Yaesu FT-891 & ATAS120A install to VW Tiguan

My recent install of a new Yaesu FT-891 HF & 6m radio with Yaesu ATAS-120A antenna to my 2015 Tiguan.
Introduction to the radio, not a detailed review.

[@shortcircuit161]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Everything looks so clean and neat and professionally done. I have definitely been considering a similar set up in my minivan.

[@Paul-in-Australia]

Did you manage to do a setup in your minivan? I have since replaced the radio with an older ICOM IC706IIG. It works better, but I need to rely on a different antenna like the outbacker or the Watson multi band. Yaesu was somewhat disappointing. I only read this message 12 months later, so sorry for now reaching out earlier :)

[@christophermarshall5765]

Looks great. Nice setup.

[@aaronmiller112]

Nice setup and very nice install.

[@m.d.bishop1244]

I plan on getting this radio sometime in the future. So far we have the same set up. I’m hoping with the new radio I can make Long distance contacts. My Yaesu doesn’t have AM only TX on fm so that kinda bummed me out. I’m still learning. I’m only a tech for now.

[@Paul-in-Australia]

Hi Mathew, I have since removed and sold the radio. Constant issues communicating with Atas120. It may have been getting the earthing right on the tail gate.

[@JeffHochberg]

Hi Paul! I'm happy to have found your video! This is the only mention I've found anywhere of someone installing any HF rig on a VW Tiguan! I live in the US and own a 2013 Tiguan. Ham Radio Outlet has several locations throughout the country, including one by me in Atlanta, Georgia. I've been to the store several times over the years and they always told me that it's not possible to mount any antenna, outside of a mag mount, or drilling a hole and installing an NMO mount. I knew they were wrong - I just didn't know what direction to take.
Would you mind elaborating a bit more in terms of which make/model of mounting hardware you used? I'd like to try to get the same, if not something as close as possible.
Cheers and 73!

[@DroneFun]

Very good !

[@landau46t]

It’s a bit down the track now but was wondering what mount was used?
And also how is the antenna working now a few years have passed?
I do some outback travel and worried about vibration.

[@r8rsean71]

Well done

[@FC-zt5np]

You are using the internal tuner of the radio with that antenna correct? Or are you using something external like the fc-50? Thanks

[@christophermarshall5765]

The FT-891 has the software to control the ATAS-120 built into the radio. I have the same setup here. No external tuner needed

[@garydonamon749]

Hi Paul. What settings CAN BE STORED into the memories, like filter, NB, NR, Contour, Notch Filter, shift and so on?

[@Paul-in-Australia]

Hey Gary, I don't usually store detail to the memory, as with HF everything is on the move. I did test to find the shift doesn't store. This would have been quite useful as I often flip between USB and LSB (band pending) and I personally didn't like the default setting when in LSB. Too sharp and tinny. I am not mad about the radio. It is auto SSB so you can't change to LSB / USB manualy. Also opening the bands to full TX appears to be still unfound.
Regards
Paul

[@thomashammer567]

Have you got your radio grounded.

[@oraziointagliata7477]

Hi Paul, do you send me a guide or tell me where did you get the cables out of the car dashboard ? Best 73 de IT9DBF / KD2NUN

[@Paul-in-Australia]

Hi Orazio,
In the Tiguan I removed the rubber insert in the centre consol, drilled a 10mm hole at the bottom for the remote head cable and placed the rubber insert back. Radio head is attached to the speaker just behind. Fits snug in the centre consol.
Regards
Paul

[@oraziointagliata7477]

thank you Paul for your quick response, I had imagined that the front panel was attached to the speaker

[@oraxy89]

Paul's last question ... did you change the machine's fuse with 25 Ampere? have you changed the internal cables of the 12v plug too?

[@mylesl2890]

those radios don't overheat being in such a small enclosed space??

[@Paul-in-Australia]

Myles, there is still some air that passes beneath the back seat to the caverty. I have not noticed hight temperature under use, but also know that I dont utilise the radios under a high duty cycle. In hein site the DC Power cable I installed should have had greater gauge to reduce the voltdrop at the radio. Currenty my SSB max power is 75w.

[@DonauweIIe]

I would install a little fan where the transmitter is like that the hot air will be moved away quicker.

[@christophermarshall5765]

@@DonauweIIe these radios have two fans for cooling purposes

[@Clark21-Triple]

what mount use to antenna

[@ukshark8047]

what mount is that please?

[@revadan]

Sold my atas120a and replaced with diamond sd330...

[@LancasterWannaBe]

A year later, do you still use the diamond sd330? I've read that the atas120A falls apart after not too long. I'd like to know how the diamond has held up for you.