59:20 more hams should use RUclips as a sort of logger. There’s nothing private or sensitive in ham radio qsos, everyone has a camera in hands these days and, as of now, publishing videos on RUclips is free…. So why not ? I recorded the audio of some DX about 12 years ago and uploaded it to sound cloud. It’s so good to have them 😊 Best 73
So I printed it on my 3D printer. If you have one (or a friend does!) it's a very simple print. Here's the Thingiverse page with the printer file: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4627279
I missed the stock shipments of the TX-500’s at HRO. Probably for a good thing as I am now trying to put together a kit that will allow me to setup, operate, and pack back up in less than 30 minutes for SOTA activations. The. KX2 is the right rig for this. But man this TX-500 is sweet. W1ND
Hey Tom, don’t mean to double comment but I rxed my pack tenna 9:1 today. Do you run radials with yours? I know the kx2 tuner will tune anything but I like for the tenna to be As efficient as possible when running QRP
@@ThomasK4SWL rr Tu. My BNC connector came in today so it’s time to hit the field w the kx2. I’ve never ran a 9:1 random wire so I’ll give it a shot man. Thank you fer your help Thomas.
So these came from N0SA. Thing is, he "retired" and only makes these in small batches now. You could contact him via his QRZ.com page and inquire. I'd be curious if he's still making them--I bought mine last year.
So I buy them from ABR Industries in Texas, or from PackTenna. Both are superb quality. I've no reliable way to crimp RG-316, so I usually have cable assemblies pre-made.
Curious to know what the cables are between the rig and the antenna and rig and tuner? The look sturdy. Lot's of fun. Thanks for taking the time to share. 73 Bob, WK2Y
So both are RG-316 which I highly recommend for portable ops. The one between the ATU and rig is an ABR Industries cable assembly. The one between the ATU and antenna was actually sourced through PackTenna. Build quality of both is amazing. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL
That noise when the rig switches from TX to RX. I didn't hear it on the other videos. It sounds like an old radio or TV when switching between channels. I wonder if it was a side effect of using the mic speaker or it came from the new firmware. I placed my order today and this is one of the things that worries me.
It looks like Packtenna made some changes to their mini random wire, mine has yellow shrinkwrap rather than the blue like yours. 73 de AI5DD also a final note, it could be confusing to new CW operators when you don't put a de in front of your call after POTA :)
RR! Yes, I mean to use "de" but when I fist started doing POTA activations, I was taught a CQ call without it. I'm slowly migrating to the "de" in CQs. Just have to get the muscle memory to catch up! :)
Hey Thomas, another great video! I was wondering if maybe on a future video you could explain the process of what it takes to activate a Park. From scheduling it to activating login and turning in your reports. It seems pretty straightforward but I do sometimes read some conflicting things online. I am planning to do my first parks on the air activation here in Wisconsin in a few weeks. I just bought a 705 and I’m in love! Haha Thanks again for the great content, and keep it up! 73’s KD0BFO -Justin
Great suggestion! I'll put this in the idea hopper! If I go back to a site where I know I'll have Internet access, I could demo my work-flow there. Thank you for the idea! 73, Thomas
Nice video Thomas. I’m interested to know with all the rig/tuner/antenna combos you’ve tried what has been the best performing? I’m just getting started out in portable operating and I’m learning the code so to date nearly all my QSOs have been ssb
Great question. (Complicated answer!) So it all really depends on the site (park, summit, forest, picnic table, lake?). I might need to do a video about this because the answer could easily be a full-length article. :) Let me put this in the idea hopper. I can say that I'm a fan of having an ATU in your field kit and having both a resonant and multi-band antenna (preferably one as a self-supporting option). The ATU gives you frequency flexibility when you need it so you can step outside of resonant bands. Pretty much any good QRP transceiver can be paired with these for an adaptable field radio kit! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL / M0CYI
@@gravestonemyth I’m loving it Steve but it can also drive me crazzzy. Some days I can’t copy a thing other days I’m fine. I’m using LCWO and the Koch method. I’m on lesson 35/40 and I’m looking forward to making my first, slow, CW QSO. 😊👍🏻. 73 de Will, M0LGW
@@ThomasK4SWL thanks for the great vids. I’m 40 and not looking for class 10 summits but I sure get entertainment from your vids. Es qrp. Amazing how you do with 5w
Even though I was busy with work, I had to listen to the video in the background to hear the exchanges with you last Sunday. I was using my Chameleon Emcomm III antenna for the first time and was glad to get three P2P with you. The 20 meter one was very rough and I did actually lose you, as you can tell. But even though conditions were't great, we got 3 bands and both of us QRP! Thanks for posting the video as always. 73 de KN3A.
