Radio Contacts With The Lab599 Discovery TX-500.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

I love my TX-500. Yesterday, it was threatening heavy rain here in the mountains of North Carolina. I took the TX-500 to the field with dark rain clouds all around and had no worries! It started raining 5 minutes after I packed up. If I would have taken my IC-705 to the field, I promise, it would have rained on me! 73 Thomas K4SWL

[@toddbu-WK7L]

A few months ago, I asked Ray at Icom whether they would ever build a ruggedized version of the IC-705 to match the capabilities of the TX-500. He said that they had no plans at the moment and that third parties offered many options for protecting their radios. Short of bringing a Pelican case, which adds significant weight and bulk, I'm not sure how you make the IC-705 water resistant

[@RadioPrepper]

Unfortunately that is most manufacturer's attitude.

[@RadioPrepper]

I used to worry about my KX2 outside...

[@ThomasK4SWL]

@@toddbu-WK7L yes, Ray told me the same thing a few years ago at the W4DXCC conference. The irony is they make HTs that are IPX7 rated. Lab599 showed everyone that weatherproofing was not only possible, but the price could still be kept in check.

[@RadioPrepper]

You're right about the discrepancy between HTs and portable HF radios waterproofing.. It makes no sense...

[@PortableRadio]

Thanks Gil, I like this rig very much, since it does all so well what I need! And you don't have to be afraid when outside in the rain or the snow.

[@Dihydrousoxide]

Hey, Gil. I noticed you're varying camera shots, and your editing skills are improving. I like the dual camera shot between the radio and a shot of yourself when you are making contacts. Well done, it looks good.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thank you!

[@JimBrand]

I am really enjoying my tx500. I am every envious of your weather, it is cold and snowing in the Midwest USA. My resolution this year is a portable cw contact. Thanks for your channel.

[@DaveW6OOD]

..@ 9:30 I have never heard such smooth, consistent and deep QSB. That's a textbook example.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks, I'll have to re-listen to it!

[@radioactive8772]

Your right Gil, it is easy to get in the habit of sitting inside during the winter. I have to make myself get outside especially now that I’m retired. Thanks for the encouragement. K7WHN

[@azav8raa]

A nice day for radio! I have worked more stations on 15M over the last two weeks than I worked on 15M in all of 2021. The TX-500 and the IC-705 are setting a new benchmark. So now that the K4 engineering is complete it is time for Elecraft to make a KX4 with a built-in band scope and all the other goodies in a super rugged weather tight case to keep up. Thanks for sharing, Gil. I hope your 2022 is off to a great start. 73, KB7ZUT

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks, yes, but we'll see ;-)

[@stuart0604]

Thank you Gil, keep them coming 73 :)

[@willian.direction6740]

HNY everyone. Thanks Gil a great test for the TX500. Regards Ian vk5cz ..

[@adam-g7crq]

Hi Gil, I hope you get a tx500 soon, you'll love it, I've had a kx3 and 705 for portable outdoor work, the TX500 is my favourite along with my ft817 both radios are well suited for operating out in the wilds. Happy new year Gil

[@RadioPrepper]

You too!

[@brian-k3es680]

Thanks for a great video, Gil! I am really happy with my TX-500, it has served very well for QRP CW operations for POTA in the woods, even in damp weather. It continues to amaze me... 73 de Brian - K3ES

[@RadioPrepper]

I bet!

[@digitalmediafan]

Yes good radio and I'm glad you worked Raisa R1BIG with her new Finnish call, she's quite something. Worth looking at her KZbin channel ! She was streaming also most day's all that week

[@alzeNL]

lol@1kW vs 10W - what an amazing QSO - if there was any snow on the ground, after that QSO it was surely gone !!! 1KW - wow ! thank you so much for you brilliant video, I concur with the sentiment to 'go out' - its really important to get out - especially enjoying such a fantastic radio ! you have really brilliant QSO's there - inspiring what can be done with TEN WATTS !!!! Happy New 2E0FWE !

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks. Apparently he did not need 1KW...

[@JReed305]

Common Mode will do weird things to a radio for sure. Glad to see it is working well portable.

