Jumper T20 Review: The Best FPV Radio Controller in 2024? [and Vs T20s]

FPV drone pilots are always on the lookout for the latest gear that can give them an edge in the air.

Well, I’ve got some exciting news for you – there’s a brand new radio transmitter on the market that aims to raise the bar in tiny FPV controllers.

I’m talking about the Jumper T20 radio.

In this detailed review post, I will talk about its features, performance, and my experiences using it with FPV drones and simulators. By the end, you’ll know if this feature-packed radio controller is right for your FPV adventures.

New to FPV? You can learn more about FPV drone in this guide.

Overview of the Jumper T20 Radio Controller

As soon as I took the Jumper T20 out of the box, I could tell it was a high-quality radio.

First, the matte dark blue plastic chassis seems durable, with no flex or creaks. And the gimbals and buttons have a pleasing damped, quality feel.

In terms of dimensions, the Jumper T20 is comparable to midsize radios like the Radiomaster Zorro or Boxer, but compared to the bulky RadioMaster TX16S MK II radio, it’s significantly more compact, especially when you fold up its antenna. This makes it much easier to toss into your backpack.

I also appreciate the native ELRS, multi-protocol support, adjustable output power, and full telemetry. Oh, and did I mention it can reach a 1W output? That’s truly groundbreaking for a radio of this size.

Overall, the Jumper T20 radio controller seems to offer the best of both worlds – the portability of smaller gamepad-style radios combined with the versatility of full-sized radio transmitters.

But it does make some compromises to get there. No product is all perfect, is it?

Before diving in deeper, let’s quickly review the key features and specs of the Jumper T20:

Jumper T20 Radio Controller Specifications

As you can see, they really packed as much as possible into this little radio! For a mini model, the capabilities are seriously impressive.

Size and Weight	185*188*68mm 448g (excluding batteries) 574g (including batteries)
Built-in RF (Radio Frequency)	ELRS (915MHz/2.4GHz) (Optional)
Protocols	ExpressLRS FrSky FlySky Spektrum SBus PPM Multi-protocol module for many other protocols
Transmit Power Output	Up to 1,000mW (1W)
Receivers Supported	ElRS receivers FrSky receivers (D8, D16, XM+, R9) FlySky receivers (AFHDS 2A) Spektrum receivers (DSM2, DSMX) SBus, PPM receivers Almost any protocol with multi-protocol module
Gimbals	Hall sensor gimbals Adjustable stick tension CNC metal gimbals available
Display	1.3″ OLED display 128×64 resolution
Operating System	EdgeTX open source firmware
Pots and Sliders	2 potentiometers 2 sliders
Ports	Trainer port Headphone jack Multi-protocol module bay External module bay (with adapter)
Charging	USB-C charging port Charges internal batteries
Battery	2x 21700 batteries (not included)
Haptic Feedback	Buzzer for alerts and notifications
Telemetry	RSSI Battery voltage Altitude GPS

Jumper T20 Radio Features & Benefits

Now, let’s get into the details of each aspect of this unique radio!

The Radio Screen – Smaller but Still Usable

One of the biggest differences between the Jumper T20 and larger radio transmitters is obviously the screen size. At 1.3 inches, it’s considerably smaller than the TX16S and other full-sized radios.

However, I found it still very usable for making adjustments and tweaks, even with my aging eyes. It just requires a bit more squinting compared to larger displays.

During normal use the brightness is fine. But in very bright sunlight, the OLED technology does get washed out easier than the LCDs in other radios. There is a contrast setting, but even at max it doesn’t get extremely bright.

So, while the screen size won’t be a deal breaker for most, it’s something to consider if you’re constantly adjusting PIDs and other settings while outside. Though for many fliers, set it and forget it is the name of the game anyway.

The Radio Brains – EdgeTX Makes Setup Easy

The operating system is a vital component of any radio these days. It determines what features are available and how intuitive it is to set up.

The Jumper T20 runs EdgeTX – the same open source firmware used in other top radios from Radiomaster, Jumper, and others. If you’ve used EdgeTX before, you’ll feel right at home.

And if not, it’s easy enough for beginners to pick up.

Since EdgeTX is consistent across so many transmitters, there’s a ton of tutorials and documentation available online. You’ll have access to powerful features like unlimited model storage, custom stick modes, complex mixes, luatua scripts, and more.

So you get the familiarity of EdgeTX combined with the compact form factor of the T20 – very nice!

