500 is as close as you are going to get to that with a ham radio. Also, I saw some derogatory reactions on the web about the fact that this is designed and made in Russia. Apart from the fact that such remarks reflect more on the persons saying stuff like that than it does on the radio, it is also incorrect. I have many military radios in my collection from Russia and other former East-Block countries, and I can tell you, they all are superb, both in design as well as construction. In fact, looking at this radio, I would not be surprised if the designers of this radio once were employed in the field of military radio design.... I , for sure, will be ordering this little gem. I think $800 is a very fair price for a radio as robust as this. And that ATU everyone is demanding? I will be using it with my MAT-125E tuner, 18650 Li-battery powered and having latching relays that do not need power once set. That little tuner was MADE for a radio like this!

[@stridermt2k]

Interesting piece! Yes a definite target audience still cool. 73 de N2NLQ

[@judithwake2757]

Thank you for your effort but your demonstration would have been more effective for me as a newbie if we could have seen the display close enough and focused clearly enough to see what was being displayed as you worked. I suspect seasoned operators got it though so maybe that was your intention. I learned a lot while the camera was focused and close enough to see the display but that was only for a brief time. Thanks again for your help.

[@neubert500]

Excellent review! Thank You!

[@gsansoucie]

Ah, first CW related anything I’ve seen on this radio, they buried the keyer speed in a menu, strike 1. That CW audio wasn’t too shabby though. I hear you say key clicks and relay for full break in cw, which sounds like a noisy TR relay vs pin diodes? And only one CW paddle/key at at time. My KX2 just can’t be beat. I’m still intrigued though, that panadapter looks useful.

[@harrisleck3960]

Josh, Lab599 is saying they don’t provide the Audio cable. Since you are well connected with HRO, please ask them about sourcing such a cable that we can order with the radio. Thank you for an excellent presentation. I

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hi Harris, I believe the plan is to make the connectors available. With the connector, you can make any cable you'd like pretty easily.

[@harrisleck3960]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Hi Josh, I spoke with Eric at HRO in Denver yesterday and discussed this with him. They have about 75 orders and he agreed that it would be a natural fit for HRO to try and source the Audio cable. Of course Eric isn't the boss but he mentioned he had been discussing the TX-500 with Mark the manager just before I called. They will apparently get 50 radios only in Sept. so I am still trying to find out if my order made on July 23rd will be filled from the first batch.

[@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w]

Perfect emcomm radio

[@kylesmart5289]

I love the idea of the radio, just not super crazy about the proprietary plugs for everything and I wish it landed at a little lower price point since it is a QRP radio. Also, I noticed you haven't update your shack config in the description to include the new antenna. Thanks for another great video.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You got me! I need to do that!

[@hotdogx2]

Those are not proprietary connectors. They are GX-12 connectors. Standard aviation types and readily available (check Ebay etc.)

[@kylesmart5289]

hotdogx2 valid point. I suppose I should’ve said non-standard as far as amateur radio equipment is concerned.

[@hotdogx2]

@@kylesmart5289 Yes, true. You do have to order them, and they are physically slightly longer than some of the connectors we're used to. But I reckon that's the only way they could prevent water intrusion, so it seems like a good way to go.

[@cj5947]

You can also get the metal caps on Ebay for covering connectors not in use

[@danaharlan12]

GOOD COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW THANKS!

[@LanceVK6LK_AussieHam]

I would have liked to see it set up for digital modes. Any radio today, which doesn't have a single cable for CAT/ audio is completely dropping the ball.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don't have the connectors to do digital with the radio sadly.

[@LanceVK6LK_AussieHam]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks for the reply, by the looks of the connector lay out I assume it doesn't have an inbuilt sound card?

[@member1138]

Thanks for the review. I'm a brand new General (as in passed the test tonight). KE8PDP/AG. I'm trying to figure out which radio to buy and like the idea of a packable radio. But I also realize I'd be paying a premium for it. Am I being too idealistic?

[@MrMesospheric]

We need to move on from twiddling buttons. What's the crystal stability like? For $900, it should be good, given that $600 rigs usually have ultra-stable TCXOs. But is it? Also, this thing is currently only for sale in the US and Sweden. Buy it from outside those countries, and if there is any problem with it, you will have zero consumer protection. Worth thinking about, at that kind of money.

[@walteredwards544]

Love the concept. I'm looking for a compact but powerful radio that I can take on long distance bicycle tours. My issue is the proprietary nature of most of the connectors. I'm new so I'm not into wiring the different connectors yet. I'm wondering if they might provide adaptors that will allow to use standard accessories with this radio? Finally, does this radio have an antenna analyzer like the G-90? Thanks in advance.

[@bjornw8852]

The connectors are too big. Especially for portable use. But the rugged design is really nice. This is missing on the Elecraft line. I hope you will show us more details soon. Vy73

[@ilovetomcats]

Now I’m very conflicted between this and the KX2... I love the lightweight, slim, weather-resistant(-ish) form factor of this radio, but the KX2 isn’t much worse, and has more features. But this for $600 less, which I can spend on other gear sooner? Very tempting, hope to see a shootout with this and other rigs like the KX2, G90, KX3, X5105, etc soon.

