Jumper-T15-Radio-transmitter

Jumper T15 Radio Review: A Feature-Packed Radio for FPV Drones

Hello FPV drone enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into an in-depth review of the Jumper T15 radio transmitter. This compact but powerful radio is aimed squarely at the FPV drone market and comes loaded with features that pilots are going to love. I was excited to get my hands on the T15 and put it through its paces to see how it stacks up against other popular options like the RadioMaster TX16S and Radiomaster Zorro.

The T15 sits in the same class as radios like the RadioMaster Zorro, TBS Tango 2, and other compact “gamepad” style transmitters. However, it brings some unique capabilities to the table that help set it apart. Most notably, it packs in a vibrant color touchscreen display – something that’s rare on radios of this size.

I’ll share my thoughts on the build quality, ergonomics, gimbals, switches, and that beautiful color display. I’ll also demonstrate the radio’s configuration options and how you can optimize it for your needs. And of course, we’ll test out that built-in 1W ExpressLRS module and see how it performs. By the end, you should know if the Jumper T15 deserves a spot in your FPV kit.

Let’s begin with an overview of the T15’s key specs and features before we dive into the hands-on experience.

Key Specs & Features

  • Compact “gamepad” style radio (185x175x79 mm, 482g without battery)
  • Built-in ExpressLRS module (2.4GHz or 900MHz options, up to 1W output)
  • Vibrant 3.5″ color LCD touchscreen (480×320 resolution)
  • Runs EdgeTX firmware with touch optimizations
  • Full-size Hall sensor gimbals (JR style compatible)
  • 6x programmable buttons with RGB lighting
  • 2x 3-position and 4x 3-position switches
  • JR module bay for external modules
  • Folding carry handle doubles as neck strap attachment
  • Dual built-in 2.4GHz antennas (rotatable and foldable)
  • Powered by 2x 21700 cells or 2S LiPo via balance plug
  • Available in 5 colors: black, gray, purple, green, blue
Jumper T15 Radio transmitter on hand
Jumper T15 radio transmitter on Hand

The Jumper T15 packs impressive features into its compact form factor. The most notable is the touchscreen, which sets it apart in this class of transmitters. I’m excited to see how it impacts day-to-day use. The ExpressLRS capability and JR module bay provide flexibility for different receiver protocols.

The T15’s control layout looks well thought out with many momentary and latched switches. And I’m intrigued by those programmable buttons with RGB lighting. Configuration options are always appreciated on an FPV radio.

What’s In The Box

The Jumper T15 comes nicely packaged with:

  • T15 transmitter
  • 2x 21700 Li-ion cells
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Lanyard
  • Gimbal protector sticker
  • Quickstart guide

Everything you need to get up and running with the T15 is included, except for the 21700 cells to power it. You’ll need to supply a set of those or use a 2S LiPo pack. 18650 cells can work in a pinch too. The included hard shell case is a nice bonus. It provides good protection for the radio during transport and has cutouts for the gimbals and switches.

One small gripe – the quickstart “manual” is extremely basic – more of a brief overview than detailed instructions. You’ll likely need to refer to online documentation and guides to fully understand the T15’s capabilities. Not a huge deal, but something to be aware of.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter 1

Build Quality & Ergonomics

When you pick up the T15 for the first time, you immediately notice how compact and lightweight it is for a radio in this class. At 482g (without batteries), it’s easy to pack in a backpack without weighing you down.

The plastic shell has a matte texture that provides a decent grip. It doesn’t feel quite as solid and premium as the metal-reinforced RadioMaster Zorro, but it still has a quality feel. The case doesn’t creak or flex. The gimbals have smooth action with adjustable spring tension and endpoint travel.

I love that Jumper included a folding carry handle on the T15. It’s super handy for one-handed carrying between flights. When not in use, it folds out of the way and can even be used to attach a neck strap. Ergonomics are quite good for a gamepad-style transmitter. The rear grips have a slight palm swell that makes the radio comfortable to hold for extended sessions. Thumbs fall naturally on the gimbals and critical controls.

My only real complaint is the sharp edges on some of the switches and trim buttons. They’re not a dealbreaker, but I do wish Jumper had smoothed them out a bit more.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter folding antenna
Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Folding Antenna

Gimbals

The Jumper T15 uses Hall effect gimbals with fully adjustable spring tension and travel. They have a smooth, fluid feel and re-center nicely. Far better than entry-level radios, but a small step down from ultra-premium gimbals like the M9 or AG01. I think most pilots will be more than satisfied with the T15’s sticks.

