Your "work in progress" is far more advanced than you give yourself credit for. All your years of configuring efficient systems for portable ops has made it easier for the rest of us. Thank you !
A few weeks ago they published the Prototype videos in the Facebook group. Other than that I don't know about the schedule. It looks excellent though. Hopefully we'll see more information about it soon. When that battery comes out, they'll be no need for an external battery with that qrp setup. I don't think that battery will power an external amplifier or charge the tablet, but definitely produces the components required for the radio itself.
One thing I would add is a USB thumb drive with a complete back up of your ham software such as Winlink, VARA, radio programming software, operating aids, equipment manuals, etc. This should include backups of your Winlink contact lists, and a text document with all of your registration codes. This would allow you to recover quickly should your app software become corrupted, or you need to switch to another computer. I have a drive in my go box, and the kit I keep in my truck in addition to one in my laptop bag. (reminds me, I need to pull them out and update the contact lists).
I should have mentioned it in this video. All of the apps and my winlink databases are backed up on an SD card automatically every hour. I validate them about once every week. Thanks for mentioning this. Far too often we overlook this critical aspect of our kit.
The Lab599 tx500 with the PA500 and the frame, is an awesome combination Julien, you are so innovative and inspirational, keeping the spirit of Amateur Radio alive and a hot subject!! 73
I have enjoyed each of your kits and support the move towards simplicity. What about your 705 setup? When would you use one or the other or have you jumped to the discovery and never looking back? I really enjoy your videos. You should consider being be a guest on "Coffee and ham radios" or Josh's Saturday night Livestream. They watch you. It will boost your visibility.
Awesome question. Primarily being a data mode operator, the 705 is my primary set up. That won't change. I'll take it over the TX500 for any situation where data is the primary goal. In contrast, the TX500 is like a rugged modular kit or box of Lego. It allows an Operator to pick and choose the components required for a specific "mission". The IC-705 is "All or nothing", while the TX500 has a "pick-a-part" approach. It's difficult to say when one would be chosen over the other. Thanks for the feedback and kindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn
This TX-500 vs. 705 was going to be my question as well. I'm thinking one more or less permanently ceiling mounted radio in the (on+offroad) truck, and one that serves me anywhere from home to bush camp. Perhaps 705 as a truck kit, and TX-500 as an "extra-mobile" kit... What do you guys think? Also, to me 705's Bluetooth sounds great when minimizing cordage in the vehicle, as the tablet is mounted in its own stand.
Very nice ! I run the ft-817 w/ LDG auto tuner with a backup manual tuner and Bioenno 15ah battery and matching folding solar panel and charge controller, homebrew ocf dipole Thanks for the great video!
Wow , I’m kinda lost with all the information but am looking forward to learning more. I’m a new ham and have learned more in the past 7 months from genuine people like yourself thank you so much for your time! 73
Thanks Josh, your comment is greatly appreciated. Try to remember that we were all lost when we started, and still lost with some topics today. Focus on one thing at a time, keep things simple oh, and keep moving forward. You'll get there. 73 Julian oh8stn
Hello Julian, another great video. I always enjoy them. Since you operate in a cold climate do you have to take any extra precautions with your batteries? Keep up the great work. John
Thanks John. There are a few precautions for cold-weather yes. With lithium-ion and lithium-iron phosphate batteries should not be charged while their core temperature is below freezing. Small batteries are easy. Just keep them in a pocket or pack near the body. Larger battery should be put in an insulated enclosure. Discharging them should be enough to warm them up but we can use chemical hand warmers or something like that placed inside the enclosure to warm them up. There is also some capacity lost when cells are discharged below freezing but it's so small I don't worry about it. The important thing is only charging when the batteries are above freezing. Excellent question!
Thanks Julian - I notice that both the Digirig and the DIY500 amp use the CAT port on the TX500. Does the use of the amp preclude the use of the Digirig (and vice versa)?
Great question. Not at all. The digitig cable set has a dual cable for cat and amp. Moreover, the amp can function via VOX as well. Personally, I like the digirig dual cable setup for amp/digirig
Julain. LOVE your videos! So much great information! On the Digirig Mobile, where did you get the cables that connect to the TX-500? There is nothing on the Digirig site. Thanks!! K9EZ
Thanks, it's a huge problem! Every bit of fiddling I have to do with my mittens off, is a deal-breaker for portable Ops. I'm really happy someone noticed. 👍 73 Julian oh8stn
Fantastic video, Julian! I can only come up with two possible issues. 1. Your lithium battery isn't waterproof like your radio. I'm sure you had everything set up outside for video purposes and would likely set up inside a tent IRL, but what's the point of purchasing a highly mobile and ruggedized radio and amp without finishing off the details? 2. Also, can you charge those LiFePo4 batteries below freezing? I thought you might need to switch to a lead based gel cell.
