Lab599 Discovery TX-500 QRP Ham Radio Preview 

I really like the Mil Spec-ish connectors. That isn’t proprietary. It’s well thought out. It prevents you from accidentally plugging in something in a port that would short something out.

Very nice video. Thank you, I'm using this radio 4 month, it's very nice receive mode cw, I like tx-500 :)

Thanks Josh! I've been waiting for a review on this rig since the first pic was posted! -A-Ray N4ARY

Thanks for the great review... I was wondering about this radio. But I'm still waiting for the 705.

Thanks Josh, I always look forward to your reviews.

A really cool new outdoor radio. - thank you very much for the detailed description, my order is on it‘s way 😎

This radio looks great. I just heard an amateur on 2m speaking about it, he bought one and just received it. A google search reveals its website and this video. I would definitely buy one, the price seems very reasonable. Great review too, thank you!

Thanks for the review Josh! I had been trying to decide if I wanted this or the IC 705, but somehow I wound up with the Discovery in my cart and the order button clicked as soon as I saw it was actually available. My Discovery will be camping out with me and my Toughbook very soon after it arrives. -Scott K8OIP

Josh we standby for more videos as you delve further into this radio

Amazing radio. Thanks for introducing 🙌

This looks like it would make a great sota/ARES portable radio, when paired with a small tuner to get more bands out of whatever antenna you can carry!

This looks like the perfect radio for use on my trike because it has some level of water resistance. Having the mic, audio and PTT on the same connector is great making it easier to interface and remove when not in use. I was considering a KX2 or IC-705 until I saw this radio. Eagerly waiting for it to hit the stores.

Hello Josh I really enjoy your platform also Jason and Bob thank you for sharing this video

I am in love with TX-500 already !

Great video! I would love a follow up video with performance on transmit and receive! I've been waiting for a radio like this for a long time. My dream radio would be something like a watered down Codan 2110 made for amateurs, but until then, this would do very well! Thanks for a very informative video!

Excellent review. Thanks Josh! I love the concept. 100 mA in receive is ideal for portable operation and seems better than IC-705 do. IMO, they should move the speaker-mike socket to the antenna connector side in the final product to conform the design.

Been following 599 and the TX500 for some time on Instagram. Wow, can not wait. Just placed my 'pre order' with HRO which in theory , with FCC and Covid dependencies of course, they will have shipment of first 50 in mid-Sept... That is what they told me. They are going fast at HRO and after your live stream I bet they will all be sold asap. There is a large backlog of Instagram followers to chomping at the bits to order one. See you at 6:00pm.

That is a sweet little rig. I may have to pick one up.

Top radio 👍🏻 I have a tip for Mic and that is because speakers from a Motorola handheld radio are in and the sound is top 👍🏻 Did that with other devices and have to say clean sound, no clinking and no distortion!

love the ave ruler !!!

Thanks for the first in-the-wild video for this radio. People were almost drooling over this radio when they first put up their website a year or so ago. I foresee a desire for a shallow 3D printed travel cover for the radio face that could somehow snap / Velcro strap on to protect the radio face while inside of a backpack. There will probably be s bunch of the plastic covers available on eBay like there is the the KX2 / KX3.

I want one...been waiting for something like this since forever.

Saw the thumbnail from afar, on the TV, and said, "Oh! It's Real!". The XYL, KD0NUO, said look closer at the thumbnail. Hah! I'm very much looking forward to this video.

I just got in line & pulled the trigger at HRO for a TX-500. And also ordered up a Elecraft T1 from Elecraft to go with it. Now to focus on a appropriate LiPo battery system for SOTA & portable work. Oh and another reason to build yet ANOTHER home-brew multi-band HF antenna of some sort or another. Too much fun. 73 de N6DSW

Thanks Josh! Just hit the buy button at HRO (mentioned in the comments that I saw it on HRCC :-) ). Thanks for the preview! I think you need to play with it more and do some more videos on it in the wild!

Very cool little rig!

They're putting out a nice little matching amplifier now - the PA-500. Would be nice to see a combination review! :-)

Thanks for putting this together - A great first look at the radio. Nice layout, sturdy looking hardware and a decent display. For the money they're asking it should really have a tuner or at least an internal battery plus some sort of speaker. I'll stick with my X5105 for the time being. It may not be waterproof but then neither am I.....

