Lab599 TX-500 MP Man Pack Ham Radio

[@OH8STN]

Episode notes are rather weak at the moment. I'll update the post as more information is released about the rig. 73 Julian oh8stn oh8stn.org/blog/2024/01/16/new-hf-man-pack-from-lab599/

[@LordTimelord]

Quick question Julian. Could you please point me towards the best way to donate to you where a chunk isn't taken out by a third party? I asked this question before but you missed it and didn't answer it. If I wanted to send you a decent donation I want you to get all of it instead of a third party taking a chunk out of it. If you could add it to your about page so other people know which ones the best one to send you a donation where you'll get the maximum cut of the money. Thanks.

[@OH8STN]

@@LordTimelord Sorry for missing that comment. I updated that links on the about page. I also created a support page oh8stn.org/supporting-oh8stn/ The PayPal link is good. If its a significant donation, I can send you my IBAN privately. PP should be fine though. Thank you & 73 Julian oh8stn

[@LordTimelord]

@@OH8STN Donation sent! 😎 73, N2XDO ⚡🗼⚡

[@glennfinney3462]

I’ve been looking for a hf radio such as this! Can’t wait until they start selling them

[@nonokodog622]

They should include a USB bus inside and just have a USB-C port for data and rig control combined.

[@OH8STN]

I completely agree. In fact I don't know why they wouldn't have done it. Excellent comment 👍

[@Bob814u]

I am wondering how hard it would be to make an adapter from USB-C to the DATA connector on either Lab 599 radios.

[@OH8STN]

@Bob814u It's already done it's called a digirig.

[@ke8mattj]

Agree 100%. What do all these companies have against USB-C? Get with the times!

[@nickpeterson2042]

Honestly lack of USB-C takes this from “must buy” to “too many cables”.

[@S2Underground]

Looks like the market is listening to how the radio world is shifting, which is awesome. A compact QRP transceiver in an HT format (with an internal tuner) is going to be quite a game changer if it works. May even give the iconic IC-705 a run for it's money, in certain roles.

[@OH8STN]

Indeed. Imagine JS8Call on the move!

[@nonokodog622]

@@OH8STN To me, that's the most important use case. I feel like it should be possible to make a complete HF radio out of a PI with a daughter board. I'm not a digital electronics expert...but seems possible with GNU radio libraries.

[@gliderrider]

I check their website daily! I’m glad that I held off the kh1 now.

[@peterhyams6824]

It looks brilliant. They could have a big hit on their hands !! I’m still using my trusty FT817 ND.

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

This is legit. Would be nice for them to at some sort of cw key that's mp as well. Like fingertip touch pads. Lol

[@ramonbennett8416]

Awesome news on a more compact HF radio. Can’t wait to hear more details and release dates.

[@2heavyb517]

This form factor is excellent. Looking forward to more info as this gets closer to distribution

[@sgthoskins]

Looks pretty awesome so far. I hope the price point isn't terrible but this seems like it will be quicker to deploy than my 705 in the field.

[@OH8STN]

Agreed. The only thing i'm missing from this design is the audio interface. I'm hoping digirig will come up with a connector based plug in module.

[@djdrack4681]

I'm new to the ham radios: how long does it take to deploy something like the IC-705? Are we talking about like 2min, or 30min?

[@grindz145]

I love a handheld form factor. Have long wanted one!

[@paulgroth3345]

I wait with great anticipation for your next report on the tx500

[@jimpiper5297]

V-e-r-y interesting, Julian! BTW: haven't you considered a wood stove or otherwise out there in your shack? I was expecting to hear your teeth chattering! ;-))

[@OH8STN]

To be fair, I was supposed to publish the authoritative video today. But this popped up in my instagram feed. I'll publish that heating video tomorrow. It should be very interesting

[@andrewrobb633]

Game changer if it does everything advertised. I can’t wait.

[@digitalradiohacker]

N-type RF connectors are the gold standard. Rugged and very water resistant, they are way better for this kind of rig than anything else. If you want BNC to go out to a cable etc, you can plonk an N-type to BNC adaptor on the socket. If you want to direct mount a long whip, it can go straight on the N-type with litte fear of snapping a daft little BNC / SMA. I haven't mentioned loss because at these frequencies the loss would be almost immesurable even with a basic PL259.

