ACTIVE TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM
ATAS-120
INSTALLATION/OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for choosing Yaesu’s exciting new ATAS-120 Active Tuning Antenna System. We hope and trust that you will enjoy
many years of enjoyable mobile operation with the ATAS-120!
The ATAS-120 is a unique mobile antenna designed for use with Yaesu the transceivers equipped for the ATAS system, such as the
FT-897, FT-847 and FT-100/-100D. The ATAS-120 utilizes a motorized tuning system which resonates the radiating element for
lowest SWR without the need for expensive, inconvenient monoband resonating whip assemblies. The ATAS-120 is designed to
mount directly onto a standard mobile antenna mount (not supplied) which is compatible with its Type “M” (“m/m pitch only”) base
connector. Your Dealer will be pleased to help you select the ideal mobile mounting assembly for your vehicle.
INSTALLATION
•Refer to the drawing, and
secure the radiating ele-
ment to the top of the coil
assembly, using the sup-
plied Allen wrench.
‚Refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions, and install the
mounting base assembly in
a location where a solid, se-
cure ground connection to
the car body can be ob-
tained.
Note:
Installation of the
ATAS-120
on a hatchback or trunk
lid may not permit a low SWR to be obtained. A solid bond to
the car body is important so as to establish a counterpoise for
the vertical radiating element.
ƒConnect the coaxial cable from the mounting base to the
transceiver’s HF antenna jack.
„Refer to the transceiver’s operating manual, and set the
transceiver’s Menu selections associated with the ATAS
system.
For operation on the 144 and 430 MHz bands, in addition to
HF/50 MHz, you may wish to consider the purchase of a
“Diplexer” (for the FT-897 and FT-100/-100D) or “Triplexer”
(for the FT-847) device to connect to the appropriate
transceiver’s antenna jacks; the Diplexer or Triplexer will then
automatically pass RF power from the band in use while iso-
lating the other two antenna jacks. If you do not have a Diplexer
or Triplexer, the coaxial cable connector from the ATAS-120
will have to be moved manually to the appropriate antenna
jack when you wish to operate on VHF or UHF.
OPERATION
See the “Operation” section of the transceiver’s operating
manual for details of ATAS-120 tuning and operation.
CAUTIONS
mFor mounting onto s trunk lid or hatchback of a vehicle,
utilize a mount which provides secure, strong mechanical
contact to the vehicle's frame (to support the antenna's
cross-sectional area while driving, as well as for ground-
ing purposes). Suitable mounts include the Diamond mod-
els TE5M and K400.
mIn the interest of operator safety, always use the minimum
transmitter power necessary to establish and maintain com-
munications while operating mobile, and restrict trans-
mitter operation when pedestrians are within one meter
(3.3 feet) of the radiating element.
mDo not allow anyone to touch the radiating element dur-
ing a transmitting session, due to the danger of burning of
the skin caused by the high RF voltage present.
mDo not install the ATAS-120 in a position where the radi-
ating element could come in contact with (A) any electri-
cal wiring, which could cause lethal shock, or (B) a
grounded metal surface, as this will disrupt communica-
tions and may cause arcing.
mDo not touch the bellows of the ATAS-120, so as to avoid
undue stress to it or the mechanical components within it.
mDo not attempt to perform the tuning process while driv-
ing a vehicle.
mDisconnect the ATAS-120 from the vehicle when wash-
ing your vehicle to prevent ingress of water into the ATAS-
120.
mBecause of the cross-sectional area of the ATAS-120,
simple magnetic mounts will not provide sufficient hold-
ing power to secure the ATAS-120 reliably, and are not
recommended.
mThe ATAS-120 is designed specifically for use with Yaesu
transceivers equipped for the “ATAS” system, and is not
capable of automatic operation with other transceiver mod-
els.
mNote that the bellows may become slightly distorted dur-
ing the Auto-Tuning process; this does not affect opera-
tion of the antenna, however.
mFor base station operation, if you do not have a good coun-
terpoise system such as a townhouse balcony, VHF/UHF
performance can be enhanced by the installation of the
optional Yaesu ATBK-100 Antenna Base Kit.
mThere are no user-serviceable parts inside this antenna.
Reckless turning of the top of the antenna coil may result
in breakage of the antenna coil wire and/or other internal
damage.
SPECIFICATIONS
FREQUENCY RANGE:
7
/14/21/28/50/144/430 MHz
Amateur Bands
HEIGHT (Approx.):1.4 ~ 1.6 meters (4.59 ~ 5.24 feet)
WEIGHT (Approx.): 900 g (1.98 lbs.)
INPUT IMPEDANCE:50W
MAX. INPUT POWER:120 Watts (A3J)
MATCHED SWR:Less than 2.0:1
(with proper counterpoise)
(Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation)
Insert element
into top of
coil assembly
Allen wrench
(supplied)
Setscrews
(supplied)
EAC81X700
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan
VERTEX STANDARD
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
International Division
8350 N.W. 52nd Terrace, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33166, U.S.A.
YAESU EUROPE B.V.
P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands
YAESU UK LTD.
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.
Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
