Ham Radio Amplifier DIY599 PA500 OH8STN

[@terryb3511]

I received my PA500 yesterday. Fantastic replacement for my Elecraft KXPA100 in terms of portability and current draw. Using 6Ah Bioenno for the last two days with the IC-705 using it's internal battery on SSB and it really holds up well. No key line needed. Excellent amp.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for this comment Terry. It actually made my day :-)

[@FM-us3rd]

Hi Terry...So I am contemplating ordering one, do you still love this amp? Any issues? Thank you

[@kristhompson8112]

Yup my KXPA100 certainly draws some big current at full power , and I'm not ready to throw it and a small car battery to feed it in my backpack and head out on my mountain bike anytime soon you might say, Nice that there is a KX3 cable solution available already. I could be tempted Ha ha

[@metroatlantahamradio334]

I had a chance to Use this Amplifier today and I must Say. I'm a believer. Using only 1watt on a 6100 was truly impressive.

[@OH8STN]

80ma on rx too. Wait until you see the expedition model.

[@dougbas3980]

A friend suggested your channel a month ago. Since then I have learned from many of your videos. THANK YOU!!

[@mdouble100]

There is a lot I like about this concept. Someone out there clearly understands the need for light power efficient gear. Rugged and reliable are two words that come to mind as well. I am now the ACS (Auxiliary Communications Service) Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Bruce County, Ontario Canada. As such I understand the value of high quality reliable gear. ACS operators provide backup communications for our "served agencies". This includes all the emergency services, hospitals, government administrators etc. If our group were ever called out in a real emergency the situation would be very serious. All other communications would have failed and we would become the primary means of keeping communications up. This situation would also mean that we would be operating in some form of grid down communications. Power consumption would be very important and so QRP digital would go to the top of the list of priority modes. This would be especially true if we were being asked to pass a lot of traffic. Generators with no fuel also provide no power and so solar QRP rigs would be the true hero of such operations. I believe that anyone operating an emergency communications station, either for personal or formal EmComm use should be thinking about real world grid down communications using QRP.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you so much for writing this Marvin. It's often an uphill battle to get these points across. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@EdinGacic]

@@OH8STN what about the situation that you need even more power because you would have crowded bands and crazy pileups when the SHDF with everything down - on the first months I would assume the bands would be crazy - at this point do you think 100W would be better or would a smarter better antenna be the way to go? It is all interesting to learn and I am somewhere in between two worlds - seems like we really need someone to build a modular tank so we can have flexibility in all aspects. You seem to understand this point really well now we just need a plug and play solution that is rock solid and modular - i hate the construction of 705 and the price.

[@KS-hj6xn]

A Propane Generator would be a handy tool. Extra extention cords. Extra spools of coaxial cable and all connectors. Spare antennas. And boxes of hand-held radios for SAR.

[@OH8STN]

@@EdinGacic There are milspec radios (green radios) if you want a modular tank. The problem is they cost much more, and are usually much heavier.

[@tulenik71]

@@EdinGacic 60/100 W is almost no difference in real life.

[@WB8ERJ]

For years I have used the idea of using a QRP radio to drive an amplifier on 2 meters at my home / off grid station. I use an HT to drive a 25 watt 2 meter amplifier. I am totally sold on the idea of using a QRP rig to drive an amp. Thanks for yet another excellent video WB8ERJ

[@dougbas3980]

That did it! The IC-705 & PA500 is my new system! I have an K3 that is my base station and I did not have a QRP rig. This also brings me to the world of having a band spectrum display that I always wanted. Thank yo so much Julian!

[@OH8STN]

Hello Operators. In this episode of OH8STN Ham Radio, we are having a look at the portable ham radio amplifier from DIY599.com the PA500. Don´t forget to check out the information in the description, and if you'd like more context, watch this video next. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3uai3mOp9tkla8 73 Julian oh8stn Share Video URL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmnPg4xuhrFrm6s DIY599 Amplifier Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLKMrdrsNkFA4JLeMzpehsMuyfC6desJyA Episode notes: oh8stn.org/blog/2021/08/21/diy599-pa500-hf-amplifier/

[@skeeterk7trd785]

I have been contemplating the 891 for some portable operations, but since I like SOTA this may change my mind, Thanks!!!

