Yaesu ATAS-120 system

[asteffes]

Anyone using the Yaesu Automatic Tuning Antenna System for mobile HF comms? For those who don't know, the ATAS-120 is an auto-tuning HF antenna that works in conjunction with the various Yaesu mobile HF radios (817,857,897) to automatically tune itself for whatever band you select. The radio sends a signal to the antenna's motor which dials in or out for best SWR match.

For $300, it seems like a great idea and, if it works, a great value. I could have a mobile all-band station for under $1k with the ATAS-120 and FT-857D!

Anyone use this sucker? Does it work? Does it break easily?

[jeroen110NL]

I am currently using the yaesu 857d and am also looking for some info on the ATAS system. If you use the ATAS dont you need a tuner anymore??
thanks

greetz J

:eatchicke

[asteffes]

No, the whole idea is that the radio and ATAS-120 tune themselves automagically.

[big sky trapper]

My dream system!!!! But Ill have to keep dreaming for a while yet....

[gary in ohio]

The atas is an ice little antenna as long as you dont need 80m. With the stock 3ft whip you might get a match on 80m you just dont get much signal radiated. You need to put a 6ft whip on it to get 80m usable signal. Stock its not bad 40-6m with the auto tune capabile radio

[asteffes]

Thank you, Gary. I'm not sure what I'll need as I'm not a General yet. I'm just curious about the whole HF world, and the ATAS-120 and an FT-857D would be a simple, affordable and easy package.

[J_L]

I'm also seriously considering this antenna for my FT-857. Looks like a really good solution for yaesu owners. Since the control signals are on the coax, it doesn't need the extra wiring.
Apparently though the 120 has some possible moisture issues. Check out the review section of eHam.net. http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/12 The "A" version has been modified to try and address this.

[frgtwn]

After an hour searching, and trying to be careful with the drool, I am not finding the under $1000 prices. Seems like about $1200 which is really about $1500 in real HAM dollars, right?

What am I missing?

Thanks,
Dale

[asteffes]

After an hour searching, and trying to be careful with the drool, I am not finding the under $1000 prices. Seems like about $1200 which is really about $1500 in real HAM dollars, right?

What am I missing?

Thanks,
Dale

HRO is selling the FT-857D for just under $700. They have the ATAS-120 for $300. Add a little more for tax and shipping, of course. I guess you'll also possibly need a mount for the antenna.

[J_L]

After an hour searching, and trying to be careful with the drool, I am not finding the under $1000 prices. Seems like about $1200 which is really about $1500 in real HAM dollars, right?

What am I missing?

Thanks,
Dale

Hams have dollars worth less than the "regular" folk :confused:

HRO http://hamradio.com (http://hamradio.com/)has the FT-857D with separation kit and the atas-120(A?) for the total price of 979.90 w/free ground ship. Search for the model #'s, their site is kind of hard to navigate. By the time you add the antenna mount and a means to mount the head you probably are a little over $1100.

[frgtwn]

I have been looking at a different model number, the FT-897D. Thus the higher price.


The HAM dollars reference is that there seems to be a lot of things that are "needed", that are not in the unit price. A buddy of mine went to HRO, which incidently is just a few miles from us, to buy a unit whose price started with a "3". Well, it took him 6 bills to get out of there. YMMV

Thanks for getting me on the right foot.
Dale

[gary in ohio]

Apparently though the 120 has some possible moisture issues. Check out the review section of

Be care full when you see the reviews, There is a ATAS 120 and a ATAS 120A both are often referred to as a 120.

[gary in ohio]

After an hour searching, and trying to be careful with the drool, I am not finding the under $1000 prices. Seems like about $1200 which is really about $1500 in real HAM dollars, right?

Mobile and NEW, $1000 isnt that bad a price.
Icom 706MKGII will run you $900
Icom 7000 is running around $1200
Yeasu 857 will run you about $700
Kenwood doensnt really have a mobile anymore since the ts-50 was dropped.

Keep in mind this is base radio cost, toss in a remote kit, a filter and your up another $200-$300. A single band HF antenna system can go as low as $100 but a multi band fixed freq will cost you $200-$300 when all is said and done. If you go the automatic tuner or screwdriver route with your antenna you down another $400-$500.

You will see articles that people talk about $600 mobiles and that was the case once, 706's Ft100, ts50 were selling in the $600-$700 range for quite a while but the YEN to dollar changed and prices went through the roof. They are starting to drop, the 706 a couple of years ago was $1400

While its not cheap, HF mobile is fun.

[asteffes]

I have been looking at a different model number, the FT-897D. Thus the higher price.


The HAM dollars reference is that there seems to be a lot of things that are "needed", that are not in the unit price. A buddy of mine went to HRO, which incidently is just a few miles from us, to buy a unit whose price started with a "3". Well, it took him 6 bills to get out of there. YMMV

Thanks for getting me on the right foot.
Dale

Ooooh, yes, if you're looking at the 897 it's going to run you a bit more. Everything is an option on the 897, I believe: batteries, charger for batteries, power supply, mounting bracket. :yikes: It's a neat radio, but I don't know enough about it and HF in general to know why it's better than an 857. Can you explain?

[J_L]

The 897 is more of a portable base model, with the battery and strap on antenna tuner options, kinda like the really big brother to the 817. It has comparable specs to the 857 except for it's size, can't imagine hauling that beast very far in a pack. The 857 is geared toward mobile or small hamshack use.

