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write your own review of the Ten-Tec Pegasus.
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NY4D
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 11, 2011 13:39
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Fun Rig That Won Me Over
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've been using the Pegasus for about a week and it has been a big surprise to me. I downloaded the latest software - yes they have updated it in 2011 - and did the flash update. Hooked it up to my netbook running XP and was up and running.
Ran into low tx audio with a Ten-Tec desk mic but read that there was an internal adjustment. No service info available but if you follow the mic leads from the chassis socket, the adjustment pot is right next to the header socket for the mic leads. In getting this set just right for my purposes it is obvious that just about any mic can be made to work with this rig with this internal adjustment.
The delightful part of this rig is the abundance of filter widths, there are 34 all together, with 9 (you pick which ones) being displayed at any one time. The fact that any of them work in any mode and that the if shift is infinitely variable within the passband means that this receiver performs very well. So far, in the really miserable HF conditions we've endured lately, it has done very well. I have a high end rig in the shack right now, an Icom 775dsp, and the Pegasus, while of course not its equal, holds its own fairly well.
It's got band sweep, as many alpha tagged memories as your computer allows (probably thousands,) and a settings menu that you can adjust on the fly.
The manual is a little outdated, the flash updates have added AM transmit, 60 meters, a low power tune function, Windows 7 compatibility, etc. You can get the latest software upgrades at the Ten-Tec website.
The n4py software was recommended to me but so far I am having so much fun with the free one provided by Ten-Tec that that will be a project for down the road.
I have always been a knob, button, and dial man, but the interface and the performance of this "PC Controlled Amateur Radio Transceiver" won me over. Yes you have to use it with a computer but the one you gave away years ago would work fine. The software is so efficient that it will run even back to Windows 3.1.
Couple of nits but not enough to downgrade the rig: lack of external speaker output (there's a line output and a headphone jack) and the noise reduction is a tad aggressive most of the time.
If you can find one at a decent price there is a lot of bang for the buck here. And it is a lot of fun to use. And let's not forget that it is "Made In The U.S.A."
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AC5XP
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 16, 2011 09:09
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Excellent software defined radio
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The TenTec 550 Pegasus
This is quite a remarkable radio from the boys from Tennessee. And a very positive surprise after my not so good experiences with a Paragon that I once owned many years ago.
After a long search I finally was able to buy the Pegasus (they are very hard to find on the used market due to their cult status).
For those of you who don't know this radio, it basically is a software-defined radio. The entire IF processing is done by a fast Analog Devices digital signal processor, for both the receiver as well as the transmitter.
The radio has no physical controls other than the ON-OFF switch. It connects via an RS232 port to a PC, on which a TenTec provided GUI (graphic user interface) offers all the controls to the user, as well as frequency readout and the like. The GUI runs on all versions of Windows that I know of, from Win98 all the way to Windows 7. It is very intuitive and user-friendly; I never had to open the manual.
I also tested it with one of those low-cost USB to RS232 converters which works perfect as well, in case your PC has no RS232 ports.
Nice thing about this remote-control concept is that there are no physical controls that can go bad: No scratchy pots, no frequency dial that suddenly starts skipping steps, do display that suddenly starts to develop problems with the LCD. An old $25 laptop running Win98 bought at a flea market can do all these functions. Or your $3000 quad-processor super-duper PC, whichever you prefer.
The radio is built very well. Inside looks very clean and everything is easy to reach in the unlikely event that servicing would be needed. The input and output ports make a rigid impression on both the front panel as well as the rear apron, no flimsyness on this radio. It runs from an external 13.8V DC power supply. The absence of an internal PSU makes the radio very light, not in the least because the whole frame is aluminum, with the exception of the rear apron and the case which is sheet metal for improved rigidity.
How does it perform? well – that is the real reason why I write this review. This radio is in one word phenomenal.
There is a whole host of filters for the user, from a narrow CW filter to an 8kHz AM filter. Any filter can be used in any mode, and any carrier point (sometimes called "IF shift") can be chosen. This filter flexibility I really love. Most competing radios are so "intelligent" that the "right" filter is selected for a particular mode. Especially if you like digital modes (like I do) this is a real pain. Because there are so many different modes requiring different filters and carrier points, it is important that for the SSB mode (where most modern digital modes need to be operated) any filter and carrier point can be selected. This radio allows that, which makes it the perfect radio for the digital modes.