Valid points. I'm almost always using a tent or tarp in bad weather. This helps with Ingress Protection. It's also much more comfortable at this latitude. I would say 90% of the time the radio is used standalone. So ingress protection for other items is not so important. The BMS board is sealed and protected from the rain. Getting the cells wet won't harm them. You're right about charging lithium iron phosphate below freezing. This is an Achilles heel of lithium chemistry. Still, cyclic life and weight of lead acid batteries easy 100% no-go. For the larger solar generators the enclosures are insulated on the inside. Discharging the batteries will create enough heat to bring the battery up above freezing in most of the conditions I operate in. If not, dropping a chemical hand warmer inside the enclosure, usually does the trick. For the smaller batteries, putting them in a pocket or backpack is usually enough to keep them from dropping below freezing. These tricks and lessons were thankfully learned long ago. What needs to stay dry is usually put in a dry bag. What's really can't handle the conditions, isn't brought along in the first place. The tx500 isn't it interesting because of its Ingress Protection. It's interesting because it's an Innovative radio which can be thrown in a backpack and sometimes dropped without much worry. I can honestly say if elecraft built a tough radio like this, I would certainly have one. It's not a perfect radio, but it's the only rugged one we have in ham radio at the moment. 73 Julian oh8stn
Great video. I want to operate digital while backpacking so I'd be interested in knowing the weight of each kit as you go through them. Just a thought :)
Greetings, thank you for all your videos they serve to be very informative and practical as I learn about HAM radio use. I am patient;lay waiting for for TX500. I ordered the digirig but I was wondering if you could share where the associated cables came from? Thanks for your invite…David
Hi David. The cables come from exactly the same place. They were recently added to the digirig website, so I would go ahead and check again. Thanks for watching, the kindness and for the comment. It's always wonderful to know someone gets something from these videos.👍
Great stuff again Julian and I can see the attraction of the TX500. I run a G90, home brew Lifepo4 10ah battery (as per your vids), Powerpole mini charge controller and a very cheap solid 20w solar panel. I have operated a few times camping for weekends and this system seems balanced to keep the rig and mobile phone alive. Everything inc hwef antenna fits into a cheap plastic case except the solar panel, both slip nicely into a small backpack. If I were to get into digi modes then I would need a larger more effcient solar panel to run the rig and added laptop/tablet etc. If and when I do that I'll be refering to your back catalog for all the info and inspiration, thanks.
Excellent comment. The g90 is also on my list of rigs to dive into from a go kit perspective. It's probably in the best value most overlooked radio and amateur radio today. Sounds like your kii is also well thought-out and very nice. Take a look at my recent Microsoft Surface versus the Raspberry Pi video. Use the same Digirig with a g90 and a tablet, only adding two components to your kit. Food For Thought :-) Thanks for the comment and unkindness. It's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn
Thanks Julian - does the power available suffice to recharge the surface go 2? Do you have any thoughts on the warm weather performance of the PA-500? Can you share your radio setup for the digirig and tx-500, I have mine working but would like to compare Thoughts re genasun vs buddipole power mini (2) Thanks - KC9WIB
Excellent questions. First one I can charge the surface directly from the power from solar panel via my USB C PD adapter. The battery pack is only for the radio and amplifier. The pa550w limited to 60 W. I imagine this is done to help with Cooling. Since I live at the North Pole, I don't really have an opinion on warm-weather performance. What I can say is I've operated all summer with it up here. As long as we're not over driving it, or pushing it to summon reasonable level, the cooling system has really kept up with the workload.
The Radio setup with the digi rig and tx500 for winlink is very simple. I used the Kenwood amateur as the rig, and the push-to-talk I choose a ts-550 or 581 of those two.
That's a slick set up. I got the IC-705 with 12V batteries (6Ah and 15Ah), EFHW antenna, automatic antenna turner and a laptop. I'll probably get a pad of some sort in the next few months, along with solar panels for charging and running the radio while out in the field. Been doing QRP operations from home for over a year now and had a blast doing it. Current plans is getting a IC-7300 soon for a base station radio. Then getting batteries for power outages to power the 7300 and my ID-5100A at home. Slowly, but surely, I'm getting there. Just need to learn about Winlink. Got FT8 and JS8 installed on my laptop. Made quite a few contacts on FT8 and had some good QSO's on JS8. There's a lot to learn and do in the hobby. Having the knowledge to operate different modes can come in handy. I've learned a lot in the past couple of years and got a lot more to learn. 73, W4ISB Mike in Sunbright, TN
Do you always use your MPAS 2.0 in portable vertical mode? I don't totally have the best understanding of antennas yet but watching reviews of it, a lot talk about how that mode of using it is very very convenient but isn't very efficient. I'm surprised given your videos you don't use a mode that is more efficient. Is this true? or what is your favorite antenna method? Also interested in the MPAS 2.0 but part of that was loving the convenience of just stabbing it into the ground and hoking up but after finding out how inefficient it is I thinking twice on if that antenna system is worth it if the mode i wanna use it in id end up never using.
The primary reason I use the mpas is its convenience. I do use it in other modes the generally only dream warm-weather excursions. It isn't the most efficient on 40 M 60 M 80 M 160 m. On 3260 absolute be brilliant. Have the reason you see it in this vertical configuration is the cold. I've had my hands frostbitten in the past. When I touch cold metal with my bare hands or have to expose my hands to freezing temperatures oh, it becomes painful very quickly. This is why I generally avoid any antenna which requires a lot of finger fiddling. I can put up the mpas with my mitts on to save my hands. Trying to win a contest on 160, 80, or 60 m I would use the hybrid micro and it's end fed long wire mode. Alternatively I could use an end fed half wave wire antenna, but it requires more set up time and some trees. When people talk about inefficiency, they talked about the short Whip and the Transformer on 160-60m. All those bands it's extremely compromised but easy to deploy. I have zero trouble using it on those bands for regional Communications. In this example it's no different than the military on HF with their short whips. If I were working in an 80m global contest, EFHW or 133ft random wire (hybrid micro) would be my choice. This video is exactly the topic you're asking about. ruclips.net/video/03t82d8yZkg/видео.html
Kinda kicking myself for not playing with the TX-500 more at Dayton 2022. Any idea if the PA500 will do 6m? Still deciding between the 2m/70cm of 705 vs the weather sealing of the TX-500. (Olympus camera user so weathersealing is thing for me)
@@OH8STN 6m would put this over for me but it's not a loss without it. The Xiegu XPA125B seems like it would fit the bill at first glance but I bet weight, power consumption, and ruggedness are the drawbacks
@@OH8STN Opted to get the TX-500. i'm keeping an eye in Radioddity QR20 (I think it's an Aliunce radio) before deciding on the 705. As soon as I get some time, I'm going to see if there are 3D printable TX-500 battery cases that will fit a Bioenno 3Ah or 6Ah battery
I was looking for something else ham related and this popped up -- what an amazing video!! Content is fantastic - giving me ideas :) - video/annotations/description & sound quality is excellent as is your voice/narration.
