When I ordered mine it said backordered. HRO called me and said they get 50 a month. I only had to wait a month, but it more people start ordering them it could be longer.
A radio often measures differently from a meter. They use more power when measuring SWR and they are a different ground plane. Usually only differs by a tenth or two, but almost always different. The KX2 is definitely due for a firmware update. There's no reason they couldn't implement the velocity sensitive VFO knob feature, and there's a laundry list of good ideas for the radio on the various Elecraft forums.
I agree. You can really tell a lot of thought went into the layout and design of the menu system for the TX-500. It is going to give Elecraft and other companies some good competition, which is good for all of us.
Similar to you, my Xiegu G90 also reads a "low" SWR. Well lower than my meters any way. As you say, it's not an issue for field work. So I tend to use my meters for antenna building and tuning, then the meter in the unit as a cross check.
I am running the newer firmware and have it set to outddoors. I usually have my KX2 turned down to about 7/60 and the TX-500 is up around 60/100. Plenty loud for me, but it does seem to be a big difference.
Intellectual freq change is the great feature. My DIY mini sw2017 also has this feature and I don't understand why other manufactures do not add this to new RIGs.
Love my Lab 599 also. I also use one of the K6ARK kit antennas with mine also, perfect combo. Maybe the SWR readings being different are due to the chassis of the radio acting as "counterpoise" or ground plane as compared to the rig expert? Enjoy the radio, looking forward to more videos. Joe W6VIP
Maybe. My rig expert is greatly effected by swr. Just moving my hand on it can give different readings. It worse if SWR is not low to begin with. I really like the radio.
@@TangoOscarMikeN3WS "My rig expert is greatly effected by swr. Just moving my hand on it can give different readings." That means the Rig Expert has become part of the antenna system, which means it is not de-coupled from the antenna itself. This is a big potential problem with end fed antennas when the radio itself must become the counterpoise. A proper antenna will have no current on the outside of the coax nor RF energy on the outside of the radio.
This is what I use, along with the storage cube. It light and slick. zips through the trees with out snagging like paracord. www.amazon.com/Weaver-Arborist-Throw-Weight-Line/dp/B00VO29BS0/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=arborist+throw+line&qid=1632256910&sr=8-16
Great video Tom, I like this style
Thanks TO.
Enjoy the radio…..fun video series you have created. Nice job 👍
Thanks Don. I had high hopes for this radio and so far I haven't been disappointed.
Just when I was getting ready to order a KX2…..
Great video.
I'm not selling my KX2 just yet. I definitely need more airtime with the the TX-500 and some more side by side comparison.
I’m surprised you found one. HRO has a “we have no idea when they’ll be available” note on their site. So congrats on getting one.
When I ordered mine it said backordered. HRO called me and said they get 50 a month. I only had to wait a month, but it more people start ordering them it could be longer.
A radio often measures differently from a meter. They use more power when measuring SWR and they are a different ground plane. Usually only differs by a tenth or two, but almost always different. The KX2 is definitely due for a firmware update. There's no reason they couldn't implement the velocity sensitive VFO knob feature, and there's a laundry list of good ideas for the radio on the various Elecraft forums.
I agree. You can really tell a lot of thought went into the layout and design of the menu system for the TX-500. It is going to give Elecraft and other companies some good competition, which is good for all of us.
Looks like a nice radio. I look forward to seeing you work it in the field.
So far the only negative is the lower audio, but it hasn't been a deal breaker. Thanks
Looks like a cool little rig. Sure you will get lots of enjoyment from it. 😃
It is pretty unique. I'm looking forward to many outings.
Thanks for the quick review, Tom. I appreciate the info. I'm interested in the Tx-500 because of its rugged design. 73 KJ7LLX
I haven't had it long enough to really say, but I don't regret buying it at all. Used it for a POTA tonight.
Similar to you, my Xiegu G90 also reads a "low" SWR. Well lower than my meters any way. As you say, it's not an issue for field work. So I tend to use my meters for antenna building and tuning, then the meter in the unit as a cross check.
Yes. Meters are great to have for antenna building. With the swr reading and sweep, It's nice not to have to take the meter into the field.
Thanks, Tom. Updated firmware now allows two audio level settings, improved AGC and some receiver updates (latest is v1.10.10).
I am running the newer firmware and have it set to outddoors. I usually have my KX2 turned down to about 7/60 and the TX-500 is up around 60/100. Plenty loud for me, but it does seem to be a big difference.
Intellectual freq change is the great feature. My DIY mini sw2017 also has this feature and I don't understand why other manufactures do not add this to new RIGs.
It is very handy. Very much like mouse acceleration on a computer.
Love my Lab 599 also. I also use one of the K6ARK kit antennas with mine also, perfect combo. Maybe the SWR readings being different are due to the chassis of the radio acting as "counterpoise" or ground plane as compared to the rig expert? Enjoy the radio, looking forward to more videos. Joe W6VIP
Maybe. My rig expert is greatly effected by swr. Just moving my hand on it can give different readings. It worse if SWR is not low to begin with. I really like the radio.
@@TangoOscarMikeN3WS "My rig expert is greatly effected by swr. Just moving my hand on it can give different readings."
That means the Rig Expert has become part of the antenna system, which means it is not de-coupled from the antenna itself. This is a big potential problem with end fed antennas when the radio itself must become the counterpoise.
A proper antenna will have no current on the outside of the coax nor RF energy on the outside of the radio.
Hi Tom,
From what I've seen on other videos, you're going to have fun with it. Did you get the matching amp? You and the family stay safe.
Hi Don, I'm not planning on getting the amp. I like QRP. When I had my 100 watt rig I never used it.
Do you have a link to your arborist throw line?
This is what I use, along with the storage cube. It light and slick. zips through the trees with out snagging like paracord. www.amazon.com/Weaver-Arborist-Throw-Weight-Line/dp/B00VO29BS0/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=arborist+throw+line&qid=1632256910&sr=8-16
Do you need an ATU with the TX 500?
It really depends on the antenna. With QRP it is best to use a resonant antenna, which is what I do, so no ATU needed.