Jumper T18 vs RadioMaster T16s TEARDOWN
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- If you fly an RC plane or drone then you have probably considered either the RadioMaster T16s or Jumper T18 radios. Although they appear very similar, there are some significant differences once you dig under the skin. Join me on a teardown and compare adventure. Oh, and it was Albert Kim who was talking about the SDCard issues (not Pawel). Here is a link to his video, well worth a watch:
• Jumper T18 Pro (Buyer ...
Awesome video Bruce! RadioMaster is including original Crossfire modules made by TBS
They gave you that on purpose to see if you are getting crazy in your okd age lol we love you bud
The jumper does not seem to have true polymer caps, but electrolytics with a "new" style case, because there are vents cut into the top of them, like the Panasonic SMD "aluminum" electrolytics. Secondly: ceramics have been improving in capacity greatly in the last few years. Vishay has some 220 µF Ceramics with up to 50V capability in a 1210 case, Taiyo Yuden does 470 µF (alas only 4V) in a 1812 package.
Great comparison. Not really a "teardown" when you just take the back off. Would love to see you actually dissect them and tell us what you learn!
In order to avoid wrist slitting regrets, specially if you are already a Crossfire user, get the Radio Master one. Thanks Bruce, great thorough review. Regards from Brazil, take care.
Very very thorough review Bruce. I love the minute details you espouse in your evaluations.
Keep up the good work.
Greetings from Florida USA
Love the beginning just went to the point. But still watched the whole video.
You can buy the foldable handle and fit it to the radio master
You can also 3d print yourself one
can confirm the foldable handle fits, have one on my tx16s
@@REDTHUNDERactual001 same
Yep, stole it off my now redundant Jumper
Chris Daws metoo 😂
Have had my T16 for a while without any problem so I thought if I just be gentle with it, I'll have no problem. I'd been playing with sims lately and pulled it from under my desk to play, arm switch doesn't work. So much with being nice to it, pulled the back, reseated the switch ribbon cable, ordered the replacement ribbon cables.
I had to reseat different ribbon cables four times now. The T16 was just sitting on my desk in between. No rough handling or even any handling between working and not working...
I think jumper will send you free replacements for your cables
@@gautamkrishna7421 Thank you, I have received the cables and installed them, everything is fine now. Just thought it funny it quit working properly just setting in my office.
@@gautamkrishna7421 No, they won't. I've tried.
@@mike_oe When did you ask them? I think they definitely were for like the first year
Thanks for the proper review. My Jumper T16 Pro worked well for 10-12 months, but then then the first ribbon cable issue appeared ("page" button not working), then the second one (Scroll wheel "enter" function), now on number 3 & 4 (SG switch not working, SD card reader malfunction). The first two issued solved by cleaning and re-seating appropriate ribbon cables, but with the two new issues I'm about to give up. The so-called FOC replacement cables from Aliexpress difficult to order without actually paying (and waiting 6 weeks for them to arrive), så I'm no very happy with this product. Get a Radiomaster instead!
The pluses and minuses will obviously go either way dependent on how you use the radio - folding handle great if you don't want to fix a screen a fpv screen to the radio - a problem if you do want to fix a screen to the radio. Detents on the rotary switches great for things like flaps, but a pain if you want to use them to smoothly control a gimbal. Swings and roundabouts, it's just getting the right combination to suit your needs.
That's true, but reliability and to a lesser extent build quality are vital elements whatever your needs.
Fantastic review and comparison, Bruce! 😃
Thanks a lot!
Stay safe there! 🖖😊
Bruce, check if they are both 10.5 cm center to center. Measure from the center of the molded part of the case and not the handles. If so just get the upgrade handle from Jumper for $5 or so. I replaced mine on my T16, very inexpensive. Thank you for the videos.😀
Hi Bruce: I measured the Chrome handle on my Jumper T16 and the centre points are 105mm which is the same as my new RadoMaster TX16s handle centres. So the folding handle for the Jumper T16 V2 should fit. I ordered one, they are not that expensive, it cost me $10 AUD. Postage was $9.95! 😊
6-8-20 EDIT: The handle arrived and it fits perfectly. Its does say Jumper on one side and has Jumpers web address on the other. No big deal, as I don't look at the handle in use.😁
will the handle close if using the Crossfire Long Range (Full-size) module?