[jeroen110NL]

I am currently operating the 857d only on the vhf and uhf bands but I would like to start using the HF bands aswell. (maybe get in to contact with some of you guys)
When I go camping I would like to use the 857d as a base radio but I also want to be able to use HF when I'm driving with a duplexer? Is it a good option to use the ATAS when I'm mobile and use the tuner when I am camping and use a wire antenna.
Greetz J :safari-rig:

[J_L]

I'm going the two antenna route for moble, eliminates the need for the duplexer. Just haven't decided between the atas-120 or a set of single band hamstick type antennas. The regular screwdriver antennas are way too bulky for my taste.

For camp, a dipole for 75 meters and a tuner should get you on all the HF bands with more efficiency.

[gary in ohio]

I would never go with the atas as the only antenna. Its a comprise HF antenna and an even more compromise UHF/VHF antenna. Go with a gain vhf/uhf and then use the atas for HF.


Most screwdrivers dont cover past 10m, some cover to 6m. Few cover VHF/UHF>

[J_L]

I sprung for the atas-120 system for my ft-857, I'll post up some pics of the installation in a couple of days.

[gary in ohio]

Well if the ATS120 isnt right there are lots of full size screwdriver antenna's available. most antenna systems are good to 40m, its when you need 80 or 160m that a mobile system often falls flat.

[Corey]

Any pics on the setup?
I am currently getting the 857D before to long, but already ordered a Diamond antenna for the ARB bumper up front to use on 2 m and 70 cm.

After I try that for a bit, I want to get the Atas-120 and the duplexer to mate it to the two antenna ports on the 857.

[Corey]

PS, what duplexer are you guys running also with the 120 antenna and the 857D?

[xtatik]

I use the Comet duplexer for mine. Works fine.

[gary in ohio]

Why a duplexer? The ATS-120 goes to the HF/6m port and the diamond dual band goes to the VHF/UHF port. What are you duplexing?

[Corey]

Orderd my Yaesu 857D today and the Diamond MX-62M. (http://www.memphisamateur.com/browseproducts/Diamond-MX-62M.HTML)
The Duplexer will allow the ATAS-120A to plug into the duplexer, then the two lines to the 857D, and allow it to operate on all the bands the radio can do.
Otherwise I would have to run two antennas.

I will sell the Diamond 2 m 70 cm antenna I bought at a later day after I install the ATAS.

[gary in ohio]

I would prefer 2 antennas. The ATS will make a crappy antenna on vhf/uhf. Its only a mediocre antenna on 10,15,20, just barley usable on 40 and worthless on 80m , Your dual band antenna and ATS as separate antennas would be the better way to go.

[Corey]

Thanks, I will keep that in mind.
Going to run out of room for antennas though.

The Diamond I am installing tomorrow is the Diamond NR770HA (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/2568.html) with a GLP58 (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/2210.html) to mount to the ARB bumper.
I will have to enlarge the 3/8" hole for a CB antenna to 1/2" to accommodate the mount.

[xtatik]

I would prefer 2 antennas. The ATS will make a crappy antenna on vhf/uhf. Its only a mediocre antenna on 10,15,20, just barley usable on 40 and worthless on 80m , Your dual band antenna and ATS as separate antennas would be the better way to go.
Yes and no. I'd have to admit I haven't experimented with mine on 10, 15 and 80m because of the band conditions but, I have used it extensively on 20 and 40.
This past weekend I used it to make contacts on both bands during the CQ DX contest and hit Hawaii (31) @ 58, Japan(25) @ 55, Puerto Rico(8) @ 57, New Hampshire(5) @ 57, and numerous others throughout the contiguous states and Mexico. These contacts were made at leisure while driving between birdhunting stops, he, he..... I was multi-tasking! Now, that's not bad for a "compromise antenna", which BTW, is where all mobile antenna's rank. I use a Hi-Q 3/80 here at home due to HOA restrictions, and yes there is a difference. The Hi-Q's are far and away the best in "screwdriver type" antennas. But, weighing convenience and performance, the ATAS does a very respectable job on these two most commonly relied upon HF bands.
As for FM use, I don't much care. It works fine for hitting machines out to 40-60 miles, or yacking up and down a column of trucks during our trips. Personally, I would not rely on VHF in a crappy situation in our remote desert areas or in Mex.
On last years DV trip I was lucky if I could hit Potosi, Silver Peak or Mazourka. I was only able to hear them in brief occasions and could not break squelch and get a tone except on two of those occasions. This was using a Yaesu Ft8900r with a Diamond Cr8900r... a very well matched rig. That taught me quickly that I needed the upgrade, and much more reach.
Another benefit to the ATAS, and this is just my opinion, is that it is lighter than the High Sierra and Tarheel drivers and seems less prone to vibrating itself to death on severe washboard (Saline Valley!). With 2"-2.5" coils, they are probably higher Q than the ATAS, but they would rattle apart in my opinion. I may eventually look into another Hi-Q for the truck. They are also heavy, the heaviest in fact. They are much better built than the more popular screwdrivers and of a different design. They are mounted to military vehicles around the globe.
If my ATAS takes a crap I may or may not replace it with a Hi-Q. The ATAS convenience factor weighs heavy!

[Corey]

Thanks, I will probably pick up the ATAS-120A after awhile.