[@JimmyShot]

Finally some detailed info on the amp!

[@OH8STN]

🙏👍

[@BobSolimeno]

This is awesome! Flexibility in operating, whether at home or in the field is key. So using a PA500 with any qrp rig gives us the opportunity to pair it with whatever rig makes the most sense for any operating scenario, whether in your back yard or in the middle of nowhere. I have an Elecraft K2 and a KX1, both of which I built nearly 20 years ago, and now I'm saving my pennies to get an IC-705.

[@billcosgrave6232]

Perfect timing. I was just starting to research portable amplifiers for my QRP rigs.

[@aaronoxen]

As always, a great video with tons of great information. While most of us don't get to/can't bug-out like you get to, just seeing and having you test the way you do shows how the equipment can truly perform. Keep it up, and thank you.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@seabound1350]

Great episode and product 🙏 I absolutely love these small businesses making high quality products as an alternative to ebay junk. 👍🏻

[@OH8STN]

I completely agree with you. These small businesses are providing the Innovation the big manufacturers can't or won't envision. I think these are very exciting times for amateur radio. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@mikebeall3257]

Thank you again Julian. PA500 ordered, now to move on the MX-P50A & MX-P50M, ATU100, KX3/PX3/KXPA100 😊 73 VK6MB

[@DrFredism]

Your argument for a QRP rig with amplifier is really compelling.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I was contemplating the IC-705 for a portable rig but 10 watts was half what I would have liked and was, at least for me, half of what I needed. I had half decided to get an IC-7100. This pushes me back toward the IC-705. Thanks for the review, Julian.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome.👍🙏

[@daveN2MXX]

Why don't you just get a xiegu g90? Very low price, 20W, and built in ATU! No internal battery, but otherwise I am very happy with mine.....perfect for occasional portable use. 73

[@cchimozmin]

Great informative video as usual! Thanks. I would really love a video about you fat bike setup - how you carry your camping and radio setup on your bike- the bags you use and how you organise it all. I’m sure I’m not the only one? 73 M0YZX

[@OH8STN]

Fair enough. I have an overnight planned relatively soon. Just waiting for some good weather. Perhaps I can fit it in then.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Yes I would love to see that also. Julian, no rush but I am interested whenever you can fit it in. 73 de KI5HXM

[@CampervanCookout]

The fact the website has no price suggests I can't afford one...

[@Severris]

It's $699.

[@rkaag99]

I wanted the TX-500 so bad I could taste it, but HRO has it listed at $900 US and I simply can't justify that for a QRP rig.

[@lloydbakke5184]

@@Severris but where in the US can i purchase it??

[@kimparkin5254]

Would love to see the DIY599 attached to TX500 in DX operational mode. Low power and high power to see the difference.

[@OH8STN]

I would love to show that but lab599 never sent my tx500 😥

[@frankwc0o]

There is so much to say about this amp. I think this is a turning point for making the IC705 have a bit more power so you can get that extra 1S unit to make contacts. Although, the SFI index is getting better and this amp might not have to be used in the coming years. On the other hand, like you said, this can be used for your home station. Can't wait for this to be sold on Gigaparts.

[@OH8STN]

That's a fair question. The first hurdle was FCC certification. I believe the second hurdle is finding a distributor in the United States for sustainable sales and support. That's just my guess. Join the groups.io for more detailed discussions.

[@frankwc0o]

@@OH8STN Thanks Julian. I did join the group. Have a great weekend.

[@brianfrommaumee]

A great overview! I'm sure this won't be cheap (here in the US), but it has the potential to turn the IC-705 into a 'best-in-class' mid-range output radio.

[@k9rka489]

Last I heard from the designer, Oliver, they would be $700/shipped to the US.

