Lab599 Discovery TX-500 User manual

HF/50MHz Transcever TX-500
QUICK START GUIDE

DEVICE BODY AND CONTROLS
Front view
Top function keys
RIT/XIT On / Off
Clear RIT / XIT
VFO / Memory
Lock / Unlock VFO
Step VFO
Power On/Off
Band Up / Down
Basic mode
Passband filter
Menu mode
Receiver gain control (RX mode)
Monitor volume (TX mode)
Tune VFO A, B / Menu Settings
RX / TX offset
Bottom function keys
Controls end user interface
1

Left side
DC 9-15V
Power supply
1 – GND
2 – DC IN (9-15V/3A max)
1 – SPEAKER – *
2 – MIC IN
3 – PTT IN
4 – SPEAKER +
5 – MIC IN (V+) **
6 – GND
1 – PTT IN
2 – PTT OUT
3 – AUDIO DATA OUT
4 – Q 5 – I
6 – AUDIO DATA IN
7 – GND
25
61
2
4
5
6
3
4 3
2
1
7
1
MIC/SP
Microphone / Speaker
REM
DATA
* Connect a speaker or headphones with the appropriate pins 1 & 4, SPEAKER (-) and SPEAKER (+).
Do not connect a speaker to ground, pin 6.
** For connecting an external electret microphone that requires additional power supply.
Right side
1
4
5
3
2
CW KEY ANTCAT
4
3
1
2
1 – GND
2 – RX
3 – +3.3V IN ***
4 – TX
1 – GND
2 – “•”
5 – “–”3 – NC
4 – NC Antenna (50 Ohm)
*** When connecting with a third-party USB adapter, make sure that an input voltage of 3.3V (10mA) is supplied to the pin.
2

USER INTERFACE
Main display
1
2
4
3
6
5
7
8
9
19 — Function buttons
2— Information bar title
TX/RX mode
Clock
battery low
Autogain control
(delay 1-10)
Hight temperature
alert
Clock
Supply voltage
Step VFO (Step RIT/XIT), Hz
or LOCK VFO
VFO offset, Hz (RIT/XIT)
3

3— VFO A / B
VFO A
Basic VFO
VFO B
4— Info block 1
Basic modes or alternative modes:
Filter band width Receiver gain (0-100)
Monitor (0-100)
Radio frequency gain
Volume (-50+5)
ABCDEFG
5— Graph bar
Power output (PWR),
SWR, MIC, ALC
Transmit mode:
Power output (NUM),
SWR (NUM)
Receive mode:
S-meter
6— Info block 2
A
C
B
D
F
G
E
L
I
J
K
– Noise reduction ON
– Noise blanking ON
– Notch filter ON
– Attenuator ON
– Monitor ON
– VOX ON
– Speech compression ON
– Preamp ON
– Squelch ON
– Split mode effect ON
– Virtual intermediate frequency ON
7— Pan-adapter
Receiving or transmission channel
8— Menu
Menu Up Menu Down
– Function buttons
4

GETTING STARTED
Before using the TX-500, you’ll need to connect a power supply, speaker-microphone
and an antenna, at minimum.
Power supply
(12V, 3A max)
Speaker-microphone
Connect antenna
(50 Ohm)
Unfold Leg
Left side
Right side
AF GAIN — Controls receiver AF gain (volume).
USING THE MENU
The menu is used to tailor the transceiver to your operating preferences.
To access the menu, push Funtil the any menu entry appears in
the pan-adapter area. To change the value of a menu parameter, rotate
MTUNE/MULTI (large knob).To exit the menu, push Fagain.
BAND SELECTION
The TX-500 covers the 160-6 m amateur bands. Characteristics of each band are
summarized below.
Best DXRang (Mhz)Band (m)
160
80
60
40
30
20
1.8-2.0
3.5-4.0
~5.3-5.4
7.0-7.3
10.0-10.15
14.0-14.35
Best DXRang (Mhz)Band (m)
17
15
12
10
6
18.068-18.168
21.0-21.45
24.89-24.99
28.0-29.7
50-54
Basic Operations
5