[@larrystowell1981]

Off target when is part 2 of the SteppIR ???

[@TroubadorToday]

Love the reviews and walkthrough! Would this be a good QRP for RTTY/PSK?

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I think NF is notch filter, not noise filter.

[@BoboAthanassion]

Great Video! Does this radio come with a built in SWR Analyzer?

[@polymath5119]

Josh, thanks for doing this second look at the TX-500. Have you compared the receiver to that of your KX2, and have an opinion to share about the RX difference?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The TX-500 isn't as good as the KX2, but better than the X5105. That is just my ears as the test though. Fairly non-scientific so I didn't really make a video out of it.

[@willieb6529]

for anyone watching this review: there are MANY improvements in the current firmware, including CW decoding!

[@mumi009]

I have a Fuji "bridge" camera. The case is rubberized as are the buttons. After about a year the camera case and the buttons became sticky. The buttons functioned intermittently and then not at all. Fuji wants 150 Euros to "fix" the problem. I would also have to pay the shipping costs. A new camera of the same model costs around 350 Euros. I am not inclined to pay Fuji to fix their design flaw, nor will I buy the same model of camera again, at any price. I have become very skeptical of "rubber" buttons. This radio seems to have similar kinds according to Josh's description. Buyer beware!

[@henrypollock6802]

Yes, I also would like to know if the CW memory message capability will support voice messages. Additionally, has anyone tested the speech processor function?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

At this point, I believe the answer is no to voice memory.

[@feedbaggage2478]

Can you boost the legs on this (and other QRP's) with an external amp? I'm pretty new to the ham world.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

In general yes.

[@jimthvac100]

Thank you for reviewing this radio. I wanted to comment the radio sounded very tinny even when you used an external speaker. Is this just the way it will always sound or is it because your external speaker is not so good?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It sounds good in person. The example in my video could be due to how I recorded my video through my lav mic.

[@moustache6622]

Would be nice if someone offered an HF radio in the 15-to-25watt power range (125watt amplified) with 2G/3G ALE, icing on the cake would be if it had both the MIL-STD-810G & IP65 ratings... however it's highly unlikely that such a radio will ever be offered to the HAM community.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yep. It’s unlikely we’ll see a radio like that. It would be pricey.

[@giuseppeconcari4716]

I had a couple of problems on this radio. when the radio selfprotect itself in case of high SWR by reducing the output power there is no way to rise it up after an antenna adjusting even at very low SWR level : I have to reset the radio (yes reset!). I had also to send it back to the assistance as a fatal problem occurred on the speaker (not RX onkly speaker) . Broken without any aparent reason. 4 months to repair and have it back. Quite disappointing indeed!

[@vk5fe943]

Thanks a lot for the video.

[@shutthegate8232]

Thank you.

[@istvanszabo8698]

What is the power consumption in cw tx mode?

[@j204ever5]

A Elecraft KX2 or KX3 is far the better solution.

[@SuperTroutwhisperer]

Love this rig !!! Are there any other microphone options for this??

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yes. Go check out the part one video to see more.

[@SuperTroutwhisperer]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks

[@n1iex]

Nice vid thanks much appreciated!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@henryshilife3031]

I have a question regarding external speaker. Have your come across a set that allows a better(louder) speaker to be used while also allowing a mic. So for example if a group or room was listening to the radio but you wanted to also be able to transmit.

[@richardcorfield9926]

DIF may be more relevant in the presence of image signal problems.

[@kedmark]

Most important question, how does it compare to your superlative Elecraft X2? Thank you and regards, de Karl KE3KWE

[@DonzLockz]

look good, hard to find!

[@giuseppeconcari4716]

It's clear my friend the war stopped any relationship with the manufactrurer. pay attention before deciding to buy and keep considered this aspect for the potential risk not to have spare parts ! 73 de IU4LDD

[@Meitao23]

Looks good.

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Hi Josh Please can you run APRS, FT8, WSPR and receive WX Fax. Keep up the good work. Chud M1PUP QTH London

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don’t have connectors for those tests. The raise I would have.

[@lifeingeneral9111]

Isn’t that in milliamps to the right of the decimal

[@robliguori]

How is the noise floor and sensitivity of the receive on this radio compared to the Xiegu X5105? Thanks in advance, Rob

[@denniscornell2747]

I have a radio coming next month. Will they be including one of those military style handsets or do we have to order that one in addition to the radio? I understand that the speaker/mic will come with it.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The military handset is an accessory.

[@segrus]

Buy camera with fixed focus please

[@johnkeo358]

what model number is the battery pack you're using?

[@Mikhael49]

If you want the MARS mod, can you get that through the the USA outlets?

[@gabrieltgh]

Can the TX-500 transmit un the 27 Mhz band??

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

How water resistant is it? Splash/dunking?

[@agplay2290]

Does it have a internal power controller? Am wondering on if it can connect to solar direct.

