Lab599 TX 500 MP User Manual

Hf/vhfl portable transceiver

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HF/VHFL
Portable Transceiver
USER MANUAL
Firmware version 1.24

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Summary of Contents for Lab599 TX 500 MP

  • Page 1 HF/VHFL Portable Transceiver USER MANUAL Firmware version 1.24...
  • Page 2 About using the manual Search by keyword To find a section, search for keywords such as "interface" or "menus". If you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader to read this document, start your search by pressing Ctrl + F (Windows) or Command + F (Mac). Navigate through sections See the full list of sections in the table of contents.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Content General Information ......................Specification .......................... Package Contents ....................... Appearance and Controls ....................User Interface ......................... Connection and Control ....................Getting Started ......................Basic Control ........................ VFO Mode ........................Channel Mode (CH) ...................... Transmission Settings ....................Reception Settings ....................... Antenna Tuner (ATU) ....................
  • Page 4: General Information

    General information The TX-500MP transceiver is a compact, portable HF radio in a manpack form factor, designed for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize mobility, operational efficiency, and extended autonomy. The transceiver is based on the time-proved and reliable TX-500 platform. Transceiver is engineered for operation in harsh conditions: a durable, aviation grade aluminum alloy housing precisely milled to protect against mechanical damage, and the absence of through-holes prevents dust and moisture ingress.
  • Page 5: Specification

    2 fixed digital filters; • Digital speech compressor. All measurements were made at a supply voltage of 13.8 VDC. The stated characteristics are typical and may vary depending on the version of the product. For more information, please contact support: support@lab599.com...
  • Page 6: Package Contents

    Package Contents TX-500MP standard package: 1. HSM-500-GX16 Handheld Speaker-Microphone — 1 pc. 2. AD-511 PWR/DATA/CW Adapter — 1 pc. (Adapter for connecting AD-504 Power Cable, AD-502 CAT-USB Adapter, and a 3.5mm, 3-pin jack for connecting a CW key). 3. AD-502 CAT-USB Adapter — 1 pc. (USB adapter for firmware updates and CAT interface control).
  • Page 7: Control And Interface

    Control and Interface APPEARANCE AND CONTROLS Front view Channels quick access keys Power ON / OFF Value UP / DOWN or channel switch Cursor RIGHT / LEFT Main menu Function keys (F-keys)
  • Page 8 Control and Interface Top view Ground terminal MIC/SP DATA Handheld Speaker Microphone Data port Antenna 1 – AUDIO IN 1 – DC IN (9-15V) 2 – GND 2 – CAT RX 3 – SPEAKER - 3 – CAT +3.3V 4 – MIC 4 –...
  • Page 9: User Interface

    Control and Interface USER INTERFACE Main Screen — Information Panel VFO MODE: CHANNEL MODE: Current frequency Channel number Mode Cursor Mode Channel frequency — Level Indicators RX MODE TX MODE RX level Power level IN USB, LSB, Volume MIC level FM, AM MODES SQL threshold DIG Level...
  • Page 10 Control and Interface — Function Indicators CW tone match indicator Active Functions SWR level indicator and Filters Indicators Antenna tune and channel scan indicators — Menu Bar and Navigation Panel MAIN SCREEN: MENU MODE: Service info line Settings menu items HIGH SWR! 13.8V / 12:28 V O L / L C K...
  • Page 11: Connection And Control

    Connection and Control GETTING STARTED Connection 1. Connect the speaker-microphone to the MIC/SP port. 2. Connect the antenna to the ANT port. When connecting an antenna directly to the transceiver's ANT connector (without a coaxial cable), a counterpoise of at least 2.5 meters in length is required (the optimal length is 1/4 of the wavelength of the operating frequency).
  • Page 12: Basic Control

    Connection and Control BASIC CONTROL On-Screen Menu The transceiver’s basic functions are accessible via the on-screen menu panel. Functions are distributed across multiple on-screen rows, and menu screens can be switched using the left/right keys. VOL/LCK FREQ TUNE Function selection is performed using the corresponding function key (F1-F3). The currently active function will be displayed inversely (background color changes) and will remain active after the next power-on.
  • Page 13 Connection and Control TIP: Activated functions remain active after the transceiver is turned off and on again. For example, to keep volume adjustment enabled by default, leave it active—this way, the UP/DOWN keys will adjust the volume automatically on subsequent power-ons. Squelch Threshold Adjustment (SQL) The squelch function suppresses receiver audio until a valid signal is received from a correspondent, eliminating background noise and radio interference.
  • Page 14: Vfo Mode

    Connection and Control VFO MODE In VFO mode, users can adjust the frequency, select modulation, set filter bandwidth, and configure other parameters. VFO mode is the default operating mode. To switch to VFO from channel mode, select the option in the on-screen menu by pressing the corresponding function key.
  • Page 15: Channel Mode (Ch)

    Connection and Control CHANNEL MODE (CH) In channel mode, users can access 100 programmable memory slots—channels, each storing frequency, modulation, and other settings. Channel mode (CH) can be activated if channels have been pre-saved, using one of the following methods: pressing one of the quick access keys (CH0, CH1, CH2) or selecting the on-screen menu using the corresponding function key.
  • Page 16: Transmission Settings

