This evening, I discovered that HRO now has the long-awaited lab599 TX-500 transceiver available for purchase on their website.
I had actually placed an order for the radio, but I’ve asked to cancel it because I should have a loaner available for review.
Without a doubt, the TX-500 is one of the most anticipated QRP transceivers this year. Field operators have always wished for a rugged, weather-resistant portable radio and the TX-500 looks like it will fit the bill! Based on some of the videos we’ve seen, it should perform as well.
Click here to check out the TX-500 on the HRO website ($789.95 US at time of posting).
Update: HRO informs me that the lead time, or anticipated delivery is still weeks away.
I’m really glad to see that the TX-500 is coming soon. It’s been a long, hard road for the development team and I’m happy they haven’t rushed their testing. I love the form factor. I’d love to see a comparison of specs between the KX-2, IC-705, the Xiego and the TX-500; with more than just the obvious battery, tuner, size, price differences.
I will be taking a very close look at this for sure. Not sure if I’ll have it at the same time as the IC-705, though.
Actually just looking at the specs, no tuner no internal battery is a shame, if you need an external battery then might as well get a Xiegu G90 20 watts and tuner.
I do like the TX-500 though.
Xiegu X5105 internal tuner and excellent built in 12v battery now that’s a proper qrp rig, just bring antenna and off you go. 5 watts though.
I like it, I like the form factor, looks good and it’s not a plastic box like the IC-705.
But no doubt the 705 will sell in much higher numbers because of the screen that’s all too many people care about.
I would say that the IC-705 will sell more because it’s manufactured by a reputable vendor able to provide post-sale support and that’s not going to disappear before the end of the year. Right now we’ve only seen a few review units sent to chosen influencers in order to hype pre-sales, they are pretty good with their social media marketing strategy. It’s a 800$ novelty item, lacking a built-in speaker, ATU or internal battery, using proprietary connectors to achieve IP ratings of dubious usefulness, the base KX2 is 830$, it’s not a hard choice.
Connectors are aviation type GX-16, you can get them everythere 🙂
73, DF&PA
Definitely interested! Thanks for the update, Thomas.
So happy that this is getting closer to reality.
If I was a radio, I’d want to look like that one hihi. Will await your write-up of this rig. Thanks for posting.