The receiver as a whole is very impressive. Excellent AGC function, great sensitivity even on 10 meter and not the slightest problems with overloading. I tested this latter issue in the shortwave broadcast bands in the evening, where most stations push the needle past the +50dB mark. But even without the attenuator activated, the Pegasus works flawless. You still can pick out that weak station even in the presence of such big guns.
This sometimes makes you wonder why anyone would need that $5000 radio with the impressive dynamic range numbers on paper – As long as you don’t have a radio ham as a neighbor, it is unlikely the average ham would ever need such dynamic range performance. The Pegasus gives the perfect balance for dynamic range requirements what one would need in real-life situations (the broadcast canons) versus affordability.
What else can I report? Let's see – AM operation also on transmit, the latest firmware upgrade from TenTec also allows transmit operation on 60 meter band, silk smooth tuning without artifacts all the way up to 1 Hz steps (programmable), an effective noise blanker, an automatic IF heterodyne killer (notch filter), a very good working digital noise processor, the best I have experienced on any radio (one that really helps to curb listening fatigue) and an RF speech processor.
Also: Unlimited memory channel storage, allowing added text labels and storage of mode and filter characteristics for each individually stored channel.
The radio's modulation is excellent (different TX filter widths can be chosen), and output power is above 100W for all bands.
This radio really made me change my mind about TenTec. A terrific radio worthy of any classic radio collection!
73s, Loek "Luke" d’Hont, AC5XP
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VA3PWC
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 27, 2011 11:30
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PC-Controled Radio (Not SDR)
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have used the PEG for 2 years, and this radio is lots of fun. Very good reception (triple conversion) with many filters + DSP.
I decided to sell it because I wanted a PRO3, now I am looking for another PEG in good conditions with accessories. There are only 4 PEG´s in Brazil, and none of them are for sale.
If you don´t enjoy a radio without display or manual VFO, but if you like Ten-Tec you must get the Jupiter. I am pretty sure you will enjoy this equipment. Rick PY2EL / VA3PWC
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KA1KLA
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 27, 2011 05:24
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Fun Radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is my second time around with the Ten Tec Pegasus.I sold the first one last year and was sorry I did.I was lucky enough to find another Pegasus on QRZ this week. I alway received good audio reports and I love the receiver.Just a nice radio.I also have the OrionII,Flex 5000 and Icom IC 7800
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KG6TT
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 9, 2008 11:51
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It is a hoot to use!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've been a Ten-Tec fan for over 30 years and up until about a year ago I had nearly every one ever produced (or so it seemed). When it came down to seriously reducing the number of transceivers my shortlist for Ten-Tec included my Orion and my Pegasus. Like the previous reviewer experienced, I too had a Jupiter but didn't like it as much as the Pegasus. Strange when you consider that the circuits are nearly identical... and the Jupiter has had the blessing of a few more firmware upgrades (shame on you Ten-Tec... you broke that promise! Ah, life.)
The Pegasus truly comes to life with the later versions of N4PY control software. The cosmetic kinship to Ten-Tec's free GUI is really only skin deep. N4PY is a fast running 32-bit program that sports programming options and versatility that.... when coupled with the Pegasus and the Ten-Tec remote controller... creates a powerful, highly functional user experience.
I probably wouldn't use my Pegasus in the troughs of a maddening contest. Absent that it has a very open and pleasing sound both as a transmitter and a receiver.
Notes:
1. The internal speaker is marginal at best. The Pegasus, unlike the Jupiter, does NOT have an external speaker connector although many have modified their's (caution the audio outputs are not referenced to ground). I have my Pegasus audio out going into a LogiKit SCAF-1 filter/amp to a SoundSweet speaker. Nice.
2. The Pegasus, like every Ten-Tec I am familiar with, does NOT incorporate SWR roll-back protection... relying instead on the power supply providing fast over-current protection. You see the Pegasus, depending on the nature of the SWR, can keep pulling more and more current until.... So I don't suggest mating it up to a 35A power supply without adding a very fast circuit breaker that pops around 20 amps. The one circuit difference the Jupiter added was internal over-current protection.
3. This is a perfect transceiver for modern digital modes such as PSK or Olivia.... yet it is sweet with CW and flexible with SSB.
4. Using the Pegasus without the external controller is just lame... and if you have the controller pair it up with N4PY's software and customize what that controller can do (you would be surprised.)
