Evaluate: Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter – Combining the Better of T14 and T16

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A couple of months in the past, Jumper launched the T14, a mid-sized radio that shortly gained reputation within the FPV neighborhood for its spectacular options and aggressive pricing. Now, Jumper is again with the T15, a brand new radio that builds on the success of the T14 with some important upgrades, together with an distinctive show and numerous colour decisions for the housing. Let’s dive into what makes the Jumper T15 stand out and whether or not it is perhaps the best alternative in your FPV wants.

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Study in regards to the fundamentals of FPV radio controllers on this purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/

The place to Purchase and Unboxing

You will get the Jumper T15 radio from:

The Jumper T15 is offered in seven vibrant colours.

Just like the Jumper T14, the Jumper T15 comes well-packaged in a sturdy carry case, a major improve over the Jumper T20S, which doesn’t embody one. Contained in the field, you’ll discover:

  • USB-C cable for charging and firmware updates
  • Spare springs for adjusting gimbal stress
  • Display protector for the touchscreen show
  • A neck strap

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Unbox Accessories Case

I beforehand complained in regards to the lack of correct gimbal and swap safety within the T14, and Jumper listened. This time, they included a pleasant injection-molded protector, making certain the radio stays protected throughout transport.

Nonetheless, there isn’t a guide included within the field, which is perhaps barely difficult for newbies. Hopefully, you’ll find some tutorials on-line to get began.

Specs and Options

  • MCU: STM32F429IGT6
  • Display: 3.5″ colour contact (decision 480*320)
  • Gimbals: Corridor sensor or RDC90
  • Constructed-in RF: ExpressLRS (915MHz or 2.4GHz)
  • Transmission energy: 1000mW (max 30dBm)
  • Exterior module interface: customary JR module bay (JR / FrSKY / Crossfire suitable)
  • TF card: built-in reminiscence chip
  • Working voltage: 6V – 8.4V
  • Battery Required: 21700*2 (not included)
  • Dimension: 185*175*79mm
  • Weight:
    • 538g (with out battery)
    • 628g (with 18650)
    • 672g (with 21700)

Lovely Contact Display

In keeping with Jumper, the T15 combines one of the best options of the T14 and T16 fashions. It has the identical housing and ergonomic design because the T14, however it options related vibrant colour contact display of the T16.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Screen Menu Buttons

The three.5-inch colour show, boasting a 480×320 decision, is high-definition and able to displaying small printed textual content with readability. This high-quality show is a major improve in comparison with earlier fashions and units the T15 aside from different radios in its class. The display will not be solely visually interesting but additionally practical, permitting you to navigate menus along with your fingers in addition to the buttons. The brightness is enough for outside use.

Design and Construct High quality

The Jumper T15 is analogous in measurement to the T14 however consists of further buttons and options. The T15 is significantly taller than the T20S, primarily because of the bigger colour display, however it has cleaner management format because of fewer buttons and sliders. Nonetheless, the fabric used within the T15, just like the housing and plastic scroll wheel, offers a barely low cost and flimsy really feel, much like what you get within the T14.

The T15 has a sq. form, much like the TBS Mambo and Radiomaster Boxer. It affords ergonomics akin to full-size radios just like the TX16S however is barely extra compact.

On the highest, the transmitter encompasses a foldable deal with, a DFU button for firmware updates, and a coach port.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Top Usb C Trainer

The T15’s antenna is non-removable, however the case has provisions for added antenna choices. You possibly can take away the rubber plugs and set up totally different antenna configurations if wanted. This flexibility is a pleasant contact for superior customers who wish to customise their setup.

Gimbals and Switches

The T15 is provided with Corridor sensor gimbals, with the choice to improve to extra premium RDC90 potentiometer gimbals for an additional $30-$40. Whereas Jumper claims the RDC90 gimbals are superior, I couldn’t inform a lot distinction when making an attempt them again to again.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Gimbal Rdc90

On paper, Corridor sensor gimbals ought to last more than conventional potentiometer gimbals just like the RC90, however usually, longevity isn’t a serious concern as you’ll doubtless improve to a more moderen radio earlier than they put on out. For many customers, particularly newbies, I’d advocate the extra inexpensive Corridor gimbals. They’re easy, exact, and comfy whether or not you’re a thumber or a pincher.

