I received my PA500 yesterday. Fantastic replacement for my Elecraft KXPA100 in terms of portability and current draw. Using 6Ah Bioenno for the last two days with the IC-705 using it's internal battery on SSB and it really holds up well. No key line needed. Excellent amp.

I had a chance to Use this Amplifier today and I must Say. I'm a believer. Using only 1watt on a 6100 was truly impressive.

There is a lot I like about this concept. Someone out there clearly understands the need for light power efficient gear. Rugged and reliable are two words that come to mind as well. I am now the ACS (Auxiliary Communications Service) Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Bruce County, Ontario Canada. As such I understand the value of high quality reliable gear. ACS operators provide backup communications for our "served agencies". This includes all the emergency services, hospitals, government administrators etc. If our group were ever called out in a real emergency the situation would be very serious. All other communications would have failed and we would become the primary means of keeping communications up. This situation would also mean that we would be operating in some form of grid down communications. Power consumption would be very important and so QRP digital would go to the top of the list of priority modes. This would be especially true if we were being asked to pass a lot of traffic. Generators with no fuel also provide no power and so solar QRP rigs would be the true hero of such operations. I believe that anyone operating an emergency communications station, either for personal or formal EmComm use should be thinking about real world grid down communications using QRP.

A friend suggested your channel a month ago. Since then I have learned from many of your videos. THANK YOU!!

Great episode and product 🙏 I absolutely love these small businesses making high quality products as an alternative to ebay junk. 👍🏻

Finally some detailed info on the amp!

That did it! The IC-705 & PA500 is my new system! I have an K3 that is my base station and I did not have a QRP rig. This also brings me to the world of having a band spectrum display that I always wanted. Thank yo so much Julian!

For years I have used the idea of using a QRP radio to drive an amplifier on 2 meters at my home / off grid station. I use an HT to drive a 25 watt 2 meter amplifier. I am totally sold on the idea of using a QRP rig to drive an amp. Thanks for yet another excellent video WB8ERJ

I have been contemplating the 891 for some portable operations, but since I like SOTA this may change my mind, Thanks!!!

Perfect timing. I was just starting to research portable amplifiers for my QRP rigs.

This is awesome! Flexibility in operating, whether at home or in the field is key. So using a PA500 with any qrp rig gives us the opportunity to pair it with whatever rig makes the most sense for any operating scenario, whether in your back yard or in the middle of nowhere. I have an Elecraft K2 and a KX1, both of which I built nearly 20 years ago, and now I'm saving my pennies to get an IC-705.

Hello Operators. In this episode of OH8STN Ham Radio, we are having a look at the portable ham radio amplifier from DIY599.com the PA500. Don´t forget to check out the information in the description, and if you'd like more context, watch this video next. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f7BnjamJ19yVj4E.html 73 Julian oh8stn Share Video URL: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pp6chbxptrKclX0.html DIY599 Amplifier Playlist: kzfaq.info/sun/PLKMrdrsNkFA4JLeMzpehsMuyfC6desJyA Episode notes: oh8stn.org/blog/2021/08/21/diy599-pa500-hf-amplifier/

Holy smokes, I didn’t know Casey Kasem was a ham radio operator. Lol 73

Watching here in Southern California! 73

As always, a great video with tons of great information. While most of us don't get to/can't bug-out like you get to, just seeing and having you test the way you do shows how the equipment can truly perform. Keep it up, and thank you.

Thank you again Julian. PA500 ordered, now to move on the MX-P50A & MX-P50M, ATU100, KX3/PX3/KXPA100 😊 73 VK6MB

The fact the website has no price suggests I can't afford one...

I love the Sound of Olivia...

Your argument for a QRP rig with amplifier is really compelling.

Great informative video as usual! Thanks. I would really love a video about you fat bike setup - how you carry your camping and radio setup on your bike- the bags you use and how you organise it all. I’m sure I’m not the only one? 73 M0YZX

I was contemplating the IC-705 for a portable rig but 10 watts was half what I would have liked and was, at least for me, half of what I needed. I had half decided to get an IC-7100. This pushes me back toward the IC-705. Thanks for the review, Julian.

A great overview! I'm sure this won't be cheap (here in the US), but it has the potential to turn the IC-705 into a 'best-in-class' mid-range output radio.