5. As Carl for a 30-day version (or is it 10-days?) and READ the HELP file. You will be amazed at what the Pegasus can do.
6. Quiet and cool running. The Pegasus allows a full 100% duty cycle during transmit, but if you routinely operate it like that for long stretches you might as well invest in Ten-Tec's external fan accessory (the one for the Orion works perfectly).
7. VALUE! At a current street price of around $500-$600 it can be the perfect transceiver for many hams.
73,
Jerry, KG6TT
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W5KG
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 9, 2008 09:48
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Very Good 4.5
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I will give the Peg a 5 even though a 4.5 would be better. It is alot better than the 4.0.
I have owned several other TT rigs including the Jupiter, which I did not like very much.
I have found the Peg is easy to use with the TT GUI.
I bought "Callsign's" software and it is every nice to use but not easy.
Might should have bought N4PY's software and I might some day.
Filters in the Peg are very nice but not as good as crystal filters.
Tx is equall to most transceivers today and the Noise Reduction and Auto Notch may be even better than some of the newer IF DSP rigs.
I enjoy using the Peg and will keep it for a back up rig.
TT should not have dropped it.
Don, W5KG
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K0CRX
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 12, 2008 10:27
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Good, solid radio!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought mine used on eBay about 8 years ago. Later, I added the big knob (ya gotta have at least one knob or it just is not a radio!!). I use it regularly, zero problems, I love it. BTW, I love my ol' Paragon, too!
73,
Mike
K 0 Collects Radios eXclusively
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KI4DWO
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 24, 2008 07:12
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Love it
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Forget spending thousand on a SDR etc this radio works great with the NP4Y software you can do all as the big gun rigs. Have the 2 mtr and 6 mtr transverters HAVE A COMPLETE SHACK.
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KE7BRJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 24, 2005 01:52
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Great rig!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Every one else has already gone over the specs. I can't find anything wrong with mine. N4PY software, remote dial and internal tuner make this an awesome rig.
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W3PH
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 13, 2005 13:20
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Definitely fun, if not a 'serious' radio
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The Pegasus is a lot of fun - I like it enough that I got a 2nd one to use as a standby rig at my 2nd QTH. It definitely falls short of 'competition grade' but I've used it in several CW contests and it has performed well. I have no nearby ham or AM broadcast neighbors, so the Peg's mediocre specs aren't a big hindrance for me.
Pros:
+It's small, can fit under desk/table
+Lots of filtering choices
+Clean cw keying (with correct compensation - see below)
+Great QSK
+Good audio, both tx and rx
+N4PY software is fantastic and doesn't need a fancy PC - I'm using an old 300 Mhz Pentium laptop
+Have had 3 failures, but construction of the Peg is such that I've been able to fix the problems myself (finals, band-selection relays) despite lack of schematics or service info
+Remote encoder (a must-have) has buttons that N4PY software lets you use for just about any function you want, giving you great control-ability if you can remember what function you assigned to which button
Cons:
-blew finals in one when feedline developed an intermittent connection - no foldback (N4PY software handles high SWR foldback but it didn't help in this case).
-Both of my Pegs have developed bad relays (one on 160, the other on 40)
-DSP is nice, but ultimate selectivity nowhere near as good as cascaded xtal filters
-needs a good bit of keying compensation on CW - with the proper keyer this is no trouble, but is annoying
-TenTec has abandoned the radio firmware-wise - final firmware was released 6/25/2003 - it works well enough with the most recent firmware, but the promise of upgradeability is hollow. Firmware upgrades for the Jupiter appear to have been dropped as well (most recent is 11/14/2003, and the Jupiter is still in production) - I'm considering an Orion but am nervous that they'll drop firmware upgrades for that too when the next project comes along.
-TenTec control software rates maybe a 3 out of 5 - not a big problem what with N4PY software, but without N4PY the radio wouldn't be nearly as nice. Odd that TenTec doesn't acknowledge N4PY (or CallsignSoftware, etc.) on their web site.
-No speaker jack - what's with that?
-Manual definitely an afterthought. No schematic or alignment info.
-TenTec desk mike built like a toy - fortunately, Heil, etc. have alternatives
I've gone back to using my TS-940SATs for DX chasing and contesting (cascaded Inrad filters make these great rigs), but I do use the Pegs for variety and have had a lot of fun with them.
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