Nice 1st review. I look forward to the follow-ups and comparisons. Specifically on price, I dont think when comparing features, the 599 and the KX2 are all that far off considering the lack of tuner. Seems like they would be closer than the Xeigu, but again will wait for the more in depth comparisons.

Looks like an awesome bit of kit 👍👍

Dang! Paired with an Elecraft T1 Auto antenna tuner this would be almost the perfect "pocket-class" SOTA field package system, (+ your fav antenna & power pack.) 73 de N6DSW

Thanks for the preview/review. Funny you should note that the Elecraft has a lightweight audio. One of the reasons I gave up my K2 and didn't go back to the Elecraft boxes was their weak AF. . . . And your notes about the X5105 work too. It is a bigger box, more weight &c but it does have an ATU & battery in the box. . . . So the Discover TX500 looks really spiffy. Yes, the display & "waterfall" display are sweet. Kinda like the G90 without the colors. Be interesting to see what the panadapter display looks like as you decrease the receive bandwidth (as the G90 does). As for the connectors: fine by me. Coded by number of pins, kinda hard to plug the wrong doodad into the radio. Sound of it is pretty crisp. Just wish there was room for a build in ATU but then, duct taping a battery on the back and hanging a small Z-match off the output might not be that big a deal. . . . So yeah. Nice radio. Way things are on the planet & me not being able to get out to enjoy a day playing radio at the beach (much to my wife's embarrassment ;-) ) I think I'll stick with the X5105. Still, the temptation is strong for this one. . . . Thanks again for the review. Stay safe and sane!

This radio will make waves in the industry

Nice been looking at it, Really missing a colour screen might come in V2, Also needs a rear clip on tuner/battery/speaker combo unit.

Hi Josh Nice quick review, please note the connectors are found commonly in industrial radios built for trains and aircraft. Please can you attached an ATU and try getting some contacts and compare with your shack radio, and run FT8 ? Keep up the good work. Chud M1PUP QTH London

Nice!

Hi All.. great video as usual !! ;) As for the rig - you require an external tuner, external speaker, no built in battery and bulky connectors, No built in CW key, no covers for connectors - with all that extra 'luggage' It becomes not that portable !! ;) I still like my Elecraft KX2 and KX3 !! ;)

Fantastic! Thanks for the review and demo!!

I see a lot of concern about $800.00 and no tuner. The KX2 is $830.00 with no tuner (and NO 6 meter) and the KX3 is $1000.00+ with no tuner. PLUS you have to pay extra for a microphone. The IC-705 is even more with no tuner. NONE of those advertise water resistance. Connecting an amplifier to it should be easy using the PTT output on the radio (making an internal ATU useless anyway). I would take the TX-500 any day.

Those are GX12 aviation connectors. You may easily purchase them if you wish doing your own wiring.

TNX for the nice first review! Good they are using easily attainable, standard, rugged, GX12 connectors; perfect for a Mil-Spec type rig like this. Two questions about the CW Mode: does it have full break-in, and does it use a silent PIN diode instead of a noisy relay for CW sending?

Looks like you could devise a "cell-phone" like bracket to clamp on the top and bottom. I can't wait to see what accessories become available.

I saw a spectrum display but no waterfall. Great big connectors at either end seems like it could get messy routing wires. That may or not matter depending on situation.

This is not a waterfall. This is frequency signal spectrum :) Waterfall is the spectrum history.

The connectors are DIN type, standard in Europe and used by Icom and others for microphones and data input.

Thank you sir! Just starting the vid so don't know the results...but thanks for getting it and reviewing it. There has been so little info out there!

I have already purchased one but there are things I would like to see. One is the audio cable. Should be included in the package. Where else could we get one with that connector? CW memories: they have frequency memories but no mention of CW memories. Don't want a speaker mic for CW so a headset is needed. QRP ops, to you have a favourite headset that would work well with this? Not concerned about lack of antenna tuner. I have the miniature Elecraft T1 if needed but since my hiking goal is minimal weight I always try for a resonant antenna. Ditto for battery. I love using Bienno LiFePO4 batteries. Either a 3Ah or 4.5Ah would be perfect for this radio depending on the length of your trip. Finally I would like to see a full set of specs. Mr. Sherwood we need you! Nice to see fellow hams working on cool new radio concepts like the TX-500.