@@ChristopherNovaSmith: Sorry can't help with that. I don't use Crossfire, as CASA in Australia requires that all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), which covers fixed wing and drones, must be flown within line of sight. Unless you have a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate, and apply for RPA Flight Authorisation
(Area Approval / Permission. Plus "These applications may take longer than 21 days to process, as they require coordination with the CASA Office of Airspace Regulation." That timing was pre COVID. Oh and Flying FPV outdoors is only permitted with CASA approval or at a Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA), site. 😢
@@anthonywitham2305 Oh my, what the heck? Dang, well, from all the vids that come out of that country, I couldn't tell you guys had such restrictive laws.
@@ChristopherNovaSmith: Some people choose to ignore the rules! I can't say I blame them. Bruce's two rules are all that's required. Happy Flying.
@@ChristopherNovaSmith I measured the distance between the handle and the case when in the extended, unfolded position. There is 28mm or 1.10 inch clearance under the handle. When folded down, the handle is about 12mm or half an inch above the module bay, I have the flat plate cover on the bay.. if you have the handle at 90 degrees to the case and not fully locked you have 34mm or 1.32 inch clearance under the handle.
I put a 4 in 1 iRangeX Module in the bay and the handle folds flat, the position of the handle runs parallel to the unlocking clips. I hope this information maybe of use. 👍
Bruce, I got the USB-C upgrade for my T16 Pro Hall and it charges at 200mA via USB. Works fine as far as I can see. I never have to remove the battery. I did drill a hole in the new cover so I could see the charge LED better. Also, I've never had a problem with the scroll wheel! I'm very happy with the T16 on the whole.
The radio master cables may look messy, but having different colours is good for moding. As in 'Cut the yellow cable on J12 and connect it to the red cable on J5 - as an example.
Hi Bruce, my production run RadioMaster T16s mode 1 model arrived yesterday. I can confirm that the slight gap in the back is still there, although is seems to be less then yours. The project box is gone, and now it has flat cover similar to the Jumper T18.
Very interesting teardown Bruce. As an engineer, I much prefer the internals and cable management of the Radiomaster - it looks as though more thought and planning went into the design.
Thanks for the review Bruce...
I did some extensive research before biting the bullet to purchase the RadioMaster TX16S radio.
Your review of both these radios would have saved me days of research a few weeks ago to come to my same conclusions.
Forget the replacement ribbon cables for the T16. I contacted them directly, they asked me some questions and then ignored me. No replacements sent and no reason not sent so, I got rid of that POS and purchased the Radiomaster. Thanks for helping me make up my mind Jumper.
I was an early adopter of the Jumper 16 with hall effect gimbals. I've had problems with the card reader and the ribbon cables. The ribbon cables are always out of stock unless you buy them from Jumper and it very time consuming to replace them. In fact, one of the catches on ribbon cable holder broke and I'm completely shut down.
Personally, I would never buy another Jumper product.
One reason I purchased the Jumper T18 V2 was the switch lights - I do have to fly at night, the downside is no one has reverse engineered the T18 so schematics are not around and the part add-ons for the T18 are non existent but I do like the case that came with the T18.
I believe that the Jumper foldable handle will fit the radiomaster transmitter as well. Radiomaster is a win win.
Pawel released a video recently where the thumb wheel issue is solved with the latest firmware upgrade.
How is the firmware going to add detents?
That makes zero sense
there is T18 lite without 900mhz with external 2.4g antenna. i think that's better deal?
The center detent is built into the Potentiometers... My guess is that Radiomaster are using an better potentiometer for the sliders.. I would imagine its then the same pots used on the top 2 knobs on the transmitter too..
Hi Bruce as per usual succinct and straight to the point.
slightly off topic . You wouldnt care to show a modification to the T16 pro to enable on board battery charging !
many many months later, i just reviced my Jumper T18, and i can say Jumper have made some upgrades on the production line, the screen cable is much shorter now and not wrinkled any more for example, and the Hall Gimbals is not the same as the gimbals in this video... so it looks like they made some improvements Jumper.
I looked up the details on that antenna, it's 3.3dBi gain, which is the same gain as 90% of those 100mm long rubber ducky antenna's. So aside from the polarization issue the performance shouldn't be too bad.
Also I prefer running horizontal polarization as you're less likely to run into Fresnel zone issues.
Thank you for all you do for all of us
I knew I could count on you for a comprehensive, common sense, comparison. thank you for the video.
Thank you for the conclusion at the beginning. + 1 like, + 1 comment, + 1share
great job Bruce, as always,....thanks for all your reviews...
Bruce - can you put in a link for that 900MHz antenna - that looks really good.