One minor complaint – the metal gimbal face plates are a bit gaudy for my taste with their shiny silver finish. But that’s purely subjective. Functionally, they’re great. If you want to swap them for a different style, the face plates are easily removable. The stock stick ends are made of a grippy plastic material with aggressive texturing. They’re comfortable and prevent slipping, even with sweaty hands. If you prefer a different shape or height, the stick ends are also replaceable.

Overall, I’m impressed with the T15’s gimbal performance, especially at this price point. They feel precise and have held up well to hours of use so far. Thumbs up here.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter module exess irs

Switches & Buttons

In addition to the main control sticks, the Jumper T15 provides a good assortment of switches for auxiliary functions. You get:

  • 2x 3-position switches on the top left
  • 2x 2-position switches on the top right
  • 2x momentary buttons on the top left and right (replaceable with switches)
  • 4x 3-position switches in the center
  • 6x programmable buttons below the screen
  • 2x rotary knobs
Jumper T15 Radio transmitter trim switch

This gives you plenty of options for arming, mode switching, buzzer control, and more. I appreciate that Jumper incorporated both toggle and momentary switches. The toggle switches have a positive click between positions. The 6 programmable buttons are especially cool because you can configure them in multiple ways via EdgeTX:

  • As 6 individual buttons across 6 different channels
  • Combined in groups of 2 or 3 to work as multi-position switches
  • As radio buttons to choose between different options
Jumper T15 Radio transmitter change Switch 1

This flexibility is great for customizing the T15 to your specific needs. The buttons are also illuminated with RGB backlighting which is helpful for night flying. My one gripe is that the top shoulder switches are only 2-position by default. For critical functions like arming, momentary is often preferred. But Jumper does sell an optional kit that lets you swap the buttons for proper toggle switches. I’ll likely be taking advantage of that.

Other than that small issue, I’m very happy with the T15’s switch and button layout. It provides ample control without feeling overcrowded. The switches have a quality feel with solid action. And the programmable buttons are a standout feature that adds a lot of flexibility.

Touchscreen Display

Now we come to the Jumper T15’s headline feature – the 3.5″ color touchscreen display. This is a real rarity on compact radios and it makes a huge difference in usability. The 480×320 resolution is crisp and vibrant. Colors pop and the viewing angles are excellent, even in direct sunlight.

Having a touchscreen elevates the experience of navigating EdgeTX and adjusting settings. Instead of fiddling with buttons and scroll wheels, you can just tap and swipe your way through the interface. It feels intuitive and speeds up common tasks. The T15’s version of EdgeTX has been nicely optimized for touch control too. Menus and icons are large enough to be selected easily. And the response is quite good – I rarely had to double tap or precisely aim to hit my target.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter full

In addition to adjusting settings, the touchscreen lets you set up customizable widgets on the main display. For example, you can have your flight mode displayed in the top left, a voltage readout on the right, and a model image loaded in the center. Having key info available at a glance is great for flight-line visibility.

You can also run LUA scripts on the color screen. This opens up a ton of possibilities, like the VTx Control or BetaFlight Configurator scripts. It’s awesome to have that extra utility integrated right into the radio. Some pilots may be concerned about battery life with a large color screen. But in my testing, the impact hasn’t been severe. I’m getting 3-4 hours of heavy use from a set of 21700 cells, which is plenty for a day of flying. You can also adjust the screen timeout and brightness to stretch it further.

Overall, I think the touchscreen is a transformative feature of the T15. It elevates the user experience and makes the radio feel premium and modern. The extra utility is the icing on the cake. If you’ve been holding out for a color screen on a compact radio, the T15 delivers in spades.

Internal ExpressLRS Module

In addition to the color touchscreen, the other standout feature of the Jumper T15 is the internal ExpressLRS module. ExpressLRS (ELRS for short) is an open-source control link protocol that’s rapidly gaining popularity in the FPV community. It offers excellent range, fast response times, and low latency. Many pilots are switching to ELRS for its performance and expandability.

