A couple of months in the past, Jumper launched the T14, a mid-sized radio that rapidly gained recognition 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 shade selections for the housing. Let’s dive into what makes the Jumper T15 stand out and whether or not it is likely to be the suitable selection to your FPV wants.
Be taught 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 may get the Jumper T15 radio from:
The Jumper T15 is obtainable in seven vibrant colours.
Much like the Jumper T14, the Jumper T15 comes well-packaged in a sturdy carry case, a big improve over the Jumper T20S, which doesn’t embrace one. Contained in the field, you’ll discover:
- USB-C cable for charging and firmware updates
- Spare springs for adjusting gimbal rigidity
- Display protector for the touchscreen show
- A neck strap
I beforehand complained in regards to the lack of correct gimbal and change safety within the T14, and Jumper listened. This time, they included a pleasant injection-molded protector, making certain the radio stays secure throughout transport.
Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a handbook included within the field, which is likely to be barely difficult for newcomers. Hopefully, yow will discover some tutorials on-line to get began.
Specs and Options
- MCU: STM32F429IGT6
- Display: 3.5″ shade 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: commonplace JR module bay (JR / FrSKY / Crossfire suitable)
- TF card: built-in reminiscence chip
- Working voltage: 6V – 8.4V
- Battery Required: 21700*2 (not included)
- Measurement: 185*175*79mm
- Weight:
- 538g (with out battery)
- 628g (with 18650)
- 672g (with 21700)
Stunning Contact Display
Based on 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 shade contact display screen of the T16.
The three.5-inch shade 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 big improve in comparison with earlier fashions and units the T15 aside from different radios in its class. The display screen will not be solely visually interesting but in addition useful, permitting you to navigate menus along with your fingers in addition to the buttons. The brightness is ample for out of doors use.
Design and Construct High quality
The Jumper T15 is comparable in dimension to the T14 however contains extra buttons and options. The T15 is significantly taller than the T20S, primarily as a result of bigger shade display screen, however it has cleaner management format as a consequence of fewer buttons and sliders. Nevertheless, the fabric used within the T15, just like the housing and plastic scroll wheel, offers a barely low-cost and flimsy really feel, just like what you get within the T14.
The T15 has a sq. form, just like the TBS Mambo and Radiomaster Boxer. It presents ergonomics akin to full-size radios just like the TX16S however is barely extra compact.
On the highest, the transmitter includes a foldable deal with, a DFU button for firmware updates, and a coach port.
The T15’s antenna is non-removable, however the case has provisions for added antenna choices. You may 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 attempting them again to again.
On paper, Corridor sensor gimbals ought to last more than conventional potentiometer gimbals just like the RC90, however typically, longevity isn’t a serious concern as you’ll probably improve to a more moderen radio earlier than they put on out. For many customers, particularly newcomers, I’d advocate the extra inexpensive Corridor gimbals. They’re clean, exact, and cozy whether or not you’re a thumber or a pincher.
The format of the switches and buttons carefully matches that of the Radiomaster Boxer.
On the entrance, there are 4 switches, one 2-position and one 3-position switches on either side. Two rotatory dials within the center. Under the dials, you might have the ability button between the 2 gimbals.
The shoulder button-style switches may be changed with stick-style switches (bought individually), a characteristic that many pilots will admire.
The T15 additionally contains six extra “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 palms 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 desire, particularly throughout lengthy flying periods.
The T15 feels well-balanced, making it snug to make use of for prolonged durations. 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 presents barely much less throw and looser springs in comparison with the Boxer out of the field. This is likely to be preferable for thumb pilots, whereas hybrid pinchers or pilots preferring firmer springs may lean in direction of the Boxer. Gimbal rigidity may be adjusted by disassembling the radio, so it’s not a deal breaker.
Nevertheless, as I discussed within the T14 evaluation, the switches are a bit too far to achieve on this radio design, and it’s a must to stretch your fingers extra in comparison with the Boxer, however you may most likely get used to that with some utilization.
Different Options and Performance
The again of the Jumper T15 includes a foldable deal with, a regular JR module compartment for including a Crossfire or 4in1 module, and a fan to maintain the interior RF module cool when working at excessive output energy.
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, presents clean operation. The Radiomaster Boxer, however, has a metallic 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 screen 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 just like the T14.
Utilizing 21700 4500mAh cells, you may 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 may make the most of the Dynamic Energy choice obtainable within the ExpressLRS LUA script. With Dynamic Energy, the mW output adapts to the mannequin’s vary, sign power, and hyperlink high quality, minimizing energy consumption. This characteristic 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 if you happen to bend the metallic contacts. 2S LiPo additionally works so long as it matches within the battery bay.
The T15 helps charging through 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 will want an influence adapter that helps 5V 2A or increased; charging from a pc’s USB port could end in slower cost occasions.
Estimated charging occasions are as follows:
- 21700 4500mAh batteries: Roughly 4-5 hours
- 18650 3000mAh batteries: Just 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 consider 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 related, it’s routinely acknowledged within the simulator. The setup stays the identical as all different mainstream remotes.
Inside RF Module
The T15 includes a built-in 2.4GHz ExpressLRS RF module that comes with ELRS 3.3.2 firmware. The machine goal “T-15 2G4 TX” is obtainable 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 characteristic.
Gemini mode will not be supported by the T15, you may nevertheless, 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/
If you’re new to ExpressLRS, take a look at my detailed setup information: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/
Radio Firmware
The Jumper T15 comes preinstalled with EdgeTX firmware, which is presently probably the most extensively used radio firmware within the FPV neighborhood. The firmware model is “Manufacturing facility Firmware,” however it exhibits “2.10.1 Self Construct” on the startup display screen. The firmware goal is edgetx-T15.
A notable characteristic of the T15 is its elimination of the SD card slot. As an alternative, it comes with onboard 512MB flash reminiscence, which serves as storage for mannequin photographs, audio recordsdata, and radio backups. This implies you received’t have to buy an SD card individually.
You may entry the storage through the USB-C port: join the cable whereas the radio is lively, and when prompted, choose the USB Storage (SD) choice.
When you don’t need to mess with the firmware when the radio arrives, it’s definitely attainable 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 ability 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, reveal the accuracy of the manufacturing facility calibration and the utmost output energy. It’s necessary to notice that these measurements mirror the consistency and efficiency of the interior module quite than the {hardware} high quality.
After working 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.
Tear Down and Inside Design
Disassembling the T15 is simple, with solely six screws holding the back and front housing collectively.
The interior PCB design seems to be virtually similar to the T14. All wires are silicone, and a lot of the elements are related through connectors, making repairs and upkeep very straightforward.
Conclusion
The Jumper T15 mainly does every little thing the Jumper T16 and Radiomaster TX16S do however within the extra compact type issue of the Boxer and T14. For simply $20 greater than the Boxer, you get a vibrant shade touchscreen, which is a compelling characteristic for some folks.
You may get the Jumper T15 radio from:
The T15 is a well-rounded radio that gives glorious worth for its value. It’s appropriate for each newcomers 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 an excellent stability between options and value.