[@donmartel4143]

I have the TX-500 and finally got to use it for Field Day. I like it. A lot. I've looked at this amp and, with low draw and built in tuner,, would love to add it but the price is a bit steep. I'm gonna have to sell some tools first. PS. Julian, I bought the TX-500 based largely on your reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@rkaag99]

I love the current-sipping equipment... no way around liking that! My question... have you considered the combined expense (time/money/weight) between the modular QRP + amp setup here vs. simply carrying a larger battery for the QRO radio? I would look at time to set up the station, total weight of the man-portable pack(s) plus complexity of the station. This last part might matter if you were to do a quick set up to get on the air only to discover you need the amp and have to re-configure. Nighttime setup could also be a 'complexity-multiplier'. I love your content, Julian! Thanks for your work! Rob

[@kd4baoc612]

Thank you for your nice video. I do carry an Class AB VHF amp with my supplement bag of for my qrp go kit. The amp is an old RF concepts 2 meter FM/SSB type 2 to 5 watts in, 20 watts out. Would love to look at this amp. Can't wait to see it

[@darkglass1]

So...went to the website from a U.S. location, but there doesn't appear to be anyway to link to the European order page as shown in the video. Bottom line, I can't see anyway to order this kit from the U.S. at the moment. Hopefully, like he said, one of the U.S. Ham vendors will pick up this product. For now, its just a dream......

[@RonPoulin]

Really good video. Your conclusion on QRO radios in the field are in line with mine. I thought I was the only one with this opinion until I stumbled on this video. Great job!

[@kb6lcw99]

Watching here in Southern California! 73

[@matteng2332]

Holy smokes, I didn’t know Casey Kasem was a ham radio operator. Lol 73

[@daveN2MXX]

This seems like a really well designed amplifier, and your videos are always really well done! The max power out is 60W....I can't imagine that this amplifier will be inexpensive, or easily obtained. I will stick with my G90....20W, built in ATU....and pair it with an antenna which has much lower loss and greater ERP compared to the MPAS in this video. 73

[@OH8STN]

G90 is a great Option. It still has more current consumption on RX than this option, but it is one way to do it.

[@daveN2MXX]

@@OH8STN I guess it depends on your application....for POTA or SOTA, there will be much more TX, so I believe the increased power consumption for RX would be insignificant compared to the power consumed during TX. The question really is: how is power consumption during transmit? Ie 891 set to 60W vs this combination, or this combo set to 20W vs the G90? Have you tested that?

[@o2bnov0307]

Thank you for a wonderful and detailed review. I had never heard the distinction between amps to use a QRP radio at home, and an amp to augment a QPR radio in the field. 73 de David AE4LH

[@hamradiomobile]

Great video, nice bit of kit and finally kit that is portable and built to last. Let's hope it's too expensive.

[@beachbum9869]

Excellent video, as usual. I do believe you have sold me on this amp. I do believe that it will be an excellent addition to my FT-818 set up. I have always been and will be a mobile and portable operator and advocate. My love has always been with qrp. Kind of like fishing, if I don't get any contacts it is still a great day. If I do, it's nothing but icing on the cake. I do believe I will love what flexibility this amp will add. Thank you again. Keep those videos coming, stay safe and stay healthy! '73. KI4BNS.

[@schoocg]

Great review. I want one for my Lab599 TX500. Can't wait till they are available in the US. As always you do such great work. Thank you! K8CGS

[@ianrutledge681]

a good piece of kit. it gives flexibility in the field for hand (back pack) portable radio.especially good for CW only radio.

[@Lastaii]

Really like the modularity of this setup. I bet that on top of using less current, that amplifier combo weighs less then a QRO transceiver as well. Perfect for portable ops :)

[@k5wxp22]

Your adventures always fascinate me, Julian. Great, informative video! Please keep up the great work! 73, Brett

[@DK5ONV]

I love the Sound of Olivia...

[@SJHJeep]

I've been using an FT-817 since 2001, and added an HFPacker Amp a few years later, for those times I needed a boost. Of course, it would be nice if the DIY599 covered 160M, for those rare times (night/winter,/bottom of the sunspot cycle) when NVIS propagation drops that low. If the TX500's output were just a little cleaner, the rig/amp combo would be spectacular.