[@OH8STN]

Outstanding comment 💪

[@AE5X]

Hi Julian - that's definitely an N-connector. That connector's advantage here is that they contain a waterproof O-ring. This may be the radio I've been looking for for off-road motorcycle trips. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@dcentral]

I’m very excited about a new kid on the block companies that are capable of producing very rugged and forward thinking products. The industry big boys have been asleep with R&D when it comes to ham world. What’s interesting is that ham is not a known hobby in Russia as it is in U.S. so for Lab599 team to create such cool products is telling of the high talent that they were able to put together.

[@JohnTarbox]

A key feature I would like to see is open-source firmware like the Quansheng so that hams could develop and install new features and capabilities independent of the manufacturer.

[@OH8STN]

100% agreed.

[@W-733_KWX]

Just like military rigs, a little more output power would have been welcome, but this form factor would maybe not be possible. Anyway, very exciting and competition should take note. Thanks Julian for sharing!

[@cwo8771]

Definitely like what you are doing, even though I only have my Tech license and rarely operate. Still, one can dream. Thanks for what you do.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. Your kindness is also greatly appreciated. 🙏

[@shadowlab9543]

honestly i would scoop at least 2 of these right away !! they created the ultimate qrp rig here (at first blush) i cant wait to see more on this sweet little rig. thank you sir !!

[@L.Javier-g9n]

They don't make walkie talkies like that brutish anymore and with everything together

[@patm5165]

Love this, ready to order! Like to see the antennas they have in store for this.

[@crypto4423]

I find this very interesting

[@brandongraham3509]

Looks awesome, Julian. Thanks for the alert

[@OH8STN]

👍

[@Swamp-Fox]

Very interesting! It is reminiscent of the Mizuho MX series SSB/CW HF handheld transceivers.

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

This is interesting for me. Please as you can share more information on this radio,

[@OH8STN]

Will do. I'll post updates as more information becomes available.

[@nvrumi]

I can't wait to see more about these rigs. I might have to forego the KH1 in favor of the TX-500 MP.

[@expert244]

YES PLEASE!!!!!!

[@aj2isotadxing]

$1200 is my guess on price. Seems like a nice SOTA/Pedestrian mobile rig where you really don't need a VFO, you pick a frequency and start calling CQ...

[@OH8STN]

Indeed. Thankfully it has a VFO.. Check out the latest video. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@devinbutterfield6014]

I am VERY interested in seeing this come to market. I will definitely be one of the early adopters...

[@whj812]

Wonder what it will cost? Im interested!!

[@Swoop180]

You wanna know what I think?! I think I want one, right now!😂

[@AdamSWL]

Looks very nice indeed. But 100 memories? It's not 1998 anymore. Should be at least 1000 memories these days.

[@OH8STN]

That's a good point.Not sure what's going on with the memories. Good catch. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@vicmiller7191]

The price point will tell the whole story for this new and cool looking radio. 73 Vic de KE8JWE

[@danielrgusa]

I’ll take two.

[@JeffSkymaster]

HF Handheld with Autotune? take my money!

[@marcpootmans7454]

We are a couple in Canada wondering where is the company based, and what is the manfacturing country. Kind thanks, Julian.

[@OH8STN]

The original radio was manufactured in Russia. Things have changed for the company since last year, So i'm not sure where things are manufactured now. The last item I ordered was the battery back. That arrived here from Dubai.

[@Clark-N1NVK]

Looks Fantastic ! I'll start saving pennies, and await your field test notes. Thanks.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. I published a new update today. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKcgqCEfdhofLc

[@bodstrup]

Cool, only downside is the antenna size. Walkie-Talkie style suggest talking on the move right ? 😂 The antenna tuner is the best part -allows multi band antennas with no need to tune coils

[@OH8STN]

It will be very interesting to see what they come up with for an antenna. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@kostantinosalexandratos5929]

Great radio from this company,im going to buy it hope the will release it soon

[@OH8STN]

It only gets better. Check out the latest update: Indeed, I'm stoked. Check out the latest update. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKcgqCEfdhofLc

[@hcy0]

Wow, Lab599's answer to the KH-1

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps yes! The KH-1 is a 40-15m CW rig with limited SWL. The TX-500MP is an all mode SSB/AM/FM/Data radio operating from 0.5-56mhz. I wish the KH-1 was multi-band, multi-mode.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

That looks really nice! Game changer! RWB ❤🎉

[@OH8STN]

I hope it will be- The latest update gave some hope that it is heading in a good direction. Indeed, I'm stoked. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKcgqCEfdhofLc

[@DonzLockz]

I am certain that they listened to you. I imagine its out of my budget but I still would like to see reviews on it.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Don. I'm not sure I'll be able to purchase one without giving up something else. Still, it looks like a good step forward. Always nice to seer you in teh comments. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@sergiomansilla]

excelente informacion ¡¡¡¡¡ muy buen canal ¡¡¡ saludos lu4hms .73 cordiales

[@robert8342-w7x]

But does it clean out our bank account.