I was very grateful for your three P2Ps, OM! This wasn't the most graceful activation, but it was still a lot of fun. The yard work following? Not so much! :) 73 Thomas
@@ThomasK4SWL This Packtenna 9:1, did you lengthen or cut any of the wire or counterpoise? What bands will it tune on? 40--6? This might be a good one for my SOTA adventure in a couple of weeks if it isn't on backorder.
@@BikingHikingRadio so I planned to trim it--there are specific "safe" lengths that aren't resonant on any one band. However, I've found that--at least my Elecraft ATUs (the T1 and KX ATUs) can tune it from 40 up. I think I even tuned 80M with a good match, but of course it wouldn't be very efficient at that length. I plan to keep the 9:1 with my KX2 kit because it pairs so nicely. My advice would be not to hesitate to purchase if you're seriously considering it because George has a hard time keeping his antennas in stock at present due to supply availability and demand. It's so incredibly handy and very durable. It'll also handle up to 100 watts!
@@ThomasK4SWL I am still waiting for the Sotabeam Bandspringer to arrive from across the pond. Hopefully it will not be a lot of weight. If not I'll just use my Cha Emcomm III. I'll look and see if they say if the Packtenna appears to be in stock or not.
Great video. Nice to see you throw the line and set up the antenna. It was impressive how smoothly you handled the little glitches that occurred, as expected, with new equipment. Is the clop-clop sound coming from the break in switching?
Yes. Well--it's partly the audio recovery (since I had the volume quite high) and the actual mechanical sound of my paddles (since I don't keep the contacts "tight"). If I tighten the key contacts and slow the T/R recovery time, the audio sound will diminish.
There is a distinct thump in the audio as the radio switches to receive. It's not the relay. What is it and is there a cure? That put me off this radio.
Yes, I have used the Xiegu G90. I've never compared the two directly, but the G90 is larger with more heft. The G90 output power is 20 watts, though, and has a built-in ATU. I personally prefer the TX-500 for its efficiency and features like CW and Voice Memory Keying which the G90 lacks. Here's my review of the G90 from last year: swling.com/blog/2020/09/a-review-of-the-xiegu-g90-general-coverage-transceiver/
@@ThomasK4SWL after using both, what has a better receiver? It also looks like the tx-500 does not have the DSP that the G90 has or am I missing something? I am debating on dumping my G90 for the Tx-500
Yes, it is a 3D printed one, but made by N0SA. I ordered it from him sometime last year, but I'm not sure how many he makes these days (he was attempting to slow down production in retirement!).
You know, I've never noticed. :) Typically, I try to slow down for slower callers. Frankly, my speed isn't *that* great. Honestly, there's no reason in POTa or SOTA to run speeds north of 18-20 WPM. Much slower is perfectly fine, too. Early on, I probably sent at 14 WPM.
Tom, I always enjoy your videos. You do a nice job. I hate to promote making more work for you....but..... I wish you would provide more links to what you carry with you. You show the paddles and I want a set. I had to do a lot of hunting but finally found them. A link would be nice. Even your carry bag and the pouch for your log book is something people would like to use as well as myself. I can search for the pactenna but again, I link would be nice. The audio on you Russian sounds nice. It sounds better than my KX3 which from time to time sounds terrible. Keep up these great videos. Barry, KU3X/QRP
Thank you, Barry. So you're in luck because I do typically post links to everything (well, most everything). It's not in the video (that's challenging for me to do) it's in the write-up that accompanies each video on my blog, QRPer.com. Look in each video's description. The very first link will take you to the post on QRPer.com where you'll find the equipment list and links to the products and reviews. When I miss stuff, let me know! I'm going to add the Rite-In-Rain Notepad and pouch. The N0SA paddles? Well, he specifically asked me *not* to promote and link to them as he's attempting to slow down in his retirement. :) Cheers, Thomas K4SWL
Yeah, but you get to live in Europe! And next time I've got the TX-500 out in the field, I'll think about you. :) Hi hi. Does that help? It's worth the wait. I understand it shouldn't be too much longer now. It's frustrating for everyone, I know.
@@ThomasK4SWL got 400 meters spool and small kite. I'm planning to by bigger kite to carry the weight of wire. I'm thinking sloper with conterpoise for a start 🤔 somewhere on hill with no dwelling around. Good winds,good anchor. I have some ideas in my head about back pack and equipment but I'll hold on till I get the radio
It the Red Oxx Micro Manager. Mine is actually a very early one--they've updated the design and increased the exterior pocket capacity. A very good move. It's a solid bag!