[@MoondancerRec]

Hello! I saw that your station spotted mine yesterday!. I am using a G90 at FK68 (Puerto Rico) on JS8-Call on 40m. 73 de WP3BM.

[@OH8STN]

Puerto Rico is almost in there every night on 40m. I need to stay up late one evening then try to catch some qso with some of you.

[@tommycheshire5508]

An amazing set up. I took note of the antenna and wonder how other antennas would work such as an end fed half wave. As always, your demonstrations make me start searching for my Visa card. I certainly hope Giga Parts will get on board.

[@OH8STN]

Excellent feedback and thanks for the kindness. The worst case I've seen was tuning a 40 meter resonant dipole, to tune up on 80m. I think the tuner is designed for dialing it in rather than tuning up a chain-link fence on any band. I've tested with the mpas, the chameleon lefs, the packtenna random wire, ... resident or Broadband, I think it'll do just fine. Remember though, it does have limits. Regarding GigaParts, please send sales a message and tell them about this video. I'll bet they'll get on board pretty quickly. Once again thanks for the comment, questions and especially for the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

I really enjoyed this video...I continue to fine tune my current portable setup to be as low drag as possible. Thank you for your content!!!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching, for the feedback and for the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

@@OH8STN ... you have been a consistant source of info for me. once i am legally able to communicate on hf my goal it see if i can reach your QTH via digital

[@MichaelMarko]

Nice vid! My opinion is not electronic, but, in general i prefer modular setups for many things. I like that you can operate the radio with or without the amplifier, so if you have a need to conserve you can. If you want to splurge, you can do that too. Also, if your traveling on foot with someone else you can split the weight.

[@OH8STN]

Not sure how I missed it this comment but very well said. I wasn't so interested in the modular approach previously, but now it makes much more sense. Thanks for the comment Michael, it's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another excellent video, Julian! I have approached my entrance into ham radio wanting resonant antennas and qro radios. Less complex I thought. You bring up valid points of current draw. So I am considering your advice for portable ops (I haven’t put my QTH together yet). Portable is appealing with POTA and SOTA ops. So the answer to your question is yes I would consider this approach for sure. Thanks again, 73 de KI5HXM

[@fullmetalradio869]

Wow, thanks for sharing. I think I will have to rethink my portable station setup! Keep up the good work Julian👍👍👍

[@toms.7913]

Love the video. Just starting to build my own QRP radio kit. Keep making these videos. Thanks for your hard work and willingness to share your knowledge.

[@lblerg]

I always thought it would be really neat if there was a plug in option for QRP rigs, to get rid of jumpers and control cables. That always ruins the feasibility of using an amp on QRP. Too much cabling. Power to rig, power to amp, jumper from amp to radio, CAT connection from radio to amp. FT-891, 1 antenna connection and 1 power. Simple and done.

[@OH8STN]

This is true. My only real problems with the ft-891 were the current consumption and of course larger capacity battery requirement. For short excursions it was absolutely magnificent and easy to deploy.

[@VE9ASN]

The way I see it, you owe me $700.00US for watching this video, great job!

[@Auxrad39]

yeyes using the amp at times will help getting thru the noise and also if your a3way from you nornmal qth and would like to have that litte more umff , but as usual being on the right freq will be better and more efficient. Again Julian a great video and well done 73 VK1TSK

[@Auxrad39]

A question Julian I now have my 705 😃 How have you Kept the Charge up to the Suface GO ( working at 15 volts) ?, I have a surface pro 4 which I use with my 705 when I go out Camping in my Camper trailer which works well. I'm thinking of solutions for keeping the surface charged for the duration of the Camping trip. But this video has been great for making me think of the next steps for Low power and long duration camping trips in the outback here in VK , 73 VK1TSK Keep up the great work Mate

[@OH8STN]

Here you go. Everything I have on using the surface with our Ham radios. oh8stn.org/blog/2021/10/10/microsoft-surface-go-2-faq-ham-radio-laptop/

[@Auxrad39]

@@OH8STN thank you very much 👍

[@QRPp_Radio]

Julian, Excellent Overview!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks. This sort of passion in ham radio development has been missing from the community.