This video is a couple years old now but I have a mark 2 tx16s and I think it is plagued by acoustic noise from the ceramic capacitors on the mainboard. Do you get a high pitch ringing noise when you for example increase the internal module power and/or screen brightness at the same time? It becomes EVEN MORE audible for me
You forgot to mention that the radiomaster has a touchscreen
Robert, would be interested to know the touch screen effect on battery life, as a few Futaba battled with this issue and have seemed to overcome it. Sometimes a touch screen is not optimal.. What do you think?
@@simonpfotenhauercapetown7055 I have thought about the same. But until opentx 2.4 is released I won't know. Hopefully they include a option to disable it if u don't care for it. I can see it coming in handy for somethings.
colour coded cables make like a lot easier if your changing any wiring around inside the transmitter.
Looking forward to the PCB comparison video for these! Thanks!
TX18S based on the fact that the LCD Cover isn't coming off 🤣 You know Thomas would agree with that. Great video Bruce!! So much covered. I didn't realise the T18 didn't charge internally. That alone would be a hassle
Just bought a T8sg Plus Carbon. It's all I need, and much smaller than either of these radios. But it's interesting to see what I may grow into in a few years.
I have had a terrible time with quality and support with Jumper. I will keep you updated, but let's just say it was very difficult to get a replacement T16 when I bought it (more than 16 detailed e-mails and a need to basically beg for an RMA number), and the replacement they sent me had big problems also (and has not yet been fixed or dealt with). I hope RadioMaster is much better with its customer support.
I like the faux carbon. It matches the skies here in Scotland!
ROFLMSFWAO
It would be great to get your opinion on the best receivers to use with the 2.4ghz multi protocol module.
Thanks for another fantastic review video.
Great review Bruce. Thanks mate. 🙂🏴
I just picked up the TX16S, seems like I made the right decision. Liking it so far, incredible for the price.
When I bought my jumper T16 I thought it was amazing. So I bought a second one to use for my kids. A few weeks in I had all the problems with the ribbon cables on both radios. Reseat a cable and it would be fine for that day and magically 2-3 days later I would power up a radio and another damn switch would be misbehaving and I would have to reseat the cable again. I got the upgraded ribbon cables and installed them. Seemed to have fixed the problem for a month. Then I had the same thing happen. I now own a Radiomaster TX16S for 2 weeks and I think its a decent upgrade from the Jumper. The next time one of the jumper's has a ribbon problem its going in the garbage.
Futaba uses internal antennas on few of their radios. But they have two of them. No reported range problems.
Great comparison vlog sir! Kudos to your channel!
Still wanting to see a roundup of the best and recommended receivers to replace frsky when they go full access protocol and everyone's got Radiomasters and jumpers.
Here you go: Crossfire.
😃
@@MrRolloTamasi I think we need more variety of receivers than crossfire, they maybe good but we don't all need expensive long range receivers
@@jonnyBgood3 you asked for the best - short range crsf has short latency. And telemetry.
For cheap I would just grab a XM+ and flash a 1.x FW version.
That roller is a Spektrum thing too
I would like to see you swap the 2.4 antenna to external and make the 900 MHz antenna internal since most people will not use the 900 MHz.
Absolutely agree about TBS. I switched to crossfire and never looked back. I use their video transmitters and antennas as well for great analog video. Support from them is great.
That's interesting about your R9 experience - I have a red R9M for two years now, and it's my go-to system. In fact with FrSky introducing ACCESS I'm not going to buy any new D16 receivers - R9 (or D8) on the contrary, yes. I've looked at their website and the R9 system seems to have new 2019 firmware (ACCESS branded) and it's marked as an upgrade from R9M to R9M 2019. Not sure what compatibility issues it might cause, but it supposedly works with my module (haven't tried yet) and introduces OTA updates. Maybe you should take a look at that?
I'm glad I got the RadioMaster TX16S and I absolutely love it ;-) One TX To Rule Them All! See you in the Air!
21700 cells will fit in the Jumper in place of the 18650. Don't use the holder but just a couple of bands of clear tape round the 21700, firm up with a couple of blobs of hot glue where the cells meet. Cell holders with spring contacts are a bad idea in a Tx (airborne situation as well) as vibration can causes intermittent/poor contact which can result in loss of control.
would be good if you could measure the current consumption of both radios to see which one is more efficient. This means for the same battery, the lower the current draw, the longer we can run it.
I purchased the Radio master on a whim as I have a HorusX12S a beast of a radio, if you were to put your hand on your heart and say compare something like the HorusX10S to the Radio master would the FrSky unit actually be better quality? so hard these days with radios, currently sticking with the Horus as I fly ducted fan and jets as well
Great review as always Bruce :-)
Thank you.
