Saturday, December 14, 2024

Is there a more compelling way to kick off this evaluation? Here’s a possible alternative: The Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter – A Game-Changer in Amateur Communication. What makes it unique is its clever combination of the best features from its predecessors, the T14 and T16, making it a must-have for any serious radio enthusiast.

Several months prior, Jumper introduced the T14, a mid-range radio that quickly garnered recognition among the FPV community for its impressive features and competitive pricing. Now, the Jumper T15 radio returns, boasting significant enhancements over its predecessor, the T14, along with a unique display and diverse color options for the casing, further elevating its appeal.

What sets the Jumper T15 apart from other options, and is it a suitable replacement for your FPV needs?

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Examine the principles of FPV (First-Person View) radio controllers based on the customer’s specifications: 

The Jumper T15 is available in a range of seven vibrant colours.

Like its predecessor, the Jumper T15 arrives impressively packaged in a robust travel case, a significant upgrade from the original model that lacked this essential feature. Within this rich ecosystem, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of opportunities.

  • A reliable USB-C cable for seamless charging and effortless firmware updates.
  • Spare Springs for Adjusting Gimbal Pressure:
  • Can a single screen protector make my smartphone display shine?

    With advancements in technology, screen protectors have evolved to cater to the demands of touchscreen displays. Today, you can find a variety of screen protectors designed specifically for touchscreens, which can help preserve your device’s originality while providing essential protection.

    SKIP

  • A neck strap

Prior to expressing concerns about the absence of proper gimbal and swappable battery safety features in the T14, Jumper took note of the issues and responded accordingly. They also provided a thoughtful injection-molded protector, ensuring the radio remains safely secured during transportation.

Despite the lack of a comprehensive guide, the subject matter remains accessible even to freshmen, posing little challenge. You’ll likely find online tutorials that will help you get started.

  • : STM32F429IGT6
  • Why settle for less? Optimize your display with a premium 3.5-inch shade contact tailored to a decision-making sweet spot of 480*320 pixels.
  • : Corridor sensor or RDC90
  • : ExpressLRS (915MHz or 2.4GHz)
  • : 1000mW (max 30dBm)
  • A normal JR module bay (compatible with JR, FrSKY, and Crossfire systems)?
  • : built-in reminiscence chip
  • : 6V – 8.4V
  • : 21700*2 (not included)
  • : 185*175*79mm
  • :
    • 538g (with out battery)
    • 628g (with 18650)
    • 672g (with 21700)

While the T15 combines the best features from its predecessors, the T14 and T16 models, it presents a unique fusion of styles that offers something fresh and exciting for those who seek versatility in their footwear. While sharing the same housing and ergonomic design as the T14, this device features a similar vibrant color touch screen to the T16.

The 3.5-inch display boasts a crisp 480×320 pixel resolution, delivering high-definition clarity that effortlessly renders even the smallest printed text in razor-sharp readability. With its exceptional performance, this top-notch radio stands out significantly from its competitors, setting it apart as a superior option in its category. The touchscreen display should strike a balance between visual appeal and functionality, allowing users to seamlessly navigate menus through both finger gestures and button presses. While the brightness may be sufficient for outdoor applications.

While the Jumper T15 shares similarities with its predecessor, the T14, in terms of measurement, it stands out with an added layer of functionality courtesy of additional buttons and options. While the T15 stands out due to its larger shade display, its design is also marked by a more streamlined control layout resulting from the reduced number of buttons and sliders. Despite its affordability, the fabric’s quality is underwhelming, mirroring the utilitarian feel of the T14’s housing and plastic scroll wheel – a somewhat cheap sensation that compromises on tactile experience.

The T15 has a sq. in a style akin to that of the popular TBS Mambo and Radiomaster Boxer transmitters. While offering ergonomic features comparable to those of full-size radios like the TX16S, this model’s compactness is only marginally greater.

At its peak, the transmitter boasts a collapsible handle, a dedicated button for seamless firmware updates, and a coaxial port.

Although the T15’s antenna is permanently attached, the device’s casing does accommodate alternative antenna options. If desired, you can remove the rubber plugs and configure your antennas in a wide range of settings. The versatility of this feature provides a delightful interaction with discerning clients seeking tailored solutions.