MODE SELECTION
Each mode is described briefly below. Later sections cover each mode in detail. Tap
Done or more times to select USB (LSB), CW (CWR), DIG, AM or FM mode. Long
push selects alternate modes, such as CW reverse (CWR). Also, long push returns
normal mode.
• SSB: Single-Sideband modes are narrow-banded voice modes that conserves
space in crowded band segments. They’re the most popular modes overall, they
are: LSB (lower-sideband) usually used in 160, 80 and 40 meters, while other bands
use USB (upper-sideband).
• CW: Continuous Wave mode requires narrow bandwidth, providing a high signal-
to-noise ratio which is ideal for low-power (QRP) use. It’s also a popular mode for
DXing and contests. CWR Continuous Wave Reverse is the alternate mode, and
may reduce the level of interference (QRM).
• AM: Amplitude Modulation mode is characterised by good delity. It’s much less
power-efcient than SSB modes. You can easily nd AM amateur stations in 160,
80, 40 and 10 meters.
• FM: Frequency Modulation mode is most often used for local communications,
and can be found on 10 m and up.
• DIG: Digital Mode is usually used with a computer connected to the transceiver
to send/receive data. Although SSB modes can also be used for this purpose, the
TX-500’s audio-based data modes (E) optimise settings for data rather that voice.
VFOS A AND B
The TX-500 provides two VFOs. Use of VFO B is optional. Each VFO has independent
frequency, mode, and lter settings:
• VFO A normally controls both the receive and transmit frequency. Most contacts
occur between stations tuned to about the same frequency.
• VFO B can serve as a holding register for a second frequency of interest, then
swapped with VFO A as needed (see A<>B).
•
+ - Tuning rates: Tapping Kor Lselects VFO tuning rate LSB, USB, DIG (10Hz, 100Hz,
1kHz, 2.5kHz, 5kHz), CW, CWR (1Hz, 10Hz, 100Hz, 1kHz, 2.5kHz), AM, FM (100Hz,
500Hz, 1kHz, 2.5kHz, 5kHz). SSB stations often align on 0.5 or 1.0kHz boundaries.
• A->B To copy VFO A’s frequency to VFO B: Tap N>A->B. Tapping also copies
VFO A’s mode and lter settings to VFO B as well.
• B->A To copy VFO B’s frequency to VFO A: Tap N>B->A. Tapping also copies
VFO B’s mode and lter settings to VFO A as well.
• A<>B VFO A and B swap: Tap N>A<>B to exchange VFO frequencies, modes,
and all other settings.
6

RIT
Incremental Tuning, or receive incremental tuning, provides a means of adjusting the
receive frequency without affecting your transmit frequency. This control is sometimes
called a clarier since it can be used to tune in SSB voice signals. But RIT can also be
used in all modes, in the event that a station calls you slightly off-frequency. RIT and
XIT use the tuning rate (1/10/100/200/300 Hz), taping Kor L.
XIT
XIT or transmit incremental tuning, adjusts the transmit frequency without affecting the
receive frequency. RIT and XIT use the tuning rate (1/10/100/200/300 Hz), taping Kor L.
• To use RIT or XIT: First, tap GRIT (RX mode) or tap GXIT (TX mode).
This turns on the “+0” on the display. Then adjust the offset using RIT/XIT knob.
• To zero the RIT/XIT offset tap H.
JVFO LOCK/UNLOCK
When the mode is activated, the inscription appears in the upper line of the display
J (Lock), frequency tuning is not possible. To deactivate the mode, press the J
button again.
TRANSMIT SETTINGS
• Voice Modes (SSB, AM, FM): Choose a mode: Tap Dto select A/ B, F
or Gmode.
• MON, Monitor: Push N>MON in the bottom line for MON on. Hold PTT to set the
voice monitor level, rotate MAF GAIN knob. High MON settings may result in audio
clipping or distortion. Start with 3 to 5.
+
<< TONE MON >>
F
ADo not use the hand speaker-mic at the same time as monitor Ffunction
in voice modes (ABFG) — there is a risk of audio coupling with a
high noise distorting the real audio.
• Adjust mic gain level: Push METR and select MIC, rotating MTUNE/MULTI.
7