There is so much to say about this amp. I think this is a turning point for making the IC705 have a bit more power so you can get that extra 1S unit to make contacts. Although, the SFI index is getting better and this amp might not have to be used in the coming years. On the other hand, like you said, this can be used for your home station. Can't wait for this to be sold on Gigaparts.

Would love to see the DIY599 attached to TX500 in DX operational mode. Low power and high power to see the difference.

Thank you for a wonderful and detailed review. I had never heard the distinction between amps to use a QRP radio at home, and an amp to augment a QPR radio in the field. 73 de David AE4LH

Really good video. Your conclusion on QRO radios in the field are in line with mine. I thought I was the only one with this opinion until I stumbled on this video. Great job!

Wow, thanks for sharing. I think I will have to rethink my portable station setup! Keep up the good work Julian👍👍👍

Great review. I want one for my Lab599 TX500. Can't wait till they are available in the US. As always you do such great work. Thank you! K8CGS

Your adventures always fascinate me, Julian. Great, informative video! Please keep up the great work! 73, Brett

Great video, nice bit of kit and finally kit that is portable and built to last. Let's hope it's too expensive.

Thank you for your nice video. I do carry an Class AB VHF amp with my supplement bag of for my qrp go kit. The amp is an old RF concepts 2 meter FM/SSB type 2 to 5 watts in, 20 watts out. Would love to look at this amp. Can't wait to see it

This seems like a really well designed amplifier, and your videos are always really well done! The max power out is 60W....I can't imagine that this amplifier will be inexpensive, or easily obtained. I will stick with my G90....20W, built in ATU....and pair it with an antenna which has much lower loss and greater ERP compared to the MPAS in this video. 73

I love the current-sipping equipment... no way around liking that! My question... have you considered the combined expense (time/money/weight) between the modular QRP + amp setup here vs. simply carrying a larger battery for the QRO radio? I would look at time to set up the station, total weight of the man-portable pack(s) plus complexity of the station. This last part might matter if you were to do a quick set up to get on the air only to discover you need the amp and have to re-configure. Nighttime setup could also be a 'complexity-multiplier'. I love your content, Julian! Thanks for your work! Rob

Excellent video, as usual. I do believe you have sold me on this amp. I do believe that it will be an excellent addition to my FT-818 set up. I have always been and will be a mobile and portable operator and advocate. My love has always been with qrp. Kind of like fishing, if I don't get any contacts it is still a great day. If I do, it's nothing but icing on the cake. I do believe I will love what flexibility this amp will add. Thank you again. Keep those videos coming, stay safe and stay healthy! '73. KI4BNS.

For those looking for a price, back in April I emailed Oliver who said $599 plus $100 shipping the the US.

If only I could get one of these amplifiers.....

I always thought it would be really neat if there was a plug in option for QRP rigs, to get rid of jumpers and control cables. That always ruins the feasibility of using an amp on QRP. Too much cabling. Power to rig, power to amp, jumper from amp to radio, CAT connection from radio to amp. FT-891, 1 antenna connection and 1 power. Simple and done.

The way I see it, you owe me $700.00US for watching this video, great job!

Julian, Excellent Overview!

Love the video. Just starting to build my own QRP radio kit. Keep making these videos. Thanks for your hard work and willingness to share your knowledge.

Way cool. Thanks for the video!

I really enjoyed this video...I continue to fine tune my current portable setup to be as low drag as possible. Thank you for your content!!!

An amazing set up. I took note of the antenna and wonder how other antennas would work such as an end fed half wave. As always, your demonstrations make me start searching for my Visa card. I certainly hope Giga Parts will get on board.

I have the TX-500 and finally got to use it for Field Day. I like it. A lot. I've looked at this amp and, with low draw and built in tuner,, would love to add it but the price is a bit steep. I'm gonna have to sell some tools first. PS. Julian, I bought the TX-500 based largely on your reviews. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for publishing this!

Keep us updated thank you

Really like the modularity of this setup. I bet that on top of using less current, that amplifier combo weighs less then a QRO transceiver as well. Perfect for portable ops :)

Thanks for the awesome review 📻😎

a good piece of kit. it gives flexibility in the field for hand (back pack) portable radio.especially good for CW only radio.

brilliant video - thanks - waiting to move up the wiatlist :-)

Awesome vide, thanks!!

OUTSTANDING!!! Thank-You, Sir!

Think the only question at this point is: You've made wonderful an amp (and tuner) all us portable people want.Maybe time to consider enclosure designs past the beautiful tx-500. A 705 variant would be much loved.