Very nice. Impressive. Running same equipment. I have wsjt-x working can you share settings for winlink with vara. I cannot connect to RMS server 🙄. Thank you 🙏
Great vid I now own a 500 and a 705 withe ended and tracer loop battery im still looking for a decent solar panel its difficult on low income lol id love some more info on power Barry's etc your vids are very useful Dylan
I really wish the TX-500 incorporated a usb interface. It should have been integratabtle with a small cannon plug usb dongle. It would just just make this radio a sure buy for me.
New subscriber..dont know how i did not find this channel before. Also, love Finland..spent over 6 months in 2 visits..mostly with a friend in Kouvola area. In Canada..but love it there too.
Thanks for the kindness. My wife's family comes from Kouvola. The channel sticks to organic growth. Sometimes makes it a bit difficult to find. Thanks for watching, commenting, and for the kindness. 73 Julian oh8stn
May I ask, after your extensive real use of the TX-500 and IC-705, do you have an overall personal preference of the two? Thank you for you detailed review and sharing your knowledge, keep it coming please!
It's an almost impossible question :-) I love both radios however. As a data mode operator I'm partial to the Wireless features of the 705. With that said, anyone would be completely happy with either of these radios. 73 Julian oh8stn
So, I bought a Signalink about a month ago and NOW I learn about the Digirig. I just ordered one, along with the cables for my G-90. I'll play around with both and see if one works better than the other. Thanks as always for the good info, Julian. 73.
Thanks, waiting for the IC-705 follow up. As I hope to be back in the desert operating soon I need the band options the IC-705 provides for HF/VHF and UHF. Power will come from my Jeep but I need options to go portable should the need arise.
I use the LSM in the QRP version of this kit. No other battery or panel is necessary since the TX-500 has such low current draw. Excellent question. 73 Julian oh8stn
I watched this an understood almost nothing in the first half of the video. I'm glad I found your channel. "I know what you're thinking..." I wish this was the case. I have much to learn. Cheers, from Australia.
Thanks for watching and subscribing what's up the setups are always fluid. That makes it fun to see how they evolve over time. Thanks for the kindness oh, it's very much appreciated.
Love your work, my current QRP go box is an FT-818 in a Pelican 1400 case, I am taking a serious look at the TX500 however. That said, if I can ever get my hands on a Mobilinkt bluetooth interface, I'll have the ability to run Winlink via my smartphone, negating the need for a power hungry tablet, which should offset the 818's higher draw on RX. 73, happy camping.
Thanks for the great video, Julian, very informative as always! But, the more I think about it, the less I understand things. In the video, there's a connection from the PA-500 to the TX-500's REM/DATA port, which is probably for PTT only. So we can still connect our modem/soundcard/whatever to the audio pins there after modifying the cable (plus, newer PA-500s have RF-VOX, no more need for PTT). That said, there's also a CAT port on the Digirig, which clearly goes into the CAT port of the TX-500 for things such as ALE (I guess?). If both data ports of the TX-500 are now occupied, how the h*** does the PA-500 switch to the correct band? I'm puzzled, maybe somebody can help?
Thanks for your very informative and well produced and presented series of videos on RUclips! Outstanding work. With respect to use of the GenaSun MPPT LiFePO4 4S solar charge controllers, I have found they generate extensive RFI when used in the field. My setup here has used them with SunPower high-efficiency flexible 100 watt panels and Global Solar (now P3 SOLAR) folding panels into Bioenno 15 and 50 Ah LiFePO4 batteries for powering ancient Elecraft KX1 and Icom 7000 XCVRs usually into double extended zeppelin antennas lofted into trees here in the Pacific Northwest with my pneumatic spud (tennis ball) gun. I also have used sled kite lofted vertical and ladder line fed vertical doublet antennas in the field (beach portable). Anyway, I was very surprised at the amount of RFI I heard on HF when the GenaSun MPPT units were actively charging my batteries. It made it quite challenging to pull out weak CW signals, particularly on 20 Meters. Have you encountered this issue with the GenaSun (or other solar chargers - this problem is by no means to unique to GenaSun products) and if so, what have you found effective to quiet the RFI from them? Thanks and keep up the excellent work you do! 73, Paul WN7T PS: I just placed an order for the Lab599 TX-500 with HRO and look forward to using it late next Summer/Fall 2022 on a trip driving around Iceland.
thanks for a a great video and showing the addons to the Tx500 and the setup you would run , I'm looking forward to the one on the IC-705, that will be really interesting . Have you thought of Doing one for the G90 ?
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Yeah 705 is my primary rig, so a little different approach for that one. The g90 is also on the list. G90 approach will be a little different though no. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet. Thanks for watching it's very much appreciated. 73 Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN yes I have noticed that the 705 is the rig of choice 😀 , I'm looking forward to the g90 video when it comes out , again thank you for the great content and info , 73 Steve
Hi Julian that was a great video was wondering what programs you need to run on your surface go to operate the dig modes, just ordered the DX500 but can’t find the amplifier could you give us a link for that. Thanks great go kit!