CMR VOX L VOX D METR
Menu Up Menu Down SubMenu
TX Metr MIC
While speaking into the mic, adjust F>09 > Gain > MIC (mic gain).
+
While speaking, adjust mic gain for maximum 5-7 bars on a scale. Mic gain for the
TX-500 mic is typically 3-7.
• CMR Speech compression: To use speech compression, tap N>CMR in the top
line. Adjust the level using the F>16 > CMR Level or long push N>CMR.
High CMR settings may result in distortion. Start with 1 to 3.
• POWER: Set the power level (10-100%): tap POWER in the top line and rotate the
knob MTUNE/MULTI. Do not use MIC gain to set power level. Set mic gain to a xed
level as described above.
•
VOX: Selects push-to-talk (PTT) or voice-operated (VOX) transmit (Gicon on).
VOX hold time is set with F>14 VOX > MIC (time, ms). F>13 VOX L
(VOX level) should be set to trigger at normal speech level, but not in response to
incidental noise. Start with low settings (80-90).
•
VOX Transmitter keying method: The VOX switch selects either VOX or PTT keying
for CW mode. Most operators use VOX, allowing the transmitter to be keyed imme-
diately whenever a hand key or keyer paddle is used. Tap N>VOX_D in top line
and rotate TUNE/MULTI or tap F>14 > VOX > CW (time ms).
• METR: You can switch the transmit bar graph from MIC, ALC, PWR, SWR, PWR
Num, SWR Num, by tapping N>METR in the top line. Rotate MTUNE/MULTI knob.
• CW modes (CW, CWR): To swith modes tap Dto select C(CW normal). In
some cases an interfering received signal can be eliminated by switching to D
(CW reverse) using long push D.
• CWPITH: Set sidetone pitch using CWPITCH. The ideal pitch for most operators
falls in the range of 600-700 Hz. The receiver’s passband will be centered at the
pitch you select. Tap N>CWPITCH and rotate TUNE/MULTI or F>02 > CW
Pitch (Hz). Set sidetone volume using AF GAIN in TX mode, FON.
8

RECEIVE SETTINGS
•
RF gain is normally left at (-0). Reducing RF gain may be useful in some strong-sig-
nal conditions.
• SQL: Squelch is used to mute the receiver until a signal appears. The control
adjusts the signal threshold required for squelch to “open,” unmuting the receiver.
• IF DSP: Virtual Intermediate Frequency: Species the Mode of the Receiver.
ENABLE: This is the operating mode, utilizing all DSP features of the radio. This
mode uses a virtual Intermediate Frequency, which is offset from the operating
frequency by a few kHz. This is similar to ‘homodyne’ technology.
DISABLE: When IF is disabled, the radio operates in simple Direct Digital Conversion
mode, and has soft reduced performances.
•
FILTER: DSP lter tuning functions (LF/HF) The (LF/HF) control is used to shape the
TX-500’s receive lter passband. In general, a narrow passband reduces interference
(QRM) and noise (QRN), while a wider passband improves delity. In voice modes,
CW and DIG modes long push Eselects low-cut (LF) and high-cut (HF) fre-
quency. Pushing E select number of lter (1-4)RX, (1-2)TX. These functions
remove low- or high-pitched interfering signals. Reducing the width or shifting
the passband may attenuate an interfering signal above or below the desired one.
• PRE/ATT: Preamp Land Attenuator Dturns on the RF preamp. It should
be used only when signals are very weak. Preamp gain can be set on a per-band
basis. Dturns on the 20-dB RF attenuator, which can protect the receiver from
strong interfering signals.
• NR: Noise reduction removes random background noise (hiss or static). It has a
characteristic “hollow” sound. Higher settings may attenuate weak signals. Tap
N>
NR
turns on noise reduction, holding N>
NR
and displays its setting, which
can be adjusted using the knob MTUNE/MULTI. Tap return to exit the setting display.
Tap N>NR again to turn noise reduction off.
• NB: Noise blanking Ccan eliminate repetitive noise such as that from power
lines, appliances, and vehicle ignitions systems. The NB setting is adjusted in the
same way as NR (see above).
• NF in SSB and AM modes, Bturns on auto-notch, which locates and sup-
presses one or more carriers automatically, Push N>NF to enable or disable
the Notch Filter.
• TONE (Transmission tone): The transceiver will transmit a single tone. Pressing
“Tone” N>TONE again puts the transceiver in RX mode. A long press of TONE
displays the selection mode NORMAL (1000 Hz) or DUAL (two tones of 1000 Hz and
2000 Hz). The transmission power is approximately 50%.
Basic Operations
9

