Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Lab599 TX-500MP Manpack first look: the rugged QRP evolution of the original TX-500 for portable HF, backpack ops, digital modes, and off-grid communications.
This January 2024 sneak peek was based on the first concept images released by Lab599 before the TX-500MP became a shipping product.
The original TX-500 was exceptionally rugged, but its side-mounted connectors created a wiring nightmare in the field, especially for digital modes. The TX-500MP solved that by moving all connections to the top of the radio. This allows it to stand upright, dramatically improves cable management, and makes true operate-from-the-backpack deployment practical.
Features previewed:
• Manpack form factor for rapid field deployment
• Top-mounted connectors for clean cable management
• Detachable battery pack for extended autonomy
• Built-in high-speed automatic antenna tuner
• 0.5–56 MHz coverage (160–6 m amateur bands)
• 10 W QRP SSB, CW, digital, AM, and FM
• Rugged construction for portable, expedition, and off-grid use
The TX-500MP is now in production. Watch the full field tests, getting-started guides, digital-interface demos, and preparedness videos below.
Lab599 TX-500MP playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMrdrsNkFA5lYHbKfQY5B0iRUpaaIRg0
TX-500MP field test:
youtu.be/oQKY1BZIOwY
TX-500MP getting-started guide:
oh8stn.org/blog/2025/11/10/lab599-tx-500mp-getting-started
LiNK500MP digital interface setup:
youtu.be/0YTN2ZYL8D4
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
Lab599 TX-500MP Manpack first look: the rugged QRP evolution of the original TX-500 for portable HF, backpack ops, digital modes, and off-grid communications.
This January 2024 sneak peek was based on the first concept images released by Lab599 before the TX-500MP became a shipping product.
The original TX-500 was exceptionally rugged, but its side-mounted connectors created a wiring nightmare in the field, especially for digital modes. The TX-500MP solved that by moving all connections to the top of the radio. This allows it to stand upright, dramatically improves cable management, and makes true operate-from-the-backpack deployment practical.
Features previewed:
• Manpack form factor for rapid field deployment
• Top-mounted connectors for clean cable management
• Detachable battery pack for extended autonomy
• Built-in high-speed automatic antenna tuner
• 0.5–56 MHz coverage (160–6 m amateur bands)
• 10 W QRP SSB, CW, digital, AM, and FM
• Rugged construction for portable, expedition, and off-grid use
The TX-500MP is now in production. Watch the full field tests, getting-started guides, digital-interface demos, and preparedness videos below.
Lab599 TX-500MP playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKMrdrsNkFA5lYHbKfQY5B0iRUpaaIRg0
TX-500MP field test:
youtu.be/oQKY1BZIOwY
TX-500MP getting-started guide:
oh8stn.org/blog/2025/11/10/lab599-tx-500mp-getting-started
LiNK500MP digital interface setup:
youtu.be/0YTN2ZYL8D4
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