[@f5nfb446]

Yes it is an excellent QRP transceiver. The best I've ever had. In reception, I even find it better than the IC-7300, which I switched off to only use the TX-500. And again you haven't talked about the menus which are very well done and the responsiveness of updates as soon as a problem occurs (a few days).

[@OH8STN]

FB Gil, awesome field work. Happy New Year. 73

[@RadioPrepper]

You too Julian!

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

Thank you for another excellent video Gil. 73s - W5SWX.

[@ai5dd]

I love the CHA MPAS Lite, great antenna. I use a home made 25 foot counterpoise with mine.

[@RadioPrepper]

It's so fast to deploy!

[@ronleblanc9832]

Nice radio good test as portable

[@glenhoff1443]

Really great that Gil replies to so many comments. Great videos, great guy, great effort=results! Keep up the great work Gil. All the best!

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks, so far I have been able to keep up! :-)

[@garyh8315]

Sounds like great audio from the mic. Good vid Gil. All the best, happy new year sir, 73.

[@RadioPrepper]

Not bad indeed. You too!

[@toddbu-WK7L]

I see from your video that you have voice compression turned on. Good job! I normally run compression and often get good reports on my audio. Recently I decided to test compression with a Web SDR located about 800 miles from my house. The band conditions were poor. Turning on the compression made the difference between hearing myself and dead air. I've had my radio for about nine months now and still LOVE it. Please do another live stream and we'll add to your TX-500 fund :-)

[@RadioPrepper]

If I still have it next week-end... :-)

[@digitalmediafan]

Just looked at the cost... £1000 ?!?! Craziness!

[@RadioPrepper]

VAT doesn't help either...

[@elanpaim33]

good video where you connect the speaker [ I think its only the mic speaker ] vy 73

[@RadioPrepper]

It comes with an adapter with separate mike and speaker jacks..

[@KS-hj6xn]

To protect your telescopic whip and extentions, buy a fly fishing pole tube with threaded cap.

[@RadioPrepper]

Great tip thanks!

[@Anonopsmo]

I wish you a happy harmfull new year. thanks for that livetest. 73 from germany, Jan

[@RadioPrepper]

Harmfull, LOL.

[@Anonopsmo]

@@RadioPrepper ehehe *hi*

[@polymath5119]

Thanks for this one Gil. I keep hoping Elecraft and Yeasu will come out with a direct competitor to it. 73

[@RadioPrepper]

Not holding my breath but that would be nice.. FT-818 isn't bad...

[@polymath5119]

Agreed. But I'd rather have the increased water and dust resistance, decreased rx current, and trail-friendly design like the TX-500. 20 watts would be great, but might hurt the low current consumption. Also, my thanks to the OM who loaned the TX-500 for review.

[@RadioPrepper]

Definitely. I don't think 10 or 20W makes much difference at all though.

[@pietrogazzera5733]

Very good job indeed! HNY

[@raybans4980]

Merci for the very enjoyable demo, Gil. What an excellent radio, especially for true portable operations while back packing &etc. Where was this dream transceiver, back when I lived from a rucksack in remote places??? 73 de Ray ..._ ._

[@RadioPrepper]

No kidding...

[@glenhoff1443]

Lets hope Lab599 send you a TX500 to use for a review. It can only encourage more sales of this excellent radio. Come on Elecraft, give us a radio with such a robust case!

[@RadioPrepper]

Both would be great!

[@gbamck]

Thanks Gil. I've enjoyed your videos on this rig. I see you have a 6100 coming. I'm looking forward to seeing a proper, real life review of it!! I love the CW key! 😍 Happy new year mate 👍

[@RadioPrepper]

I do have a 6100 comimg? I had no idea!?

[@gbamck]

@@RadioPrepper my mistake! It was Julian that said a 6100 was "incoming"! Sorry to disappoint ☹️

[@RadioPrepper]

No problem, I'll watch his review!

[@philipoulton7730]

Hey Gil! Happy New Year. Good to see you out and about... I've been eyeing that TX 500 and waiting on the Xiego 6100 to come out and be reviewed. Maybe you or Julian can get a hold of one? What is that key you are using for the CW? Looks Schmick AF!

[@OH8STN]

6100 incoming 👍

[@RadioPrepper]

Hi, the key is a Begali Traveler's Light.

[@RadioPrepper]

Cool Julian, looking forward to see that!

