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Review: Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter – Combining the Best of T14 and T16

by Oscar
Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Front

A few months ago, Jumper released the T14, a mid-sized radio that quickly gained popularity in the FPV community for its impressive features and competitive pricing. Now, Jumper is back with the T15, a new radio that builds on the success of the T14 with some significant upgrades, including an exceptional display and various color choices for the housing. Let’s dive into what makes the Jumper T15 stand out and whether it might be the right choice for your FPV needs.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these affiliate links. This helps support the free content for the community on this website. Please read our Affiliate Link Policy for more information.

Learn about the basics of FPV radio controllers in this buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/

Where to Buy and Unboxing

You can get the Jumper T15 radio from:

The Jumper T15 is available in seven vibrant colors.

Similar to the Jumper T14, the Jumper T15 comes well-packaged in a sturdy carry case, a significant upgrade over the Jumper T20S, which does not include one. Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • USB-C cable for charging and firmware updates
  • Spare springs for adjusting gimbal tension
  • Screen protector for the touchscreen display
  • A neck strap

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Unbox Accessories Case

I previously complained about the lack of proper gimbal and switch protection in the T14, and Jumper listened. This time, they included a nice injection-molded protector, ensuring the radio stays safe during transport.

However, there is no manual included in the box, which might be slightly challenging for beginners. Hopefully, you can find some tutorials online to get started.

Specifications and Features

  • MCU: STM32F429IGT6
  • Screen: 3.5″ color touch (resolution 480*320)
  • Gimbals: Hall sensor or RDC90
  • Built-in RF: ExpressLRS (915MHz or 2.4GHz)
  • Transmission power: 1000mW (max 30dBm)
  • External module interface: standard JR module bay (JR / FrSKY / Crossfire compatible)
  • TF card: built-in memory chip
  • Working voltage: 6V – 8.4V
  • Battery Required: 21700*2 (not included)
  • Size: 185*175*79mm
  • Weight:
    • 538g (without battery)
    • 628g (with 18650)
    • 672g (with 21700)

Beautiful Touch Screen

According to Jumper, the T15 combines the best features of the T14 and T16 models. It has the same housing and ergonomic design as the T14, but it features similar vibrant color touch screen of the T16.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Screen Menu Buttons

The 3.5-inch color display, boasting a 480×320 resolution, is high-definition and capable of displaying small printed text with clarity. This high-quality display is a significant upgrade compared to previous models and sets the T15 apart from other radios in its class. The screen is not only visually appealing but also functional, allowing you to navigate menus with your fingers as well as the buttons. The brightness is sufficient for outdoor use.

Design and Build Quality

The Jumper T15 is similar in size to the T14 but includes additional buttons and features. The T15 is considerably taller than the T20S, primarily due to the larger color screen, but it has cleaner control layout due to fewer buttons and sliders. However, the material used in the T15, like the housing and plastic scroll wheel, gives a slightly cheap and flimsy feel, similar to what you get in the T14.

The T15 has a square shape, similar to the TBS Mambo and Radiomaster Boxer. It offers ergonomics akin to full-size radios like the TX16S but is slightly more compact.

On the top, the transmitter features a foldable handle, a DFU button for firmware updates, and a trainer port.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Top Usb C Trainer

The T15’s antenna is non-removable, but the case has provisions for additional antenna options. You can remove the rubber plugs and install different antenna configurations if needed. This flexibility is a nice touch for advanced users who want to customize their setup.

Gimbals and Switches

The T15 is equipped with Hall sensor gimbals, with the option to upgrade to more premium RDC90 potentiometer gimbals for an extra $30-$40. While Jumper claims the RDC90 gimbals are superior, I couldn’t tell much difference when trying them back to back.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Gimbal Rdc90

On paper, Hall sensor gimbals should last longer than traditional potentiometer gimbals like the RC90, but generally, longevity isn’t a major concern as you’ll likely upgrade to a newer radio before they wear out. For most users, especially beginners, I’d recommend the more affordable Hall gimbals. They are smooth, precise, and comfortable whether you’re a thumber or a pincher.

The layout of the switches and buttons closely matches that of the Radiomaster Boxer.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Switches

On the front, there are four switches, one 2-position and one 3-position switches on each side. Two rotatory dials in the middle. Below the dials, you have the power button between the two gimbals.

The shoulder button-style switches can be replaced with stick-style switches (sold separately), a feature that many pilots will appreciate.

Jumper T14 Radio Transmitter Flat Switches Replacement

The T15 also includes six additional “flight mode” buttons on the front plate, which are absent in the T14. These buttons have backlit LED and double as the battery level indicator when charging.

Ergonomics and Feel

The radio is ergonomically designed with rubberized grips on the back, providing a secure hold and ensuring it sits comfortably in your hands during use. The T15 weighs 538 grams without the battery, making it considerably heavier than the T20S (447g) and T14 (503g), and similar in weight to the Boxer (529g). This weight difference can influence your preference, especially during long flying sessions.

The T15 feels well-balanced, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The neck strap hook is perfectly positioned; when using two 21700 cells, the radio is perfectly balanced.

