JR XP9303 Radio Review

New JR XP9303 RC system (Horizon Hobby catalog item JRP9241). Aircraft version includes advanced R649 PCM receiver and four standard (or sport type) digital servos (DS811).

 

WHEN YOU SEE reference to a nine-channel-function RC system, you might immediately think in terms of big dollars! The JR brand, as distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc., can cost as much as $1,000 or more for the top-of-the-line 10-channel system. But what about the new JR XP9303?

            For starters, the aircraft version of this system, with a JR R649 advanced Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) receiver and four high-resolution digital servos, has a street price of $599.99. As an alternative, you can have this aircraft system with the JR R770 standard PCM receiver, without servos, for $499.99. Or you can have the new JR XP9303 transmitter by itself for $439.99. That transmitter can operate any existing JR FM receiver as well as any JR PCM receiver.

            The Horizon Hobby/JR promotional material released on this new XP9303 uses the phrase “End of Pro-Class Envy.” In other words, you can have one of the most “feature”-packed systems or just the transmitter at an affordable price.

           

System Variations: In addition to the three XP9303 aircraft models I just referenced, Horizon Hobby is also providing four helicopter versions and three versions expressly for the sailplane enthusiast.

            The system’s transmitter is identical in configuration for the aircraft, helicopter, and sailplane model applications. The only difference is in the cataloging of these 10 variations and the way they are packaged with various receiver/servo combinations.

            The difference is whether the system comes with an advanced R649 PCM or standard R770 PCM receiver, whether advanced digital servos (DS8311) or standard digital servos (DS811) are included, and the final choice of the transmitter only (without a receiver or servos).

            I’m not going to spend the time to get into every item or feature of these systems. If you want to know all the details, go to www.horizonhobby.com. Select “Support,” “Product Support,” and then “Manual & Parts Explosions.” There, find the brand on the pull-down menu—JR (68)—and select the system model number of your choice.

            It sounds like a lot to do but takes little time. When you have the JR manual of your choice, put it in your “Favorites” section for easier call-up at a future time.

The XP9303 RC system’s airborne components: R649 PCM receiver, four digital DS811 servos, 1100 mAh battery pack, and switch harness.

 

           

Features: You already know that this system has nine full channel functions. Besides the regular four basic channel functions provided by the two dual-axis control-stick assemblies, there is a fifth channel for retract at the top left rear corner, a sixth and a seventh proportional channel lever at the top of both sides of the case, an eighth channel for “FLAP” control (three-position switch) at the top front left, and a ninth channel function for “AUX2” (also a three-position switch) at the front top right.

            Trim controls, as you might expect, are digital, and I will write more about that later. All nine channel functions have their own separate digital trims, and all trim positions can be easily monitored.

            The LCD screen is huge, measuring 41¼2 inches wide and 11¼4 inches high. The normal display that comes up on the LCD screen every time the power is turned on includes the transmitter battery voltage (along with a bar indicator), the selected model memory position, the name of the airplane that you assigned to that position, and whether you are set for PPF (regular FM) or PCM.

XP9303 RC transmitter has huge LCD screen. It has nine channel control functions, each with digital trim and 30-model memory capability. Each memory position can have up to an eight-character name assigned.

 

            Also displayed are an integrated timer readout that provides elapsed time when the transmitter power is on and three bar graphs that show the position of the aileron, elevator, and rudder trims.

            The computer-driven memory system provides as many as 30 model memory positions without the need for any extra memory modules. The fact that you can name each memory spot with as many as eight characters is especially nice. It is even better when you see the model’s name come up on the main display each time for reference purposes.

            To the right of the LCD screen is what JR engineers call a “Rolling Selector.” You can roll this selector with your thumb, much as you would a mouse on your computer. This will allow you to scroll around the menus. When you want to activate a selected item, press down on this Rolling Selector again, as you would do with a computer mouse. This was a convenient control.