Can you mention alternatives to the PA500? I placed my order for it in August and they might fulfill it in 6 mo. to 1 yr from know at over $1000 (that is more than price of the radio itself). That is not making financial sense anymore. Thank you,
@@luissanchez3214 there really are no alternatives with similar specs. Xiegu, elecraft and hardrock 50. Also Chinese models without filters, tuner or automation.
Moi! Love the New video. My tx 500 showed up the other day! Have been thinking about putting together a small battery for it. My homebrew 10ah lifpo is way overkill. Would love a parts list es that build so I could build along!
Congratulations on your new radio. I'm just waiting for a couple of components, then we'll do a DIY pocket sized battery pack for this radio and the 705. 👍
Whenever I look at the HRO website, the TX-500 is out of stock. What's the deal? Do they just accumulate enough orders to induce Discovery to do a production run? How long do you normally have to wait for that to happen?
Not meaning to sound like a smart aleck but this isn't a mass-produced product made in China. Because of that there's a waiting list. You can always order direct from EU, using the link in the description.
I know the Surface 2 laptop is only supported till this month, is that really an issue? I know people used Win 98 way past its supported date. Thanks and love your channel. You are one of the only guys on youtube that truly practices what you preach, so to speak!
There's already a Microsoft Surface Go 3. The surface go 2 seen in this video isn't so much being end-of-life as it is being upgraded. It's not obsolete they're just a newer version. They run exactly the same operating system and the surface still gets updates from the outside looking in you can't tell the difference between the two.👍
Perhaps consider reading up on the battery run time of the Go 3 as tested by independent reviewers. There are said to be several contributing factors, e.g., chip power draw, power conservation mode isn't quite as low as that of the 2, and possibly Win 11 resulting in more power usage. I just ordered the 2 instead of the 3, due to the proven longer battery run time.
Some of the reports indicated 6 to 8 hours for the 3 instead of Microsoft's claimed 10+(?). All seemed to be rather disappointed in the 3's run times versus that of the 2 for equivalent test methods. Availability of the 2, especially the non-LTE version with M3 chip, 8Gb RAM, and 128Gb SSD seems to be dwindling. It is currently $150 off at a couple of retailers, including Microsoft direct.
Not at all. This is a modular kit, designed around a rugged and energy efficient radio. Someone else with different goals or focusing on traditional ham radio, might go for another solution.
Your "work in progress" is far more advanced than you give yourself credit for. All your years of configuring efficient systems for portable ops has made it easier for the rest of us. Thank you !
Agreed 100% It's a very impressive go kit!
I like your set-up. I do have a question though? What happened to the LAB integrated battery and how does that fit into this equation?
A few weeks ago they published the Prototype videos in the Facebook group. Other than that I don't know about the schedule. It looks excellent though. Hopefully we'll see more information about it soon. When that battery comes out, they'll be no need for an external battery with that qrp setup. I don't think that battery will power an external amplifier or charge the tablet, but definitely produces the components required for the radio itself.
There is a guy on RUclips that is producing a 3D printed battery case for $160. He’s on Etsy too.
One thing I would add is a USB thumb drive with a complete back up of your ham software such as Winlink, VARA, radio programming software, operating aids, equipment manuals, etc. This should include backups of your Winlink contact lists, and a text document with all of your registration codes. This would allow you to recover quickly should your app software become corrupted, or you need to switch to another computer. I have a drive in my go box, and the kit I keep in my truck in addition to one in my laptop bag. (reminds me, I need to pull them out and update the contact lists).
I should have mentioned it in this video. All of the apps and my winlink databases are backed up on an SD card automatically every hour. I validate them about once every week. Thanks for mentioning this. Far too often we overlook this critical aspect of our kit.
The Lab599 tx500 with the PA500 and the frame, is an awesome combination Julien, you are so innovative and inspirational, keeping the spirit of Amateur Radio alive and a hot subject!! 73
Bottom line, we all have something to share.:-) nevertheless, thanks for the kindness.It's very much appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
I have enjoyed each of your kits and support the move towards simplicity. What about your 705 setup? When would you use one or the other or have you jumped to the discovery and never looking back?
I really enjoy your videos. You should consider being be a guest on "Coffee and ham radios" or Josh's Saturday night Livestream. They watch you. It will boost your visibility.
Awesome question.
Primarily being a data mode operator, the 705 is my primary set up. That won't change. I'll take it over the TX500 for any situation where data is the primary goal. In contrast, the TX500 is like a rugged modular kit or box of Lego. It allows an Operator to pick and choose the components required for a specific "mission". The IC-705 is "All or nothing", while the TX500 has a "pick-a-part" approach.
It's difficult to say when one would be chosen over the other.
Thanks for the feedback and kindness. It's very much appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
This TX-500 vs. 705 was going to be my question as well.
I'm thinking one more or less permanently ceiling mounted radio in the (on+offroad) truck, and one that serves me anywhere from home to bush camp.
Perhaps 705 as a truck kit, and TX-500 as an "extra-mobile" kit... What do you guys think?
Also, to me 705's Bluetooth sounds great when minimizing cordage in the vehicle, as the tablet is mounted in its own stand.
Very nice ! I run the ft-817 w/ LDG auto tuner with a backup manual tuner and Bioenno 15ah battery and matching folding solar panel and charge controller, homebrew ocf dipole
Thanks for the great video!
This radio alone has "put in the grave" any thoughts of purchasing an old/used AN/PRC-515. This radio appears to be a "near milspec" unit.
I love your videos, Julian! All are well-done and highly informative.