[@philipoulton7730]

@@OH8STN Awesome!

[@bellachiamohamedbahaaeddin7832]

Hi sir thnx for the great content again, I want to ask if u have R111 Russian transceiver or R130 Russian transciever?

[@RadioPrepper]

Never seen them, but I will look them up! Thanks.

[@paulocesardesousa6984]

Nice! Great vídeo! 73's PU2TEW

[@ericmartin372]

La chance, tu as fait R1BIG... l'année commence bien.

[@metaller_alex]

CW is superhuman ability !

[@RadioPrepper]

Nah, it just takes time to learn :-)

[@Mulazim.]

What a wonderful piece, but my opinion if the manufacturer made it colored LCD screen would be great

[@RadioPrepper]

Nice but useful? And more current...

[@Mulazim.]

@@RadioPrepper Actually the classic LCD as mentioned Transceiver saving power and even lesser heat, but colored screen also amazing especially at night when dim the light in ur room as I was doing in the early days

[@martinsalt1839]

Nice video Gil. What battery are you using ?

[@RadioPrepper]

Four-pack 7Ah Liitokala Lithium Iron Phosphate cells.

[@QRPCW]

Happy new year my friend!!! 72

[@RadioPrepper]

You too!

[@Andy-M938]

Maybe the 6100 is closer to use (except wx sealed). It has already a tuner is cheaper at all and has also 10W. But i´m everytime impressed how much money people spend for simple QRP stuff. This setup is about 360$ for the antenna, abt 1000$ for the TX500 and another 200-300$ for the Elecraft T1. All in all abt. 1600$ equipment for qrp operation. Huuuh....

[@RadioPrepper]

Indeed, but this channel isn't about QRP HAM radio... Even if rarely mentioned it is more about prepping and survival comms, so deciding factors are different...

[@Andy-M938]

@@RadioPrepper Got it, even there is a 6100 a better value :-)

[@RadioPrepper]

But value for what and to whom? ;-)

[@rfcdgaf]

What morse code key is being used here?

[@RadioPrepper]

Begali Traveller Light.

[@drwinchell]

Where can you buy this?

[@CoveiraoPS3]

Hi Gil. I've been thinking a lot about getting a cha mpas lite. I have a x5105. Would you know if this antenna works fine with the x5105?

[@RadioPrepper]

As long as you have a tuner yes.

[@danielgiraud2192]

Bravo Gil,votre Radio marche tres Bien.MaSoeur habiter a Antibes.73 de Daniel(ZS5DG) en Afrique DU sud.

[@RadioPrepper]

Super :-) ça me tente l'Afrique du Sud...

[@danielgiraud2192]

@@RadioPrepper j'espere de pouvoir avoir un contact avec la France sur HF un jour.

[@caledokf]

Bonjour Gil. Merci pour cette vidéo. Quel poste !!!!! Je viens de réussir mon certificat HAREC et je pense à ce poste. Qu'en penses-tu pour un débutant? 73 51 depuis la Nouvelle Calédonie ;)

[@RadioPrepper]

Félicitations! In bon choix oui.

[@baygon12]

Bonjour/soir! Avez-vous essayé et/ou fait une vidéo avec le XIEGU G90 ? Merci

[@RadioPrepper]

Non, juste le G1M.

[@MrAlanmcd]

Gil, have you lost the plastic slide cover to the traveler already?

[@RadioPrepper]

Nah, I set it aside not to lose it but I guess it defeats the purpose...

[@MrAlanmcd]

@@RadioPrepper I found the little white hole stopper you find in kitchen cupboards (shelf hole stoppers) fits perfectly after you drill a hole in the plastic. They have a nice low profile dome head - actually they are screw head plugs

[@RadioPrepper]

Good tip thanks!

[@r011tide]

Great video Gil! What model CW key is that? KE4VYQ

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks! Begali Traveler's Light.

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Gil, great video, hows the boat? Loved seeing you going marine Mobile in a earlier video. 73s

[@RadioPrepper]

Unfortunately stuck in reverse, no idea why yet....

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

@@RadioPrepper oh nooo! 😥 it sure is a beautiful one. Hope its something simple to fix. 🙏

[@RadioPrepper]

So do I!!