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 vital upgrades, together with an distinctive show and varied 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 precise alternative on your FPV wants.
Be taught concerning 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 on the market 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 embody 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 concerning the lack of correct gimbal and swap safety within the T14, and Jumper listened. This time, they included a pleasant injection-molded protector, guaranteeing the radio stays secure throughout transport.
Nevertheless, there isn’t 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: 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)
- Measurement: 185*175*79mm
- Weight:
- 538g (with out battery)
- 628g (with 18650)
- 672g (with 21700)
Lovely Contact Display
In keeping with Jumper, the T15 combines the most effective options of the T14 and T16 fashions. It has the identical housing and ergonomic design because the T14, nevertheless it options related vibrant shade contact display 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 is just not solely visually interesting but in addition purposeful, permitting you to navigate menus along with your fingers in addition to the buttons. The brightness is ample for outside use.
Design and Construct High quality
The Jumper T15 is analogous in dimension to the T14 however contains further buttons and options. The T15 is significantly taller than the T20S, primarily because of the bigger shade display, nevertheless it has cleaner management format because 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, 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.
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 need to customise their setup.
Gimbals and Switches
The T15 is supplied 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.
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 seemingly improve to a more recent radio earlier than they put on out. For many customers, particularly newcomers, I’d suggest the extra inexpensive Corridor gimbals. They’re clean, 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.
On the entrance, there are 4 switches, one 2-position and one 3-position switches on both sides. Two rotatory dials within the center. Beneath the dials, you have got the facility button between the 2 gimbals.
The shoulder button-style switches will be changed with stick-style switches (bought individually), a function that many pilots will recognize.
The T15 additionally contains 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 degree indicator when charging.
Ergonomics and Really feel
The radio is ergonomically designed with rubberized grips on the again, offering a safe maintain and guaranteeing 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 desire, particularly throughout lengthy flying classes.
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.
By way of gimbal really feel, the T15 affords 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 will be adjusted by disassembling the radio, so it’s not a deal breaker.
Nevertheless, 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 may most likely get used to that with some utilization.
Different Options and Performance
The again of the Jumper T15 encompasses a foldable deal with, a normal 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.
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 clean operation. The Radiomaster Boxer, then again, 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 may count on 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. Word that that is solely a tough estimation.
To optimize battery life, you may 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, nevertheless it additionally helps 18650 cells in the event you bend the steel contacts. 2S LiPo additionally works so long as it suits 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 degree indicators.
Jumper addressed the sluggish charging concern I discovered when reviewing the T20S. The T15’s charging price now reaches as much as 10W. Word that you’ll want an influence adapter that helps 5V 2A or larger; charging from a pc’s USB port might lead to slower cost instances.
Estimated charging instances are as follows:
- 21700 4500mAh batteries: Roughly 4-5 hours
- 18650 3000mAh batteries: Just below 3 hours
In addition they fastened the bug within the T14, the place the T14 would energy on when plugged in for charging (I imagine they fastened that in later firmware updates).
FPV Simulator Assist
The Jumper T15 is plug and play with widespread FPV simulators equivalent to Tryp and Liftoff. When related, 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 system goal “T-15 2G4 TX” is on the market within the newest configurator (V1.7.2), so you might flash it to the newest firmware model 3.4.2 if you want. It additionally helps the ELRS Backpack function.
Gemini mode is just not supported by the T15, you may nonetheless, set up a Gemini module on the again module bay. One module I can suggest 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 at the moment essentially the most extensively used radio firmware within the FPV neighborhood. The firmware model is “Manufacturing facility Firmware,” nevertheless it reveals “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 an alternative, it comes with onboard 512MB flash reminiscence, which serves as storage for mannequin pictures, audio information, and radio backups. This implies you received’t have to buy an SD card individually.
You possibly can entry the storage through the USB-C port: join the cable whereas the radio is energetic, and when prompted, choose the USB Storage (SD) possibility.
Whilst you don’t should mess with the firmware when the radio arrives, it’s definitely doable 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 inner 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 necessary to notice that these measurements mirror the consistency and efficiency of the inner module relatively 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.
Tear Down and Inside Design
Disassembling the T15 is easy, with solely six screws holding the back and front housing collectively.
The interior PCB design seems to be nearly similar to the T14. All wires are silicone, and many of the parts are related through connectors, making repairs and upkeep very simple.
Conclusion
The Jumper T15 mainly does every part 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 function for some folks.
You may get the Jumper T15 radio from:
The T15 is a well-rounded radio that provides wonderful worth for its worth. It’s appropriate for each newcomers and skilled pilots, because of its user-friendly interface and high-quality gimbals. Whereas the supplies used go away one thing to be desired, it strikes a superb steadiness between options and price.