Yaesu ATAS-120A Part 1 (Unboxing and Menu Settings)
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
- I was gifted a Yaesu ATAS-120A by one of the members of the Patreon support team. Needless to say, I am very grateful. The members of the N4HNH Radio Patreon team are a cut above. Some have supported the channel for 2 years, making it possible for you to be watching this video today.
I have recommended the Active Tuning Antenna System but haven’t owned one. The feedback from those who have installed one for their mobile operation has been great. In look forward to getting one installed on my truck.
In this video my son, Joshua, KN4LFU, helps me show the initial menu settings and test the motor in the antenna prior to installation. There will be a subsequent video showing the installation onto my truck. Be sure to subscribe and click the notification bell so you will be alerted when new videos are published.
I hope you enjoy this video and find it helpful. If you find my channel informative and entertaining, I hope you will consider joining my support group by clicking on: www.patreon.com/N4HNH There are 3 levels of support, including exclusive content for Executive and VIP members.
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73, de N4HNH - Наука та технологія
I just activated 13 POTA parks over the span of two days with this antenna, it works great. QSOs all over the US and from California to Spain. I always use the Tune button, I have never once used the arrows. Occasionally on a tune cycle it will get to about 1.9 SWR and stop trying for something better. What I do in that case is move off about 10 kHz, tune, and then go back on frequency and tune one last time. This fine tuning step gets me as close to 1:1 as my grounding will allow, and I don't have to dive into the menu. Overall a good antenna that integrates seamlessly with the Yaesu radios. Enjoy and 73.
The up down buttons are more for fine tuning. Use the Function 1 menu TNR selection it will force the radio to CW 10w and the radio will do everything for you. When it gets as low as it can in SWR it will stop the tuning function.
Yes, I will be covering that in a future video in this series. Press PTT and hold either the up or down arrow, depending upon which direction you wish to tune. For a higher frequency (UP arrow), for a lower frequency (DOWN arrow). But this video is intended to mimic what my viewers might experience when they initially open and play with the antenna. I wanted to draw attention to the confusion regarding the direction of the arrows. Many have told me how it initially confused them. I appreciate the comment though.
73, de N4HNH
The ATAS-120A is an awesome antenna. I worked South Africa from SW Florida on 10 meters and 75 watts on USB with a 5x5 signal report. The ability to QSY on the fly out weighs any short combining the antenna may have otherwise. It also is a great portable or stealth HOA antenna. I have used it with four ten foot ground radials, as well as using the ATAS-25 ground radial set. Both work well. I have both the 891 and the 991 and it works will with both.
That’s a great endorsement, Daniel. Thank you for sharing your real world experience.
73, Doug
I continue to be impressed with the contacts I make on this antenna system. Cool to see one of my POTA activation maps in your video Doug.
That is such a great coverage map. I filmed Part 2. It took a while, filming while installing. It actually spread across two days, with trips to HRO mixed in. Part 2 will publish next week. It includes installation and initial testing. I will tell you about it privately if you want to know ahead of time.
73, Doug
I use my ATAS-120A with 857D. I pick a frequency and click tune and it does the business. Amazing antenna. Love it. You will enjoy it.
I don't expect it to beat my ham stick, especially on 40 meters, but it is definitely more convenient. Part 2 and Part 3 are already shot. I need to get them edited and uploaded. I show the installation process and the initial operation. I might leave the ham stick on the truck too, for 40 and 60 meters. I work 60 meters mobile quite often.
73, de N4HNH
@@n4hnhradio I mostly use 10m/12m/15m/17m/20m mobile. 40m gets busy in the evenings and I use my EFHW at my QTH
I had a really good day with FT-857D 50w with ATAS-120A on 10m. I had a QSO with a station in US Virgin Islands 4200 miles away. I was near the beach which helped as well.
ua-cam.com/video/5wHs4RiJsSE/v-deo.html
I’ve operated mobile all over the Outback for over 4 decades, so I’ve more than a little experience.
I like mobile operation too. I work DX during a trip to the grocery store, using my ham stick. I used my FT-890/AT as my mobile radio in the late 90s, until 2019, when I got the FT-891. The FT-890/AT served me well. I still have it, as a backup.