Gimbals & Controls – Impressively Smooth and Versatile

Now, let’s move on to the business end of the transmitter – the gimbals and controls. The gimbals are perhaps the most important part of any radio.

Jumper offers a hall sensor or ASMRC RDC90 gimbal options for the T20. My review unit came with the RDC90 gimbals, which use contactless magnetic encoders to read stick positions.

This results in an ultra smooth, jitter-free stick feel.

While not full CNC metal gimbals, the RDC90 units feel precise with minimal slop. The tension is slightly lighter than my upgraded RadioMaster Hall sensor gimbals but still within my preferred range.

The springs are adjustable, though you’ll need to open up the radio to tweak them.

Dual ball bearings on each axis should provide years of smooth operation. The gimbals feature adjustable end points for each axis too.

Overall, the T20’s gimbals provide a great experience for the price point. While high-end aftermarket gimbals may feel a bit smoother, the RDC90 units are impressive for a stock radio.

Moving on to the switches, knobs, and buttons, this radio packs a ton of versatile controls into the compact housing. Just take a look at the options:

• (4) 3-position switches – Tons of mode or toggle options
• (2) momentary trim switches – Easy access for quick trim adjustments
• (2) 2-position switches – Ideal for simple on/off functions
• (2) dials – Great for scrolling through menus or other options
• (6) multipurpose switches – Can be configured as (3) 2-position or (2) 3-position
• (2) sliders – Unique control option not found on most radios

With some creative programming, you could set up modes, arm switches, beeper triggers, LEDs, or all kinds of other functions on the available controls.

The multipurpose switches are especially cool, letting you toggle between 3 separate positions on each side.

Between the smooth gimbals and abundance of configurable switches/dials, the Jumper T20 offers an incredibly versatile control experience, especially for the size.

Ergonomics – Compact & Comfortable

An often overlooked aspect of radio design is the ergonomics – how comfortably does it fit in your hands? This can make a huge difference in how precise and nimble you feel while flying.

Despite its compact chassis, Jumper managed to pack a ton of controls onto the T20. On the top panel we have an array of switches, pots and sliders. The sides house an additional 6 multipurpose buttons with customizable functionality.

Other than that, the Jumper T20 still feels very natural in average male-sized hands like mine. The grips fit comfortably, allowing full stick travel without any issues.

However, reaching some of the switches on the rear shoulders does require loosening your grip slightly. The radio isn’t quite as stable feeling when actuating these compared to larger options.

The compromise may be worth it for the added portability though. And you can always use your thumb to toggle switches briefly without compromising stick control.

Overall, the shape strikes a great balance between compact portability and a comfortable feel in the hands. Those with smaller hands will especially appreciate the design.

Build Quality – Sturdy & Spartan

Externally, the T20 presents a sturdy, quality feel. Internals tell a slightly different tale however. The soldering is messy in places, with thin, rigid wires prone to fatigue damage.

There are also some missed opportunities like lack of strain relief on the internal RF module UFL connector.

This cost-cutting is understandable given the low price point. And it’s unlikely to impact real world durability much.

Still, it’s worth noting for those expecting Radiomaster level internals. Considering the price and features, I feel Jumper hit the right balance here.

Just don’t expect Futaba grade electronics inside.

The Radio RF Module – Go ExpressLRS for Max Flexibility

No radio is complete without the all-important RF module that actually controls your drone. Jumper offers several versions of the T20 spanning different protocols:

• 900 MHz ExpressLRS
• 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS
• Multiprotocol Module (FlySky, FrSky, etc)

For most pilots, I recommend going with one of the ExpressLRS versions. The 2.4 GHz module will provide more than enough range and compatibility for any flying you’ll realistically do.

ExpressLRS delivers incredible low-latency control up to 10+ km away. That means you can fly just about anywhere and not have to stress about failsafes or dropouts. The experience is consistently solid.

It is a bit more complex to set up compared to something like FrSky. But the extra range and reliability is well worth learning. Just follow a guide to get it configured properly.

You can also add an external multi-protocol module to use with existing receivers. And Jumper will soon release an internal Crossfire mod allowing you to install your existing module inside the T20.

This radio was clearly designed with RF flexibility and quality in mind. You’ll be set with ExpressLRS onboard.

Battery & Charging – Big Cells and Strange Quirks

The Jumper T20 does not include a battery.

