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HF/VHFL Portable Transceiver USER MANUAL Firmware version 1.24...
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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.
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.
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...
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)
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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 –...
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...
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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...
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).
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 •...
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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). •...
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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.
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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.
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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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