Discovery TX-500 by Lab599 – Redefining Portable SDR for Extreme Environments
The Lab599 Discovery TX-500 stands as a milestone in portable software-defined radio design, purpose-built for operators who refuse to let location, weather, or terrain limit communication. This ultra-portable HF transceiver is not just another lightweight rig—it is engineered for the realities of harsh environments, rugged field deployments, and demanding expeditions.
From mountain summits to desert plains, the TX-500 is built to operate where lesser radios falter. Its full HF and 6m coverage (160–6 meters), all-mode operation (SSB, CW, DIG, AM, FM), and 1–10W adjustable output power ensure versatile, reliable connections for amateur radio operators, survivalists, field engineers, and emergency responders.
Engineered for Durability
The TX-500 is designed from the ground up for tough field conditions:
Precision-Milled Aluminum Alloy Chassis – Delivers superior impact resistance and efficient heat dissipation.
Fully Sealed, Weatherproof Construction – Dust, splashes, and debris have no entry points, ensuring consistent performance in unpredictable climates.
Black Anodized Finish – Protects against wear, keeping the transceiver’s professional look even after repeated field use.
Compact & Ultra-Light – Weighing only 0.55 kg and just 21 mm thick, it’s one of the slimmest HF transceivers available.
Advanced Performance in a Compact Form
Despite its portability, the TX-500 carries technology you’d expect in high-end desktop SDR rigs:
True SDR Architecture – Powered by a 32-bit floating-point DSP for advanced filtering, auto-notch, and audio equalization.
48 kHz High-Resolution Panadaptor – Real-time spectrum display for precise signal hunting.
11 Discrete RF Bandpass Filters – Exceptional out-of-band rejection.
Ultra-Low Current Drain (100 mA RX) – Ideal for extended off-grid operation.
USB PC Integration – Supports I/Q output, firmware updates, and remote control.
Built-In CW & Voice Keyer – Essential for contests, nets, and emergency messaging.
Optimized for the Field
Every design element serves field usability:
Backpack-Friendly Dimensions – 90 × 207 × 21 mm for easy packing.
Folding Kickstands – Stable operation anywhere.
Rugged Connectors & Sealed Controls – Maintain reliability in dust, rain, or snow.
Receiver Highlights
Noise Floor (MDS) – 141 dBm sensitivity for pulling in weak DX signals.
Dynamic Range – 129 dB blocking gain compression ensures stability near strong signals.
High-Performance DSP NR – Strips away noise without losing signal detail.
Transmitter Excellence
Output Power – 1–10W PEP, perfect for QRP or more robust operations.
DSP RF Speech Processing – Boosts clarity and presence in voice transmissions.
3-Band Mic Equalizer – Tailors your sound for optimum readability.
Included Essentials
The TX-500 package is ready for the field, including:
Speaker-mic with PTT
CAT cable for updates and remote ops
Power cable (9–15V DC input)
Headset & mic adapter
CW adapter for Morse keying
Spare GX12 7-pin connector for custom builds
Perfect for:
SOTA / POTA Activations – Lightweight yet robust for summit and park operations.
Backpacking & Expeditions – Energy-efficient for long deployments.
Emergency & Tactical Communications – Sealed, dependable, and remotely operable.
QRP Enthusiasts – SDR flexibility with premium filtering and dynamic range.
Final Verdict
The Lab599 Discovery TX-500 is more than a portable HF rig—it’s a mission-ready communication platform for serious operators. Its rugged build, advanced SDR processing, low power consumption, and professional-grade receiver performance make it equally at home on a mountain ridge, in an emergency deployment, or at a remote base camp.
If your operating style demands mobility without compromise, the TX-500 delivers—ensuring your signal is heard, no matter how far from the grid you go.
🔗 Order Here: Discovery TX-500 Military-Style Portable Transceiver