A couple of months in the past, Jumper launched the T14, a mid-sized radio that rapidly gained reputation within the FPV group 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 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 proper selection to 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 accessible 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 embody one. Contained in the field, you’ll discover:
- USB-C cable for charging and firmware updates
- Spare springs for adjusting gimbal pressure
- Display screen 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, making certain the radio stays protected throughout transport.
Nevertheless, there isn’t any guide included within the field, which is likely to be barely difficult for rookies. 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: 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)
Stunning Contact Display screen
In accordance 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, but it surely options related vibrant colour contact display screen of the T16.
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 aside from different radios in its class. The display screen just isn’t solely visually interesting but in addition practical, permitting you to navigate menus together 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 analogous in measurement to the T14 however contains extra buttons and options. The T15 is significantly taller than the T20S, primarily because of the bigger colour display screen, but it surely has cleaner management structure attributable to fewer buttons and sliders. Nevertheless, the fabric used within the T15, just like the housing and plastic scroll wheel, provides 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 affords ergonomics akin to full-size radios just like the TX16S however is barely extra compact.
On the highest, the transmitter contains 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 extra 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 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 attempting them again to again.
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 possible improve to a more moderen radio earlier than they put on out. For many customers, particularly rookies, I’d advocate the extra reasonably priced Corridor gimbals. They’re easy, exact, and cozy whether or not you’re a thumber or a pincher.
The structure 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 both sides. Two rotatory dials within the center. Beneath the dials, you may have the ability button between the 2 gimbals.
The shoulder button-style switches could be changed with stick-style switches (offered 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 degree 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 classes.
The T15 feels well-balanced, making it comfy to make use of for prolonged intervals. 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 would possibly lean in direction of the Boxer. Gimbal pressure could be adjusted by disassembling the radio, so it’s not a deal breaker.
Nevertheless, as I discussed within the T14 overview, 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 in all probability get used to that with some utilization.
Different Options and Performance
The again of the Jumper T15 contains a foldable deal with, a typical JR module compartment for including a Crossfire or 4in1 module, and a fan to maintain the interior 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 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 screen 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 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 possibility accessible 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 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, but it surely additionally helps 18650 cells if you happen to 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 gradual charging subject I discovered when reviewing the T20S. The T15’s charging fee now reaches as much as 10W. Notice that you will 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 consider they fastened that in later firmware updates).
FPV Simulator Assist
The Jumper T15 is plug and play with common FPV simulators comparable to Tryp and Liftoff. When related, it’s robotically acknowledged within the simulator. The setup stays the identical as all different mainstream remotes.
Inner RF Module
The T15 contains a built-in 2.4GHz ExpressLRS RF module that comes with ELRS 3.3.2 firmware. The system goal “T-15 2G4 TX” is accessible within the newest configurator (V1.7.2), so it’s possible you’ll flash it to the most recent firmware model 3.4.2 if you want. It additionally helps the ELRS Backpack characteristic.
Gemini mode just isn’t 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 at the moment probably the most broadly used radio firmware within the FPV group. The firmware model is “Manufacturing facility Firmware,” but it surely reveals “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 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 lively, and when prompted, choose the USB Storage (SD) possibility.
Whilst you don’t must 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 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, exhibit the accuracy of the manufacturing facility calibration and the utmost output energy. It’s essential to notice that these measurements replicate the consistency and efficiency of the interior 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 Inner 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 an identical to the T14. All wires are silicone, and many of the elements are related through connectors, making repairs and upkeep very simple.
Conclusion
The Jumper T15 principally 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 individuals.
You may get the Jumper T15 radio from:
The T15 is a well-rounded radio that provides glorious worth for its value. It’s appropriate for each rookies 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 a superb steadiness between options and price.