Would love to know what Trappy thinks about the "compatible" systems!
fully support vendors working together with us and bringing more compatibility to their and our customers. we made a deal with RadioMaster to include Crossfire and it ensures that it remains the better and more future proof choice.
@@raphaelpirker3406 excellent news!
They missed a trick then in not promoting the collaboration more with a TBS approved label/sticker the choice between the 2 systems would have been much easier.
@@xxxenricop they do promote it on their website. will let RadioMaster know, thanks for that input!
Since the radio master and spektrum both use a 3.5mm jack for the trainer ports, could I use them together in a trainer situation?
On the radiomaster anyone know how to remove the ribbon in the middle? How does one flip the latch open to release the ribbon cable? Thnx....
Dude, THANK YOU! I tried this shit for weeks...BRAINFUCK! Now i finally watched ur video and i understand everything after 30min. Thank u!
Amazon is offering a TX16S with crossfire now. Which I'm gonna buy.
I put a jumper folding handle on my TX16s Oh and trimmed the pull tab off the screen protector.
Can you share a link?
@JayQ FPV: Here are some links for the Jumper T16 folding handle. Just search for Jumper T16 folding handle in the search engine your country.
www.team-blacksheep.com/products/prod:jumpert16_handle
www.xt-xinte.com/Jumper-T16-Upgrade-Folding-Handle-for-T16-T16-Plus-T16-Pro-handle-Spare-Parts-for-Transmitter-Radios-p708811.html
www.nextfpv.com.au/collections/jumper/products/jumper-t16-folding-handle-upgrade
hobbycool.com/products/jumper-t16-transmitter-foldable-handle-parts
www.aliexpress.com/i/4000734973302.html?spm=2114.12057483.0.0.3ccf6f7fn7lsMd
@@anthonywitham2305 Good on you AW Yeah plenty of places to get parts. It`s just time for delivery that lacks in AUS anyways
@@gen3v8 . I just ordered mine yesterday from NextFPV Australia. Got a tracking number for Aus post, so I hope it ships today.
@@anthonywitham2305 Yes if you can get stock from Aus it`s good. I purchased my Tx16s from Fpvfaster, was in stock, and next day it was delivered
Hey Bruce, did you know that you can change the timing of the shutdown? Radiomaster is definitely better overall.
I like long sticks but can you add longer ones?
I would love to see a review of the FlySky PL18 paladin transmitter. I am considering that vs radiomaster. I just hate opentx....
Bonafide Pirate reviewed the Paladin, he liked it it is not his Every Day Flier though.
Loving my TX16S.... Starting on the cosmetic mods this weekend:)
So is the knockoff better? Or is the knockoff of a knockoff actually better?
I see a year later radio master includes a foldable handle and two strap clip holes for a flat to forward balance. Older radio master radios are still on the market so if balance matters (it does to me) look for that.
Can you fit a 5000mah 2s 21700 li-ion pack in the Radiomaster? Samsung 50E cells are like $5 each so much cheaper to build a 2s 5000mah pack then an equivalent lipo. Plus they don't mind being left charged for long periods.
Jumper T16 had switching noise on the audio output. That's maybe the reason for extra filter caps.
I bought my jumper t18 the ribbon looks exactly the same. seal tape on mine to kind of make it rigid. I also installed a 2.4 gigahertz antenna. Plus I installed my own battery charger. However the one I got did have a balance lead. so you would be able to pop it straight on a charger. I installed a charger and mine because I don't want to have to keep taking the back on and off. I might through a video together on how I installed everything. If I ever get time.
I think you do a very thorough job in all your reviews.
Is the Radiomaster T16s shielded for 433mhz?
Can the tbs V2 module be used without problems in the Jumper t18? Or does it require doing some way?
Great Video But did you think to read the manual on wither radio? DSC = Direct Servo Control AKA
Trainer Port and Charging on the bottom USB-C Port. And as a modeler< I'm really surprised that you
couldn't figure to modify the Jumper Carry case with an X-Acto Knife (Surely as a modeler, you have
some imagination) to fit the Radio Master or get the optional Fold-Down Carry Handle from
Radio Master and then it should fit the Jumper Carry Case just fine.
And, Yes! The flex circuits, what you are calling ribbin cables, in the jumper are a Joke! They will not
stand up to vibration. Stranded Copper Wire Ribbon Cable on the other hand, will. As an electrical
engineer of many years, I can attest to this.