[@potatoborkbork7426]

Think the only question at this point is: You've made wonderful an amp (and tuner) all us portable people want.Maybe time to consider enclosure designs past the beautiful tx-500. A 705 variant would be much loved.

[@OH8STN]

I'm hoping for a CNC machine bracket which utilizes the 705 mounting interface 👍

[@Ammed_KN6STX]

Keep us updated thank you

[@mikelukasik9996]

Thank you for a great video , my old FT-817 ( non ND) went defective and had a fun time deciding which one to purchase. In Canada there is a 28% US exchange plus a 13% taxes on any import radio so my chooses dwindled to only a few. I decided to pick up a New FT_818ND as I have most of all the goodies including the CW filter. I like your input of the new DIY599 as an acceptable amplifier for any QRP station, It would be nice to see what kind of RF power max out on Digital is of the tree QRP radio's you displayed in the video plus the current consumed with the DIY599. As a side note at 74 years old I have get the purchase by my CEO, Wife of 46 years ............... Mike, VA3MD

[@OH8STN]

Excellent point about having all the goodies already. Using data modes with the 818 and small efficient amplifier doesn't seem bad at all. I'll do videos on all three of those radios plus a couple of more. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@c.f.leffen2929]

OUTSTANDING!!! Thank-You, Sir!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@OptimusMonk01]

Hi for your larkbox you can get a zy12PDN circuit and then you can use any 12V capable PD supply - it adds the control logic to request 12V from the PD supply.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for that. I've already wired a little voltage regulator but it would be nice to use a normal USB C plug. I'll check it out. Thank you for this

[@OptimusMonk01]

@@OH8STN get the one with USB a at one end and usb c at the other end. Plug into USB c pd battery or PSU and press the button until the led is green. That's 12V mode. Then larkbox can power on

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

Should I, perhaps, dangle and inquiry with GigaParts sales? Or are they already committed and just waiting for import controls and supply contacts to line up? I got my tx-500 from HRO. Might they be more motivated?

[@OH8STN]

Definitely do some Gigaparts dangling 👍👍👍👍

[@craftsman123456]

This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@k9rka489]

For those looking for a price, back in April I emailed Oliver who said $599 plus $100 shipping the the US.

[@TonyYarusso]

Having recently picked up a TX-500, I'm definitely intrigued. I've heard the price tag is a fair bit, but that seems pretty par for the course with amplifiers. Considering both will be made to mate with the TX-500, I'm curious to see if there's a way to "stack" both this AND the upcoming battery pack from Lab599 with the radio at the same time into a single interconnected brick. Also, what does it weigh?

[@OH8STN]

Excellent, now. Oddly I answered all of the more difficult questions but forgot the most basic. The weight is 900grams. I'm walking the dog right now so I can't convert that to Imperial. It would also be nice to see if that lab 599 battery pack can power the amplifier. Excellent comment!

[@TonyYarusso]

@@OH8STN Awesome. 31.75 ounces, or a quarter of an ounce shy of two pounds on the nose in Freedom Units. ;) (Yes, we're very silly.) That means the combination of the TX-500 and the PA500 is still almost exactly one pound lighter than an FT-891, which still lacks a tuner.

[@crocodiledondii]

Good review. I enjoy your style which is highly explanatory. However no *COST* data...?

[@OH8STN]

I didn't include any cost information because at the time, it was still an incredibly new product and under development. Since I'm not a Salesman, I thought people do as explained in the video going to the website for the group for this amplifier, and asking those specific questions there. Thanks for watching and commenting. Normally I would have included cost. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@MM0XET]

Great video as usual Jullian.

[@andrewmcdonald7077]

Thanks for publishing this!

[@OH8STN]

You're most welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@JReed305]

My QTH rig is a G90 with an ebay 100w amp going through a Radiodity lowpass filter. So yeah I think a low power radio and an amp it the way to go.