73, de N4HNH
@@n4hnhradio the little 891 is an immensely underrated set. People complain about the menus and sub menus, but once you set them up, assign a couple of custom “hot keys” they’re about the simplest MODERN HF radio to use. …..and have very effective noise blanking.
I’ve interfaced mine to a Codan9350 auto tune antenna (essentially a super robust equivalent of the ATAS, but built for extreme conditions) and, essentially, worked the world with it.
@@outbacktraveller58 I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I have two. I operate exclusively using Memory Tune. When I’m mobile, I seldom touch anything but the Volume, RF Gain, Multiknob, and VFO.
73, de N4HNH
Thanks Doug! As I mentioned during your Livestream, I now have an ATAS- 120 for my 2006 Tacoma & 891. I found a mount for the antenna that goes next to the driver side rear taillight. I'm waiting for the cable from DX Engineering. Looking forward to your follow-up video!
The follow-up is shot. Will take some time to edit. I’m actually working on it now.
73, Doug
I really like this antenna ! Excellent match with the FT891.
I installed it on the rear corner of the fender at the trunk lid on a Dodge Dart. It actually works great on all the bands between 6-40m. Mine also has acceptable SWR on 2m and 70cm, but didn't perform as well as my existing dual band antenna. Ground is the key to this antenna, and remember DO NOT ADJUST ANTENNA WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. (By the way you can also quickly fine tune the SWR by pressing up/down on mic while pressing ptt) This antenna also works with the FT991a. 73 KW4CK -Joe
I like the idea of a screwdriver antenna for convenience. I know that many operate as a static station with a 9ft or longer whip for greater efficiency on 20 and 40 especially using Tarheel or Diamond screwdrivers. I have read that the ATAS doesn’t seem to like this configuration and is only able to be used with the small supplied whip. If that is the case it’s a deal breaker for me, as more metal in the air cannot be substituted. 73 thanks for the video.
You might be surprised if you keep watching this series.
love my ATAS 120a. Hit tune and way it goes :) Yeasu 891 Great combo
I've done very well with the ham sticks, but the ATAS-120A represents convenience. I will compare it to the ham stick in Part 2.
73, de N4HNH
Sweet combo. Look forward to your comments on how durable it seems to be.
Part 2 and 3. It definitely doesn’t seem as robust as the ham sticks. I don’t want to slam it into tree limbs like happens the the ham sticks.
I have used it on POTA with my FTDX-10. Works great but it works best with the 891 and 857D which will allow the antenna to be used on HF/VHF/UHF. Very versatile antenna system.
That's great to hear. The FT-891 can't do VHF or UHF. Yaesu has yet to replace the FT-857D with something comparable. They make some strange marketing decisions sometimes.
73, de N4HNH
@@n4hnhradio Yeah, I said that in a bad way. What I meant is that the 857D and 891 both run the antenna more quickly and tune faster than the FTDX-10. And then that the 857D will tune the antenna for VHF/UHF and HF. John Kruk was on another YT livestream and I asked about the perception I had of the antenna working better than the FTDX-10 with the 891 and 857. He said yes and offered an explanation which I did not quite understand.
John sometimes speaks marketing.
Hey It was good to run in to you at HRO, Im loveing that ftdx10.
Got a wire up here at the house for 20, and have been learning ft8.
KQ4DAE
That’s great Devin! It was great meeting you. I hope to catch you on the air. I might have a shot when you get on 40m in the future. Maybe we can make a FT8 contact.
73, Doug
Had one on the roof of my '88 Corolla and '11 Rav4, worked lots of DX, I recommend that you also install a very, very good ground, you won't be disappointed if you do. I doubt if this made much difference, I sacrificed V/UHF bands by installing a Larson 2m whip vise the supplied one (physiological high gain), guess you could use a length of wire in a tree too... let the experimentation begin... VE7KKQ
Congrats on your Christmas present.. I have this same setup (not installed in my truck yet) due to getting everything ordered . I would suggest checking out Breedlove antenna mounts. I ordered a front bed mount from him along with the S0-239 to S0239 attachment . Fast shipping , very well made mounts. I also have the Lido bolt on seat mount that I had in my previous truck. Now that I have everything, I hope to be installing in/on my truck soon, I also will be mounting my Yaesu FT-8800, which was in my other truck, so I can have 2meter/440, and HF. anyway I am rambling on . Good luck with your install. Happy Holidays.. N4TAF P.S. I have been subscribed to your channel for a while , really enjoy them. 73 😀
Hi Robert! Thanks for subscribing! Video number two will show it in operation. I found a no holes drilled mount made for my truck. Part 2 will show the installation and initial operation.
