Yaesu ATAS 120 Review

[@donausmus4281]

I use an ATAS in my mobile Ram 2500. It does require a lot grounding. I used 25 grounding straps bonding all body panels to panels and frame. The antenna is on the left front and the strongest signal is the direction of the the rear right of the truck, which is the direction of the most metal. I get very good signal reports, some not believing I'm a mobile. I'll be trying the ground mount now.

[@take1.tatsuta]

Thank you for your practical video. I am encouraged to buy an ATAS antenna. I am a resident of an aparmente so I don't have a yard for experiment like you but I'll try to install ATAS at the bulcony. Earthing will be the most important issue. Your video gave me some hints. Thank you from Japan. 73 de JL2XKK.

[@Blackabeard]

Thank you for watching. Earthing will be most important. But if the balcony is metal maybe you could attach it there. Best of luck my friend.

[@furball5553]

Best atas 120 video on tube great stuff thanks 😊

[@Blackabeard]

Wow, thanks! And thank you for watching!!

[@ehsnils]

I think it's a quite good antenna for its size. The negative side is that it's not having 80m, but for that size it's a great antenna.
Anyone that seems to have had problems with that antenna is that it's not the antenna itself but the PL259/SO239 connectors that have a tendency to have a bad connection, especially DC connection that's needed to adjust the antenna. High quality PL259 connectors helps quite a bit, but it's worth to check the connections ever so often on a vehicle.
In the event that you happen to break off the base - it's available as a spare part, so even though the spare part is expensive it's cheaper than a new antenna.
I'm questioning the mounting on the toolbox a bit but with a pickup truck it's a bit of a challenge to get a good position.
I have been using mine with a FT-857.

[@Blackabeard]

I agree. I have been very please with the performance of it. To get around it not working on 80 meters I a Ham stick that I can screw on to the same mount. Just have to take the ATAS off first. I have also been toying with the idea of an external tuner. I have a spare MFJ 939 I can use and just keep it in line. Then if I need to I can use it. Haven’t tried it yet through. As for the toolbox mount, well I don’t have many other options to keep it out of the way. My truck is pretty tall as it is. I don’t want to put it on the fender because I feel like it would block my vision. I am also found to be doing a lot of bonding this fall. Thanks for watching!

[@vironpayne3405]

I've seen a mod where you replace the stainless whip with a longer stainless whip to get 80m. Obviously you wouldn't want to try that mobile, but for portable operations it's sounds like a great idea.
The coil has wide winding areas for where the antenna expects to tune with the stock whip, so I imagine to make the longer whip work exceptionally well you would want to optimize its length. Hopefully without too much trial and error.
Today was going to be my first day using my ATAS-120A for QRP at the park. I brought a set of 4 counterpoise wires at 25ft, a 6in did magmount, and a baking sheet. The plan was to lay the baking sheet on a cast iron BBQ grill, put the antenna on the magmount on the baking sheet, and attach the 4 counterpoise wires.
I brought everything except the antenna. 😂
I had a 10m push-up pole and a couple of dipoles I had cut for 10m and 15m, so life was still good.
I suspect that between the BBQ grill, baking sheet, and counterpoise wires I would have had a workable antenna, but certainly not the best for QRP.

[@Blackabeard]

Man I love innovation! Sounds like it should work for sure. May I cautious about using the longer whip with my ATAS because of having to drill out the hole. I have heard of it being done but not sure that’s how I want to use it. Well at least while it is under warranty. Thanks for watching.

[@berniemoxey462]

I have the same setup, ft891 and the atas120a on my truck. That tripod looks interesting.

[@Blackabeard]

It’s proving to be a neat little party trick.

[@1kc1981]

Hello from Scotland. You can change the whip part for a longer one. It will still work and might tune better

[@Blackabeard]

I am trying to decide if it’s something I want to do. From what I can tell I would have to drill out the insert spot to make it work. Not sure if it is something I want to do. Thanks for watching.

[@phils2180]

I use a longer whip of 3mm stainless and yes, you have to drill out the top but it's easily done. Obviously using a longer whip lowers the frequency it will tune up to. The standard whip is 90cm. A 170cm whip will tune up to 35mhz so can still tune the 10m and lower bands. I've seen it make 1 - 2 S points difference vs the standard whip on receive. I've also noticed it seems to tune easier and doesn't get "confused" like it used to do!😂 The only "problem" is a 3mm whip that long is only really suitable for static use due to the amount of flex and wind loading. Going to 4mm would decrease flex but would be too much weight for the tuning mechanism IMO.

[@Blackabeard]

Thats great to hear. I am still thinking it over but with what you said I worry about it while I drive. Thats why I like the ATAS so much. I am not sure if I am willing to risk using it while I drive just for 75 meters. I have a ham stick for it. maybe one day. Thanks for watching.

