Lab599 TX-500MP HF Man Pack Walkie-Talkie | UPDATE

The Lab599 TX-500MP man pack walkie-talkie version was first seen on the channel in January 2024. This is the much-anticipated sibling of the Lab599 TX-500portable QRP Haam Radio. As a lightweight, rugged, extreme deployment rig, the TX-500MP is the first of its kind in the ham radio world.
In this video, we will discuss the VFO, audio interface, USB-C interface, audio I/O, and remote PTT.
73
Julian #oh8stn #hamradio
Original video URL: • Lab599 TX-500 MP Man P...
Share this video: • Lab599 TX-500MP HF Man...
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[@OH8STN]

New update for the TX-500MP. In this video, we will discuss the VFO, audio interface, USB-C interface, audio I/O, and remote PTT. 73 Julian #oh8stn #hamradio Share this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKcgqCEfdhofLc Watch original video URL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3W1f6qJr8-hapI TX-500MP Blog: oh8stn.org/blog/2024/01/16/new-hf-man-pack-from-lab599/

[@beemcbike]

Great little rig. Thanks for your blog and the amazing work your doing for us. 73 de HB3XBL 👍🇨🇭

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

One of my big interest in Ham radio is mobile/ tactical / off grid communications. I’m excited about this radio. Has this radio release yet?

[@OH8STN]

Indeed and same here. It isn't released yet. I'll try to get target release data from them and add it to the blog. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

Similar tuning scheme to the PRC-1099 (had one of those about 12 years ago), but it used a lever. Push lever up quickly to change digits in the direction you want. The press and hold the lever to tune digits, again in the direction you want. Very elegant.

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Thank you for more information on the TX-500MP

[@OH8STN]

It is a blessing to be able to share. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@M6EastCoastGirl]

The Q100 also operates VFO via buttons … can be a positive benefit as there are less protusions to break off! Thanks for the update J … Rock n Roll! 😉👍

[@hamradiobasics]

Julian thank you for keeping us updated on the Lab599 TX-500MP. I'm keeping a close eye on this as it may just be right for me.

[@Swamp-Fox]

I really like the breakout box idea!

[@donbarker6783]

Nicely done Julian! You were the first out with details on this new radio. Nice presentation and follow up. KM4SON

[@davidsradioroom9678]

This is a game changer! Thanks for the info.

[@gliderrider]

Indeed! Looks like it has everything.

[@W-733_KWX]

Nicely done Julian, thanks for sharing with us this exciting new rig! Cheers from Canada va3kwx chris

[@Kinetic79]

Maybe a version of the breakout could accommodate a vfo knob. Presumably it’s possible, since the USB interface would enable cat control. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@OH8STN]

That's brilliant concept. Actually, my video editor uses a similar type of breakout box that attaches to the computer by a usb. It's got a scrub wheel, which is essentially a vfo knob. I'm not sure but I can see this working 🤔👍

[@HamRadio2]

Well done

[@thomasb6460]

Thanks for the update!

[@devinbutterfield6014]

Thanks for the excellent intel on this new radio Julian! Keep it coming! :)

[@charleneparker4419]

I'm excited for this. Thanks for the updates!

[@lonewolfhamradio]

Definitely showing a military influence with no VFO knob, my assumption for this design in military radios is that military operations don’t sit the spinning the dial, they have specific frequencies allocated so up down buttons or a numeric keypad do the job.

[@OH8STN]

Well said and agreed!

[@kostantinosalexandratos5929]

Im very happy to see for the first time a radio like this , military style tough and waterproof, definitely going to buy it ,also no vfo knob this is a huge bonus this is what im afraid when going portable knobs that can brake off.cant wait for an update.

[@stevesf28]

Awesome update, Julian. I may be close to ordering a TX500 with these features. I'll be watching for your field testing. Steve W1LV

[@Thomas-ZET]

Gets better every day, really like the break out box, hopefully they will be out soon in the US

[@OH8STN]

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

[@ramonbennett8416]

Awesome update 👍

[@johnpush4585]

Why have I never seen this channel!? I want one!

[@brettclarke589]

Looks great watched the other video you made on it

[@2heavyb517]

Don't want to ask a stupid question 😏 but here goes. With the unit in your back pack will you be able to control it with a small tablet for digital messaging instead of just voice through a mic via the breakout box? Thanks Julian

[@OH8STN]

That's not a stupid question! It's only stupid that I didn't cover it better in this video. You'll be able to plug in your tablet or mobile phone to control the radio by a cat control. That same connection will give you access to the audio interface. The same like plugging in the 705 or x 6100 or digirig into a computer. Then we can use whatever app we want, for example winlink or js8call to send messages. Outstanding question! 73 Julian oh8stn

[@nickclayton1935]

The first time I am considering a radio for my needs. If similarly priced to the regular TX500 I will be saving up

[@philipwells2793]

Looks great. I guess it will be at least a year before it comes on to market. I will start saving.

[@johnpeterson7264]

Thanks!

[@vb7913]

Great design, if it will include the battery, atu i would definitely be interested in getting one.

[@Dennis-sb7gp]

TY

[@johnpeterson7264]

Excellent !