Nice/Objective video. Just like buying a rig or any other piece of equipment you need to do your homework. This includes the pros/cons based on your operating goals with flexibility. I don’t think anyone would go wrong with it. Maybe I’m the minority but I like the screw threaded power cable - 72’s W1FYG

Thanks for this preview, Josh. Folks, I like lightweight backpacking, so any sort of radio/power combo is a really heavy addition, and I'd be prioritizing the lighter options. Assuming I'd use some sort of lightweight separate battery to run this radio, what other QRP HF radios (w/ or w/o separate battery) would work out to the same weight or less, besides the KX-2? That seems like a great radio, but I'd be nervous about breaking it if I were backpacking off trail without some weather and impact protection, and those things would add some significant weight.

I just ordered mine from HRO, due late Oct-early Nov. 2020 WB4KTF

Love the AVE ruler :) Focus you........

Thanks for introducing this Josh. I'm guessing that the fact that this radio doesn't have a speaker is more to do with size, rather than water resistance, as I have an Icom IC-M88, which has a speaker, is smaller and is IPX7 waterproof, and the speaker on that one works very well. Brent VA7HUM

Also need to look closely on how it stacks up on Sherwood ranking and rating. The TX2 has a phenomenal receiver front end, josh worked Japan from his hotel in Prescott Arizona on 10 watts. 73, Karl KE3KWE

It is not a water fall on the display, but a band scope, like spectrum analyzer. Is great for finding activity. Is very nice radio. Also dont think direct sampling DSP, is IF DSP as in older rigs like the IC756 and other 2000s rigs. IC705 is direct sampling for most of HF..

I will keep my KX2 but thank you for the video.

Can deal without a tuner, but would be nice to have a SWR analyzer/chart feature like the 5105 or 90.

Those connectors are fairly standard they look like GX20 connectors although they could be GX16 (diameter)

The move from Radios that were made for hamshacks only- to these new portable versions, I welcome the new design of radios like this. The controls on the face of the radios on top vs front side. LNR Precision did this with the LD11 rigs they made. Xiegu did it with the 5105. Now they are back to the G90 front face ergonomics. Hate it. You are out in the woods and unless you have a table then you cant see the radio dial. This radio you are holding looks great.

Would love to see a comparison between this, the IC-705, and KX2!

this thing is setup perfect for tactical operations, roughly the same size/form factor as the Harris PRC 142, weather proof, in theory emp proof. no internal GPS. its a great alternative to the you kits tj2b, if you use some 90 deg. connectors you could stuff this baby in the cumberbund of a plate carrier. it might even fit in some of the prc pouches out their but i think some sort of cage to protect the dial and buttons from inadvertently being smushed would be a great idea for an upgrade. iv been looking at the 705 but the this gets my vote for sure

Always great vids, Can't wait.... Man covid 19 crap is pissing me off... I have been ready to take my exam since April and no one in area is holding exam sessions or even on-line (pretty much Ace every practice exam I take on ARRL website).....Got into this hobby/ Communication option at the worst time...Sucks!

No stability specification in the documentation. Do you know the stability spec in ppm? Also, any MARS support? I would like to see an antenna tuner control interface (preferably Icom's AH4, but Kenwood's AT-300 protocol would also be acceptable). If you do a video update, can you please demo the noise reduction and filter options? Good vid. I'm drooling now...

OH MY JOSH!

I had read that it has some sort of interesting swr / antenna analyzer built in. Can you confirm this? KN4MYD. Also on a side note those connector types are standard with mil radios.

I like it...

I don't exactly remember what those connectors are called, I just heard them referenced as "aviation connectors" Amazon sells them and you can get aluminum caps that screw on the ends that well hopefully keep most of the weather from getting inside. I like it, but that price point is just a bit high for me at this time.

What is the CW performance like, with QSK and receiver filtering?

How narrow can you make the receive filters in CW mode?

The connectors are all unique.. you cannot swap one into the wrong socket - that is by design.. so you cannot plug any connector into the wrong socket

Thanks Josh! Great review! I subscribed! 73 de WA3RSL

Can we extend the panadater to an external Screen ???? And control the radio too like the CAT ????

This looks so nice and sleek rig. Does it has an internal battery? Thanks for this video. 73s

Man, They keep coming out with these new cool radios. I am going to go broke I can see it now. Would love to hear how this radio sounds hooked up to a decent speaker. and please demonstrate the filters. Want to see how tight they can get for SSB and CW. Does Roofing filter? Look forward to seeing more videos on this. I look forward to them selling one of these with a color display. I have plenty of battery power.

