Lab599 TX-500 MP Manpack HF/50 MHz SDR Transceiver

The Lab599 TX-500MP is a compact portable HF/50 MHz SDR transceiver in a manpack form factor, designed for operators who need reliable communications away from the shack. It is ideal for POTA, SOTA, field day, emergency communications, expedition radio, mobile command kits, and off-grid operating where efficiency, ruggedness, and fast deployment matter.

Based on the proven Lab599 TX-500 platform, the TX-500MP adds a vertical field-ready layout, built-in automatic antenna tuner, 100 programmable channels, low receive current of up to 100 mA, and compatibility with the BP-550 battery pack option for extended autonomous use. The precisely milled aviation-grade aluminium housing is designed to protect the radio from mechanical damage, while the sealed construction helps reduce dust and moisture ingress in demanding environments.

Key Features

• All-mode HF/50 MHz portable SDR transceiver for SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes
• General receive coverage from 0.5 to 56.0 MHz
• Transmit coverage from 1 to 30 MHz with ATU, plus 45 to 56 MHz
• Adjustable RF output: 1–10 W on 1.5–30 MHz and 1–7 W on 45–56 MHz
• Built-in automatic antenna tuner for fast setup with portable antennas
• Very low receive current: up to 100 mA with backlight on, preamp off, and no signal
• High-performance 32-bit floating-point DSP processor
• High-contrast monochrome LCD display, 192 × 96 pixels
• 100 programmable channels for frequencies, modes, and operating profiles
• PC software support for channel programming
• Rugged aviation-grade aluminium alloy housing
• Operating temperature range from -10 °C to +60 °C
• Speaker-microphone with PTT included
• SWR and overheating protection for the final amplifier stage

Typical Applications

• POTA and SOTA: a compact, efficient 10 W field radio with built-in ATU and practical portable antenna compatibility.
• Emergency communications: programmable channels, low current draw, rugged construction, and battery-ready operation for rapid deployment.
• Expedition and remote-area radio: designed for harsh environments, transportable kits, and extended autonomous operation.
• Off-grid digital operation: suitable for portable digital-mode setups with external audio/data interface equipment.
• Professional field communications: manpack layout, channel mode, and durable mechanical design for mission-style operation.

Specifications

Why Choose the Lab599 TX-500MP?

• Built for field reliability: the milled aluminium housing and sealed construction are designed for transport, outdoor work, and harsh operating conditions.
• Longer autonomous operation: the very low receive current helps preserve battery capacity during extended portable operating sessions.
• Fast antenna deployment: the built-in ATU reduces the amount of external equipment needed when using portable antennas.
• Practical manpack workflow: channel mode, programmable settings, and a vertical radio format make it well suited to emergency, expedition, and mission-style communications.

User Endorsements

• “Efficient, simple, and rugged — a utilitarian field radio.” — OH8STN field-radio commentary
• “With the tuner and battery and low power consumption, it is ideal for POTA.” — Field report on QRPer
• “Solid, functional, and almost ready to go right out of the box.” — Mark KB2PIZ, after a TX-500MP POTA field outing

What’s Included — In the Box

• Lab599 TX-500MP transceiver
• HSM-500-GX16 handheld speaker-microphone — 1 pc
• AD-511 PWR/DATA/CW adapter — 1 pc
• AD-502 CAT-USB adapter — 1 pc
• AD-504 power cable — 1 pc
• BP-550 battery pack — 1 pc, when supplied as the battery option
• UCB-C USB-C to USB-C cable — 1 pc, when supplied as the battery option

Performance Notes / Setup Guidance

• For best portable performance, pair the TX-500MP with a resonant or near-resonant field antenna; the built-in ATU helps fine-tune practical portable antennas but should not be treated as a substitute for a well-designed radiator and counterpoise.
• For digital modes, plan your audio/PTT/data interface in advance and test the full station before field deployment.
• Program commonly used frequencies and modes into the 100 channel memories before emergency, expedition, or group operations.
• For long battery life, keep the preamplifier and display backlight settings conservative when operating from batteries.

The Lab599 TX-500MP is made for operators who need a serious portable HF/50 MHz station that is compact, efficient, rugged, and quick to deploy. Add it to your PileupDX field kit for POTA, SOTA, emergency communications, expedition radio, and off-grid operating where dependable low-power HF performance matters.