In this video I demonstrate how to set up the Lab599 TX-500MP with the LiNK500MP Mk2 using Bluetooth wireless audio and CAT control on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The entire station operates without any USB cables. All radio control, transmit audio, and receive audio are handled over Bluetooth.
I begin by visiting DIY599 to download the Windows Bluetooth COM port driver for the LiNK500MP Mk2. After installing the driver, I power on the radio and confirm the Bluetooth LED is flashing, indicating the interface is ready for pairing.
Next, I demonstrate how to change the connection mode of the LiNK500MP Mk2, which allows the interface to operate with multiple platforms including Android, Robust Packet, iPad/iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Using a Microsoft Surface Go 2, I enable Bluetooth, pair the LiNK500MP Mk2, and verify the installation inside Windows Device Manager. The system automatically creates two COM ports and installs the Bluetooth audio devices used for transmit and receive audio.
With the connection confirmed, I configure JTDX and make an FT8 contact with a station in Poland. I then configure JS8Call using the same Bluetooth audio and CAT settings. During the test I receive a stored message from Julian at Ham Radio Outlet, which is captured in the recording.
Next, I configure VARA HF using the Bluetooth microphone and headphone devices provided by the LiNK500MP Mk2. Inside Winlink Express, I configure the radio as a Kenwood transceiver using CAT control over the Bluetooth COM port. After setting the appropriate PTT configuration and updating the radio settings, the TX-500MP immediately tunes to the selected frequency through CAT control.
To verify the complete wireless setup, I conduct an NVIS Winlink session with OH6IJ at a distance of just under 300 km. The station uses an N9SAB 60 meter OCF antenna, which performs exceptionally well for regional NVIS communications.
All testing in this video is performed 100% wirelessly. There are no USB cables between the computer and the radio. Audio, CAT control, and digital mode operation are handled entirely through Bluetooth with no noticeable latency during FT8, JS8Call, or VARA HF operation.
For portable operators and field stations, the combination of the TX-500MP and LiNK500MP Mk2 offers a powerful solution for wireless digital mode operation, Winlink email, and keyboard-to-keyboard messaging without the cable clutter typically required for HF data communications.
This setup is ideal for portable HF stations, off-grid communications, emergency communications, and field deployments where simplicity and reliability matter.
Topics covered in this video
Installing LiNK500MP Mk2 Windows drivers Pairing Bluetooth COM ports on Windows 10 and 11 Configuring JTDX for FT8 over Bluetooth Configuring JS8Call for wireless keyboard-to-keyboard messaging Setting up VARA HF with Bluetooth audio Configuring Winlink Express CAT control Testing NVIS communications on 60 meters Running a fully wireless HF digital station
Equipment used
Lab599 TX-500MP HF Transceiver LiNK500MP Mk2 Multi-Mode TNC Microsoft Surface Go 2 N9SAB 60m OCF antenna
About the channel
This channel focuses on portable ham radio, off-grid communications, HF field operations, digital modes, and emergency communications systems.
Operator: Julian OH8STN
SurvivalTech Nord / Arctic field radio operations
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