Just subscribed. Your videos are well-narrated and produced. Thank you!
Really like it. Super compact with the option for high power and the benefit of running off solar makes this a massive winner.
Thanks for the comments and feedback. If I dump the spares, it could be even more compact. Did you do a similar video with your new kx3?
Wow , I’m kinda lost with all the information but am looking forward to learning more. I’m a new ham and have learned more in the past 7 months from genuine people like yourself thank you so much for your time! 73
Thanks Josh, your comment is greatly appreciated. Try to remember that we were all lost when we started, and still lost with some topics today. Focus on one thing at a time, keep things simple oh, and keep moving forward. You'll get there.
73
Julian oh8stn
Hello Julian, another great video. I always enjoy them. Since you operate in a cold climate do you have to take any extra precautions with your batteries? Keep up the great work. John
Thanks John.
There are a few precautions for cold-weather yes. With lithium-ion and lithium-iron phosphate batteries should not be charged while their core temperature is below freezing. Small batteries are easy. Just keep them in a pocket or pack near the body. Larger battery should be put in an insulated enclosure. Discharging them should be enough to warm them up but we can use chemical hand warmers or something like that placed inside the enclosure to warm them up. There is also some capacity lost when cells are discharged below freezing but it's so small I don't worry about it. The important thing is only charging when the batteries are above freezing. Excellent question!
Thanks Julian - I notice that both the Digirig and the DIY500 amp use the CAT port on the TX500. Does the use of the amp preclude the use of the Digirig (and vice versa)?
Great question. Not at all. The digitig cable set has a dual cable for cat and amp. Moreover, the amp can function via VOX as well. Personally, I like the digirig dual cable setup for amp/digirig
Julain. LOVE your videos! So much great information! On the Digirig Mobile, where did you get the cables that connect to the TX-500? There is nothing on the Digirig site. Thanks!! K9EZ
digirig.net/product/tx-500-cords/
I finally get why you were ok to switch to back to windows... cold hands!
Thanks, it's a huge problem! Every bit of fiddling I have to do with my mittens off, is a deal-breaker for portable Ops.
I'm really happy someone noticed. 👍
73
Julian oh8stn
Fantastic video, Julian! I can only come up with two possible issues.
1. Your lithium battery isn't waterproof like your radio. I'm sure you had everything set up outside for video purposes and would likely set up inside a tent IRL, but what's the point of purchasing a highly mobile and ruggedized radio and amp without finishing off the details?
2. Also, can you charge those LiFePo4 batteries below freezing? I thought you might need to switch to a lead based gel cell.
Valid points.
I'm almost always using a tent or tarp in bad weather. This helps with Ingress Protection. It's also much more comfortable at this latitude. I would say 90% of the time the radio is used standalone. So ingress protection for other items is not so important. The BMS board is sealed and protected from the rain. Getting the cells wet won't harm them. You're right about charging lithium iron phosphate below freezing. This is an Achilles heel of lithium chemistry. Still, cyclic life and weight of lead acid batteries easy 100% no-go. For the larger solar generators the enclosures are insulated on the inside. Discharging the batteries will create enough heat to bring the battery up above freezing in most of the conditions I operate in. If not, dropping a chemical hand warmer inside the enclosure, usually does the trick. For the smaller batteries, putting them in a pocket or backpack is usually enough to keep them from dropping below freezing. These tricks and lessons were thankfully learned long ago. What needs to stay dry is usually put in a dry bag. What's really can't handle the conditions, isn't brought along in the first place. The tx500 isn't it interesting because of its Ingress Protection. It's interesting because it's an Innovative radio which can be thrown in a backpack and sometimes dropped without much worry.
I can honestly say if elecraft built a tough radio like this, I would certainly have one. It's not a perfect radio, but it's the only rugged one we have in ham radio at the moment.
73
Julian oh8stn
Can you suggest a wire length for the right-angle BNC/BNC between the radio and amp? I have the PA on order :)
The length depends on how/where you will mount the amp. I use 10cm cables when the amp is mounted behind the rig.
Great video.
I want to operate digital while backpacking so I'd be interested in knowing the weight of each kit as you go through them. Just a thought :)
I'll try to include the weight of each kit in the accompanying episode notes. I haven't written them for this video yet, but I will.
Greetings, thank you for all your videos they serve to be very informative and practical as I learn about HAM radio use. I am patient;lay waiting for for TX500. I ordered the digirig but I was wondering if you could share where the associated cables came from? Thanks for your invite…David
Hi David. The cables come from exactly the same place. They were recently added to the digirig website, so I would go ahead and check again. Thanks for watching, the kindness and for the comment. It's always wonderful to know someone gets something from these videos.👍
Great stuff again Julian and I can see the attraction of the TX500. I run a G90, home brew Lifepo4 10ah battery (as per your vids), Powerpole mini charge controller and a very cheap solid 20w solar panel. I have operated a few times camping for weekends and this system seems balanced to keep the rig and mobile phone alive. Everything inc hwef antenna fits into a cheap plastic case except the solar panel, both slip nicely into a small backpack. If I were to get into digi modes then I would need a larger more effcient solar panel to run the rig and added laptop/tablet etc. If and when I do that I'll be refering to your back catalog for all the info and inspiration, thanks.
Excellent comment. The g90 is also on my list of rigs to dive into from a go kit perspective. It's probably in the best value most overlooked radio and amateur radio today.
Sounds like your kii is also well thought-out and very nice. Take a look at my recent Microsoft Surface versus the Raspberry Pi video. Use the same Digirig with a g90 and a tablet, only adding two components to your kit. Food For Thought :-)
Thanks for the comment and unkindness. It's very much appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
Thanks Julian - does the power available suffice to recharge the surface go 2?
