ML&S Technical Guide | Yaesu FTX-1 Series
Using the ATAS-120A with the FTX-1 Optima & SPA-1
The correct menu settings for automatic ATAS-120A tuning when the FTX-1 Field Head is connected to the SPA-1 amplifier.
View setup steps TroubleshootingIf you're using the Yaesu FTX-1 Optima with the SPA-1 amplifier and ATAS-120A automatic tuning antenna, the antenna must be assigned through the amplifier's option settings.
Simply selecting ATAS under the main tuner setting is not the correct configuration for this setup. There are two settings to check: TUNER SELECT = OPTION and TUNER TYPE SEL ANT1 or ANT2 = ATAS.
Setting 01
Select OPTION
Under OPERATION SETTING > GENERAL, set TUNER SELECT to OPTION.
Setting 02
Assign ATAS
Under OPERATION SETTING > OPTION, assign ATAS to the antenna connector in use.
Step-by-step
Configure the FTX-1 Optima
- Press and hold the FUNC knob to open the function menu.
- Use the right arrow to move to the last menu page, then select OPERATION SETTING.
- In the left-hand column, open GENERAL.
- Find TUNER SELECT and set it to OPTION.
With the SPA-1 attached, the main TUNER SELECT setting must be OPTION. The antenna itself is assigned to ATAS in the separate OPTION menu.
- In the left-hand column, select OPTION.
- Choose TUNER TYPE SEL ANT1 if the ATAS-120A is on ANT1, or TUNER TYPE SEL ANT2 if it is on ANT2.
- Set the chosen antenna port to ATAS.
- Press the FUNC knob, or allow the setting to save, then use BACK to return to the main operating display.
What happens next?
The ATAS indicator should appear on the display. With the antenna correctly installed and the selected port configured, use ANT TUNE to begin automatic tuning. The radio transmits during this operation.
When first connecting an ATAS-120A or after resetting the FTX-1, recognition can take approximately one minute before tuning begins, according to Yaesu's operating manual.
If it won't tune
Quick troubleshooting checklist
- Confirm that the ATAS-120A is connected to the ANT1 or ANT2 port you selected.
- Make sure TUNER SELECT is OPTION, not ATAS.
- Check that TUNER TYPE SEL ANT1/ANT2 is set to ATAS for the correct port.
- Check the antenna mount, grounding and coaxial connections, and ensure installation follows Yaesu's instructions.
- Allow initial recognition time, and check the operating manual if a high-SWR warning appears.
Explore the equipment
FTX-1, SPA-1 and ATAS-120A at ML&S
Find the transceiver, amplifier and automatic tuning antenna used in this guide.
FTX-1 Optima SPA-1 Amplifier ATAS-120A Antenna