Re: ATAS100 mag mount tips - parked car

Hi Roy,
 

 First, even Yaesu in their instructions stated not to use a magnetic mount.
 

 For the ATAS-100 to work well, it needs to be mounted such that it has a solid ground plane created by the vehicle.  I found the Comet mount to work well.  The ATAS tunes fine when it is mounted correctly, and not otherwise as I have observed seeing  some other hams mountings.
 

 Although the ATAS operates on 40m, it is very inefficient; however, I have made many contacts on 40m.  The higher bands, when open, provide better performance.  
 

 I have a large collection of motorized antennas and there are several others having about the same physical height that have MUCH better radiation efficiency.  My best antennas are the large coil Hi-Q and Scorpion antennas where the top of the antenna is about 12 feet AGL and an appropriate cap hat is used.  Again, if you have a good ground and minimize the ground losses, you will put out a strong signal and even can operate on 75m/80m quite well.
 

 Toss the mag mount Roy!
 

 73 de Barry W4WB