Do you have any thoughts on the warm weather performance of the PA-500?
Can you share your radio setup for the digirig and tx-500, I have mine working but would like to compare
Thoughts re genasun vs buddipole power mini (2)
Thanks - KC9WIB
Excellent questions. First one I can charge the surface directly from the power from solar panel via my USB C PD adapter. The battery pack is only for the radio and amplifier. The pa550w limited to 60 W. I imagine this is done to help with Cooling. Since I live at the North Pole, I don't really have an opinion on warm-weather performance. What I can say is I've operated all summer with it up here. As long as we're not over driving it, or pushing it to summon reasonable level, the cooling system has really kept up with the workload.
The Radio setup with the digi rig and tx500 for winlink is very simple. I used the Kenwood amateur as the rig, and the push-to-talk I choose a ts-550 or 581 of those two.
The Genasun outperforms the buddipole in every way. Where the buddipole mini when's is with the integrated power distribution.
Best reviews I have ever seen of ham radio products. You do great ones. Thanks. 73
I'm not sure if that's true but I appreciate the kindness. Thanks for watching.
73
Julian oh8stn
That's a slick set up. I got the IC-705 with 12V batteries (6Ah and 15Ah), EFHW antenna, automatic antenna turner and a laptop. I'll probably get a pad of some sort in the next few months, along with solar panels for charging and running the radio while out in the field.
Been doing QRP operations from home for over a year now and had a blast doing it. Current plans is getting a IC-7300 soon for a base station radio. Then getting batteries for power outages to power the 7300 and my ID-5100A at home.
Slowly, but surely, I'm getting there. Just need to learn about Winlink. Got FT8 and JS8 installed on my laptop. Made quite a few contacts on FT8 and had some good QSO's on JS8. There's a lot to learn and do in the hobby. Having the knowledge to operate different modes can come in handy. I've learned a lot in the past couple of years and got a lot more to learn.
73, W4ISB
Mike in Sunbright, TN
Do you always use your MPAS 2.0 in portable vertical mode? I don't totally have the best understanding of antennas yet but watching reviews of it, a lot talk about how that mode of using it is very very convenient but isn't very efficient. I'm surprised given your videos you don't use a mode that is more efficient. Is this true? or what is your favorite antenna method? Also interested in the MPAS 2.0 but part of that was loving the convenience of just stabbing it into the ground and hoking up but after finding out how inefficient it is I thinking twice on if that antenna system is worth it if the mode i wanna use it in id end up never using.
The primary reason I use the mpas is its convenience. I do use it in other modes the generally only dream warm-weather excursions. It isn't the most efficient on 40 M 60 M 80 M 160 m. On 3260 absolute be brilliant. Have the reason you see it in this vertical configuration is the cold. I've had my hands frostbitten in the past. When I touch cold metal with my bare hands or have to expose my hands to freezing temperatures oh, it becomes painful very quickly. This is why I generally avoid any antenna which requires a lot of finger fiddling. I can put up the mpas with my mitts on to save my hands.
Trying to win a contest on 160, 80, or 60 m I would use the hybrid micro and it's end fed long wire mode. Alternatively I could use an end fed half wave wire antenna, but it requires more set up time and some trees. When people talk about inefficiency, they talked about the short Whip and the Transformer on 160-60m. All those bands it's extremely compromised but easy to deploy. I have zero trouble using it on those bands for regional Communications. In this example it's no different than the military on HF with their short whips. If I were working in an 80m global contest, EFHW or 133ft random wire (hybrid micro) would be my choice. This video is exactly the topic you're asking about. ruclips.net/video/03t82d8yZkg/видео.html
I forgot to mention, I have other antennas as well.
Kinda kicking myself for not playing with the TX-500 more at Dayton 2022.
Any idea if the PA500 will do 6m?
Still deciding between the 2m/70cm of 705 vs the weather sealing of the TX-500. (Olympus camera user so weathersealing is thing for me)
No 6m on PA500. Would've been nice, but it's not a deal breaker.
@@OH8STN 6m would put this over for me but it's not a loss without it. The Xiegu XPA125B seems like it would fit the bill at first glance but I bet weight, power consumption, and ruggedness are the drawbacks
@@OH8STN Opted to get the TX-500. i'm keeping an eye in Radioddity QR20 (I think it's an Aliunce radio) before deciding on the 705. As soon as I get some time, I'm going to see if there are 3D printable TX-500 battery cases that will fit a Bioenno 3Ah or 6Ah battery
I was looking for something else ham related and this popped up -- what an amazing video!! Content is fantastic - giving me ideas :) - video/annotations/description & sound quality is excellent as is your voice/narration.
Sweet setup! I've got a Pentek with Ninja battery and Bandipole antenna. No solar panels yet!
Very nice. Impressive. Running same equipment. I have wsjt-x working can you share settings for winlink with vara. I cannot connect to RMS server 🙄. Thank you 🙏
Another great video, thanks! Stay healthy and safe, 73! N2SCD
Super cool radio!
Thanks for the detailed explaination.
You make it sound so easy. Lolol
I’m really interested in the lab599 for backpacking and SOTA. Thanks for your in-depth videos.
You're very welcome. Perhaps I can do a minimal SOTA loadout video.
@@OH8STN that would be great
I'll get to it time permitting👍
They're finally in stock at HRO, looking forward to adding this as a goto!
I was wondering about PA 500 tuner amp I've sent messages to the company but have not heard back what do you know? Thanks W9US
My tx500 finally comes tomorrow. Unfortunately I’m at work for two more weeks! I love the content, keep up the great work!