Hello! I saw that your station spotted mine yesterday!. I am using a G90 at FK68 (Puerto Rico) on JS8-Call on 40m. 73 de WP3BM.

Great video as usual Jullian.

Nice vid! My opinion is not electronic, but, in general i prefer modular setups for many things. I like that you can operate the radio with or without the amplifier, so if you have a need to conserve you can. If you want to splurge, you can do that too. Also, if your traveling on foot with someone else you can split the weight.

So...went to the website from a U.S. location, but there doesn't appear to be anyway to link to the European order page as shown in the video. Bottom line, I can't see anyway to order this kit from the U.S. at the moment. Hopefully, like he said, one of the U.S. Ham vendors will pick up this product. For now, its just a dream......

This looks amazing. Thanks for sharing

Another excellent video, Julian! I have approached my entrance into ham radio wanting resonant antennas and qro radios. Less complex I thought. You bring up valid points of current draw. So I am considering your advice for portable ops (I haven’t put my QTH together yet). Portable is appealing with POTA and SOTA ops. So the answer to your question is yes I would consider this approach for sure. Thanks again, 73 de KI5HXM

Thank you for the review ! VY73 de BD7PA

I've been using an FT-817 since 2001, and added an HFPacker Amp a few years later, for those times I needed a boost. Of course, it would be nice if the DIY599 covered 160M, for those rare times (night/winter,/bottom of the sunspot cycle) when NVIS propagation drops that low. If the TX500's output were just a little cleaner, the rig/amp combo would be spectacular.

yeyes using the amp at times will help getting thru the noise and also if your a3way from you nornmal qth and would like to have that litte more umff , but as usual being on the right freq will be better and more efficient. Again Julian a great video and well done 73 VK1TSK

Thanks for the super introduction! 73 from Hb9tia

Fantastic

I like it. Thanks for all your informative videos.

Always great info and really great. Might look into this.

Good job

Absolutely depending on the price tag on the unit.

My QTH rig is a G90 with an ebay 100w amp going through a Radiodity lowpass filter. So yeah I think a low power radio and an amp it the way to go.

This is Amazing technology

Should I, perhaps, dangle and inquiry with GigaParts sales? Or are they already committed and just waiting for import controls and supply contacts to line up? I got my tx-500 from HRO. Might they be more motivated?

Having recently picked up a TX-500, I'm definitely intrigued. I've heard the price tag is a fair bit, but that seems pretty par for the course with amplifiers. Considering both will be made to mate with the TX-500, I'm curious to see if there's a way to "stack" both this AND the upcoming battery pack from Lab599 with the radio at the same time into a single interconnected brick. Also, what does it weigh?

Very informative as always. Thanks, Julian! Question: if you already have the AH-705 tuner, would you use that in line with the amp or use the built in tuner in the amp instead of the AH-705?

I love this ridiculously expensive peice of equipment. I just wish I had that kind of cash.

Amazing content! thanks

Thanks 👍 julioan73 from kb2uew

Thank you for a great video , my old FT-817 ( non ND) went defective and had a fun time deciding which one to purchase. In Canada there is a 28% US exchange plus a 13% taxes on any import radio so my chooses dwindled to only a few. I decided to pick up a New FT_818ND as I have most of all the goodies including the CW filter. I like your input of the new DIY599 as an acceptable amplifier for any QRP station, It would be nice to see what kind of RF power max out on Digital is of the tree QRP radio's you displayed in the video plus the current consumed with the DIY599. As a side note at 74 years old I have get the purchase by my CEO, Wife of 46 years ............... Mike, VA3MD

Hi for your larkbox you can get a zy12PDN circuit and then you can use any 12V capable PD supply - it adds the control logic to request 12V from the PD supply.

Good review. I enjoy your style which is highly explanatory. However no *COST* data...?

Great review.

Thank you very much for your video about this amplifier, it definitely looks interesting and I want to know more about this amplifier. I agree with you about your preference on quality, I am sure that it's very well built and designed since it's from Germany. I think that 60 watts would be adequate depending on the duty cycle you could run it at. I am glad that it's passed the FCC certification process and we have something that will not be a problem here in the states. It's definitely something that I would be interested in since it also includes an automatic antenna tuner. We definitely need more things like this that we can use in the field. I have seen several of your antenna setups and like what I see. Have you ever tried a Moxon antenna? I built a 6 element Moxon yagi antenna and was really impressed with it. I am planning to try building a 6 meter and a 10 meter moxon antenna and see how they would perform. Thanks again for your excellent work and videos, they are very helpful. 73, Eric

Interested for sure- I’d love a high quality amp like this for POTA. I’d pair with kx2 or 705. A few more watts could help a lot on CW at times and 100 prob overkill.

