Radio Review/Jr Propo/DFA T14x4
Black Pearl 2.4GHz 14-channel Radio System
In the early 1980s, I made my first serious RC radio purchase, and I remember it as if it was yesterday. At the time, I was thinking about retiring my vintage hand-me-down 5-channel Kraft radio, “gold box,” when I happened to see a Circus Hobbies ad in
Model Airplane News for JR radios, so I headed off to the hobby shop. Ultimately, I purchased a JR 4C-4S (four channels, four servos) AM rig that did everything it was supposed to do while controlling my .30-size Midwest Lil’ Stick. After a while, I returned to the JR brand while looking for an FM radio system and I discovered the JR Max 6. This one set the hook with its two auxiliary channels and those awesome servo-reversing switches. All was right with my RC world, and I have remained a JR enthusiast ever since.
Fast forward to today, and our RC marketplace is filled with all sorts of radios with amazing features that we couldn’t even dream about back in 1983. JR Propo programmable radios are available for all levels of the hobby, from Sunday sport flying to top-level, world-class competition. A whole series of 6-, 7-, 8-, 10-, and 12-channel radios have come and gone, and all have been loved by their users. Enter the new JR T14x4.
NEXT GENERATION
Carrying on the tradition of quality and dependability, the T14x4 distributed by Dee Force Aviation (deeforce.net), is a true nonshared, full 14-channel 2.4GHz radio system. Using JR DMSS (dual modulation spectrum system), the T14x4 features a dual-stream, telemetry communication system. Voltage telemetry is built in as standard in every DMSS receiver, and other add-on sensors installed in your airplane can provide real-time feedback for propeller rpm, as well as altitude, motor or engine temperature, propeller or heli rotor blade rpm, and more. In addition to the data on the display, you can set various alarms to monitor aircraft conditions without taking your eyes off the aircraft. Priced at $699.99, you get a professional full-range system at a sport flyer price.
UNIQUE FEATURES
When you pick up and hold the T14x4 in your hands, you’ll instantly notice its modern styling and ergonomically recessed case back, which is comfortable whether you are a “fingers” or “thumb” flier. I especially appreciate the soft-feel rubber coverings on all the switches.
The T14x4 has very smooth-operating CNC-manufactured control stick gimbals, which are adjustable. Also, the radio uses the JR XBus serial port communication system. When paired with the JR RG812BX XBus receiver, the T14X4 is capable of connecting up to four servos per channel (56 total) with the XBus serial connector. The servo harness is available separately. The T14X4 system is compatible only with matching DMSS receivers, including the RG812BX (see sidebar). Included with the T14x4 are bind plugs, a large JR Propo decal, stick-on transmitter type labels, and an instruction manual. A downloadable manual is also available.
The main features include the easyto-read, backlit main screen; 30-model memory; Airplane, Helicopter, and Glider program options; an SD card slot for data sharing, storage, and updates (SD card not included); LiFe 6.4V, 1400mAh 2S transmitter battery; integrated charging circuit with automatic shutdown; 9V AC/DC adapter (included); selectable stick modes (1 through 4); scroll/push bar and four-button data entry keys; dual trim options; dual side slider levers; fail safe, assignable switch functions; programmable throttle cut; and two programmable timers.
PROGRAMMING
When it comes to accessing and making program adjustments to items in the Function List, the screens and submenus are all very easy to navigate. Dual rates, exponential, servo travel adjustment and
reversing, subtrims, throttle curve, throttle trim, flap system, aileron differential, servo speed, and the various mixes are all easy to understand. The Balance function is handy for correcting the characteristics of individual servos to equalize travel for each control surface. It is especially useful when adjusting six-aileron, four-aileron, dual elevator, and dual flap functions when two or more servos are being used per control surface. With aircraft programming, these options are found under the Wing Type menu.
FAIL SAFE
If the receiver does not receive a valid RF signal from the transmitter, the fail safe function will move the servos to predefined positions. This function allows position selections for each channel. HOLD maintains the servo positions where they were before the radio signal was lost, and this is the default setting. In order to set the fail safe positions for loss of radio signal, you change the switch/control stick for each channel on the screen to FAIL SAFE. To set each of the fail safe positions, move the sticks to the desired positions and hold them there while pressing the MEMO key to activate the function.
One of my favorite features is the My List screen, which is a custom menu of your favorite and most-used functions for quick and easy access. All system and function menu items are available to add to the screen. Assigning your menu choices is simple with the Edit function. Simply press the ENTER key while on the Normal display screen. Nothing will be displayed on the screen until you choose a menu item. When you’re finished adding to the menu, hit OK, and you’re all set.
TIMER TIPS
It is possible to move from the Information and Timer screens to each timer function directly.
To reset the timer, press the CLR key after moving the cursor to the Timer display on the Information and Timer screen.
FLIGHT MODES
A popular feature for any programmable radio is a Flight Model function, so you can dial up specific settings for your aircraft and assign these to a single switch. The maximum number of flight modes that can be selected varies with the model type. It is possible to select up to five flight modes for airplanes, up to six flight modes for helicopters, and a maximum of eight flight modes for gliders.