[@MTimWeaver]

At least it has a VFO... my old Vertex VX-1210 had channels (since it was a commercial radio), and a cludge to get quasi-VFO like functionality. 20W, an internal ATU that could tune practically anything, and strong as an ox. The proprietary battery was a PITA. Now that I know a lot more, I'm sorry I wound up selling it. If Yaesu came out with a Ham friendly 1210-like radio, that would be cool, but it'd probably cost nearly $2k. I'm excited to see where this Lab 599 project goes.

[@simontemplar0468]

Thank you for the two videos on this radio. Greetings from Portland, Oregon. What type of connector is used for the antenna? Have you heard? 73

[@oliverallen5324]

Seems much better built for purpose than the ic-705 for field comms

[@OH8STN]

Two sides of the same coin.

[@TheTyrial86]

This would make me actually dive deep into the HAM community.

[@kb1qzh]

Wish the breakout was an option for the TX-500. I know Windcamp used to make one for the Yaesu 8x7 series but stopped. It wasn't a one cable breakout but I bet something could be done for that.

[@user-hx6ne8ks7m]

A very interesting concept, thanks for keeping us updated about this rig. But: Operating HF while (!) hiking/on the go?! Which antennas would you suggest then? Let's say for 10m/15m? Would be curious to know. Keep it up! 73 from OE

[@MH-qb9ev]

LARPers want a military style radio and didn't realize there is no VFO knob on military radios..

[@OH8STN]

🤣

[@metroatlantahamradio334]

Devil Dog, Shock Troops, War fighting Blood Machines ! Semper Fi Julian!! 73 DE K4KHO! Looks Interesting. The Breakout Box looks cool.

[@OH8STN]

The breakout box was an increadibe surprise. At first I was like WTH? Then as I thought about it "man pack", it made more sense. Semper Fi brother.

[@CharlesHuse]

Why is this not showing up on the Lab599 website? All I am seeing is the original TX-500.

[@DonzLockz]

Its a superb design. Looking forward to seeing more on this radio but I'm afraid it will cost a small fortune.

[@DuanesMind]

Would be nice to have an army green color version as well

[@OH8STN]

Indeed. At this point, it would be nice just to get the radio. So terribly excited. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@zulu3006]

I bet you could find someone who could cerakote it

[@nickclayton1935]

@OH8STN will this dimensionally fit in a 148/152 pouch? Will there be a 18” or 21” straight cable for the box for routing through gear?

[@grahamauld8894]

USB-C and two 3.5mm jacks is not a robust solution. It just moves the wire mess to your chest and has no strain relief. I am typing this on a phone with a USB-C charge connector sticking out of the bottom and having to hold it up to avoid sideways pressure on the plug. The cables break so easily. Maybe the Apple $140 cable will be an exception. BT/WiFi for data audio and CAT like the 705 is the only way to do this properly. An opportunity missed. Maybe the DIY599 fella can make a BT/WiFi module that plugs into the breakout box socket.

[@OH8STN]

The plug in port idea sounds brilliant. Even so, bluetooth latency creates issues for data. WiFi is fast enough, but requires supporting software. With the mission of this radio in mind, I would vote on a more robust break out box, or a plugin module as you suggested. Hopefully he releases the specs to the port so that third party can step in providing additional functionalities.

[@grahamauld8894]

@@OH8STN ....and its time Digirig did a BT/WiFi version of their little boxes. That would solve everything as RF on the USB cable is still a problem with some laptops. When we transmit, the USB device drops out.

[@anandarochisha]

Now You made want one..

[@JoeMcCohn]

Do we know when that radio will be available to buy ?

[@HardcoreFourSix]

WIFI/BT link to CAT control APP on phone??

[@OH8STN]

Although nice, I wouldn't hold my breath. This is a rugged radio meant for extreme conditions. I'll add this question to the blog and try to get an answer from lab599. Awesome question. Thanks for watching and commenting. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@aj2isotadxing]

I'm trying to understand the market for this radio and its use...SOTA only? I think I've run into maybe 2 people running "Pedestrian mobile" in my over 20 years as ham.....

[@OH8STN]

It's a rugged radio. Extreme conditions like winter in Finland, preparedness, search and rescue, back country operations, or simply a radio that survives anything. It's a niche, for sure.

[@johnward2445]

Just a simple question when will this radio and from where

[@ta5982]

More things for me to spend money on😂

[@folkishappalachian6827]

When will it release or be for sale?

[@503Nick]

They missed the mark. No VFO knob while you’re portable? Should have been an all band all mode tx500 variant. Not re envisioned tx500 pro

[@OH8STN]

Up/down left/right arrows for VFO on frequency mode. Now I don't need to worry about breaking a dial on extreme expedition. Think about the difference between them POTA radio and an expedition radio.

[@gliderrider]

We do like our knobs for vfo tuning and volume.

[@503Nick]

@@OH8STN Julian I like your content but I don’t agree with this. It’s going to take forever to tune to a frequency. And usbC digital interface is great when you’re sitting still. Not on a manpack. Mainstream will not buy this

[@gordonrupertjr.4816]

How much $$ ??

[@wildadventurelife6733]

Is this walkie licence free?

[@OH8STN]

Sadly no. It requires a ham radio license

[@jeraldmcwilson2189]

Does this reach. Country of kenya

[@mainetomass99]

I find your comment about people lamenting the lack of a “VFO” being “ridiculous” a little misleading. Yes, it’s obvious, or should be, to radio operators that the radio would have a VFO. Those commenting were referring to the lack of a VFO dial knob, despite some of the commenters actually excluding the word “knob.” It’s inferred.