Jumper has recently released its latest radio, the Jumper T14. This looks to be their new mid-sized handset, smaller than some of the largest radios on the market but certainly not a “gamepad” style radio. The Jumper T14 shares some similarities with radios like the TBS Mambo and RadioMaster TX16S, aiming to compete in this popular form factor.
I’ve been testing out the Jumper T14 for a little while now and want to provide an overview of the radio’s features, share my thoughts, and help you decide if it’s worth considering. Jumper did send me this T14 for free to review, but they have not paid me or even seen this content prior to publishing. As always, my thoughts here are completely my own.
Table Of Contents
Overview of the Jumper T14 Radio Controller Features
The first obvious characteristic of the Jumper T14 that stands out is its mid-size form factor. While not quite pocketable like a gamepad style radio, the T14 sits nicely in that middle ground – easy to toss in a backpack without taking up too much space while still providing full-size gimbals and switches.
Physically, the Jumper T14 shares a striking resemblance to radios like the RadioMaster TX16S (also called the “Boxer”). It features:
- Full-size gimbals with Hall sensor technology
- A 2.42″ OLED display
- Two 2-position switches
- Two 3-position switches
- Two rotating potentiometers
- Top mounted momentary and latching buttons
- Multi-protocol module bay in the back to support Crossfire, ExpressLRS, Ghost, etc.
- Foldable antenna design that allows vertical or horizontal polarization
Internally, the Jumper T14 runs the open-source EdgeTX operating system just like many other radios in this class. It comes pre-configured with the ExpressLRS nano v2 module, supporting up to 1W of output power on 2.4GHz.
Having used the T14 for a few weeks now, everything has worked well in terms of the basic features and ergonomics. The gimbals feel smooth, the switches have nice tactile clicks, and the revamped folding antenna design is far better than previous Jumpers I’ve tried.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the core features and hardware components…
ExpressLRS Module
Since the Jumper T14 is marketed primarily as an ExpressLRS radio, the internal RF module is one of the main selling points. Jumper is using the Happymodel ExpressLRS EP2 nano module, rated for up to 1W of output power. This is the same module that ships in the Radiomaster TX16S and Zorro.
To enable that high 1W output, there is a small fan built into the back of the radio below the module bay. It runs constantly to provide active cooling. You’ll notice the very subtle hum of airflow when powered on. This is pretty common among high power EP2 radios lately and helps sustain those peaks.
[Inline image of module]
Via the EdgeTX Lua script, you can configure the power level from 25mw up to 1W. The T14 also supports all the ExpressLRS information rates like 50 Hz, 150 Hz, 500 Hz, and even the insane F1000 1 ms packet rate. Only limitation is no “Backpack” support currently…but the capability is there through the onboard debug port if you want to DIY modify it down the road.
Gimbals
Jumper is advertising these gimbals as “CNC” style, though not quite full metal CNC like we see on some premium radios. There are definitely some metal components but also a good amount of plastic from what I can tell on the T14 Hall gimbals.
[Inline image of gimbal]
They feel perfectly fine in use – smooth motion with no sticking or strange grip zones. But there is a fair bit of flex if you push hard on the extremes, indicating those plastic pieces in the mechanism. I also found the stick ends to be way sharper than I’d like from the factory. Thankfully, they are easily removable/replaceable but do require a hex key to swap out as there is no tensioner wheel.
Ultimately the gimbals function great and seem durable enough, but don’t quite live up to that full “CNC” marketing name in my opinion. For the price point though, these are solid.
Design & Ergonomics
As I mentioned up top, the Jumper T14 shares an uncanny resemblance to the RadioMaster TX16S, better known as the “Boxer” radio. Everything from the overall molding to the switch types and layout seems modeled directly after the Boxer.
In fact, physically holding the two radios, the only immediate differences are:
- Jumper T14 has slightly larger grip width
- Boxer features dedicated trim buttons versus combo trim/mode switches
- Boxer includes dedicated page/model buttons versus combo buttons on the T14
Otherwise, things like the antenna mount, switch types, gimbal shape, and button placement are nearly identical between the two. Whether copying RadioMaster’s homework is good or bad depends on your personal taste!
In terms of ergonomics and general feel, I’ve found the T14 perfectly comfortable in my medium/large sized hands. The grips seem great during use without any weird angles or pressure points. It is well balanced and light enough for lengthy static holds. My only complaint would be that the plastic handle on rear feels a bit chintzy – I feel like it could snap off if the radio took a hard crash onto concrete. But for general carry and table-topping, it functions great.