Instead it uses a tray that holds 1S 21700 Li-ion cells for maximum capacity in the compact housing. These cells provide around 5000 mAh capacity compared to the usual 3000 mAh 2S packs.

So you can get great flight times from a couple of 21700 cells. Of course, you can also use a regular 2S LiPo if desired.

However, I did run into some odd issues when trying to charge the batteries via the USB-C port. It appears to only work properly with basic 5V phone chargers. When connected to a higher wattage USB PD charger, it would not charge the cells consistently.

This means charging the massive 21700s via USB-C can take many hours. The best solution seems to be charging them externally with a dedicated charger.

Still, having weird compatibility issues with modern USB-PD chargers is disappointing. Hopefully this is something Jumper can improve in future revisions.

Customizable Buttons – Keys to Suit Your Style

One innovative feature of the Jumper T20 is its multipurpose “T key” buttons. These can be configured into multiple switch groups, allowing for up to 6 independent controls in a very small footprint.

For example, you could have the left 3 buttons control VTX channels, while the right 3 select rate profiles.

The jumper includes switch label sheets to mark up the functions you assign. These customizable keys help make the compact T20 so feature-packed.

Compatibility with FPV Simulators

A common question with drone radios is whether they work with FPV simulators. This allows practicing sticks skills from home.

The good news is the T20 is fully compatible with Liftoff, Velocidrone, DRL Simulator, and other popular simulators.

Here’s how to connect it:

1. Power on the T20
2. Plug a USB cable between the radio and your computer
3. The T20 will prompt you to enable joystick/gamepad mode
4. Accept the prompt
5. Open your flight simulator and configure or calibrate the controls
6. Start simming!

The T20 shows up just like any USB gamepad or joystick. The gimbals and switches translate perfectly to control your virtual drone.

So the T20 is a great option if you want a high-performance radio for both real-world and simulated flying.

Pricing: Boasts Features of $200+ Radios

With all these capabilities and innovations, you may be expecting a hefty price tag. But Jumper has always prioritized value.

The Jumper T20 retails for just $110 for the base ExpressLRS version. Upgrading to the premium RDC90 gimbals raises it to $140.

Considering all the features packed into this compact chassis, the pricing is incredibly competitive. You’re getting a radio that can rival $200+ models at a bargain.

For pilots wanting a highly capable radio without breaking the bank, the Jumper T20 delivers in spades. The value is impressive for what you’re getting.

Who is the Jumper T20 Radio Good For?

After spending serious sticks-on time with the radio, I’m confident in saying the Jumper T20 hits the sweet spot between performance and portability.

Here are some of the pilots I think will get the most from this mini radio controller:

New FPV pilots – The Jumper T20 has all the features you need to progress from a beginner to an experienced flier. The compact size is perfect for tossing in a bag and taking to the field. Easy bindings and familiar controls help build confidence.

Traveling fliers – Pack an impressive amount of functionality into a small package. Much easier to transport on planes or take to distant fields compared to bulkier radios.

Multirotor pilots – Six switches, adjustable outputs, and telemetry give you control over everything from flight modes to HD data links. Compact but still comfortable for pinch gripping on a quad.

Wing & plane fliers – Lightweight with accessible controls makes it a great handheld companion for launching and flying models of all types. Ergonomic for thumbing.

Simulator buffs – feels like a purpose-built radio for flying FPV sims. All controls translate precisely, which leads to more realistic practice.

The Jumper T20 may be compact but don’t underestimate its capabilities. If you value portability and features over large form factor, it delivers in spades!

Final Verdict – Should You Buy Jumper T20 Radio?

The Jumper T20 brings some truly unique features and design elements to the table.

But it’s not perfect – the screen and charging still need some refinement. And it doesn’t feel quite as premium as top-tier options. But the value is incredible for under $150.

If you like the idea of having a highly portable radio without sacrificing capability, the Jumper T20 is absolutely worth a look. It could be the perfect match for pilots wanting the flexibility of EdgeTX combined with a trail-friendly form factor.

I’m eager to see how Jumper and other manufacturers continue innovating in the world of FPV radios. But for now, the T20 sets a new benchmark for packing features into a take-anywhere form factor.

In short – the Jumper T20 offers an inspired remix of ergonomics, portability, capability, and value.

And that wraps up our deep dive into the innovative new Jumper T20 radio! Let us know if you have any other questions. Clear skies and safe flying!

FAQs About Jumper T20 Radio