In terms of gimbal feel, the T15 offers slightly less throw and looser springs compared to the Boxer out of the box. This might be preferable for thumb pilots, while hybrid pinchers or pilots preferring firmer springs might lean towards the Boxer. Gimbal tension can be adjusted by disassembling the radio, so it’s not a deal breaker.

However, as I mentioned in the T14 review, the switches are a bit too far to reach on this radio design, and you have to stretch your fingers more compared to the Boxer, but you can probably get used to that with some usage.

Other Features and Functionality

The back of the Jumper T15 features a foldable handle, a standard JR module compartment for adding a Crossfire or 4in1 module, and a fan to keep the internal RF module cool when running at high output power.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Back

The T15 has a slightly simplified control interface compared to the Radiomaster Boxer by combining the two page buttons. The scroll wheel on the T14, despite being plastic, offers smooth operation. The Radiomaster Boxer, on the other hand, has a metal scroll wheel that feels more premium.

Power Consumption and Battery Life

Current draw varies depending on the RF power setting. Here are the measurements from my testing (with the screen at minimum brightness):

  • 0.12A with Internal 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 similar to the T14.

Using 21700 4500mAh cells, you can expect around 8 to 9 hours of runtime at 25mW or approximately 4 hours at 1W. With 18650 3000mAh cells, this drops to roughly 6 hours at 25mW or about 3 hours at 1W. Note that this is only a rough estimation.

To optimize battery life, you can utilize the Dynamic Power option available in the ExpressLRS LUA script. With Dynamic Power, the mW output adapts to the model’s range, signal strength, and link quality, minimizing power consumption. This feature allows for as little as 25mW usage during unobstructed line-of-sight flights.

Battery and Charging

The T15 comes with a tray for 21700 lithium-ion cells, but it also supports 18650 cells if you bend the metal contacts. 2S LiPo also works as long as it fits in the battery bay.

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Battery 21700 Li Ion Holder

The T15 supports charging via USB-C port, which is convenient. When charging, the backlit flight mode buttons double as battery level indicators.

Jumper addressed the slow charging issue I found when reviewing the T20S. The T15’s charging rate now reaches up to 10W. Note that you will need a power adapter that supports 5V 2A or higher; charging from a computer’s USB port may result in slower charge times.

Estimated charging times are as follows:

  • 21700 4500mAh batteries: Approximately 4-5 hours
  • 18650 3000mAh batteries: Just under 3 hours

They also fixed the bug in the T14, where the T14 would power on when plugged in for charging (I believe they fixed that in later firmware updates).

FPV Simulator Support

The Jumper T15 is plug and play with popular FPV simulators such as Tryp and Liftoff. When connected, it’s automatically recognized in the simulator. The setup remains the same as all other mainstream remotes.

Internal RF Module

The T15 features a built-in 2.4GHz ExpressLRS RF module that comes with ELRS 3.3.2 firmware. The device target “T-15 2G4 TX” is available in the latest configurator (V1.7.2), so you may flash it to the latest firmware version 3.4.2 if you wish. It also supports the ELRS Backpack feature.

Gemini mode is not supported by the T15, you can however, install a Gemini module on the back module bay. One module I can recommend is the BetaFPV SuperG TX module which I have tested with decent results: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-superg-nano-transmitter-module/

If you are new to ExpressLRS, check out my detailed setup guide: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/

Radio Firmware

The Jumper T15 comes preinstalled with EdgeTX firmware, which is currently the most widely used radio firmware in the FPV community. The firmware version is “Factory Firmware,” but it shows “2.10.1 Self Build” on the startup screen. The firmware target is edgetx-T15.

A notable feature of the T15 is its elimination of the SD card slot. Instead, it comes with onboard 2GB flash memory (1.8GB usable space), which serves as storage for model images, audio files, and radio backups. This means you won’t need to purchase an SD card separately.

You can access the storage via the USB-C port: connect the cable while the radio is active, and when prompted, select the USB Storage (SD) option.

While you don’t have to mess with the firmware when the radio arrives, it’s certainly possible to flash EdgeTX firmware using one of the two methods described in my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/flash-edgetx/

Output Power Testing

Here are the power measurements of the Jumper T-15’s internal module at different output power levels.

Power Levels 25mW 50mW 100mW 250mW 500mW 1W
T15 Internal Module 54mW 103mW 215mW 429mW 615mW 1.04W

These measurements, taken using the ImmersionRC Power meter V2, demonstrate the accuracy of the factory calibration and the maximum output power. It’s important to note that these measurements reflect the consistency and performance of the internal module rather than the hardware quality.

After running the T-15 at its maximum 1W output power for 20 minutes, it settled around 1.04W. This impressive power stability demonstrates the effectiveness of the cooling system.

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

Tear Down and Internal Design

Disassembling the T15 is straightforward, with only six screws holding the front and back housing together.

The internal PCB design appears to be almost identical to the T14. All wires are silicone, and most of the components are connected via connectors, making repairs and maintenance very easy.

