[TenTec]

[Guy Zebrick]

Here's my reply...

Paul I've owned a Pegasus for about 6 months - My other radio is an ICOM 740 - which is a well respected analog, ham-band only, top of the line rig from the 80s. The Peg is my hands-down favorite now.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Pegasus & the proper software. TenTec has a decent control program, but Carl, N4PY has modified the free TenTec program with what must be about 200 additions! He charges $35.00 with one year of updates, so if you get a Pegasus or a Jupiter, you would be well served to pick up Carl's N4PY program and not even use TenTec's plain-Jane version. Really - worth every penny and then some.

There are so many functions that the Peg has to offer it is hard to list them in any order, but here are a few:
  a.. DSP-IF - This is such a vast improvement over standard IF filters, mainly due to the wide variety of settings, that once you have it, you'll never go back. I am still amazed at how much even a 150 Hz width difference between filter sections makes in eliminating QRM. Also, I can crank down the width real low - and still get great SSB receive. Amazing, really 
  b.. Flexible front panel / software control - This gives you things like memory names along with frequencies, point and click PBT and RIT, and more. Along with the software you get things like mode memories, where changing mode also changes the input port, power level, etc. 
  c.. Great General Coverage receive - never really got into SWL before the Pegasus, now I can't get enough. 
  d.. Auto notch filter - barely effects the received signal - again, amazing. 
  e.. Great sounding TX - I get VERY good audio reports. The RF speech processor does its job without sounding distorted. 
  f.. FULL break in CW - No one does it better than TenTec 
  g.. TenTec support - none better. 
  h.. No pots to get dirty, displays to fade, etc. It is a very clean design. 
  i.. Lowest cost admission for true IF-DSP (don't confuse this with post-detection AF DSPs - not the same)
The one other thing you may wish to consider is the purchase of the remote tuning pod (I got the "J" model instead of the "P" model - the base color is dark gray, like the base of the TenTec mic, not beige like the Pegasus case). The Pod gives you the feel of a VFO for fast tuning and volume control. You can get by without it, but once you have the pod, you'll use it for common functions (even more with Carl's program) - and still use the mouse.

The Jupiter is the same thing as the Pegasus, but has a front face panel too. If I had a Jupiter, I would still use the software - there really is no comparison.

Only caution: The Peg and Jupiter are both known to be sensitive to RF feedback - make sure you follow proper power and RF grounding to keep it out of your transmit signals.