Unique connectors mean you can attach the cables without looking, or in the dark. If it fits, it's the right one!

Hey Josh, I was hoping this would come in a little cheaper...but maybe price will drop later? Does it have a built-in antenna tunner. Am sure u will address. Thanks for doing what u do. Jim in Redlands KK6GLG

Is it modifyable to the M.A.R.S. frequencies??? Nice for a field deployable radio. Wonder if it will be compatible with ALE signaling if theis is a software based radio.

I like everything about this radio except the proprietary connections and lack of internal speaker. I understand the design decisions in some ways, but to me it falls just short of a MUST buy.

I hope it has a memory keyer...

Hi Josh - two more questions in addition to the comparison to your KX2 requested elsewhere. What is the warranty? If it's on the lab599 website or in the owner's manual, I missed it. And, is there a designated service center in North America, or do these have to go back to Russia for warranty or other service work? If this info is on the website or in the manual, I missed it as well.

Pretty sweet radio, I would prefer it to have a tuner but that can be worked around. As well the different plugs are kind of iffy

Maaannn... just when I thought i was ready to order an IC-705 im like "I wonder what Josh has reviewed lately" ... yeah it has been a bit since i checked in 😂 Now im not sure... again 😬

Very nice. I wonder why no provision to connect to PC (like a USB connector).

This review was a nice appetizer, but didn't answer very many of my burning questions! I'm a SOTA op, using a KX2 for the past 3 years. Take this radio on to a hot summit and run it hard.... is it going to overheat?? Black radios look awesome, but it's not a good color for a field radio. If not kept in the shade, this thing will get VERY hot. KX2 has this problem and should have come in a white or silver case. I want to see this thing in action on a summit! It's main selling point is ruggedness and weather resistance, so take that sucker out and get it wet! 73 de WU7H

What is the data port like? TTL? can I hook up an embedded device and have it raw send/receive the data over FSK,GFSK? "Im not a can you hear me person" I am more of data integration person.

can you show power consumption & power efficiency and sensitivity ? Best E25ECY 73,

Could you use a tuner with the radio?

Is there an external PTT available if you wish to run an amp?

Great review, and thanks for answering a few questions on this. I'd love to see you take this the x5105, and the Kx3 out and do a head to head on them. Do you think missing a ATU and battery are a big turn off? What's the bandwidth of the pan adaptor? Does it have a SWR meter? Is this available now, or are these pre-order prices?

How many milliamps is it consuming please (by measurement, not just reading the specs)? Could you check lowest sensitivity? Best 73, Pascal

Imagine this thing having a colour screen 🥰🥰

Pretty cool. I went to the website and in the list of modes it said: All modes: SSB, CW, DIG, AM, FM. I assume DIG is digital, but which ones?

Will there be a part 2? 73, Stephan, DF6PA

We want to see inside!!!

Really interesting radio, but the lack of an internal tuner is a deal breaker. I have an Elecraft K1 with an internal tuner that covers 40, 30, 20 and 15 CW. I also have a Yaesu 817 which I got because Elecraft no longer makes the K1 and I wanted 80 meters. But the Yaesu doesn't have an internal tuner so I got an Elecraft external tuner. Because of having to use the external tuner, the Yaesu just sits. It's there if I really want to get on 80, but usually, when I think about 80, I'll look at it and say, "Nah" and stick with the K1. But this sure seems like a nice radio. Oh, yeah, the receive current draw on the K1 is microscopic compared to this and the Yaesu which is why I went with the K1 in the first place.

You can see internals and the atu board at Instagram profile discovery_tx_500. It seems that ATU board will be in another rig. DSP is done by stm32f427 as shown in one of the videos, obviously 48kHz ad/da sample rate for I/Q. Looks like a crossover between kx3 and mchf/uhsdr. But I like how this one is built and with this selection of connectors there is no way that one could insert a supply plug in audio socket or anything similar.

Another great video. What's the receiver performance like when compared to the other two? Not just sensitivity, but overload performance, especially when compared to the Elecraft? Guess it's made in China and there will be updates to correct 'undocumented issues' in the coming months - unless it's already been out there for a while.

That's a spectrum display, not a waterfall. (Or at least you haven't shown a waterfall mode.)

Does the screen light up for operation in the dark?

Will there be any other european distributors? When will it be available? Is there a possibility to TX wideband it?

Does that rectangle on the bandscope show the filter width?