The format of the switches and buttons intently matches that of the Radiomaster Boxer.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Switches

On the entrance, there are 4 switches, one 2-position and one 3-position switches on both sides. Two rotatory dials within the center. Under the dials, you might have the facility button between the 2 gimbals.

The shoulder button-style switches could be changed with stick-style switches (bought individually), a function that many pilots will respect.

Jumper T14 Radio Transmitter Flat Switches Replacement

The T15 additionally consists of six further “flight mode” buttons on the entrance plate, that are absent within the T14. These buttons have backlit LED and double because the battery stage indicator when charging.

Ergonomics and Really feel

The radio is ergonomically designed with rubberized grips on the again, offering a safe maintain and making certain it sits comfortably in your arms throughout use. The T15 weighs 538 grams with out the battery, making it significantly heavier than the T20S (447g) and T14 (503g), and related in weight to the Boxer (529g). This weight distinction can affect your choice, particularly throughout lengthy flying classes.

The T15 feels well-balanced, making it snug to make use of for prolonged intervals. The neck strap hook is completely positioned; when utilizing two 21700 cells, the radio is completely balanced.

When it comes to gimbal really feel, the T15 affords barely much less throw and looser springs in comparison with the Boxer out of the field. This is perhaps preferable for thumb pilots, whereas hybrid pinchers or pilots preferring firmer springs may lean in the direction of the Boxer. Gimbal stress could be adjusted by disassembling the radio, so it’s not a deal breaker.

Nonetheless, as I discussed within the T14 assessment, the switches are a bit too far to achieve on this radio design, and you need to stretch your fingers extra in comparison with the Boxer, however you’ll be able to in all probability get used to that with some utilization.

Different Options and Performance

The again of the Jumper T15 encompasses a foldable deal with, a regular JR module compartment for including a Crossfire or 4in1 module, and a fan to maintain the inner RF module cool when operating at excessive output energy.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Back

The T15 has a barely simplified management interface in comparison with the Radiomaster Boxer by combining the 2 web page buttons. The scroll wheel on the T14, regardless of being plastic, affords easy operation. The Radiomaster Boxer, alternatively, has a steel scroll wheel that feels extra premium.

Energy Consumption and Battery Life

Present draw varies relying on the RF energy setting. Listed below are the measurements from my testing (with the display at minimal brightness):

  • 0.12A with Inside RF module turned off
  • 0.32A at 25mW
  • 0.45A at 50mW
  • 0.51A at 100mW
  • 0.66A at 250mW
  • 0.78A at 500mW
  • 0.89A at 1W

The measurements are much like the T14.

Utilizing 21700 4500mAh cells, you’ll be able to anticipate round 8 to 9 hours of runtime at 25mW or roughly 4 hours at 1W. With 18650 3000mAh cells, this drops to roughly 6 hours at 25mW or about 3 hours at 1W. Notice that that is solely a tough estimation.

To optimize battery life, you’ll be able to make the most of the Dynamic Energy possibility obtainable within the ExpressLRS LUA script. With Dynamic Energy, the mW output adapts to the mannequin’s vary, sign energy, and hyperlink high quality, minimizing energy consumption. This function permits for as little as 25mW utilization throughout unobstructed line-of-sight flights.

Battery and Charging

The T15 comes with a tray for 21700 lithium-ion cells, however it additionally helps 18650 cells in case you bend the steel contacts. 2S LiPo additionally works so long as it suits within the battery bay.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Battery 21700 Li Ion Holder

The T15 helps charging by way of USB-C port, which is handy. When charging, the backlit flight mode buttons double as battery stage indicators.

