Friday, September 27, 2024

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

A couple of months in the past, Jumper launched the T14, a mid-sized radio that rapidly 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 numerous colour decisions for the housing. Let’s dive into what makes the Jumper T15 stand out and whether or not it may be the appropriate alternative in your FPV wants.

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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 obtainable in seven vibrant colours.

Just 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 screen protector for the touchscreen show
  • A neck strap

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Unbox Accessories Case

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, making certain the radio stays secure throughout transport.

Nonetheless, there isn’t any guide included within the field, which may be barely difficult for newbies. Hopefully, you could find some tutorials on-line to get began.

Specs and Options

  • MCU: STM32F429IGT6
  • Display screen: 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: 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)
  • Dimension: 185*175*79mm
  • Weight:
    • 538g (with out battery)
    • 628g (with 18650)
    • 672g (with 21700)

Stunning Contact Display screen

Based on Jumper, the T15 combines the very best options of the T14 and T16 fashions. It has the identical housing and ergonomic design because the T14, however it options comparable 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 big improve in comparison with earlier fashions and units the T15 other than 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 adequate for out of doors 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 as a result of bigger colour display, however it has cleaner management format on account 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 gives 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.

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 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 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.

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 significant concern as you’ll doubtless improve to a more recent 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 either side. Two rotatory dials within the center. Beneath the dials, you’ve gotten the facility button between the 2 gimbals.

The shoulder button-style switches may be changed with stick-style switches (offered individually), a characteristic that many pilots will admire.

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 comparable 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 comfy 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 gives barely much less throw and looser springs in comparison with the Boxer out of the field. This may 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.

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

Different Options and Performance

The again of the Jumper T15 includes a foldable deal with, an ordinary 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.

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, gives 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 here are the measurements from my testing (with the display at minimal brightness):

  • 0.12A with Inner 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. Observe 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 when you bend the steel contacts. 2S LiPo additionally works so long as it matches within the battery bay.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Battery 21700 Li Ion Holder

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 sluggish charging concern I discovered when reviewing the T20S. The T15’s charging price now reaches as much as 10W. Observe that you’ll want an influence adapter that helps 5V 2A or greater; charging from a pc’s USB port might 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

Additionally they fastened the bug within the T14, the place the T14 would energy on when plugged in for charging (I consider they fastened that in later firmware updates).

FPV Simulator Assist

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

Inner RF Module

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

Gemini mode is just not 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 respectable 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 essentially the most broadly 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. 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 pictures, audio information, and radio backups. This implies you gained’t must buy an SD card individually.

You may entry the storage through the USB-C port: join the cable whereas the radio is energetic, and when prompted, choose the USB Storage (SD) choice.

Whilst 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 here 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 Inner Module 54mW 103mW 215mW 429mW 615mW 1.04W

These measurements, taken utilizing the ImmersionRC Energy meter V2, show 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 interior module relatively 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.

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

Tear Down and Inner Design

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

The inner PCB design seems to be virtually equivalent to the T14. All wires are silicone, and a lot of the parts are linked through connectors, making repairs and upkeep very straightforward.

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 mainly does all the things 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 colour touchscreen, which is a compelling characteristic for some folks.

You may get the Jumper T15 radio from:

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Front

The T15 is a well-rounded radio that gives wonderful 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 depart one thing to be desired, it strikes steadiness between options and price.

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