Current lead time on a PA-500...more than 24 months. That's starting to putting it beyond the realm of reality.
Appreciate the content. Would be interested in your cheapest way to make a radio go bag. Keep up your great work. ty
Great vid I now own a 500 and a 705 withe ended and tracer loop battery im still looking for a decent solar panel its difficult on low income lol id love some more info on power Barry's etc your vids are very useful Dylan
Great job ! Julian, your kit is SWEET
I really wish the TX-500 incorporated a usb interface. It should have been integratabtle with a small cannon plug usb dongle. It would just just make this radio a sure buy for me.
Agreed
New subscriber..dont know how i did not find this channel before. Also, love Finland..spent over 6 months in 2 visits..mostly with a friend in Kouvola area. In Canada..but love it there too.
Thanks for the kindness. My wife's family comes from Kouvola.
The channel sticks to organic growth. Sometimes makes it a bit difficult to find.
Thanks for watching, commenting, and for the kindness.
73
Julian oh8stn
May I ask, after your extensive real use of the TX-500 and IC-705, do you have an overall personal preference of the two?
Thank you for you detailed review and sharing your knowledge, keep it coming please!
It's an almost impossible question :-) I love both radios however. As a data mode operator I'm partial to the Wireless features of the 705. With that said, anyone would be completely happy with either of these radios.
73
Julian oh8stn
I really do not know why someone at lab599 or yaesu hasn't brought you own to sell a go kit directly from them.
So, I bought a Signalink about a month ago and NOW I learn about the Digirig. I just ordered one, along with the cables for my G-90. I'll play around with both and see if one works better than the other. Thanks as always for the good info, Julian. 73.
Ouch. Well it's not a total loss. Both have their uses, but a Digirig is more portable ops friendly.
Thanks, waiting for the IC-705 follow up. As I hope to be back in the desert operating soon I need the band options the IC-705 provides for HF/VHF and UHF. Power will come from my Jeep but I need options to go portable should the need arise.
Thanks for leaving this comment. I was beginning to worry people are watching till the end, understanding this is one of a series of videos. 👍
The video shows the light saver max, is that a possible substitute for the 60w panel or would you need a LSM with a 30w panel?
I use the LSM in the QRP version of this kit. No other battery or panel is necessary since the TX-500 has such low current draw.
Excellent question.
73
Julian oh8stn
Thanks enjoyed
I watched this an understood almost nothing in the first half of the video. I'm glad I found your channel. "I know what you're thinking..." I wish this was the case. I have much to learn. Cheers, from Australia.
We are all learning👍
Hey man, we're you a commo dude in the suck?
Semper fi
Great setup - love the 3D printed frame to hold the radio to the amp!
Thanks. Yeah the frame really works out well.
Thanks for watching.
73
Julian oh8stn
Looking forward to the kit for the IC-705 radio. :-) I live in Canada. VE6KBI
I've got two components incoming before that's finished. Should also be an excellent build 👍
The Pa500 looks like a good amp to turn a qrp rig to a reasonable power mobile setup. I'll be interested in the IC705 based go kit.
Yep 705 kit is already in the works. I've got one big video to get out before that happens.
7:08 that doesn’t even make sense. It’s 3 times the size. How does it fold to the same size?
Very impressive setup. Thanks for all ideas. Just subscribed.
Thanks for watching and subscribing what's up the setups are always fluid. That makes it fun to see how they evolve over time. Thanks for the kindness oh, it's very much appreciated.
Love your work, my current QRP go box is an FT-818 in a Pelican 1400 case, I am taking a serious look at the TX500 however. That said, if I can ever get my hands on a Mobilinkt bluetooth interface, I'll have the ability to run Winlink via my smartphone, negating the need for a power hungry tablet, which should offset the 818's higher draw on RX. 73, happy camping.
Thanks for the great video, Julian, very informative as always! But, the more I think about it, the less I understand things. In the video, there's a connection from the PA-500 to the TX-500's REM/DATA port, which is probably for PTT only. So we can still connect our modem/soundcard/whatever to the audio pins there after modifying the cable (plus, newer PA-500s have RF-VOX, no more need for PTT). That said, there's also a CAT port on the Digirig, which clearly goes into the CAT port of the TX-500 for things such as ALE (I guess?). If both data ports of the TX-500 are now occupied, how the h*** does the PA-500 switch to the correct band? I'm puzzled, maybe somebody can help?
Thanks for your very informative and well produced and presented series of videos on RUclips! Outstanding work.
With respect to use of the GenaSun MPPT LiFePO4 4S solar charge controllers, I have found they generate extensive RFI when used in the field. My setup here has used them with SunPower high-efficiency flexible 100 watt panels and Global Solar (now P3 SOLAR) folding panels into Bioenno 15 and 50 Ah LiFePO4 batteries for powering ancient Elecraft KX1 and Icom 7000 XCVRs usually into double extended zeppelin antennas lofted into trees here in the Pacific Northwest with my pneumatic spud (tennis ball) gun. I also have used sled kite lofted vertical and ladder line fed vertical doublet antennas in the field (beach portable).
Anyway, I was very surprised at the amount of RFI I heard on HF when the GenaSun MPPT units were actively charging my batteries. It made it quite challenging to pull out weak CW signals, particularly on 20 Meters. Have you encountered this issue with the GenaSun (or other solar chargers - this problem is by no means to unique to GenaSun products) and if so, what have you found effective to quiet the RFI from them?
Thanks and keep up the excellent work you do!
