Yaesu ATAS 120 Versus the Tarheel

[@jptrade8575]

The Atas 120 is has been my mobile for four years and all of the giant massive screwdriver antennas are in my garage holding up a few spider webs. Just works great.

[@CraigLandschoot]

Highly interested in the Tarheel mounting system you have here. I have a 1500 Sierra with the M200A HP. I'm using the MT-3-OFB so I can keep it out of the way of my plates and backup camera. I want the ability to easily remove the entire antenna (not just the whip) so it can be secured in the back of the truck.

[@k9kj]

@@CraigLandschoot it's a twist lock mount and I think it is made by Hi-Q. It's nice for removing the antenna from the mount. But I also remove the hitch mount also.

[@CraigLandschoot]

I have a friend that issues a similar setup. I guess I’m wondering if the M200a is stout enough to support itself from the feed point.

[@donausmus4281]

I love my ATAS 120! Installed in a 2022 RAM pickup. Spent a lot of time bonding and installed about 30 straps. Have it mounted front drivers side so the most gain is to the rear right. Signal reports are good at 50 watts. The directionality is the same as the most metal of the vehicle ground plane. The ATAS is soooo easy!

[@k9kj]

That is awesome! Would love to know more about your bonding. I think it was a game changer for me.

[@K4FR_Radio]

Thanks for going over the antennas in some detail and comparing rx. Looking forward to trying out the atas120a on my truck. Starting out with a triple mag mount but planning to go with something more permanent. If the ATAS is good enough for a Big Time DXer thats all I need to hear :) 73 de N4AAJ

[@k9kj]

I also had a triple magnetic Mount when I had my BMW. I think I have a picture of it on Instagram somewhere.

[@KC2BKM]

I cant find the Link to your cup mount. Are you still making them?

[@k9kj]

Try this: kjhamcustomshop.etsy.com

[@KC2BKM]

Did you do the whole body grounding deal? I know that can be as much or as little an ordeal as one wants to get into. Some say it makes a big difference some say they did'nt notice a difference.

[@joekrepps]

With all due respect to K0BG and his extensive website, I run my ATAS on a 3 magnet mount-right center of my Outback wagon roof(so I can navigate drive-throughs), nothing grounded or bonded. Rig is FT-891, 5-50w, SSB (for now, relearning to copy CW in my head). In a little over two years, I’m 75/100 towards Mobile DXCC. I’ll go for WAS after DXCC so I chase DX 99%. Not opposed to grounding/bonding but it works “as-is”, 10m-20m. No interest in 30m and lower, for now. 1:15 WB3CFN on QRZ Logbook. QSO’s before 2022 were QRP Mobile…whole ‘nother story. 😊

[@k9kj]

I did do the whole body grounding thing. I think it made a huge difference particularly on SWR on the lower bands.

[@robertallbright]

So using just a 3 magmount works well? 73 Rob G3RCE

[@robertallbright]

Like the idea of using a Triple magmount 73 Rob G3RCE

[@robertvantichelt6448]

The ATAS 120 is a fun antenna 20-10 meters. The Tarheel thoroughly beats it on 40m. And 80m is a bonus that the ATAS 120 can't do. ATAS for parks on the air just needs A cheap 20' fishing pole, some wire and an alligator clip hooked to the whip to make it play with the big boys. The Harvest HD-330 is a $199 knock off of the Diamond screwdriver antenna and works for those on a budget. KE6VG

[@k9kj]

That harvest antenna sounds interesting! I'm going to have to look it up!

[@Utahforrest]

I love that set screw for the collapsible mast for POTA! I agree the Atas 120 is awesome. Just a convenient/easy setup. But the Tarheel does make you look a little more big time dx'er... just my $.02 !! 73 de KI7QCF

[@TinyTJ04]

What controller do you use to adjust your ATAS while running the 705?

[@k9kj]

I'm using an MFJ device. I think I have it shown in one of my other videos

[@JayN4GO]

Yeah definitely not worth lugging that huge thing around. But, I would try some tx A/B comparisons. May have to sked with someone in Florida or something. I have a friend that used to pota a lot and he switched to a tar heel mounted behind the glass. His signal was bangin !

[@k9kj]

I wanted to devise a system where I could Mount the tar heel higher, but with the whip, I just couldn't drive with it because it's too tall for the overpasses here in Chicago.

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

I know I would love to say ATAS is a good antenna, but I would be doing ham community a disservice if I said it was better than the Tarheel. Tarheel is much better built antenna that will last a very long time. I actually had ATAS, currently own Tarheel and Diamond SD330. I can honestly say, I am loving the Tarheel by a wide margin.

[@k9kj]

This is good info. I'm seriously considering getting a junior tar heel

[@davidpatrick1813]

Tnx

[@liverpudd306]

You are not comparing like with like. You need to do the comparison with the antennas mounted in exactly the same place on the vehicle, prefeably listening to a stready beacon signal.