[@OH8STN]

G90 has great current consumption for a 20w rig. I'll check out that radioddity LPF. Had not seen it before. Thanks for the comment and feedback.

[@nethoncho]

Thanks for the awesome review 📻😎

[@mattghoward]

brilliant video - thanks - waiting to move up the wiatlist :-)

[@BD7PA]

Thank you for the review ! VY73 de BD7PA

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@metaller_alex]

I am in the US waitlist for PA500 since June 2021, no luck yet :(

[@CWGminer]

My friends in the Young Amateurs Radio Club on Discord have been playing around with using a slinky to couple to a tree as a vertical antenna. This seems like a great way to save space from carrying around an antenna, could you make a video testing it?

[@OH8STN]

Perhaps I could do it on video sometimes. I've already tested it off camera. It's basically a loaded vertical. Of course if you have two of them it can be a loaded horizontal dipole. With the vertical you still need counterpoise wires at the base of it for a balanced antenna. I found it's a lot of work, and won't give very consistent results since the slinky is moving all the time. It's an excellent experiment. For that reason alone if might make a great video.

[@neoretrophoto9198]

Interested for sure- I’d love a high quality amp like this for POTA. I’d pair with kx2 or 705. A few more watts could help a lot on CW at times and 100 prob overkill.

[@MikeHineline]

Very informative as always. Thanks, Julian! Question: if you already have the AH-705 tuner, would you use that in line with the amp or use the built in tuner in the amp instead of the AH-705?

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the question and kindness. I would use the ah705 for qrp work without the amplifier. When wanting to use more power, use the amplifier with the 705 on its own.

[@mrgorman365]

If I’m interpreting the OP question, would the 705 tuner be used with amp or would the 705 be used without the tuner engaged and rely on the amp tuner. If that is the original intent I believe you should not run the 705 tuner when connected to the amp as the amp should present 50ohm to the 705 hence no need for the 705 tuner. The amp tuner is designed to match the antenna to the amp. Julian, I really enjoy your perspective on radio communications.

[@williamstrand4485]

Awesome report, as always. Thanks.

[@hbarwickjr]

I like it. Thanks for all your informative videos.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Howard. I bet another video on this amplifier on the way. Thanks for the comment that the kindness. Very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@randyab9go188]

I am on the waiting list for the amp. Is there a way to connect the amp to the radio by screws or some other means to make a single attached unit? I realize there will still need to be external cables to control and provide RF to the amp. It would be nice if the two were able to be mechanically joined together. Also have you heard any release date info on the battery pack? 599 have been working on it for a while and I hope they are close to shipping it to us eager hams!

[@OH8STN]

The app can be connected to the radio with pass-through screws and nuts. I think there was a threat about it in the apps group.IO pages. Unfortunately I haven't heard much about the battery pack other then the announcement that it would be coming out this year. Definitely interesting times with some innovative New Gear coming out.

[@DaveW6OOD]

Hey, Julian. Thanks for the video. I have a question about your configuration of the MPAS 2.0 in the video. I see the whip and ext as well as the hybrid micro. But, I’m wondering whats the “coil?” in between the radial sections and what’s the configuration for which frequencies? I love having modularity and knowing the options. Thank you.

[@OH8STN]

Was just testing an 80m coil from the super antenna. It was placed between the extension and the whip to add a bit of loading for better 80 meter performance. Works like an absolute champ.

[@DaveW6OOD]

@@OH8STN That’s what I figured. I have all the Buddipole parts (low band coil, yagi and extra arms etc. ) and like how they can all work together with chameleon parts having the common 3/8-24 hardware. I have lots of fun experimenting and I’ll try that next because I just got the CHA EXT. Digital on the TX-500 is next.

[@ronaldburks504]

Awesome vide, thanks!!

[@nvrumi]

I'm on the wait list for one of these. It will make a good match for any of my QRP portable radios. I'm also waiting for the TX500 to become available again. I want to get my hands on one of those radios. It looks like you MPAS has two matching transformers, one at the midpoint and a second at the base. Have you written up this configuration anywhere? Nice review, Julian.