Hi Thomas! Love your videos, I got my tx-500 last week and I can't wait to try it out! The unit is super sturdy but I 3d printed those covers www.thingiverse.com/thing:4626731 to give it some extra protection during transport. Can you tell me what bag you're using to transport it? Thanks!
Excellent video. And I'm really happy that you've not edited out mistakes. We all do things like that sometimes.
59:20 more hams should use RUclips as a sort of logger. There’s nothing private or sensitive in ham radio qsos, everyone has a camera in hands these days and, as of now, publishing videos on RUclips is free…. So why not ? I recorded the audio of some DX about 12 years ago and uploaded it to sound cloud. It’s so good to have them 😊
Best 73
While you were putting up the antenna. The bird sings, cq, cq, cq, cq. Lol.
Funny, but after operating CW for any meaningful length of time, I'll often hear CW in everything from birds to elevators. :)
Where did you get the red T1 cover - nice, Graham - 2M0IJU
So I printed it on my 3D printer. If you have one (or a friend does!) it's a very simple print. Here's the Thingiverse page with the printer file: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4627279
I missed the stock shipments of the TX-500’s at HRO. Probably for a good thing as I am now trying to put together a kit that will allow me to setup, operate, and pack back up in less than 30 minutes for SOTA activations. The. KX2 is the right rig for this. But man this TX-500 is sweet. W1ND
They are both great radios, but yes the KX2 is an amazing all-in-one.
Hey Tom, don’t mean to double comment but I rxed my pack tenna 9:1 today. Do you run radials with yours? I know the kx2 tuner will tune anything but I like for the tenna to be As efficient as possible when running QRP
I haven't run radials yet, but I do plan to pack a radial in the future. It certainly can't hurt!
@@ThomasK4SWL rr Tu. My BNC connector came in today so it’s time to hit the field w the kx2. I’ve never ran a 9:1 random wire so I’ll give it a shot man. Thank you fer your help Thomas.
Nice TX~500 activation in spite of band conditions. And I learned a few things about the radio. Thanks de Brian - K3ES
Where did you get the key that the paddles slide into itself? Love it as I got some that didn’t and they got smushed and now useless
So these came from N0SA. Thing is, he "retired" and only makes these in small batches now. You could contact him via his QRZ.com page and inquire. I'd be curious if he's still making them--I bought mine last year.
Wow, heard me and there I am in your log! Sweet!
WOO HOO! :)
Great video! Where can i get that coax cable that you use between tx-500 and t1 atu ?
Thanks
So I buy them from ABR Industries in Texas, or from PackTenna. Both are superb quality. I've no reliable way to crimp RG-316, so I usually have cable assemblies pre-made.
Thx Tom for the demo of the TX500.
Curious to know what the cables are between the rig and the antenna and rig and tuner? The look sturdy. Lot's of fun. Thanks for taking the time to share. 73 Bob, WK2Y
So both are RG-316 which I highly recommend for portable ops. The one between the ATU and rig is an ABR Industries cable assembly. The one between the ATU and antenna was actually sourced through PackTenna. Build quality of both is amazing. Cheers, Thomas K4SWL
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks for the quick reply.
That noise when the rig switches from TX to RX. I didn't hear it on the other videos. It sounds like an old radio or TV when switching between channels. I wonder if it was a side effect of using the mic speaker or it came from the new firmware. I placed my order today and this is one of the things that worries me.
It's not an issue. Don't worry about that. Just a weird combo of things exacerbating the audio! :)
I think it would bug me
I have been eying that Pactenna for sometime now. Glad you are deploying it.
I waited way too long to buy one!
I like the setup. Anyone who does POTA is OK in my book!
It looks like Packtenna made some changes to their mini random wire, mine has yellow shrinkwrap rather than the blue like yours. 73 de AI5DD also a final note, it could be confusing to new CW operators when you don't put a de in front of your call after POTA :)
RR! Yes, I mean to use "de" but when I fist started doing POTA activations, I was taught a CQ call without it. I'm slowly migrating to the "de" in CQs. Just have to get the muscle memory to catch up! :)
Hey Thomas, another great video! I was wondering if maybe on a future video you could explain the process of what it takes to activate a Park. From scheduling it to activating login and turning in your reports. It seems pretty straightforward but I do sometimes read some conflicting things online. I am planning to do my first parks on the air activation here in Wisconsin in a few weeks. I just bought a 705 and I’m in love! Haha
Thanks again for the great content, and keep it up!