[@tomhobbs6643]

Looking for a new radio. Have a few friends that do qrp. This may be a radio i can ise as i got to a lake house and have a nice dipole set up there.

[@wtmcpherson7219]

I would like to see connection to headset like Heil BM17 and Pro 7, please

[@robzelnick9341]

Somehow the price went from $800 to $1300, at least for me they have priced themselves out of the market. If I am going to spend that amount, will get the IC 705

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Trade tariffs.

[@joshuakg5ptt225]

By the way good video!!.

[@rossbassette7518]

Josh, Have you tried this with an amp?

[@jayj4142]

Where can one purchase the military handset with that connector please???

[@wcoburn]

How would you compare this to an Elecraft KX2?

[@lifeingeneral9111]

Does it have an external speaker jack

[@ilovetomcats]

At this point, do you think this or the KX2 is better suited for multi-day backpacking?

[@ua9cdc]

Take and use both and tell us afterwards :)

[@joshuakg5ptt225]

Radio looks and sounds great in the video just curious if anyone has tried feeding free dv into the Radio where applicable or if a free dv voice profile might be added to the Radio itself don't know if there's any demand for this mode?

[@goathiker]

SO my question ...on CW you say it's "full QSK" (aka full break-in) but is the switching silent PIN diode like the KX series OR relay switching which usually is accompanied with some physical clicking noise of the relays and delay in RX recovery time? 100-msec kinda says to me it's relay switch not PIN diodes? Only LAB599 knows? Please advise $800 is riding on this feature or lack of it . Thanks Steve/wGOAT

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Great question. I’ve passed it along and should hear back shortly. I’ll get back to you as soon as I know more.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I got a reply. “there is no full break-in, TX-500 has 1 relay for switching of the antenna. But VOX delay rather small 100 ms. for listening of air between letters.” I think it’s a Russian translation.

[@goathiker]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Hey, Josh thanks for all your excellent video production with detailed demos on this rig plus answering the multitude of Qs! Helped me pull the trigger! Lab599 owes you a TX500 IMHO! Now the big wait for me while I study manual and vids! Hope it's here before Xmas? which reminds me I need to check the low range operating temp specs ...cold WX is here - it's 11F outside this AM with light snow. Hmm? There may be a Discovery/Goat video in my future? Nah! ...too much chair time when I could be doing trail time! Heh.

[@steadfast666]

what is with mag loop antennas? 73 de HB9GNK and KB9GNK

[@TXLorenzo]

What is the source for the military handset?

[@TXLorenzo]

Josh, do you think this would be a good substitute for a G90? I really like my 20 watts with the G90 and I don't know if the one pound savings of the TX 500 is worth the loss of 10 watts.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don’t really think this is a replacement for the g90. Kind of different radio entirely.

[@ua9cdc]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse G90 takes 500ma or 5 times more then TX 500 on RX. That means bigger battery and mor weight

[@twohandsandaradio]

All the proprietary weatherproof fittings kind of scare me. Does it come with adapters? Apologies in advance if I missed that in the first video.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I mentioned it in the first video. There are plugs that will be sold to roll your own cabling.

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks! This is just weird enough I would love it.

[@polymath5119]

I wonder if the plugs truly are proprietary as everyone seems to believe, or if they are the standardized GX-12 or GX-16 aviation connectors.

[@cj5947]

The connectors are GX12 and sold on Ebay along with metal caps to cover connectors not in use

[@JesterHellsingborg]

What is your opinion regarding TX500 as a beginner radio... you have a learning curve whit every radio... or should one go for the ic705... has everything ..but twize the money....

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I do not generally recommend QRP radios for a beginner. Get yourself a good 100 watt basestation. You'll enjoy it more as you get started.

[@JesterHellsingborg]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse like a ic 718.... thanks for the input ... luv what u are doing for hamradio... have a nice weekend... best regards to u and your family...

[@wb8bil]

Is there a keyer?

[@mj2801]

Hello, I have a quick question. Are any of the keys illuminated since you may find yourself operating in total darkness. Also please advice if there any software to operate unit from a tablet or notebook. Thanks, MJ

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Keys are not backlit. If you want to run off an android or iOS device you would likely need a raspberry pi to connect them up.

[@mj2801]

Lighted Keys to work in darkness would have been nice, even if they were not printed with text. But I understand the intention of reducing power consumption. How about glow in the dark keys? They use no power and with a quick flash of light you can charge the buttons to find your way around in total darkness. Just a thought!

[@mj2801]

One thing I don't like is that in order to replace the Clock battery you have to open the entire unit and this involves removing 10 screws and the knob. It would have been nice if they did a separate compartment just for the battery instead of having to open the entire unit to replace it.

[@stevem21m]

Newb question... What's a soda operator?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

SOTA is Summits On The Air. Its a radio event where you hike to the summit of a mountain and make radio contacts for points.

[@stevem21m]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse oh SOTA, no wonder I couldn't find anything on SODA operator when I googled it. Thanks! great channel

[@stephenwalters4798]

1.3amps on Rx?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

1.3 on tx

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

.11-.13 on rx

[@forthy62]

no 0.13 if I saw it right :-)