[@wernerblasius5449]

Hi, just one question, usually do I need a special cable for a FT 818 ND oder is it the antenna cable connector? I am somewhat unsure, as I see a CAT interface. Regards W.

[@OH8STN]

With this amplifier you only need the antenna cable. You can hook up an optional push to talk cable for it if you like. I'm using it without the push to talk cable since the latest versions have Vox circuit for automatic push to talk

[@m_a_s6069]

If only I could get one of these amplifiers.....

[@m_a_s6069]

Well, I finally got one. It's wonderful!!!

[@KarmaFlight]

@@m_a_s6069 I’m waiting for mine to be built now! 🙌

[@wolfholler9939]

Julian, tnx fer introduction. Did I miss the info if I can use the ATU w/o the amp or only with the amp on? 73 de Wolf, oe7ftj

[@OH8STN]

That's an excellent question. So far I haven't figured out how to use the the tuner without the amplifier. This would be an excellent software update if it's possible.

[@MCtravelassistant]

Excellent content! I love your videos. I am attempting to get some clarification on the PA500 that I have not been able to find. I am working on a go box with IC705 and the PA500. If DC power is removed from the PA500, can I bypass through to the bnc antenna out of the PA without needing to unplug the antenna from the amp. I would like to have a separate switch for the amp and be able to operate qrp bypassing the amp and tuner in the unpowered PA. The owners manual of the PA does not describe whether this can be done if the PA does not have DC power. Thanks

[@Jagrrr]

Way cool. Thanks for the video!

[@johannesmiller1849]

Awesome and very informative! Could you tell me what kind of connectors are used for CAT control and power in? Have you got any idea if these are available in a right angle set up to save space? I looked for those connectors but have no clue what they are. Any help would be very much appreciated. 73, Jo - DL1JRM

[@OH8STN]

GX12 connectors available from ebay. Details in the user manual 👍

[@johannesmiller1849]

@@OH8STN Trank you for the quick reply!

[@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695]

Always great info and really great. Might look into this.

[@michaelfuchs1467]

When the DIY599 is unpowered, is there a signal pass-through to the attached antenna and if so, have you measured any attenuation on the signal? 🤔

[@OH8STN]

Yes, there’s a pass through. I think it’s about 0.2dB attenuation. It's written in the FCC Compliance report. fcc.report/FCC-ID/2A2IEPA500

[@michaelfuchs1467]

@@OH8STN Thanx dude! 😊

[@exploreit3548]

This is Amazing technology

[@rejphotography]

Hello again Julian, thank you so much for all of the great content. As a relatively new Ham, I’m a little fuzzy on many of the tech specs, and also how gear designed for other regions may or may not work properly in North America. Here is my question: I live in Texas and my neighbor is German with family still living there. I know without a doubt he would be willing to help me obtain a PA500 using the European purchase method you mentioned at the end of your video. Is there a reason I shouldn’t explore this option? I’m wondering if the EU versions are different from the FCC approved models or something. Thank you again for being such a major part of my Amateur Radio education. -73 KG5YMD

[@OH8STN]

Hey thanks for the kindness and question. Honestly I think it's a waste of effort. The PA500 is coming. It's only a matter of time now. So be patient 👍

[@rejphotography]

@@OH8STN Hello Julian… happy belated birthday Marine! I was a 2531 Radio Operator and got out in ‘94. Now that I have my General, I’ve been having a blast making contacts. I have not gotten my feet wet with digital yet, but plan on eventually learning D-Star, Ft8, and Winlink to start with. But first, I’m trying to learn the in’s and out’s of using my gear for voice. With that said, I do still want an amp to pair with my IC705. Do you have a “runner up” alternative to the PA500 in regards to current draw? I’m putting together my field kit and would like to start with some type of amp. Once the PA500 becomes available in the US, I will upgrade at that time. Thank you for all you do. Semper Fi! - KG5YMD

[@A___Way]

Real nice amplifier, price is how much?

[@W9HJBill]

I was looking for that information as well. Can't find it anywhere. I assume once it gets FCC certified, we may find out for the US.