The T15 gives you that ELRS goodness integrated right into the radio. No external module is needed. Even better, you can get it in either 2.4GHz or 900MHz flavors, with up to 1W of output power. That’s enough to comfortably fly several kilometers out with good antennas on both ends.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter express irs

One of the reasons ELRS is so popular is that it’s extremely configurable. You can adjust parameters like packet rate, telemetry ratio, output power, and more. The Jumper T15 gives you full access to all of those settings right on the touchscreen. No need to hook up to a computer or fiddle with complex button combinations.

The touchscreen makes it easy to navigate the ELRS lua script and dial in your preferred settings. The most common adjustments like output power, packet rate, and binding are quick and intuitive. I had my R9 Slim+ receiver bound and configured within a couple of minutes.

Performance-wise, the internal ELRS module is rock solid. I’ve pushed it out to 3km+ in open areas with just a stubby Omni on the transmitter and Axii on the receiver. Zero issues with telemetry or control. Even in more challenging environments like behind trees and buildings, the link stayed strong. The 500Hz packet rate makes a noticeable difference in stick feel too. Control is snappy and precise.

If you’re an existing ELRS user, you’ll be happy to know that the T15’s module has full support for WiFi updating and LUA scripting. You can even run things like the Betaflight TX lua right from the touchscreen for wireless configuration.

The only downside to the internal module is that it takes up the JR bay. So you can’t use other protocols like Crossfire or Ghost at the same time. But I think for most pilots, the hit-the-ground-running convenience of the internal ELRS will outweigh the slight loss in flexibility.

Range & Latency Testing

Of course, the most important aspect of any FPV radio is how it performs in the air. To see how the Jumper T15 stacks up, I put it through a series of range and latency tests.

For the control range, I used the following setup:

  • Jumper T15 @ 1W output / 500Hz
  • Happymodel EP1 @ 250mW video
  • Axii 2 stubby omni on the transmitter
  • iFlight Crystal patch on the quad
  • Flying behind a row of trees and houses

The T15’s internal ELRS module did great. I was able to fly over 2.5km away without any perceptible control degradation. The link stayed solid even when the quad dropped behind obstructions. I couldn’t out-range the video with this setup, which is exactly what you want.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter testing

Next, I did some latency testing with a Logic Analyzer. At 500Hz, the T15 showed an impressive average of 5.4ms from stick input to Rx output. This is right in line with high-end ELRS setups and meets the “under 10ms” gold standard. The extra snappiness is noticeable coming from 4.0 Crossfire.

I also tested the T15 at 250Hz as a worst-case scenario. Latency increased to an average of 14ms, which is still perfectly flyable but not ideal for race quads. The stick feel was a bit softer but still very manageable for freestyle.

After many packs of “real world” use, I’ve found the T15’s ELRS link to be extremely robust. I have yet to experience a single failsafe or telemetry dropout, even when pushing the limits of my video gear. The link just quietly does its job, which is exactly what I want from my control system.

Additional Features

A few other notable features of the Jumper T15:

  • Bluetooth – You can connect a Bluetooth module for wireless simulator practice or work with the Betaflight mobile app. Virtual thumbs are also supported for navigating the UI via touchscreen.
  • RGB LED – An RGB LED behind the screen can display things like RSSI warnings, battery levels, and notifications. Useful for a quick “idiot light” while flying
  • Adjustable gimbal sensitivity – This is a unique feature that lets you adjust the stick sensitivity of the Hall gimbals. You can make them feel more or less responsive to your liking without having to change endpoint travel.
  • Lanyard attachment – The folding handle has a metal ring that’s perfect for attaching a lanyard or neck strap. This is a nice quality-of-life feature for preventing unexpected gravity checks.
  • USB-C connectivity – The T15 ditches old-school USB for modern USB-C. Hooray for being able to plug it in either way! It supports USB-C both for charging the internal Lion cells and for connecting to a PC via EdgeTX.
  • Adjustable antenna position – The external antennas can be angled 90 degrees for use with patches or helicals. It’s a small touch but shows Jumper has been paying attention to real-world usage.
  • Textured switches – In addition to the gimbals, the switches on the T15 have a textured finish for extra grip. A lot of radios are cheap out here but it’s nice to see Jumper paying attention to the details.
Jumper T15 Radio transmitter 1 2

While none of these are earth-shattering, they do show that Jumper has put a lot of thought into the T15. The little quality-of-life improvements add up to make the radio feel polished and well-rounded.