[@OH8STN]

To be fair i'm not sure yet. The dollar is so weak right now, this radio might as well be made of gold. Let's see when we get more information 👍

[@hamradiotube]

That looks pretty awesome!

[@OH8STN]

It does! I wish there was a USB port for data and cat, but this is a HUGE step forward in terms of form factor.

[@badatpseudoscience]

Nice!!!

[@thuff3207]

Looks interesting and yes I would agree. I will look forward to you getting one and ringing it out. Then I just might have to get one. Thank you as always.

[@indiana146]

Di any of u use the albrecht ae 2990 afs Hand held

[@OH8STN]

I used to have one. 10, 11, 12m portable radio. This one is 160, 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 11, 10 & 6 meters all modes.

[@Jed-q2q]

It appears to be durable than the IC-705.

[@paulmitchell4421]

a crippled hf walkie takie without vertical display mode (and a tuner) already exists, it's called the ic-705. it's a perfect example of "failure of imagination". hopefully this thing succeeds instead.

[@Andy2e0ree]

Thanks Julian looks very interesting Radio 73 de 2e0ree

[@dh6fs]

This radio looks promising. Depending on the prize, it could be a competitor to the xiegu x6100, x6200 or elecraft kx2. It would be cool, if the TX and RX could be easiliy updated to 2m and 70cm Ham Radio Bands, via firmware.

[@OH8STN]

"It would be cool, if the TX and RX could be easiliy updated to 2m and 70cm Ham Radio Bands, via firmware." Would require filters for the band swap, not just firmware. It's a cool idea anyway.

[@stanbrown915]

New to all this Radio magic. Can this radio with the proper antenna do the propagation? I would like to be able to really reach out with small gear.

[@TXLorenzo]

Should be no different than any other 10 watt rig. You could use a tuned whip antenna or a wire dipole.

[@billryland6199]

This will be a great portable rig. I hope they can keep the price down where we can afford it.

[@hobbiehobbs]

Certainly worth further consideration!

[@KeithCPerry]

This does sound very interesting. I would definitely be interested. I still don't get why all band / all mode is not the default but like you said Julian, we haven't seen anything like this for HF in a very long time so I'll take it.

[@TXLorenzo]

Will it feature wireless capability like the IC 705?

[@OH8STN]

Great question but we simply don't know anything else yet.

[@TXLorenzo]

Being able to backpack such a small radio with a tablet in hand would be pretty useful.@@OH8STN

[@M6EastCoastGirl]

Oh gosh! I like this! Thanks for the info!

[@OH8STN]

Any time! The direction of this rig brings back my motivation. We.ve had some incredible updates teh past few years. IC-705, TX-500, x6100, now this. 73 and thanks for watching.

[@M6EastCoastGirl]

@@OH8STN💐

[@tonpo27]

Favorite ham.... 73

[@OH8STN]

🙏🙏

[@luissanchez3214]

They should have added provisions for a lid/shield or cover to shield the screen and buttons just like the calculators do. Some shields could cover the face and other versions could cover the face and connectors for transport. It would only cost them pennies and would ruggedize it and it would be a little more gray man when in the open. I am happy to see them provide options. The addition of the tunner alone is a great plus. That minimizes the need for a 3rd party to double the cost of the unit. Thank you for the news.

[@OH8STN]

Your comment almost "triggered" me lol :D It's probably too early to know what they will/won't include. Yes, the tuner is a great addition. I also like the VFO knob replacement with push buttons. More rugged and less likely to break. The thing I'm missing is the audio interface. Let's see what they come up ith. Thanks for the comment. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@schatzperson]

The question is, will it do TX and RX, continuous ( not in bands) 0.5 to 56 Mhz ?

[@DaveCorsello]

I’ll be curious to know how water resistant this one is. Julian, any comments on the water resistance of the previous TX-500 model?

[@OH8STN]

Great question but not yet. I'll add this question to the list of questions I'm compiling in the episode notes.

[@ernstwittenschlager8887]

Internal antenna tuner is a "must have" for SOTA work - will be very interested to see how that function performs. I love my KX-2, and have not yet found another radio that could take it's place on the summit.

