However, out of the box, many users are frustrated. The default factory firmware (typically version 1.1.5 or earlier) is clunky, the interface is poorly designed, and as one user noted, sometimes the hardware has physical defects like a tuning knob that is mounted too close to the faceplate to function correctly. Knowing this, we can focus on a better experience.
Standard rotary potentiometer for audio levels and power.
Never use the cheap telescopic antenna for LW (Longwave) or MW (Medium wave). Use a 3.5mm external loop antenna for frequencies under 5 MHz. ats20 radio manual better
SSB is the radio's most powerful feature for long-distance shortwave listening but requires precise handling.
| Menu Item | What it actually does | Recommended Setting | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Automatic Gain Control. Keeps loud stations quiet and quiet stations loud. | ON (for AM/SW) / OFF (for SSB) | | BW | Bandwidth. Narrower = less noise, worse fidelity. Wider = better music, more hiss. | AM: 2.2 kHz / SSB: 1.8 kHz | | SQ | Squelch. Mutes the speaker until a signal breaks through. | 1 (lowest) or 0 (Off) | | SSB | Switches to Single Sideband (USB/LSB). | LSB for <10 MHz / USB for >10 MHz | | BFO | Beat Frequency Oscillator. Fine-tunes SSB voice pitch. | Adjust +/- 50 Hz for clear voice | | Step | Tuning step size. 1 kHz is fast but imprecise. 10 Hz is precise but slow. | SW: 100 Hz / SSB: 10 Hz | However, out of the box, many users are frustrated
While the manual provides a comprehensive guide to using the ATS20 radio, here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your device:
Changes the tuning increment step (e.g., 1kHz, 5kHz, 9kHz, 10kHz, 100kHz). Look for the underline cursor on the OLED screen to see which digit will change when you turn the encoder. Standard rotary potentiometer for audio levels and power
The ATS-20 is sensitive to Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). Computers, phone chargers, LED lights, and Wi-Fi routers will flood the radio with static.
Open the BW to 4.0kHz or 6.0kHz for full, rich audio fidelity. Advanced: Firmware Updates