73’s KD0BFO -Justin
Great suggestion! I'll put this in the idea hopper! If I go back to a site where I know I'll have Internet access, I could demo my work-flow there. Thank you for the idea! 73, Thomas
Nice video Thomas. I’m interested to know with all the rig/tuner/antenna combos you’ve tried what has been the best performing? I’m just getting started out in portable operating and I’m learning the code so to date nearly all my QSOs have been ssb
Great question. (Complicated answer!) So it all really depends on the site (park, summit, forest, picnic table, lake?). I might need to do a video about this because the answer could easily be a full-length article. :) Let me put this in the idea hopper. I can say that I'm a fan of having an ATU in your field kit and having both a resonant and multi-band antenna (preferably one as a self-supporting option). The ATU gives you frequency flexibility when you need it so you can step outside of resonant bands. Pretty much any good QRP transceiver can be paired with these for an adaptable field radio kit! Cheers, Thomas K4SWL / M0CYI
Good luck on learning CW, William. It’s a tremendously fulfilling part of the hobby :-)
@@gravestonemyth I’m loving it Steve but it can also drive me crazzzy. Some days I can’t copy a thing other days I’m fine. I’m using LCWO and the Koch method. I’m on lesson 35/40 and I’m looking forward to making my first, slow, CW QSO. 😊👍🏻. 73 de Will, M0LGW
Nice activations
Thank you!
You’ve inspired me to get to the parks. Building a link dipole this week. The mast es hitch mount are on the way. Keep the Cw vids coming. Gud job OM😇
That is awesome! A linked dipole will serve you well! They're very hard to beat if you can deploy them properly. Thanks for your comment!
@@ThomasK4SWL thanks for the great vids. I’m 40 and not looking for class 10 summits but I sure get entertainment from your vids. Es qrp. Amazing how you do with 5w
Thomas, the beep didn't bother me! Good job. Thank you
Thank you, Randy!
Even though I was busy with work, I had to listen to the video in the background to hear the exchanges with you last Sunday. I was using my Chameleon Emcomm III antenna for the first time and was glad to get three P2P with you. The 20 meter one was very rough and I did actually lose you, as you can tell. But even though conditions were't great, we got 3 bands and both of us QRP! Thanks for posting the video as always. 73 de KN3A.
I was very grateful for your three P2Ps, OM! This wasn't the most graceful activation, but it was still a lot of fun. The yard work following? Not so much! :) 73 Thomas
@@ThomasK4SWL This Packtenna 9:1, did you lengthen or cut any of the wire or counterpoise? What bands will it tune on? 40--6? This might be a good one for my SOTA adventure in a couple of weeks if it isn't on backorder.
@@BikingHikingRadio so I planned to trim it--there are specific "safe" lengths that aren't resonant on any one band. However, I've found that--at least my Elecraft ATUs (the T1 and KX ATUs) can tune it from 40 up. I think I even tuned 80M with a good match, but of course it wouldn't be very efficient at that length. I plan to keep the 9:1 with my KX2 kit because it pairs so nicely. My advice would be not to hesitate to purchase if you're seriously considering it because George has a hard time keeping his antennas in stock at present due to supply availability and demand. It's so incredibly handy and very durable. It'll also handle up to 100 watts!
@@ThomasK4SWL I am still waiting for the Sotabeam Bandspringer to arrive from across the pond. Hopefully it will not be a lot of weight. If not I'll just use my Cha Emcomm III. I'll look and see if they say if the Packtenna appears to be in stock or not.
@@BikingHikingRadio you've got good options there already, too!
Hi Thomas. What Red Oxx bag is that??? 73 de N2MXX
That is the Micro Manager: www.redoxx.com/micro-manager-91097/p
@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you....it looks like a really great small bag.
Great video. Nice to see you throw the line and set up the antenna. It was impressive how smoothly you handled the little glitches that occurred, as expected, with new equipment. Is the clop-clop sound coming from the break in switching?
Yes. Well--it's partly the audio recovery (since I had the volume quite high) and the actual mechanical sound of my paddles (since I don't keep the contacts "tight"). If I tighten the key contacts and slow the T/R recovery time, the audio sound will diminish.
@@ThomasK4SWL Thank you
There is a distinct thump in the audio as the radio switches to receive. It's not the relay. What is it and is there a cure? That put me off this radio.
Yes, this is correct. I've found though, that my videos exaggerate this because I have the audio cranked up to 100% to the camera mic can pick it up.
