Using the ATAS-120A with the FTX-1 Optima & SPA-1 Amplifier

If you are running the Yaesu FTX-1 Optima together with the SPA-1 amplifier, you may be wondering how to correctly connect and configure the ATAS-120A automatic tuning antenna.

At first glance, it may seem like you simply need to select ATAS in the tuner settings. However, when the SPA-1 is attached, this is not the correct method. To make the ATAS-120A work properly, the radio must be configured to use the OPTION setting first, then the ATAS function must be assigned to the correct antenna port.

Why This Setup Matters

When the SPA-1 is in line, the radio handles antenna control differently. If the tuner settings are not configured correctly, the ATAS-120A may fail to respond, tune incorrectly, or not operate at all. The key point is that the ATAS function must be routed through the OPTION menu rather than selected directly in the main tuner setting.

How to Set Up the ATAS-120A

1. Press and hold the "FUNC" knob until the menu appears along the bottom of the screen.
2. Press the right arrow until you reach the last page of the menu.
3. Select "OPERATION SETTING" on the bottom row.
4. In the left column, select "GENERAL".
5. Under "TUNER SELECT", set it to "OPTION".

6. Next, in the left column, select "OPTION".
7. Depending on which antenna port the ATAS-120A is connected to, select either:
   • "TUNER TYPE SEL ANT1"
   • or "TUNER TYPE SEL ANT2"
8. Set the correct port to "ATAS".

Setup Complete

Once these settings have been applied, the ATAS-120A should operate correctly through the SPA-1. This allows the antenna to respond properly and gives you the correct control path when using the FTX-1 Optima and amplifier together.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

• Check whether the antenna is connected to ANT1 or ANT2.
• Make sure TUNER SELECT is set to OPTION, not ATAS.
• Confirm the correct port under the OPTION menu is set to ATAS.
• Inspect all interconnecting cables between the FTX-1 Optima, SPA-1, and antenna.