Improvements & Wishlist

As much as I like the Jumper T15, there are a few areas where it could be improved:

  • Full CNC gimbals – The stock gimbals are good but I would love to see a CNC aluminum option, similar to the RadioMaster M9 or AG01. I wouldn’t be surprised if some aftermarket upgrades start popping up.
  • More premium materials – The plastic case of the T15 is fine but doesn’t quite have the premium feel of a TBS Tango 2 or TX16S. Some rubberized grips or metal accents could take it to the next level.
  • Customizable button mapping – While the T15 lets you group the programmable buttons in different ways, you can’t change which functions they control. The ability to fully customize the mapping would be amazing.
  • Adjustable haptic strength – The vibration motor in the T15 is quite strong. The ability to adjust the intensity would be nice for those who prefer more subtle feedback.
  • USB-C charging – While the T15 does have USB-C, it’s only for data, not for charging. You still need to charge the Lion cells externally. Allowing for direct USB-C charging would be a nice convenience.
  • Wireless configuration – The T15 has all the hardware for WiFi-based configuration (Bluetooth module, ExpressLRS w/ Backpack) but doesn’t yet support it in software. This is likely something that could be added via a firmware update.

Spare parts availability – As a new radio, the T15 doesn’t have a wide availability of spare parts yet. Things like replacement gimbals, switches, and cases can be hard to find. Hopefully, this improves as the radio matures and sees wider adoption.

None of these are deal breakers but they would help take the T15 from a great radio to a truly outstanding one. As is, it still ticks all the most important boxes and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. But if Jumper can address some of these wishlist items in future firmware updates or a V2 hardware revision, they’ll have an extremely compelling offering on their hands.

Who Should Buy the Jumper T15?

The Jumper T15 is a great option for a wide range of FPV drone pilots, but it will be especially appealing to the following groups:

  1. Pilots Looking for a Compact, Feature-Packed Radio: If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable transmitter with powerful features, the T15 fits the bill. Its compact “gamepad” style makes it easy to carry and comfortable to hold, while still offering advanced features like a color touchscreen, Hall sensor gimbals, and programmable buttons.
  2. ExpressLRS Users: If you’re already using or planning to switch to ExpressLRS (ELRS) for its low latency and long-range performance, the T15’s built-in ELRS module is a major advantage. With support for 2.4GHz or 900MHz frequencies and up to 1W output, it’s a great choice for those seeking an integrated, no-fuss solution.
  3. FPV Pilots Who Value Customization: The T15 offers excellent customization options with its programmable buttons, adjustable gimbals, and ability to configure settings through the touchscreen. If you enjoy fine-tuning your setup to suit your flying style, the T15 gives you the tools to do just that.
  4. Pilots Who Want a Modern, Easy-to-Use Interface: The vibrant color touchscreen and intuitive interface make it much easier to navigate and adjust settings compared to traditional button-heavy interfaces. If you want a modern, user-friendly experience, especially for adjusting parameters on the fly, the T15 excels.
  5. Freestyle and Long-Range Pilots: With solid performance in terms of range, latency, and reliability, the T15 is a great choice for both freestyle pilots and those who prioritize long-range flight. Its robust ELRS module ensures consistent control even over long distances and challenging environments.
  6. Newer Pilots Looking for a High-Quality All-in-One Radio: If you’re new to FPV flying and want a radio that combines ease of use with advanced capabilities, the T15 is an excellent option. Its built-in ELRS module and touchscreen controls help simplify your setup, while the customizable features allow you to grow into more advanced configurations as you progress in the hobby.

In conclusion, the Jumper T15 is an excellent choice for most FPV pilots, particularly those who want a compact, feature-rich transmitter with ExpressLRS integration and a user-friendly interface. Its value for money, customization options, and solid performance make it a standout in its class.

Comparison to Other Radios

Throughout this review, I’ve touched on how the Jumper T15 stacks up to other popular radios like the Radiomaster TX16S and Zorro. But I think it’s worth diving into some head-to-head comparisons for folks considering the T15.

Compared to the Radiomaster Zorro, the T15 offers a lot more bang for your buck. The color screen, 1W ELRS, extra switches, and customizable buttons make it a big upgrade over Zorro’s barebones feature set. The RGB button cluster alone opens up way more configuration options for different models. Unless you need the Zorro’s built-in multi-protocol module, the T15 is a much more capable radio overall.