Thanks for killing the beep! That was pretty harsh.
I know! Right? It was getting to me and totally unnecessary. :)
Have you ever used a Xiegu G90? How does the TX-500 stack up against it?
Yes, I have used the Xiegu G90. I've never compared the two directly, but the G90 is larger with more heft. The G90 output power is 20 watts, though, and has a built-in ATU. I personally prefer the TX-500 for its efficiency and features like CW and Voice Memory Keying which the G90 lacks. Here's my review of the G90 from last year: swling.com/blog/2020/09/a-review-of-the-xiegu-g90-general-coverage-transceiver/
@@ThomasK4SWL after using both, what has a better receiver? It also looks like the tx-500 does not have the DSP that the G90 has or am I missing something? I am debating on dumping my G90 for the Tx-500
great video! Thank you!
I also own a tx500, I am interested in which key model you are using? is it done on a 3d printer?
Yes, it is a 3D printed one, but made by N0SA. I ordered it from him sometime last year, but I'm not sure how many he makes these days (he was attempting to slow down production in retirement!).
@@ThomasK4SWL a lot of thanks. I am finding
Hey, Tom! There's something wrong with that radio. It has some sort of intermittent beep. I'd send it back for a replacement :) 73, mate de NI2O.
Hi, Mark, I think in that instance I was over-driving the audio. It doesn't normally sound like that. 73 OM!
Learning CW while watching the video. Man your speed picks up when someone else does. This is going to to difficult . But fun. Great job.
You know, I've never noticed. :) Typically, I try to slow down for slower callers. Frankly, my speed isn't *that* great. Honestly, there's no reason in POTa or SOTA to run speeds north of 18-20 WPM. Much slower is perfectly fine, too. Early on, I probably sent at 14 WPM.
Tom,
I always enjoy your videos. You do a nice job. I hate to promote making more work for you....but.....
I wish you would provide more links to what you carry with you.
You show the paddles and I want a set. I had to do a lot of hunting but finally found them. A link would be nice.
Even your carry bag and the pouch for your log book is something people would like to use as well as myself.
I can search for the pactenna but again, I link would be nice.
The audio on you Russian sounds nice. It sounds better than my KX3 which from time to time sounds terrible.
Keep up these great videos.
Barry, KU3X/QRP
Thank you, Barry. So you're in luck because I do typically post links to everything (well, most everything). It's not in the video (that's challenging for me to do) it's in the write-up that accompanies each video on my blog, QRPer.com. Look in each video's description. The very first link will take you to the post on QRPer.com where you'll find the equipment list and links to the products and reviews. When I miss stuff, let me know! I'm going to add the Rite-In-Rain Notepad and pouch. The N0SA paddles? Well, he specifically asked me *not* to promote and link to them as he's attempting to slow down in his retirement. :)
Cheers, Thomas K4SWL
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks Tom. I'll check out QRPer.com more often. I really liked the pouch your log book is in.
Barry, KU3X/QRP
It's not fair. I'm in Europe and ordered and paid for my TX559 in October and still waiting for it while you can enjoy ☹
Yeah, but you get to live in Europe! And next time I've got the TX-500 out in the field, I'll think about you. :) Hi hi. Does that help?
It's worth the wait. I understand it shouldn't be too much longer now. It's frustrating for everyone, I know.
@@ThomasK4SWL I'm planning to experiment with kite antenna 😄
@@jacek88gb oh now please take some photos and consider sharing it on QRPer! I've always wanted to use a kite antenna!
@@ThomasK4SWL got 400 meters spool and small kite. I'm planning to by bigger kite to carry the weight of wire. I'm thinking sloper with conterpoise for a start 🤔 somewhere on hill with no dwelling around. Good winds,good anchor. I have some ideas in my head about back pack and equipment but I'll hold on till I get the radio
@@jacek88gb sounds like amazing fun!
Which model Red Oxx bag is that? Thanks for the video!
It the Red Oxx Micro Manager. Mine is actually a very early one--they've updated the design and increased the exterior pocket capacity. A very good move. It's a solid bag!
@@ThomasK4SWL Thanks! Their stuff does look very durable. 73, K8JLW
Thanks again!
Muy bueno👍,73.
Hi Thomas! Love your videos, I got my tx-500 last week and I can't wait to try it out! The unit is super sturdy but I 3d printed those covers www.thingiverse.com/thing:4626731 to give it some extra protection during transport. Can you tell me what bag you're using to transport it? Thanks!