[@robertvarner9519]

Very informative video. I may try my hand with this antenna and tripod. Have some ideas of my own but that's what we hams are supposed to do...experiment.

[@Blackabeard]

Go for it! I agree completely. What works for you might not work for me and likewise. Playing with antennas is certainly one of my favorite things today do

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

Try attaching the ground lug to a metal bench or a BBQ grill.

[@Blackabeard]

Next time I take it off the truck and play I will give it a shot! Sounds like it will work. Thanks for watching

[@TheM0ano]

If you also use the manual up and down,and have it on the front screen on your ft 891 you can find tune the atas that will often get the swr down to a much better level

[@Blackabeard]

Thank you. I need to try that more. I have only done it once and it didn’t make much of a difference. I’m sure now that I know pre about it I can get it much better. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for watching.

[@VeteransHamShack]

Hey Justin found your channel the other day, subbed. Good review on the ATAS 120. I have an FT-857D, got it about 10 years ago and used to use it as my portable rig with my Buddistick when I was in the Navy stationed in San Diego. Its been boxed up for several years but I've been considering installing it in my Wrangler for mobile. I've looked at this antenna before, after your review I'm not so sure about it haha. Also the Wrangler has limited places to mount that antenna mostly because the top is removable (and fiberglass). Also, although the FT-857D is one of the radios it is designed for, it does not have an internal tuner. I have the LDG YT-100 external tuner that is powered by the radio, but that just adds some hassel to the radio installation, imo. I lived many years just up the road from you in Raleigh, I'm in Kentucky now, back in my hometown. Congrats on your 512 subs and hoping you get to 5000! I've just started my channel, mostly as a side hobby.
Anyway, I'll be checking out the rest of your content 73, Jeremy KF4CHW

[@Blackabeard]

Thanks for subscribing. I like my ATAS but it is certainly not the end all beat all. Band for the buck though I would put it against most. I have seen some pretty cool mounting ideas for it on Wrangles. Check out The Tech Prepper and look at his. Thanks aging for the follow.

[@VeteransHamShack]

@@Blackabeard I've watched some of his videos before, i'll check out the Wrangler install! Thanks

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

You might try 4 or 8 pieces of wire as radials for 40m. The magic carpet is great for quick deployment, but it's a bit small for 40m (at least on fairly dry ground). I guess the other thing worth trying would be two screens side by side, both connected to the antenna ground. It would increase both the capacitance of the bulk material and the capacative coupling to the ground. The later likely being the larger effect, and why soil moisture matters.
I've got a previous version of that tripod, which is only different in that there is no provision for connecting grounds. I've thought about making a collar to thread on under the ATAS that has banana jack sized holes in the rim, but there isn't much room under the ATAS, so it would have to be awfully thin. Still, I'll figure oot something to try when the New Hampshire weather gets good enough to entice an old man outdoors.
I guess that your little beard is blacker than mine (all grey now). Mine still has room to grow. It will take about another inch to reach my navel.
73, Bill - KE1G

[@Blackabeard]

I plan on making some radials to try with it to. I just hate having to put them out. I made some for my HWEF and it made no difference. So maybe I can use the same set for this and have better results! Thanks for the suggestion and I’ll be sure to post it once I get around to trying it.

[@williamcarter_CPA_CGMA]

Using ATAS on my car. CW mobile ONLY! No mic in the car. Managed Atlanta to France 599 two days in a row. Yes, need to bond car well. I also have an 80M Tarheel that I had on my truck. Car would tip over or I need a trailer hitch added for that antenna. On a serious note, if I can hear a POTA Station, I can work them. Nice mobile antenna. Yes, I know, everything is a compromise. 73 Bill KG4FXG

[@Blackabeard]

Thanks for watching. I was torn between the Tarheel and the Atas. But what sold me was the size and capabilities verse the cost. I love mine. And a CW to France is awesome congrats! Hope to catch you down the log my friend.

[@douglasschumann4452]

Nice video for the ATAS 120a. I live mine with the 857. Only thing is you say your call sign to fast. Couldn't catch it. N1SHU.

[@Blackabeard]

K3EE and thanks for watching.

[@JoelRazon]

Sorry late to the party, just found your channel, have you tried attaching a ground rod to the magic carpet? or for this set up longer ground radials approx quarter wave for 40m.

[@Blackabeard]

I have not tried the ground rod yet. How long of one are you using? I mean more grounding mean better antenna so I’m going to give it a go. Thanks for watching.

[@slackleashdogtraining3598]

What is “Magic Carpet”?

