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Our kids are learning CW. It’s about time to get them on the air. Want to upgrade from our ancient ICOM radio. On paper the Lab 599 looks like a good option for our use: pre-teens using straight key.?

would like your thoughts on whether this is a good option and relatively plug and play. I’m a general class operator but not much of a technician with computer stuff (and SDR).?

i would also like to tinker with the radio using some digital modes.?

thanks in advance.?

It's a good little radio - you will need to add stuff like a digirig sound module and cables to do digital modes

You don't have open access to a software api or web server access to CAT control etc that would let you do more high tech style operation

Marc

John,

While I own and love my TX-500, it is definitely not a CW-Learning type of Radio for new Hams!

If I were honest, I would say the TX-500 is more a 'custom-radio', designed specifically for outdoor (field) use and has a 'less than most' accessory list!

I also have "Elecraft KXLine" and would seriously suggest you consider this route - A KX3 has everything they need to take them (and you) from Home-Station to Camping Trips!
Its a breeze to operate Digi-Modes (with or without an interface like DigiRig) and the Internal ATU will effortlessly load up a simple wire antenna, bed-spring or variation..? ?

"Made in USA" and support is just a phone-call away!

You wont regret it!

73

Ve3ega - thank you! ?That’s precisely the type advice I’m seeking.?

Kids are hard on equipment, which is a reason I was thinking of the TX500. Ease of use didn’t get much thought. I’ll have a look at KX-3.?

I have been using my Tx500 for the last month as my primary base unit. I figured this was the best way to fully test all of its usefulness and I must say it has been a really good experience. I bought an ATU-100 for an auto tuner and it has worked flawlessly. I am also using the MX-p50 amplifier which gives me 35 to 40 Watts out to my antenna. The Tx500 also doesn't need a digirig. I am using the same Sabrent USB sound card that I use with my g90 along with the audio cables that I wired up. Ft 8 has been working flawlessly also for the past month. I still have not decided which radio is the better one, my X6100 or the Tx500. I kind of lean toward the X6100 because all it needs is a USB cable and is simpler to operate. The major fault with the x6100 is it is extremely sensitive to static when you touch the knobs. When the humidity here gets down to 10%, it's really easy to zap the radio then everything has to be rebooted. Very frustrating at times when you are trying to work that rare DX station. The Tx500 does not have this problem it chugs right along no problems after drawing an arc from it.