[@OH8STN]

Indeed. The KX-2 is lightweight, easy to pack and has the tuner option. I believe (don't know yet) the TX-500MP is designed to survive an extended stay out in the field or summit. No VFO knobs to break off, and can operate in low temps, rain, snow, ... It's also field rechargeable with no extra add-ons. It weighs more than the KX-2. I imagine that's because of its rugged build. Hoping so anyway. One thing i miss in both is the internal audio interface for data modes. Anyway, It seems to be a different beast. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@HJ5RGG]

My dream ❤

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

Super thanks, Julian!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@BurninWires]

Something to consider I suppose, not a very pretty looking bauble though.

[@OH8STN]

Utilitarian 💪

[@Frisky0563]

Sounds great Julian looking forward to see you try one. 73s

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. Already organizing my coinage for the purchase.

[@PowerHoldings]

Finally an HT form factor HF radio. I'm ready to order. Shut up and take my money!

[@OH8STN]

Indeed. I've been waiting for this for a minute.

[@justanumber427]

Looks exciting!

[@OH8STN]

Indeed.

[@virilis]

This is very exciting news, thanks for spreading the news! Starting to save some money for a new rig :-)

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome 👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@notvanpron4115]

Wow this radio seems like a great idea

[@tv1cableguy]

Sadly they have no batterypack made for the Lab559 Discovery. So far I know.

[@OH8STN]

You haven't been paying attention :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWuqq1orryErJYsi=wOqmJj0Omd7fuzcZ

[@tonymiller3417]

Hey Julian is this radio on the market now?

[@LexRivera]

No VFO? Damn. I understand this is mostly for commercial users, but still.

[@OH8STN]

Man Pack. VFO knobs break off. Instead, it uses up-down buttons for frequency adjustment. Won't know how I like it until I get it in my hands. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@CanuckHam]

OMG thank you for sharing this! Currently I am invested in a IC-705 but geeze thats a nice looking rig.

[@gordonrupertjr.4816]

How much $$ ?

[@OH8STN]

I'll add that question to the blog. Thanks for watching and asking. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@ke8mattj]

Looks very promising...but no USB-C. Hopefully they decide to implement it and maybe add bluetooth connectivity for data and cat control.

[@TheHamNinja]

Looking forward to your review. Thanks.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for watching. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@adubs.]

Seems pretty sweet to me. If it had its own TNC via bluetooth or just USB that would be nice, but maybe drive the cost up on what is probably going to be a hefty price tag. I think that price will make or break this thing.

[@OH8STN]

Check out the ltest update :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKcgqCEfdhofLc

[@adubs.]

Literally was just watching. HYPE.

[@glennfinney3462]

I’m looking forward to this!!! Only other is a Magnum handheld with 10/12m

[@DanielTMinnick]

0:27 TX-500PRO? Now that's something I'd like to hear about!

[@steadynumber1]

Thanks for introducing this new product Julian. 👍 BZ Chief.

[@ronleblanc9832]

neat rig worth while looking into

[@that_tj_brute]

This form factor would be amazing for 6M/2M/1.25M/70cm

[@ryany4326]

They Still haven’t got the pa500 into the market yet…. So we should expect this radio in 5-7 years ?

[@68thBC]

Dangit Julian...why show me this? I will be in so much trouble if they add 2m/70cm to it.

[@richardkennedy815]

Wow! I love it's form/setup. Unfortunately for many of us it's price remains out reach so I will have to continue to use my older Yaesu's.

[@vincula1924]

I’m new to all of this. I feel like I need to get more knowledgeable. You have a new subscriber. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@hansoak3664]

It looks very interesting. I probably would have never heard of it if not for this channel. Thanks. 🙂

[@terryboyle]

love the concept

[@permaculture3]

Can’t wait to see it released.

[@k9bob]

Thans...as always your provide excellent info.

[@raymondmartin6737]

Person pack 😅

[@TAQSIS-ZS6LJohann-vt2sz]

Battery life????

[@jamescopeland5358]

Excellent video, thank you

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w]

Another toy

[@AD6DMDennis]

Pretty cool!

[@OH8STN]

I can't tell you how happy I am to see those connectors put right. 👍

[@gilgsn]

Thanks Julian, very interesting!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Gil. Happy New Year BTW. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@gilgsn]

@@OH8STN you too!

[@rogerparsons5148]

Julian, Great job!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Roger 🙏

[@mgentile7]

$1200 ???? Very expensive

[@OH8STN]

We don't know the price yet. We do know the rate the dollar and Euro are being printed, makes everything more expensive :(