I'm on the wait list for one of these. It will make a good match for any of my QRP portable radios. I'm also waiting for the TX500 to become available again. I want to get my hands on one of those radios. It looks like you MPAS has two matching transformers, one at the midpoint and a second at the base. Have you written up this configuration anywhere? Nice review, Julian.

Been on the waiting list since February. Come to daddy....

My friends in the Young Amateurs Radio Club on Discord have been playing around with using a slinky to couple to a tree as a vertical antenna. This seems like a great way to save space from carrying around an antenna, could you make a video testing it?

Real nice amplifier, price is how much?

Hey, Julian. Thanks for the video. I have a question about your configuration of the MPAS 2.0 in the video. I see the whip and ext as well as the hybrid micro. But, I’m wondering whats the “coil?” in between the radial sections and what’s the configuration for which frequencies? I love having modularity and knowing the options. Thank you.

Julian, thank you so much for this. Do you use the CAT Control Cable. I read the manual and it appears that this is not necessary but wanted to ask what you do. One other thing, if you are using the TX-500 then I presume you need to run power to the TX-500 plus power to the PA500. Do you use a power distribution block? How do you manage that? Thanks again for all you do and 73

very informative!

QRP is fine for fun times, but in the spirit of emergency portable ops, it's a problem waiting to happen.

Hello again Julian, thank you so much for all of the great content. As a relatively new Ham, I’m a little fuzzy on many of the tech specs, and also how gear designed for other regions may or may not work properly in North America. Here is my question: I live in Texas and my neighbor is German with family still living there. I know without a doubt he would be willing to help me obtain a PA500 using the European purchase method you mentioned at the end of your video. Is there a reason I shouldn’t explore this option? I’m wondering if the EU versions are different from the FCC approved models or something. Thank you again for being such a major part of my Amateur Radio education. -73 KG5YMD

Content was great!!! (As all of your videos always are magnificent) only not sure as I cannot find any videos or testing of DIY599 working with Xiegu X6100 (The only QRP radio I own) Any thoughts? would love to make the purchase based off your video, 73 Cheers for now. Forgive me for not posting my call sign, As I am in the process of moving my address to a PO box.

I am on the waiting list for the amp. Is there a way to connect the amp to the radio by screws or some other means to make a single attached unit? I realize there will still need to be external cables to control and provide RF to the amp. It would be nice if the two were able to be mechanically joined together. Also have you heard any release date info on the battery pack? 599 have been working on it for a while and I hope they are close to shipping it to us eager hams!

Hi, just one question, usually do I need a special cable for a FT 818 ND oder is it the antenna cable connector? I am somewhat unsure, as I see a CAT interface. Regards W.

Could you talk about the watts that you feed in the DYI PA500? I'm struggling to find the right output for my TX-500.

Excellent content! I love your videos. I am attempting to get some clarification on the PA500 that I have not been able to find. I am working on a go box with IC705 and the PA500. If DC power is removed from the PA500, can I bypass through to the bnc antenna out of the PA without needing to unplug the antenna from the amp. I would like to have a separate switch for the amp and be able to operate qrp bypassing the amp and tuner in the unpowered PA. The owners manual of the PA does not describe whether this can be done if the PA does not have DC power. Thanks

When the DIY599 is unpowered, is there a signal pass-through to the attached antenna and if so, have you measured any attenuation on the signal? 🤔

Interesting product.. certainly well engineered. I feel it is over engineered in comparison to the IC-705 / X5105 It maybe "nice" to have a look like the TX-500, but how much would it cost in a conventional case/enclosure with say 2X BNC's , Simple ON/OFF and ByPass Buttons and power poles. $450/500 vs $700

Thanks for another excellent video, Julian. I have, and love, a Xiegu G90 and have considered adding an amplifier to my system (I power the G90 with a 9Ah LiFePO4 and 28W solar panel). I use only SSB phone and wonder if the cost of the PA500 is worth the modest gain in output wattage.

The term is 'cooking with gas' not fire :) Hoping to buy, have gone to the groups hoping i can get it there. Seems an obscure sales channel when a full website is run.