    Connection and Control TRANSMISSION SETTINGS Voice Mode • Modulation Selection: Activate the menu item in the on-screen menu using MODE the corresponding function key. Use the UP/DOWN keys to set the required voice modulation: SSB, AM, FM. Exit the menu by pressing the function key again. MODE •...
  • Page 17: Reception Settings

    Connection and Control To enable CTCSS in transmit mode (TX), activate the menu item in the lower on- T_CT screen menu. The icon will appear on the screen. To configure the subaudible T-CT tone, go to the main menu, select CTCSS > TX and set the tone frequency using the UP/DOWN keys.
  • Page 18 Connection and Control To set the tone frequency, go to the "CTCSS > RX" section in the main menu and use the UP/DOWN keys to select the desired frequency. • Virtual Intermediate Frequency (DIF): This setting defines the receiver mode and is activated in the main menu under DIF.
  • Page 19: Antenna Tuner (Atu)

    Connection and Control ANTENNA TUNER (ATU) The TX-500MP transceiver is equipped with a built-in antenna tuner (ATU) that matches antennas with different impedances. By default, the tuner is in bypass mode (BYPASS) and inactive. To enable the tuner, press the function key corresponding to the menu TUNE item in the transceiver’s on-screen menu.
  • Page 20: Advanced Control

    Advanced Control RECORDER FUNCTION The transceiver supports the recording and playback of short voice or telegraph messages up to 20 seconds long. Two separate memory slots are available for storing each type of message. Record: Messages recorded corresponding modes: USB/LSB/FM/AM for voice and CW/CWR for telegraph.
  • Page 21: Beacon Mode

    CHANNEL PROGRAMMING VIA PC To manage channels on a PC, use the TRXMem utility. The latest version for your operating system is available for download at lab599.com in the Downloads section. Getting Started Enable the CAT protocol "LAB599" in the transceiver settings for full compatibility.
  • Page 22: Reset To Factory Defaults

    Advanced Control Loading and Saving Settings: • Read TRX – load the current channel settings from the transceiver. • Save to File – save the current channel settings to a file (.mem). • Read File – read previously saved settings from a file (.mem). •...
  • Page 23: Firmware Update

    Lab599 continuously updates the transceiver software, adding new features and capabilities. The latest firmware version and update utility can be downloaded from the downloads page on www.lab599.сom. Updates are cumulative, so you can install the latest version without needing to apply previous updates in sequence.
  • Page 24: Menu Functions

    Menu Functions 01. Power Output Power Level The output power level is set as a percentage (%) of the maximum power, ranging from 10% to 100%. Default: 100% 02. RF RF Gain Level The gain level is adjustable independently for each mode: CW / SSB / DIG / AM / FM. Select the mode using the SubMenu F-key and adjust the value within the range of -50 to +5 based on personal preference and reception conditions.
  • Page 25 Menu Functions 08. CMR LVL Speech Compressor Level (SSB only) Adjust in the range from 1 to 100 based on personal preferences and reception conditions. Typically, the maximum compression level is 40. Default: 5 09. EQL Equalizer The equalizer allows adjusting the levels of high (HF), mid (MF), and low (LF) frequencies for both TX and RX modes independently.
  • Page 26 Menu Functions 14. NB LVL NB Level Adjust the filter level between 1 and 100 for optimal noise suppression. Default: 50 15. NR Enabling Noise Reduction The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) function for noise reduction is most effective in CW mode and may slightly reduce signal accuracy in SSB mode. Set to ENABLE or DISABLE to activate or deactivate the noise reduction function.
  • Page 27 Menu Functions receiver. Set the tone frequency independently for TX and RX modes. Select TX or RX mode using the SubMenu F-key and adjust the tone frequency between 67 and 254 Hz. Default: 100 22. DIF Virtual Intermediate Frequency Due to the nature of internal signal conversion, several frequencies may emerge as tones that interfere with reception at specific frequencies.
  • Page 28 Menu Functions 28. CW WEIGHT Dot-to-Dash Ratio Select the dot-to-dash ratio from 2:1 to 4.5:1 Default: 3:1 29. CW DECOD CW Decoder The transceiver includes a CW message decoding function in both RX and TX modes. Select the decoder mode (TX or RX) using the SubMenu F-key and set to ENABLE or DISABLE to activate or deactivate the function.
  • Page 29 36. CAT Protocol CAT Protocol Version The transceiver supports two versions of the CAT protocol for compatibility with various software: • TS2000: compatibility with the Kenwood TS-2000 protocol command set; • LAB599: extended command set based on the Kenwood TS-2000 protocol. Default: TS2000...
  • Page 30: Safety And Protection

    Safety and Protection SAFETY REQUIREMENTS • Do not connect power sources with specifications that do not match the required ones, as well as non-standard (DIY) power sources. • It is prohibited to connect an antenna to the device during lightning discharges, as well as during strong gusts of wind that cause static discharges.
  • Page 31 Safety and Protection WARNING! In prolonged transmit mode (digital modes), do not obstruct airflow to the rear panel of the transceiver and/or reduce power output.. TIP: Extend both rear legs to enhance air convection.. High SWR Protection If the antenna impedance differs from 50 ohms and an antenna tuner is not connected, the SWR indicator on the display will show a value greater than 1.0.
  • Page 32 The content may be changed. The current version of the manual is available at the link: lab599.сom/downloads/ If you have any questions about this document, please contact Lab599 support: support@lab599.com www.lab599.com...

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