[Image comparison between T14 vs Boxer side-by-side]
So if you find that the RadioMaster TX16S form factor fits you well, I think you’ll have the same experience with the Jumper T14 ergonomically. And the cheaper price point makes it really compelling to consider for that mid-size niche.
Displays & UI
Another highlight feature on the Jumper T14 radio is the crisp OLED display. Coming in at 2.42” diagonal with a 128 x 64 resolution, it provides plenty of screen real estate without any jagged edges. Compared to more basic LCD panels, OLED delivers fantastic contrast, deep black levels, and a subjectively punchier image thanks to those quick pixel response times.
Animations and text appear clear as can be on the T14. Whether scrolling through EdgeTX menus or watching transmitter/receiver telemetry feedback, the display stood out as a real strong point to me. Expert ExpressLRS racers may find the extra millisecond quicker response useful as well. But really I think most pilots can appreciate the rich OLED image quality regardless of skill level!
Additionally, the T14 runs the open-source EdgeTX firmware. It offers a super flexible system for model configuration, supports essentially every protocol on the market, and has been vetted for years now within the hobby. Personally, I have grown very fond of EdgeTX coming over from old OpenTX days. It boots quickly on the T14 and I have found no issues with feature support or programming quirks.
The button and UI arrangement is also thoughtful…once you get a feel the menu system, essential controls like channel mapping, rate/expo adjustment, model switching etc. are just a click or two away without much hunting. Everything is easily reachable with one hand or thumb poking. My muscle memory took no time to adjust coming over from another mid-size radio.
[Image of display showing model menu]
Between the snappy OLED screen and EdgeTX compatibility, the Jumper T14 delivers a fantastic user interface experience. Without a doubt, this helps it justify its place among the high-end radio space.
Configurability
Being an open-source ecosystem at its core, the Jumper T14 encourages modification or customization for pilots wanting to stamp their own style onto the radio. A few notable examples that set it apart from even some of its direct competitors:
- Antenna mounting points on top allow you to attach aftermarket antennas or run wires externally if desired
- Internal bay supports a huge array of ExpressLRS, Crossfire, R9, and multi-protocol modules with minimal hassle
- Top buttons can be replaced with actual switches via a simple mod
- USB-C peripheral support for protocol analyzers, gamepad adapters, etc
Jumper seems aimed more at the tinkerer audience than locked-down stock design. Just browsing the Jumper RC forums shows numerous examples of owners modifying button colors, display layouts, adding screens, and general hacking! So while you give up some fit-finish compared to a high-end device, you open up room for personal customization in the process.
Several jumper radios I’ve tested over the years seem to inhabit this middle zone – not the absolute nicest gimbals or metal finishes, but highly tweakable and fun to make your own. If you like pulling things apart occasionally, the T14 will undoubtedly deliver hours of entertainment beyond simply operating models.
Jumper T14 Radio Controller Review – Conclusion & Rating
After several weeks using and thoroughly testing the Jumper T14 radio, I think it earns a solid recommendation as a budget-friendly option in the mid-size category. The combination of those buttery OLED animations, EdgeTX compatibility, 1W 2.4GHz ExpressLRS, and that iconic mid-size form factor make it really hard to beat for this price bracket.
Pros
- Good ergonomics with grippy side pads
- Snappy OLED screen looks fantastic
- Compatible with EdgeTX firmware and most multi-protocol modules
- ExpressLRS EP2 module supports up to 1W output power
- Industrial design takes cues from popular radios like the TX16S
- Encourages hobbyist hacking/customization more than most
Cons
- Some build quality compromises to hit budget pricing
- Gimbals don’t live up to full “CNC” marketing
- Rear plastic handle feels flimsy
- No native “Backpack” support on internal ExpressLRS module
- Audio volume could be louder
For around $90 shipped, the Jumper T14 delivers a ton of features and functionality. Very little compromises given everything bundled together. Jumper nailed the core essentials here – ergonomics, gimbals, software compatibility – while letting some finer build details slide to keep costs reasonable.
As an affordable ExpressLRS platform, great travel remote, or hobbyist customization project, I think the Jumper T14 provides fantastic overall value. It admittedly won’t blow anyone away coming from a premium handset. But it packs a serious punch way out of its price class. And supports the tinkering attitude that many of us love about this hobby!