[@desmobob900sssp]

Thanks for another excellent video, Julian. I have, and love, a Xiegu G90 and have considered adding an amplifier to my system (I power the G90 with a 9Ah LiFePO4 and 28W solar panel). I use only SSB phone and wonder if the cost of the PA500 is worth the modest gain in output wattage.

[@OH8STN]

I'm just waiting for some cables before I show the g90 and pa500 amplifier combined. I'm not sure if it's worth it to everyone, but it's better to have the capability and not need it, then need it and not have it. The way I figure it, the g90 and pa500 still draw less current then my old ft-891. Anyway, something to think about for sure. Thanks for the comment, for watching and for the kindness. Very much appreciated 👍

[@on2mvh937]

Hi it would be nice to see video´s on cw and ft-8 operation. Would it switch fast enough on cw and stay cool enough on ft-8 outputting lets say 25 watts for 50/50 duty cycle (6 minutes in the manual)...? Another thing is not 100% clear to me, in bypass no tuner or filters can be used? Really like the other specs and looks of the amp. 73

[@dovetomarc]

Julian, thank you so much for this. Do you use the CAT Control Cable. I read the manual and it appears that this is not necessary but wanted to ask what you do. One other thing, if you are using the TX-500 then I presume you need to run power to the TX-500 plus power to the PA500. Do you use a power distribution block? How do you manage that? Thanks again for all you do and 73

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. I don't use CAT cable. For power, zi use the double power cable from @digirig

[@dovetomarc]

@@OH8STN Thank you. To clarify for me quick follow up Q. For CW with TX-500 I will run power from the battery to the TX500 and then to the PA500 via a power distribution block. Is that correct? My PA500 is due to arrive in the fall. Looking forward to it. PS: just made a donation to your channel and will make another shortly. You are doing great work.

[@johnjosephreed]

Fantastic

[@OH8STN]

Thank you 🙏

[@4X4-RADIO]

Interesting product.. certainly well engineered. I feel it is over engineered in comparison to the IC-705 / X5105 It maybe "nice" to have a look like the TX-500, but how much would it cost in a conventional case/enclosure with say 2X BNC's , Simple ON/OFF and ByPass Buttons and power poles. $450/500 vs $700

[@marcrosen5495]

Julian - what is the power consumption of the amp ? Do you use a single battery to power radio and amp?

[@OH8STN]

Take a look oh8stn.org/blog/2021/10/25/lab599-discovery-tx-500/

[@je845]

Content was great!!! (As all of your videos always are magnificent) only not sure as I cannot find any videos or testing of DIY599 working with Xiegu X6100 (The only QRP radio I own) Any thoughts? would love to make the purchase based off your video, 73 Cheers for now. Forgive me for not posting my call sign, As I am in the process of moving my address to a PO box.

[@JayN4GO]

Absolutely depending on the price tag on the unit.

[@OH8STN]

Not sure but at 699 definately a niche item. Solved many issues for my portability and energy conservation.

[@paulmitchell4421]

so is it specifically blocked from operating on 11meters?. that's bad from the emergency preparedness perspective. is there an easy way to unlock that?

[@alzeNL]

The term is 'cooking with gas' not fire :) Hoping to buy, have gone to the groups hoping i can get it there. Seems an obscure sales channel when a full website is run.

[@ManuOutdoor]

Thanks for the super introduction! 73 from Hb9tia

[@SwissAdventureRider]

Could you talk about the watts that you feed in the DYI PA500? I'm struggling to find the right output for my TX-500.

[@OH8STN]

First of all, never run more than 5 Watts in. It will only create noise. I have found you can drive the pa550 at 2.5w watts and get maximum output. That's with cw and data. With ssb 5 watts. If you put more than 5 watts in, you may damage your amplifier.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Amazing content! thanks

[@rantingraven4428]

How do we order/purchase?

[@TXLorenzo]

Julian, what is your amp draw while operating at 60 watts? What is the minimum size battery would you recommend? 73s, IU3JNT