EXAMPLE (RX) SSB FILTER ADJUSTMENT: (CHANGE FIL-3)
Set FIL-3: Bandwidth: 2.4 kHz; Passband: 600Hz to 3kHz
1. Long-Push E to enter lter adjustment menu. The parameter to be
adjusted is shown in the bottom line of the display.
Menu Up Menu Down NumFil Sel
RX SBB FIL-1 LF 600
E
2. Push N>NumFil until FIL-3 is selected (in the bottom line).
Menu Up Menu Down NumFil Sel
RX SSB FIL-3 LF 600
3. Push N>Sel once to select “HF”. The display might now look like this:
“ RX SSB FIL-3, HF2700 ”. (‘2700’ might be any other value).
Menu Up Menu Down NumFil Sel
RX SSB FIL-3 HF 2700
4. Rotate MTUNE/MULTI to change 2700 to 3000
(notice the frequencies are in Hz, not in kHz).
Menu Up Menu Down NumFil Sel
RX SSB FIL-3 HF 3000
5. Push E to save changes and exit the lter adjustment menu.
6. CHECK YOUR WORK: Push Ea few times until FIL-3 is selected.
It should now display 2.40 k.
E ×3
10

OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
When exceeding 15.0 volts, the transceiver won’t allow switching to TX mode, (the
voltage indicator on the display will become inverse) a signicant excess (more than
16 volts) it can cause the protective fuse to burn out, as well as the failure of the
transceiver! Use a power source or battery with a voltage of 9 to 15 volts and a current
of at least 3 Amps.
AATTENTION! Exceeding the supply voltage above 15 volts can damage
the transceiver!
REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION
If you connected a minus voltage source or battery instead of a plus, the transceiver
will not turn on. You must connect the external power supply correctly, please, see the
pinout of the power connector in the section “Controls end user interface”.
OVERHEAT PROTECTION
The transceiver has an internal protection against the overheating of the output stage
of the transmitter. If the TX continuous mode is too long, the output stage as well as
the transceiver body can be heated up. If the limit value is exceeded (about 60 degrees
Celsius), the transceiver won’t allow switching to TX mode. After the temperature drops,
the TX prohibition mode will turn off automatically.
AATTENTION! During long-term TX mode (digital modes) do not block the air
access to the rear cover of the transceiver, or reduce the power.
TIP: Unfold both rear legs to increase the air flow convection.
Protections
11

HIGH SWR PROTECTION
If the impedance of the antenna is different than 50 ohms and there is no antenna
tuner connected, the SWR indicator on the display will show a value greater than 1.0.
If the SWR value is 3.0 or more (the SWR indicator on the display will be inverse), the
transceiver will automatically reduce the power output. If the value of SWR is greater
than 3.0, then the output power will decrease more.
AATTENTION! Use a tuned antenna with a wave impedance of 50 ohms, this
is ideal (max output power), or use a matching device (automatic or manual
tuner).
12

You can download the latest version of the complete user manual and device rmware
updates from the ofcial Lab599 website: lab599.com/downloads/
Complete User Manual and Firmware Updates
13

FCC information
FOR CLASS B UNINTENTIONAL RADIATORS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC INFORMATION
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
WWARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CELLULAR
RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED UNDER FCC RULES
AND FEDERAL LAW.
ACAUTION: Changes or modications to this device, not expressly approved
by Lab599 Inc., could void your authority to operate this device under
FCC regulations.
Amateur Radio Operation Only
14

Lab599 inc.
658200, Russia, Altai region, Rubtsovsk city
[email protected]
www.lab599.com