Jumper addressed the gradual charging problem I discovered when reviewing the T20S. The T15’s charging price now reaches as much as 10W. Notice that you’ll want an influence adapter that helps 5V 2A or greater; charging from a pc’s USB port could lead to slower cost instances.

Estimated charging instances are as follows:

  • 21700 4500mAh batteries: Roughly 4-5 hours
  • 18650 3000mAh batteries: Slightly below 3 hours

In addition they mounted the bug within the T14, the place the T14 would energy on when plugged in for charging (I imagine they mounted that in later firmware updates).

FPV Simulator Assist

The Jumper T15 is plug and play with widespread FPV simulators similar to Tryp and Liftoff. When linked, it’s mechanically acknowledged within the simulator. The setup stays the identical as all different mainstream remotes.

Inside RF Module

The T15 encompasses a built-in 2.4GHz ExpressLRS RF module that comes with ELRS 3.3.2 firmware. The machine goal “T-15 2G4 TX” is offered within the newest configurator (V1.7.2), so chances are you’ll flash it to the newest firmware model 3.4.2 if you want. It additionally helps the ELRS Backpack function.

Gemini mode will not be supported by the T15, you’ll be able to nonetheless, set up a Gemini module on the again module bay. One module I can advocate is the BetaFPV SuperG TX module which I’ve examined with first rate outcomes: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-superg-nano-transmitter-module/

In case you are new to ExpressLRS, try my detailed setup information: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/

Radio Firmware

The Jumper T15 comes preinstalled with EdgeTX firmware, which is at the moment essentially the most extensively used radio firmware within the FPV neighborhood. The firmware model is “Manufacturing unit Firmware,” however it exhibits “2.10.1 Self Construct” on the startup display. The firmware goal is edgetx-T15.

A notable function of the T15 is its elimination of the SD card slot. As a substitute, it comes with onboard 512MB flash reminiscence, which serves as storage for mannequin photos, audio recordsdata, and radio backups. This implies you received’t must buy an SD card individually.

You possibly can entry the storage by way of the USB-C port: join the cable whereas the radio is lively, and when prompted, choose the USB Storage (SD) possibility.

When you don’t should mess with the firmware when the radio arrives, it’s definitely potential to flash EdgeTX firmware utilizing one of many two strategies described in my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/flash-edgetx/

Output Energy Testing

Listed below are the facility measurements of the Jumper T-15’s inside module at totally different output energy ranges.

Energy Ranges 25mW 50mW 100mW 250mW 500mW 1W
T15 Inside Module 54mW 103mW 215mW 429mW 615mW 1.04W

These measurements, taken utilizing the ImmersionRC Energy meter V2, display the accuracy of the manufacturing unit calibration and the utmost output energy. It’s essential to notice that these measurements mirror the consistency and efficiency of the inner module somewhat than the {hardware} high quality.

After operating the T-15 at its most 1W output energy for 20 minutes, it settled round 1.04W. This spectacular energy stability demonstrates the effectiveness of the cooling system.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Rf Output Power 1w Testing Compare T20s

Tear Down and Inside Design

Disassembling the T15 is easy, with solely six screws holding the back and front housing collectively.

The inner PCB design seems to be nearly equivalent to the T14. All wires are silicone, and a lot of the elements are linked by way of connectors, making repairs and upkeep very simple.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Tear Down Dissemble

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Tear Down Dissemble Front Housing Main Pcb

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Tear Down Dissemble Back Housing Rf Board

Conclusion

The Jumper T15 principally does every part the Jumper T16 and Radiomaster TX16S do however within the extra compact kind issue of the Boxer and T14. For simply $20 greater than the Boxer, you get a vibrant colour touchscreen, which is a compelling function for some individuals.

You will get the Jumper T15 radio from:

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Front

The T15 is a well-rounded radio that provides glorious worth for its value. It’s appropriate for each newbies and skilled pilots, due to its user-friendly interface and high-quality gimbals. Whereas the supplies used go away one thing to be desired, it strikes stability between options and value.

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