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/
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.
@@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
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 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.
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.
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 !!
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.
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!
It only gets better. Check out the latest update: Indeed, I'm stoked. Check out the latest update. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BQ9QmNHs5FU.html
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I hope it will be- The latest update gave some hope that it is heading in a good direction. Indeed, I'm stoked. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BQ9QmNHs5FU.html
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.
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.
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
$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...
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.
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
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
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
For it to be a true man pack and back used radio when foot mobile, you need a multi function microphone that can emulate the likes of tuning etc and a small read out to see what freq and mode you are on. Now that would be a really portable and combined with a military style multiband NVIS antenna
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.
"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.
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.
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! ;-))
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
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.
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.
