Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Lab599 TX-500MP field test: rugged 10 W QRP manpack HF radio with built-in automatic antenna tuner for portable, off-grid, and grid-down communications.
In this video, I examine the production TX-500MP in the field, including its differences from the original TX-500, detachable battery pack using standard 18650 cells, charging options, low current consumption, portable SSB operation, and data modes using the LiNK500MP interface.
The TX-500MP is not designed to be an everything radio. It is a rugged, efficient, self-contained communications tool built for operators who prioritize reliability, operational endurance, and rapid field deployment.
Topics covered:
• TX-500MP specifications and frequency coverage
• Differences between the TX-500 and TX-500MP
• Manpack form factor and top-mounted connectors
• Built-in automatic antenna tuner
• Detachable battery pack using standard 18650 cells
• Full 10 W operation from the internal batteries
• Low receive current for extended operating time
• Battery charging and off-grid power options
• Portable SSB operation in the field
• Data modes using the LiNK500MP interface
• Preparedness, expedition, and grid-down applications
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Specifications and key features
03:50 Why there is no spectrum display
04:40 TX-500 versus TX-500MP
06:20 Manpack design and connectors
08:00 Controls, display, and survivability
09:10 BP-550 battery and 18650 cells
10:30 USB-C and wide-voltage charging
12:00 Direct solar charging demonstration
13:20 Full 10 W operation from internal batteries
14:15 Portable SSB contacts
16:20 Winlink and data modes
17:00 LiNK500MP interface
18:30 Internal automatic antenna tuner
19:30 Final thoughts and Part 2 questions
The TX-500MP covers 160–6 meters and supports SSB, CW, AM, FM, and data-mode operation. Its internal tuner, replaceable 18650 cells, low current draw, rugged construction, and field-oriented controls create a portable HF station that requires very little supporting equipment.
Minimize Gear, Maximize Capability.
More TX-500MP resources:
Complete TX-500MP playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMrdrsNkFA5lYHbKfQY5B0iRUpaaIRg0
TX-500MP getting-started guide:
oh8stn.org/blog/2025/11/10/lab599-tx-500mp-getting-started
LiNK500MP wireless data and CAT-control setup:
youtu.be/0YTN2ZYL8D4
TX-500MP Winlink email demonstration:
youtu.be/8B5sGxHY7tY
Original January 2024 TX-500MP sneak peek:
youtu.be/uDRNwSzjn40
Where to buy the Lab599 TX-500MP:
United States — Ham Radio Outlet:
hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-019288
International — PileupDX, Sweden:
pileupdx.com/product/lab599-tx-500-mp-manpack-hf-50-mhz-sdr-transceiver
Support Off-Grid Ham Radio:
Website: oh8stn.org
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/julian-oh8stn
73
Julian OH8STN
Off-Grid Ham Radio
Minimize Gear, Maximize Capability
#Lab599 #TX500MP #TX-500MP #QRP #HamRadio #PortableRadio #OffGrid #Manpack #PrepperRadio #FieldRadio
Lab599 TX-500MP field test: rugged 10 W QRP manpack HF radio with built-in automatic antenna tuner for portable, off-grid, and grid-down communications.
In this video, I examine the production TX-500MP in the field, including its differences from the original TX-500, detachable battery pack using standard 18650 cells, charging options, low current consumption, portable SSB operation, and data modes using the LiNK500MP interface.
The TX-500MP is not designed to be an everything radio. It is a rugged, efficient, self-contained communications tool built for operators who prioritize reliability, operational endurance, and rapid field deployment.
Topics covered:
• TX-500MP specifications and frequency coverage
• Differences between the TX-500 and TX-500MP
• Manpack form factor and top-mounted connectors
• Built-in automatic antenna tuner
• Detachable battery pack using standard 18650 cells
• Full 10 W operation from the internal batteries
• Low receive current for extended operating time
• Battery charging and off-grid power options
• Portable SSB operation in the field
• Data modes using the LiNK500MP interface
• Preparedness, expedition, and grid-down applications
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Specifications and key features
03:50 Why there is no spectrum display
04:40 TX-500 versus TX-500MP
06:20 Manpack design and connectors
08:00 Controls, display, and survivability
09:10 BP-550 battery and 18650 cells
10:30 USB-C and wide-voltage charging
12:00 Direct solar charging demonstration
13:20 Full 10 W operation from internal batteries
14:15 Portable SSB contacts
16:20 Winlink and data modes
17:00 LiNK500MP interface
18:30 Internal automatic antenna tuner
19:30 Final thoughts and Part 2 questions
The TX-500MP covers 160–6 meters and supports SSB, CW, AM, FM, and data-mode operation. Its internal tuner, replaceable 18650 cells, low current draw, rugged construction, and field-oriented controls create a portable HF station that requires very little supporting equipment.
Minimize Gear, Maximize Capability.
More TX-500MP resources:
Complete TX-500MP playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMrdrsNkFA5lYHbKfQY5B0iRUpaaIRg0
TX-500MP getting-started guide:
oh8stn.org/blog/2025/11/10/lab599-tx-500mp-getting-started
LiNK500MP wireless data and CAT-control setup:
youtu.be/0YTN2ZYL8D4
TX-500MP Winlink email demonstration:
youtu.be/8B5sGxHY7tY
Original January 2024 TX-500MP sneak peek:
youtu.be/uDRNwSzjn40
Where to buy the Lab599 TX-500MP:
United States — Ham Radio Outlet:
hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-019288
International — PileupDX, Sweden:
pileupdx.com/product/lab599-tx-500-mp-manpack-hf-50-mhz-sdr-transceiver
Support Off-Grid Ham Radio:
Website: oh8stn.org
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/julian-oh8stn
73
Julian OH8STN
Off-Grid Ham Radio
Minimize Gear, Maximize Capability
#Lab599 #TX500MP #TX-500MP #QRP #HamRadio #PortableRadio #OffGrid #Manpack #PrepperRadio #FieldRadio