The T15 is equipped with Corridor sensor gimbals, offering a upgrade option to premium RDC90 potentiometer gimbals for $30-$40 more. While Jumper asserts that their RDC90 gimbals surpass others, I struggled to discern a significant difference upon repeated testing.

While Corridor sensor gimbals may theoretically have a longer lifespan than traditional potentiometer gimbals, such as those found in the RC90, this difference is often not a significant consideration since users typically upgrade to newer radios before their older models wear out. I would recommend the affordably priced Corridor gimbals to many customers, especially freshmen. Whether you’re a thumb user or finger expert, these gloves are clean, precise, and comfortable in either case.

The design of the switches and buttons meticulously mirrors that of the Radiomaster Boxer.

At the entrance, four switches await: a two-position switch and a three-position switch, each situated on either side. Within the central hub, two rotary dials are positioned side by side. Beneath these dials, a single ability button is situated between the two gimbal arms.

Pilots may appreciate the potential upgrade to stick-style switches, formerly known as shoulder buttons, which are now available à la carte.

The T15 features an enhanced control panel with six additional “flight mode” buttons situated on the frontplate, a distinct upgrade from its predecessor, the T14. These buttons feature backlit LEDs that also serve as a dual-purpose battery charge level indicator during charging.

The radio features ergonomic design with textured, rubberized grips at the rear, ensuring a secure grasp and comfortable hold during extended use. The T15’s bare weight of 538 grams makes it noticeably heavier than its counterparts, the X and Y models, which weigh 447g and 503g respectively, while approximating the heft of the Z model at 529g. The weight distinction can significantly impact your appetite, especially during extended periods of flight training?

The T15’s ergonomic design yields a comfortable, balanced feel that allows for extended periods of use without fatigue or discomfort. When positioned correctly, the neck strap hook provides a secure fit; with two 21700 cells in use, the radio’s balance is perfectly aligned.

Compared to the Boxer’s performance out of the box, the T15 gimbal offers slightly reduced throw and looser springs. While this setup is well-suited for thumb pilots, those seeking a more substantial spring tension might favour the Boxer configuration. While gimbal pressure may require disassembly of the radio, this isn’t necessarily a show-stopper for many users.

While the T14 overview was discussed, the switches’ placement is a notable drawback in this radio design, requiring users to stretch their fingers more than the Boxer’s layout, although familiarity can be developed through repeated use.

The transmitter’s rear panel features a foldable design, a standard JR module bay accommodating a Crossfire or 4in1 module, and a fan that keeps the internal RF module cool during high-output operation.

While the T15 boasts a relatively streamlined management interface compared to the Radiomaster Boxer, it achieves this simplicity by consolidating the two web page buttons into one. Despite its plastic construction, the scroll wheel on the T14 offers a smooth and seamless user experience. While the Radiomaster Boxer boasts a steel scroll wheel that exudes an air of luxury.

The drawing performance varies depending on the radio frequency energy setting. Below are the measurements from my testing, with the display screen calibrated to its minimum brightness setting.

  • The power consumption of the device is approximately 0.12 amps when the inside RF module is deactivated.
  • 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 dimensions bear a striking resemblance to those of the T14 model.

By incorporating high-capacity 21700 4500mAh batteries, users can anticipate a reliable operating duration of approximately 8-9 hours at 25mW or around 4 hours at 1W. With 18650 3000mAh cells in place, the output duration dwindles to approximately six hours at a mere 25 milliwatts or around three hours at one watt. This is a rough estimate solely based on available data.

To extend battery life, take advantage of the Dynamic Energy feature available in the ExpressLRS LUA script by optimizing its settings to minimize power consumption. With Dynamic Energy, the milliwatt output adjusts seamlessly to the mannequin’s varying sign energy and link quality, thereby minimizing energy consumption effectively. This device enables minimal power consumption of just 25 milliwatts during uninterrupted direct-line transmission.

The T15 accommodates 21700 lithium-ion cells via its tray, but also supports 18650 cells by adapting the steel contacts to fit them. The 2S LiPo battery will function properly if it is precisely aligned and seated within its designated battery compartment.