73, Doug
I really like mine. Have it mounted on luggage rack of 2004 4Runner. For ground, I only ran a braid from mount to body under rear hatch to screw. Easily get SWR less then 1.5 even on 40 meters. I worked Spain from SoCal, SSB. I did change whip from 3 ft stock to 4.5 ft. I do only use it when parked and remove when in motion. Looking forward to follow up video of your experiences. Check K8MRD videos for some hints on tuning if it seems to get "stuck".
I have already installed and used it. Part 2 will show that. I don't want to spoil it though. I compare it to my ham stick in Part 2. I had no trouble with grounding, because of where and how I mounted it. I'm glad to hear of your positive experience with it. I work DX regularly with my ham stick. I hope to do the same with the ATAS-120A. It sure is more convenient than the ham stick.
73, Doug
Happy new year.
Happy New Year to you! I hope 2023 is a happy, healthy, and prosperous year for you.
73, de N4HNH
Good morning N4HNH, I'm Italian and I'm writing to you with a translator because I don't know English.
I have had a Yaesu FT-897 for many years which I have always used in VHF/UHF due to the usual logistic antenna problems.
Perhaps the only antenna I could use, both mobile and fixed is
the ATAS-120, so I'm looking for radio amateurs who are using it either
on the car and on a balcony as in my case, I think the only problem is that of the cost.
Thanks for sharing your experience...
Happy New Year from IW1BHT
Silvio Bello
Turin-Italy
Hi Silvio! Thanks for writing. I am very pleased with the ATAS-120A thus far. The Part 2 video shows the installation and initial testing. It has since then rivaled my ham stick antennas.
I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023.
73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio Thank you and happy experimenting...
Good luck with it. You WILL require excellent RF grounding/bonding or. It won’t work worth a pinch of pelican poop. Additionally, do NOT retune whilst moving as they hate that …..it wears the drive out, AND allows moisture ingress. They’re not real weatherproof, so best not leave it on permanently, and vibration is not their friend.
Other than that, they work pretty well.
Part two will show the installation and operation. I won't spoil it yet though.
@@n4hnhradio …..mate, I’m sure you’ll do it right. I don’t wanna denigrate the ATAS120 because they’re not a bad but if gear. However, as my environment is so radio extreme that I just can’t contemplate something like that. If ever you’re interested, you could see pics on my QRZ page, under the callsign encapsulated in my Nic here.
I will check it out.
If you like the FTDX-3000, MTC is selling a new B-stock for $1050. Maybe you have a friend that would be interested. I'd jump on it but really don't need another radio.
That’s good to know. The FTdx3000D is a great radio.
hi again there are som radial 4 the atas120 4 the complit sitem of the 891 includes remote fh 2, separation kit,fc 50 tuner,fc 40 long wier tuner, atbk100,atas120 and the last good coax rg123,with lining and grounds wit out god ground potable or in the sach this model dosent oparate at is max potential i have this set given to me as a present from my wife dident used it until a year a go 2021 used to use on all bands a cheoslovac radio made 4 the army until i started thinkering with this litel thing the 891 no the army radio colects dust
The radial kit is for VHF/UHF.
I have been looking into this antenna for my Jeep for ft-891, I also have an FTM-300 already in the Jeep, do you know if the antenna will allow both the FT-891 and FTM-300 to be connected through a duplexer and still have the tuning functionality?
That is supposed to be possible but you still would not be able to use HF and VHF or UHF simultaneously. The antenna has to change length according to which band is being used at the time.
I suggest the solution I recommended to one of the VIP Patreon members. It’s working out perfectly for him. Don’t mount any antenna on the tailgate of the Jeep. There isn’t enough of a connection to the frame, for a counterpoise.
Use a Diamond K-400C or K-400S mount. The C comes with 6.5 feet of coax while he S comes with 13.5 feet. You probably won’t need but 6.5 feet.
Mount the ATAS-120A to the left side of the hood. Buy another K-400C and mount a Diamond NR770 VHF/UHF antenna to the right side of the hood. Attach a braided bonding strap from the hood to the frame.