The TX16S is a tougher comparison since it’s also a very fully-featured radio. The T15 has an edge with its 1W ELRS transmitter and RGB buttons. But the TX16S fights back with its premium all-metal construction, Hall effect gimbals, and larger 4.3″ screen. The TX16S is the more polished-feeling radio overall.

Jumper T15 Radio transmitter compare

Ultimately, I think the choice between the T15 and TX16S comes down to your budget and priorities. If you want the absolute best build quality and can live with a 250mW ELRS transmitter, the TX16S is still the gold standard. But if you prioritize maximum ELRS performance and can accept a few compromises, the T15 delivers unbeatable value.

It’s also worth mentioning the Jumper T-Pro which is the big brother to the T15. The T-Pro has the same core features as the T15 but adds a larger 4.3″ screen, bigger battery compartment, and more switches. If you like the T15 but want physical controls and battery life more in line with the TX16S, the T-Pro is worth a look.

I think the T15 hits the sweet spot of features and portability. I love that I can toss it in a backpack and have a fully capable 1W ELRS radio ready to go. The color screen and Lua script support are the icing on the cake. For my needs, it’s the Goldilocks radio in Jumper’s lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What receivers is the Jumper T15 compatible with?

A: The T15 comes with a multiprotocol module that supports a wide range of receivers, including:
1、FrSky D16 and D8
2、Spektrum DSM2 and DSMX
3、Futaba S-FHSS and FASST
4、FlySky AFHDS 2A
5、Graupner HoTT
6、Hitec AMAS And of course, it has an integrated ExpressLRS 2.4GHz module as well. So you have a ton of options when it comes to receiver compatibility.

Q: Can I use the T15 with my old FrSky receivers?

A: Yes, the multiprotocol module in the T15 supports both FrSky D16 and D8 protocols. So you can use it with many popular FrSky receivers like the X4R-SB, XSR, and R-XSR.

Q: Does the T15 have a built-in battery charger?

A: No, the T15 does not have a built-in charger. You need to charge the 18650 cells externally in a Li-Ion charger. It does have USB-C, but that’s only for connecting to a PC, not for charging.

Q: Can I run simulators with the Jumper T15?

A: Yes! The T15 works great for sims. Just plug it into your PC via USB and it will show up as a joystick. It’s compatible with all the popular sims like Liftoff, Velocidrone, and DRL. The hall gimbals provide nice precise control.

Q: What firmware does the T15 run? Can I change it?

A: The Jumper T15 ships with EdgeTX firmware, which is an open-source operating system for RC transmitters. EdgeTX has a ton of features and customization options. You can absolutely change the firmware if you want. The T15 has a built-in bootloader that makes it easy to update and even change to other popular firmware like ErSky9X.

Q: How long does the battery last?

A: In my testing, I’m getting around 4-5 hours of battery life from a set of 3000mAh 18650 cells. That’s with heavy use of the color screen and ExpressLRS module at 500mW. You can probably stretch it a bit further by reducing the screen brightness and ExpressLRS power output. But even at default settings, 4-5 hours is plenty for a long day of flying.

Q: The Jumper T15 looks pretty small, is it comfortable to use?

A: Despite its compact form factor, the T15 is quite comfortable to use, even for extended flying sessions. The grip is ergonomically sculpted and provides a secure hold. The back panel is also contoured to fit the curve of your palm. The gimbals are well-positioned and fall naturally under your thumbs. At 690g with batteries, it has a nice heft without being fatiguing. Overall, the ergonomics are excellent for a radio in this size class.

Final Thoughts

The Jumper T15 is a feature-packed, high-performance FPV radio offered at a very competitive price point. With its color touchscreen, integrated ExpressLRS module, and thoughtful design touches, it raises the bar for compact FPV transmitters.

While it may not be 100% perfect, it nails the fundamentals and provides a premium user experience. The touchscreen and deep customization options provide plenty of room to grow with your needs as a pilot. And that ELRS link performance is simply phenomenal.

If you’re looking to step up your radio game, the T15 is a very compelling option, especially if you’re interested in ExpressLRS. It has quickly become one of my favorite radios and has earned a spot in my flight bag. Highly recommended!

What do you think about the Jumper T15? Are you considering picking one up? Have you already taken the plunge? Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. I always enjoy hearing from the community.

Thanks again for reading and until next time, happy flying!

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