The T15 enables convenient charging via its USB-C port. During charging, the backlit flight mode buttons cleverly serve as battery level meters, providing a convenient visual representation of the device’s power status.

The Jumper T20S’s sluggish charging performance is addressed in this review. The charging price for the T15 has increased to a maximum of 10W. Will you require an influence converter that accommodates 5V 2A or higher charging from a PC’s USB port, which may lead to sluggish charge times.

Estimated charging times are approximately:

  • 21700 4500mAh batteries: Approximately 4 to 5 hours of power.
  • 18650 3000mAh batteries: Approximately two hours and 45 minutes of runtime.

They also secured the bug within the T14’s charging circuitry, ensuring the device powered on correctly when plugged in for recharging. Later firmware updates likely solidified this fix.

The Jumper T15 provides a seamless experience with its plug-and-play compatibility, offering stylish FPV simulator options similar to those found in popular platforms like Tryp and Liftoff? Within the simulator, it is consistently recognized when linked. The setup remains unchanged from most standard remotes.

The T15 comes equipped with a built-in 2.4GHz ExpressLRS RF module, featuring the ELRS 3.3.2 firmware out of the box. The “T-15 2G4 TX” system goal is now available in the latest configurator version V1.7.2, allowing for seamless firmware updates to model 3.4.2 for those who wish to do so. The revised text is: It also enhances the functionality of the ELRS Backpack.

While the T15 doesn’t provide direct support for this feature, you can still install a Gemini module in the rear module bay if needed. I highly recommend the BetaFPV SuperG TX module, having thoroughly tested it and achieved impressive results.

For those unfamiliar with ExpressLRS, I invite you to explore my comprehensive setup guide. 

The T15 arrives preconfigured with Betaflight, a widely adopted and highly popular open-source flight controller software among the FPV community.

Although labelled as “Manufacturing Unit Firmware”, the displayed version number at startup is actually “2.10.1 Self-Constructed”. The firmware goal is edgetx-T15.

The most striking feature of the T15 is its decision to forgo the traditional SD card slot. As a substitute, this device features 512MB of on-board flash memory, providing secure storage for model images, audio files, and radio recordings. You won’t need to purchase an SD card separately.

Access the storage via the USB-C port by connecting a cable while the radio is active, and then select the “USB Storage (SD)” option when prompted.

Upon receiving your radio, there’s no necessity to tamper with the firmware initially. Nevertheless, you do have the capability to upgrade EdgeTX firmware through either of two methods outlined in my instructional guide, should you desire to do so later on. 

The performance data for the Jumper T-15’s internal module across a range of output energy levels is as follows:

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

Taken using these measurements, they reveal the accuracy of the manufacturing unit’s calibration and its maximum output energy. These measurements primarily serve as a benchmark for evaluating the consistency and efficiency of the interior module, rather than assessing the quality of the hardware itself?

After a 20-minute operation at maximum power (1W), the T-15’s output stabilized at approximately 1.04W. The impressive energy stability achieved is a testament to the exceptional performance of the cooling system’s design and implementation?

With minimal fuss, the T15 can be disassembled via its straightforward design, which relies on just six screws to secure the back and front housings together.

The inner printed circuit board (PCB) design bears a striking resemblance to its T14 counterpart. All wires in this system are made of silicone, with numerous components connected via easy-to-use connectors, rendering repairs and maintenance remarkably uncomplicated.

While sharing similar features with the Jumper T16 and Radiomaster TX16S, the Jumper T15 excels in its more compact design, comparable to that of the Boxer and T14, effectively condensing the capabilities of its larger counterparts into a smaller yet still impressive package. For just $20 more than the Boxer, you’ll enjoy a lively color touchscreen, making it an attractive feature for those who crave this perk.

The Yaesu FT-65R is a well-rounded handheld transceiver that offers exceptional value for its price. Suitable for both novice and experienced aviators alike, thanks to its intuitive design and exceptional stabilization systems. While the supplies may fall short in some respects, they successfully strike a balance between choices and cost.

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