[@Blackabeard]

@@slackleashdogtraining3598 The Magic Carpet is wire window screen.
www.homedepot.com/p/Phifer-36-in-x-84-in-Brite-Aluminum-Screen-Roll-3000043/100390092

[@ae4xo]

Yep. Flip it . Just got that tripod too. I plan to Take it to Olympic park in Atlanta soon

[@gabrielguzmann1ufo905]

Great Video , Thanks de N1UFO/73.

[@Blackabeard]

You are welcome! And thanks for watching.

[@henrikfredskild3803]

Nice, when tuning on 10m you search for an ongoing QSO, and try tuning on top of it. I am fully aware that tuning is done with low power, but wit the ATAS it takes more than just a few seconds.

[@Blackabeard]

First let me say thank you for watching the video. Secondly let me say that you don't have to be condescending. I have tested the ATAS 120A with a friend who is less than 2 miles from me. It not only tunes at less than 10 watts, but also on the carrier. You put those two together and you can't hear it on SSB. We have tested that theory that lots of others have had and we all have had the same results. The ATAS can't be heard on the operating frequency. I agree the better practice is to tune off the ongoing QSO and I do with all my other rigs and antennas. I hope you can find joy in your day. con

[@donausmus4281]

​@Blackabeard it's amazing what a little research would have done for his condescension. I love my ATAS (2).

[@remiteach2542]

Super film

[@Blackabeard]

Thank you. And thanks for watching.

[@willie2333]

Sir regarding counterpoise wires do they to be pointed in a certain direction ie north south east west according to your geographical location I a in Scotland uk I have a Gabil tripod and gabil antenna new ham here just setting thing up.

[@Blackabeard]

In my experience with them then only thing that matters is making them evenly spaced out and the more of them tithe better. Thanks for watching!

[@RW-ce8kp]

Great video.. So are you getting 40-6 meter full coverage using the mesh screen and the tripod? I have a spare ATAS 100. Might try this idea. 73, AE4X

[@Blackabeard]

Not sure yet. I haven't tried it on 6 at all. But other than that yes. Thanks for watcing.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

Wow so I couldn't just pop it on thr deck and make it work...

[@Blackabeard]

Well it will work. But the more metal around it the better. It does need a ground plain of some sort. Either radials or the magic carpet are the most used. But I have just plopped it down in my side yard and made contacts. So it worked. If i can help with anything just let me know. I am down to try most things.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@@Blackabeard I'm considering it or a wolf river coils mega

[@Blackabeard]

@@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4 I have a few friends that have the WRC and th like them. The main difference is automated or manual extending the whip. here are some base measurements should you go that route.
20M =210" =204"
17M =162" =159"
ISM = 140% = 1340
12M =118» =120"
10M =105" =101"
Again If you are not using a Yaesu rig that has the ATAS interface then you will have to buy the program box for it. If your radio will do the ATAS then all you do Is press the tune button. Both are great options. One you can use it mobile and well not so much with the other. One note on the WRC, all my friends that have verticals with loading coils use radials to increase their ground plain. Not mandatory but it does help.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@@Blackabeard I have a yaesu Ft-710 so atas would work idk how I'd mount it and I hear they require mad grounding

[@Blackabeard]

@@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4 Mine is grounded with a 16 gauge speaker wire to my frame. So sure if that is a lot or not, but certainly more than your deck would provide. I also not sure if you can go wrong either way. You can always do a redneck grounding wire. You make a ground wire that screws on to your antenna and the other end you wire a house plug to it making the ground wire the only connection. Then plug it in. Not a suggestion but an options I have heard of in peoples shacks. If you don't want to use ti mobile then the WRC would be my decision for sure.

[@bradleyruhberg8626]

Thanks for the video/product review. What’s the SWR on 40 when it’s mounted on the Truck? I use this setup with my Wolf River Coil and get a SWR just about 1:6.

[@Blackabeard]

1:1.6-2 or so. Under 1:2 or at it. I’m adding more grounding and binding this week to trip and improve its receive and the SWR.

[@bradleyruhberg8626]

Again thanks for the video I think I’ll add the Tripod to my POTA kit. 73

[@Blackabeard]

That’s why I got it too. All the best

[@donausmus4281]

I use an ATAS in my mobile Ram 2500. It does require a lot grounding. I used 25 grounding straps bonding all body panels to panels and frame. The antenna is on the left front and the strongest signal is the direction of the the rear right of the truck, which is the direction of the most metal. I get very good signal reports, some not believing I'm a mobile. I'll be trying out the ground mount now.

[@Blackabeard]

That’s great to hear. I love the mounting and I still need to do my bonding. I have the strap I just have not taken the time to do it yet. But you’re making me want to do it sooner than later. Thanks for watching!