73, de N4HNH
Works same on ftdx10 fantastic antenna
Yes, it’s quite a list of radios that it works with - old and new. Very smart of Yaesu.
@@n4hnhradio I am new to ham radio I have watched a lot of your videos very helpful to me so thank you .I now have a ftdx10 in shack and ft891 in my truck 73s
It’s interesting to me how some people have a great experience with a device yet others say it’s terrible. I’m not referring to the ATAS-120A, specifically. It’s just a general statement, based upon years of observation. But, I have heard and read negative comments about the ATAS-120A.
That’s a great combination. Well, the same as mine, actually. I’m pleased. There are many great radios available today, but, when I’m ready to buy, Yaesu tends to have the most for my money.
As I say quite often, there is no perfect radio. There is always room for improvement. I point out deficiencies in the various videos. But Yaesu seems to offer the most on the performance side. I wish they would listen to my ergonomic suggestions for the FTdx10. More mouse control to keep us from having to press buttons next to the VFO. But, I won’t let that be a deciding factor for a purchase. Ultimately I need performance.
73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio notice that a lot on here I can only run 10watts first contact with atas am ftdx 10 1000miles .things can only get better thanks again from England.
Hi, nice video. I got this antenna, working with a tripod and a 857d. Unfortunately I cannot receive nor transmit anything. The row is always more than 3. I alto put a metal grid below but nothing. Maybe my antenna is failed?
The tripod isn’t enough of a counterpoise for HF.
Turns the radiator when tuning? This is because I want to extend the Atas radiator with a wire to get better results, but then the radiator is not allowed to rotate because the wire will then be wrapped around the radiator.
The radiator doesn’t turn when tuning. It goes up or down with the entire top portion.
This should be a good series--I've been considering getting an ATAS. Supposedly it works on VHF/UHF too? I'd be interested to see how that works.
It will be a series, Jonathan. A few videos at least. The second video is long (31 minutes). I thought of splitting it up, but I changed my mind while filming. Half of the video is the installation process, and the other half is the initial operation. I thought the viewers might get frustrated having to wait for a 3rd video to actually see it operating. But there will likely be a couple more videos after Part 2. I want to do more comparisons to the ham sticks and work some DX.
73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio that sounds great, looking forward to it. I'm interested to see what you do as far as bonding it to the chassis and what results you get. While I've done loads of portable HF, I haven't ever used a car-mounted HF antenna. I recently purchased some Hustler resonators to try, but the ATAS is really tempting too.
The ATAS-120A has s very convenient. I’ve beat up my ham sticks for 25 years. They get out very well but they find tree limbs and low hanging power lines occasionally. Okay, that’s partially my fault. Mine are mounted atop the truck. You will see in Part 2.
73, Doug
I wonder how well it would work for portable operation. Can you break it down into smaller sections? It doesn't look too heavy as your son wasn't straining to hold it up.
Hi Martin! It's made of plastic. I would consider it as delicate. The manual states not to operate the tuning mechanism while in motion. It will create a strain on the motor. You can see why, especially at higher speeds. I have tuned it in traffic though, when barely moving. I am in Atlanta after all. Ha! Ha!
There is a radial kit for portable operation. I could fit it in my backpack, but it would be sticking out the top. The stinger can be removed, and the antenna carried in two pieces. The black plastic portion doesn't come apart, except to work on it. It is very important that you install the weather boot where the stinger attaches, to keep moisture out of the antenna.
73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio Thanks for the info Doug. Have a happy New Year.
I hope you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023, Martin.
73, Doug
Will this work with the FT-710?
It will, Jerry. I think just about any Yaesu HF transceiver in the past 10 years can use the ATAS-120A. It is definitely referred to in the manual for the FT-710. Check out page 102.
73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio now my next challenge is to figure out how to mount it in my Subaru Forrester (SUV with a hatchback) 😀
I found a bracket that fits sn existing bolt under the edge of my hood. It was made for my particular truck. You will see it in Part 2. But I had a Diamond K400C trunk lip bracket as a backup. I already have one on the passenger door, for my 2m/70cm antenna.
@@n4hnhradio I’m thinking of things like PITA vs. a mire permanent installation.
Magnet would be a go-to choice but the RF ground would be compromised.
Unboxing???