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 basically does everything the Jumper T16 and Radiomaster TX16S do but in the more compact form factor of the Boxer and T14. For just $20 more than the Boxer, you get a vibrant color touchscreen, which is a compelling feature for some people.

You can get the Jumper T15 radio from:

Jumper T15 Radio Transmitter Front

The T15 is a well-rounded radio that offers excellent value for its price. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots, thanks to its user-friendly interface and high-quality gimbals. While the materials used leave something to be desired, it strikes a good balance between features and cost.

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20 comments

Chris B 15th November 2024 - 10:50 pm

Oscar saved me a lot of trouble today. I just bought a new Jumper T15, and I am just getting back into this hobby and was having trouble getting my computer to recognize the USB in the EdgeTX Buddy program. I spent a pretty good amount of time trying it repeatedly, but to no avail. I even plunged into my PC firewalls thinking that was the problem. Nope. Well, after giving up, I found this piece by him, and I downloaded the ImpulseRC_Driver_Fixer.exe program and retried with the buddy website, and now everything is good. My first success back in the hobby is owed to Oscar. Thank you.

Reply
druckgott 12th November 2024 - 11:18 am

Do anybody know where the speaker is, i will maybe changed this to have a bigger one. Maybe with picture?

Reply
dario 22nd September 2024 - 1:57 am

Oscar podrias decrime si la T15 tiene puertos Uart? para poder usar la T15 con una antena tracker para video?

Reply
Quin Mar 4th September 2024 - 6:06 am

Thanks for the informative review! Q – What’s the best way to move my Jumper T-pro v2 models over to a T15?

Reply
Oscar 7th September 2024 - 12:02 pm

Just copy the Model folder from your old radio to your radio.
This guide is written for backup models, but the idea is the same: https://oscarliang.com/backup-restore-models-radio-settings-edgetx/

Reply
Reggie 28th August 2024 - 7:52 am

Have you tested elrs backpack? Haven’t gotten it to work with my current enabled devices.

Reply
Prasanna 28th August 2024 - 6:17 am

Wonderful work Oscar!
I got the T15, however, I need some assistance with the buddybox setup. I am trying to buddybox the T15 as the master with the Radiomaster pocket as the slave. The modes I see are REPLACE, ADD and OFF. I do not see any difference in the outputs of the three modes. All the modes only replace the slave signals completely when the trainer is enabled, rather than combine with the master signals as ADD mode or go off in the OFF mode. The multiplier works perfectly fine. I think it is a firmware issue. I tried communicating this with jumper rc, however I think they are unable to understand the issue I am facing.

Reply
fizit 16th August 2024 - 2:23 am

Hey Oscar can add extra button because I saw some solder points and empty slot? and where parts are available if needed because didn’t found anywhere even for t20

Reply
Sjks 10th August 2024 - 7:25 am

Do anybody know for what the two 4pin holes are there looks like tx rc 5v gnd on the big and small Chip on the PCb. Maybe we can connect bluetooth?

Reply
Tim 6th August 2024 - 4:24 pm

Can you post what version of expresslrs firmware the radio has pre-installed?

Reply
Oscar 7th August 2024 - 6:13 pm Reply
druckgott 10th August 2024 - 2:12 pm

Bluetooth works with telemetry. See picture.
ibb.co/CmQCq2M
ibb.co/pXG37Qr
ibb.co/RTh7y0r
Here some more details
github.com/RomanLut/android-taranis-smartport-telemetry/issues/57

Reply
Phil 2nd August 2024 - 9:06 pm

Thanks a lot for this indept review. Always love to read your review!

Reply
RSUAS 31st July 2024 - 2:39 pm

Any thoughts on putting the AG01 gimbals into this radio?

Looks perhaps simpler than the T14- corners may not need to be trimmed, but probably still need the spacers?

Thanks!

Reply
Oscar 4th August 2024 - 1:08 pm

I think it’s possible but will require some modificaitons. Search AG01 on the T14, I think the process should be quite similar since they share the same housing design. I don’t think I will do this mod because I don’t have a spare set of AG01, they are currently in my T20S.

Reply
Daniel E. Markle 28th July 2024 - 11:52 pm

I had heard reports that the T15 was supposed to have 2G of flash, can you confirm there’s only a 512M chip in there?

Reply
Oscar 29th July 2024 - 4:43 pm

Yes it has 2GB memory chip, the mention of 512MB was an error. Apologies.

Reply
Rutger 28th July 2024 - 5:02 pm

I don’t think the orange injection-molded protector is part of the stardard kit. I’ve read people buying from aliexpress not getting it and it is also nowhere shown on the makers website and promo material (which shows just foam protectors). Even Banggood sells it seperatly. All reviewers seem to have gotten it in their kit though which seems a bit scummy cause now consumers expect to get it.

Reply
Branking 7th August 2024 - 1:21 pm

I just got mine few days ago from Jumper Rc official store from aliexpress and the orange injection gimbal protection has arrived with the radio, inside the package on the radio itself not next to it
Don’t know why is some people not getting it

Reply
fizit 16th August 2024 - 2:18 am

Not available here on the official store aliexpress.com/store/5744012
can you share the link to the store on AE

Reply