[50mhz] Ft-100 and atas-100

[Paul Deyo]

I hope this isn't too off topic.
I am guessing that there are several of you that have ft-100s and atas-100
antennas.  I picked up the antenna at a hamfest last weekend and have some
questions.  I can't get it to tune at all on 6 meters (or any other band
:)).  It is claimed to be brand new in the box and certainly looks like it
has never been out of the box.  The ft-100 does attempt to tune it by
driving it to its max length then back to the min length then stops tuning
and gives the high swr icon on the display.  Don't laugh at me but I am
trying this in my shack with the atas propped up on my couch just playing
with it.  I also tried attaching a short radial to it to see if that would
make a difference.  When full retracted, the swr is decent on 450 but not 2
meters.  I would love to hear any comments on whether you think the atas is
bad or it just isn't going  to tune the way I am testing it.  I have heard
that some of them were shipped dead but I am not sure if dead means the
radio wouldn't recognize it or just wouldn't tune.
Thanks everyone.
Paul
N1PD (but actually in NC)