Best Amateur Radio? Elecraft KX2 Vs. Lab 599 TX-500 Discovery!
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- Which portable amateur radio reigns supreme? The Lab 599 Discovery TX-500 or the Elecraft KX2!
Are these radios too expensive? Go get a G90 and get on HF! 📻 radioddity.refr...
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Best case for the TX-500 is a Nintendo Switch travel case. The TX-500 is the same size as a Switch so fits perfectly. I have one that lets me put battery, paddle, all cables,ATU, Analyser, and my QRP Labs QMX in the bottom compartment and the TX-500 in the top. Awesome :)
I did look hard at the KX2 but here in the uk they are basically unobtainable. The TX-500 is brilliant though and very happy with my choice. In use I forget I’m on a /p QRP radio as it behaves a lot like a base rig. And yes, the Rx is hot!!
I went with the tx500 and I love it . I don't think you can go wrong with either one you pick. The deciding factor for me was availability. At the time of this video, the kx2 has a 12 to 16 week wait, the tx500 is available at hro. It would have been nice to have an atu but not necessary Just use a resonant antenna
Good review.Thanks. Regarding the KX2 I have seen several reviews on the KX2 that say the user interface is actually easier than most radios because the "deep menus" generally speaking are set and leave alone and everything else is right there where you can see them and get to them easily. I think, like most radios, it's a matter of spending enough time with the radio to get comfortable with the operating system. Just a thought. 73
Thanks for the review and testing. The “deep menu” on the KX2 is alphabetical. If you know what you’re looking for it’s easy to find the setting. Most of the deep menu items are “set once and forget it” settings. I own both of these radios and the 705 as well. They’re all great. Like most things in life pros and cons to each.
Assuming you know how to convert some of those weird menu names into what you need.
This might help you..
Menu Help Information
Holding MENU for about 3 seconds while in the menu shows information about the present menu entry on VFO
B. For most entries, the default parameter value is shown in parentheses at the start of the help text. Tap the switch
to terminate the help text display.
One other thing. The manual clearly explains the “weird terms” which once again are generally a one time set and forget type of item. I hope this is helpful. Thanks again for the review.
Good to see an honest comparison. Do you think the 705 is better than either of these on rx
Still there at -85 on the TX-500... but I am used to CW EME signals that are in the noise floor! Took a year to train my ear to that...
Great comparison Josh! Man, I am torn. I am gearing up to learn CW this winter and plan on buying a portable QRP rig as a reward. I will be using CW, of course, and SSB and digital would be nice to have. These are two of the three radios that I have been leaning towards. The other is the FX-4CR. I think if I was doing just CW, the Elecraft would be the way to go. For digital, it looks like the FX-4CR is the best option with the digital modes built in and the $550 price tag. For ruggedness the Lab599 is the best option. I will primarily be doing POTA and portable operations (ie, camping). Any suggestions? I am torn and would love to have feedback from people that actually operate these rigs. THANK YOU!!
if you're not in the USA having the tx500 batteries separate is a good thing for shipping... very difficult if not almost impossible to get some battery stuf shipped to Canukistan...🤔🙄
wouldn't comparing the KX3 which is closer in size than the KX2 be more useful?
No. KX3 bigger than Lab599
Team Replay for the win 🔥👍😎
Re Ear-buds, big problem if you use hearing aids because the sound spectrum requires adjustment for hearing loss.
There are over-the-ear options
Thanks for the comparison! Its the 705 for me.
I have a 705. Great radio. The 705 is very big for field work especially if you protect it with Peovi as you should to protect the delicate touch screen.
@@dovetomarc 👍
Awesome video, thanks!
"pre work"???? Is playing radio "work"????? :)
Li batteries are only good for 200 to 300 duty cycles tops.
From whyne County Detro
100 watts on 160 meters is QRP LOL guys laugh at you if you are not running a kilowatt or more!
Nope
Dude..half of what you are doing is commenting on your comments. Having a chat with yourself. If you could script this and find the discipline to avoid the " budgie in the mirror" act, i would think of subscribing. I came for the info, not an interview with yourself. Just saying..
Less than half of my videos are live and most don’t have the same format. Go watch the shorter videos. They seem more your speed. 73
@@HamRadioCrashCourse the more my speed is not kind. I am a busy person and when chasing a review or informational video, I don't have the time to hunt around in a video looking for the information in the moments after you have finished talking to yourself, before you begin again. Nobody got that kind of time, unless CZcams passes for a social life. I suspect it does for you and that is why I am looking for the non 'friendly bull$hit session' version.
No offense was intended. I produce more short form, to the point videos than I do these longer shows. The longer shows aren’t for you. You speak for yourself. There are plenty that like the live format and I make both types of content. If you see something that’s over 30 minutes, you should consider skipping it, at least from me.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse fair enough..I will check them out.
Tx-500 is a russian product. How can this product be on the market in today's reality? 😕
Distributed from countries where it isn't an issue?
Russian? They work in Dubai!aren't there Russians working in USA?
McDonalds also works in Dubai. Lab599 is russian company. To use their products, in my opinion, is unacceptable