Hi Bruce , I bought the Radiomaster and fitted the Crossfire module and find it fits my hands for a thumber . The folding handle is not an issue if you use Crossfire . It would be nice to find a carry case that lets the Crsx module fit as well . Also Radiomaster has an option to buy it with the Crsx module as they did some sort of deal with Crossfire . I already had a module so didn't need to go that route but CRsx works seemlessly with the Radiomaster .
Question though recently Win 10 did an update that buggered up my STM drivers , has anyone else had that problem .
my tx16s has spongy sliders/dials. Barely any detent.
But, the tx16s can be upgraded endlessly, and i love it anyway.
The gap isn't there on my production model TX16S 20:10.
You do know that they out source the manufacturing sometimes?
Just received my Radioking TX18s and as far as I can see right now, it has the best features of both, hall effect gimbals, internal usb-c charging, jp5in1 module ,etc. And cheaper than both.
I like the metal handle because it protects my full size crossfire module.
Now jumper does not send anymore the replacement ribbon and it's hard to find the whole set in stock anywhere near n europe
That's a rubber dummy load, not an antenna on the T18. If you really want range, run a cable to a decent vertical antenna, perhaps mounted on a pack frame or something like that.
If anyone is reading this, I bought a Jumper T18 with the 5in1 module and have the same issue with the scroll wheel. It is almost impossible to program a model with this.
2.4GHz wavelength is 125mm so a quarter wavelength antenna should be 31.25mm
While complaining about the need to remove the battery pack on the T18 to charge the cells you said, "Obviously you want to balance charge them." Considering it has the same leads on its battery holder as does the T18, it doesn't look like the T16s internal charger balance charges the cells.
The screen protectors are designed for protection during shipping only, and will degrade your screen over time, removing them will prevent this.
Bruce I have the Jumper folding handle on my radiomaster and works great!
will the handle close if using the Crossfire Long Range (Big) module?
@@ChristopherNovaSmith I sadly don't own a crossfire module but I don't see why not the dimensions are practically the same as the fixed handle
I bet a few dabs of hotglue will hold those ribbon cables in place just fine.
Jumper admitted that they used substandard ribbon cables late in the T16 production, they claim the supplier screwed them.
The radiomaster comes with its own hard case..
The handle will fit. Also a non metal handle is a big deal when it comes to external modules.
I am with trappy and own TBS and your right flawless performance.
There is no Crossfire multi module. The options that include crossfire just bundle a normal crossfire jr module in the box.
RadioMaster Mode 1.. I really cant fly mode2.. I have tried.. Mode one since 1985, and no way I'm learning to ass side up
Funny I actually love my Old 2018 R9m. I have full TBS XF as well and honestly don't like the fact of having less channels plus XF bluetooth is worthless imo. Also the 2w output they claim isn't even close to actual output power. More like 780mw. Anyway not a huge fan of XF. I've had great experiences with R9M once you get the right firmware installed on both module and receiver it works very well and I've even added a $5 bluetooth module to my R9M and guess what it works! Can't say that about XF bluetooth
wanna sell the crossfire?
Agreed, my R9M original Module works fine running 868mhz Flex, no problem at all.
@@anthonysmith9765 sure. $189.00. Since I paid $240 for it.
@@EnglishTurbines exactly!! Like I keep telling people if you spend the time to get it worked out r9 works just as good if not better than XF. I own both and I've shelved my XF since I only get max 9 channels on CRSF protocol on 12 channel output which sucks when you are fixedwing pilots plus fact XF bluetooth is useless and was whole reason I purchased it but found out it doesn't work near as well as my R9 with modded bluetooth module. I can get live maps plus antenna tracking !! Cant say my XF will do that
@@Freebird_67 Yeah, what amuses me most is these Crossfire fanboys all fly Quads round their heads...you don't need long range gear to do that....Lol.
I think I paid £30 for my R9M and R9MM micro reciever....when they were promoting it...😎
The six buttons at the top look like pigeon feet!
Great now i can't stop looking at it
I bought the Radio Master fron Newbee Drone for an awesome deal but still no word on if they'll ship. Anyone else get one this last month?
The problem with all of those from my point of view is the user unfriendly Open TX software. Why on earth did Jumper drop the far more friendly Deviation software?
Radiomaster sells a Genuine Crossfire Lite Module as a bumdle with the TX16S, I bought mine that way :-)
Can you please measure the 900mhz output on the jumper. Knowone seems to have done this. If it’s only a Low output then it’s a pretty useless radio all round me thinks.