73, Paul WN7T
PS: I just placed an order for the Lab599 TX-500 with HRO and look forward to using it late next Summer/Fall 2022 on a trip driving around Iceland.
thanks for a a great video and showing the addons to the Tx500 and the setup you would run , I'm looking forward to the one on the IC-705, that will be really interesting . Have you thought of Doing one for the G90 ?
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Yeah 705 is my primary rig, so a little different approach for that one. The g90 is also on the list. G90 approach will be a little different though no. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet. Thanks for watching it's very much appreciated.
73
Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN yes I have noticed that the 705 is the rig of choice 😀 , I'm looking forward to the g90 video when it comes out , again thank you for the great content and info , 73 Steve
Best video I have seen. I am rethinking my kit now. Thanks
You've really made my day. Comments like these and many of the others, are fuel for the fire. Thanks for the kindness, It's very much appreciated.
Hi Julian that was a great video was wondering what programs you need to run on your surface go to operate the dig modes, just ordered the DX500 but can’t find the amplifier could you give us a link for that. Thanks great go kit!
What do you mean you “live at the North Pole”? No one lives at the North Pole!
😂 high latitude joking
Ooooooh...I'm liking that radio! I might have to look into a setup like that!
Yeah, it's a nice little rig. 👍
Danke für das tolle Video.73,von Wien.Österreich.😊😊
This is the exact kit I want.
Great video as usual! I hope to get my hands on a TX 500 sometime within the next year or two so I can finally put together my own HF portable rig.
your a genius.
😂 Probably more of a fanatic.
Thanks for the kindness and comment 🙏
If your near ct. I need help.
Can you mention alternatives to the PA500? I placed my order for it in August and they might fulfill it in 6 mo. to 1 yr from know at over $1000 (that is more than price of the radio itself). That is not making financial sense anymore. Thank you,
I am considering the Elecraft T1 ATU
But don’t have an option in mind for the amplifier. (Sorry, kept hitting the send icon by accident)
@@luissanchez3214 there really are no alternatives with similar specs. Xiegu, elecraft and hardrock 50. Also Chinese models without filters, tuner or automation.
@@OH8STN Thank you, that opens more options since my preferred one most likely won’t happen. Wishing everyone the best in this tumultuous time!
Where did you get your briefcase from
Amazon. I'll add a link to the description in the morning.
Great video Julian….love my little 500
Very well-presented content!
Thank you 🙏
73
Julian oh8stn
Moi! Love the New video. My tx 500 showed up the other day! Have been thinking about putting together a small battery for it. My homebrew 10ah lifpo is way overkill. Would love a parts list es that build so I could build along!
Congratulations on your new radio.
I'm just waiting for a couple of components, then we'll do a DIY pocket sized battery pack for this radio and the 705. 👍
Another really great video.
Thank you 🙏
can you please tell about the briefcase you use ?
Not ignoring you, just can't find the exact model anymore. I'll put it in the notes as soon as I find a seller with it stock.
@@OH8STN nopro, I'm also constantly looking for a Solution. Thank you. 73 Do1atm
Too many connections wires outside. Means too many poinsts of failure when you outside
The number of connections on this radio is my only complaint about it. I completely agree. Thanks for the comment👍
Whenever I look at the HRO website, the TX-500 is out of stock. What's the deal? Do they just accumulate enough orders to induce Discovery to do a production run? How long do you normally have to wait for that to happen?
Not meaning to sound like a smart aleck but this isn't a mass-produced product made in China. Because of that there's a waiting list. You can always order direct from EU, using the link in the description.
It's in stock as of 10/30/2022. I just ordered one tonight!
Love it
Thanks for watching 👍
Fantastic
Thanks Ian
Is that amp/tuner ever going hit the market?
If you want a Bugatti Veyron, you order it then get on the waiting list. It's no different with the PA500
Awesome!!
I know the Surface 2 laptop is only supported till this month, is that really an issue? I know people used Win 98 way past its supported date. Thanks and love your channel. You are one of the only guys on youtube that truly practices what you preach, so to speak!
There's already a Microsoft Surface Go 3. The surface go 2 seen in this video isn't so much being end-of-life as it is being upgraded. It's not obsolete they're just a newer version. They run exactly the same operating system and the surface still gets updates from the outside looking in you can't tell the difference between the two.👍
Perhaps consider reading up on the battery run time of the Go 3 as tested by independent reviewers. There are said to be several contributing factors, e.g., chip power draw, power conservation mode isn't quite as low as that of the 2, and possibly Win 11 resulting in more power usage. I just ordered the 2 instead of the 3, due to the proven longer battery run time.
This is excellent information, thank you. 👍👍👍
Some of the reports indicated 6 to 8 hours for the 3 instead of Microsoft's claimed 10+(?). All seemed to be rather disappointed in the 3's run times versus that of the 2 for equivalent test methods. Availability of the 2, especially the non-LTE version with M3 chip, 8Gb RAM, and 128Gb SSD seems to be dwindling. It is currently $150 off at a couple of retailers, including Microsoft direct.
I still just can't see paying $1,000 for a QRP rig...but that's just me.
In my world 60 watts is not qrp.
Nice, but I don't see the point with so many peripherals to go along with the head unit. Does that not defeat the purpose, kind of?
Not at all. This is a modular kit, designed around a rugged and energy efficient radio. Someone else with different goals or focusing on traditional ham radio, might go for another solution.
The PA500 manual says you need 16V for 60w. You've never mentioned this...??
Check my website for the power output tests at 13.8 volts.
oh8stn.org/blog/2021/10/14/diy-599-pa500-hf-amplfier-tx-power-measurement-40m/
Are you one of those January 6th insurrectionists?