            Looking at the rear of the XP9303 transmitter case, you will find a removable radio frequency (RF) module. According to the JR manual, these modules are available in the US for the 72 MHz RC channels and the six-meter RC channels. Readers have written letters indicating that they could not obtain six-meter modules from JR, so be advised that this might be a problem.

            In the near future I would like to see a synthesized module for this transmitter. With 30 model memories, the ability to rapidly change the operating frequency would be a wonderful extra!

            Another big plus for the XP9303 RC system is that new digital operating servos are provided. JR is offering system options with its standard (or sport) digital servo—model DS811—and its advanced digital servo—model DS8311.

My review system came with the DS811 servos. They are extremely fast and highly accurate. If you fly highly responsive models such as the 3-D type with vertical hovering maneuvers, this is the servo for you.

            The only slight drawback with the digital servo is the higher current drain. I found that one servo, if pulsed in a rapid motion, would draw an average of 500 mA (1¼2 amp). So two servos in motion, at the same time, could be as much as 1 amp current. For that reason, JR provides an 1100 mAh airborne battery pack as standard with these systems.

            The company also thoughtfully provides a charger with approximately 150 mA output to properly charge this higher-capacity battery pack. It’s interesting that the servo speed (transit time) can be selectively reduced on each channel function as required.

           

Menu System: The XP9303 has the two-menu system with which most modelers will be familiar. The System menu has items such as model memory; naming the model; selecting aircraft, helicopter, or sailplane; choosing modulation type (PPM [Pulse Position Modulation] or PCM, but you can’t select high or low FM deviation); and resetting to factory-default settings.

            The System menu also has what is known as “Flight Mode.” With this function you can establish certain aircraft-control configurations for normal precision flying, snap rolls, or consecutive rolls, slow rolls, and rolling circles.

            The other menu is called the Function menu. With the transmitter power on, press the “LIST” button and the entire “Function Menu” appears. After that, you can use the rolling selector to pick any detailed function and then proceed to make your control inputs. I’ll leave the details of the Function menu for the referenced instruction manual.

            Rest assured, the XP9303 has it all!

Along left side of LCD screen are four special control buttons: “ENT” (enter), “LIST,” and “CLR” (clear). Fourth button is reserved for future use. With transmitter turned on, pressing LIST button will call up entire Function menu.

 

To right of LCD screen is new “Rolling Selector” switch. It works similar to a computer mouse. Roll drum left or right to scroll around menus and control functions. When you want to select something in more detail, press down on roller

 

Top left corner of transmitter case. On front left is “ELEV D/R” (dual rate) switch, three-position “FLAP” switch, and “FLAP TRIM” button. At top front is trainer switch. To rear of that is retract-channel switch.

At top right of transmitter in front is “AILE D/R” (dual rate) switch. To left of that is “AUX2” three-position switch and then “AUX TRIM” button. At top front is “AUX4” or “RUDD D/R” switch; toward rear is “MIX” switch (on or off).

How the Digital Trims Work: Digital trims on computer-driven RC systems are certainly in the majority. With them you can obtain precise trim positions on your various control channels. Once you get the exact trim position, you can store it in the computer for that particular aircraft. The only problem with digital trim is that you don’t know exactly how much trim is applied since the trim lever is simply a momentary contact switch.

            On the XP9303, the basic display shows a bar graph and a number (representing position) for the aileron, elevator, and rudder trim positions. When you apply trim on any of these functions, you will hear a beep. As you continue to add trim, the tone gets softer and slower until you get to maximum trim.

            When returning the trim to the neutral position, the sound gets louder and faster. When you hit the exact neutral position, you get one steady (longer) beep. With this audible cueing, you don’t have to take your eyes off of the model to look at the LCD screen. There is also a “monitor” function that allows you to see the trim positions for all nine channel functions.

Rear of transmitter showing battery-compartment cover removed, exposing 600 mAh battery pack. Above battery is removable RF module.

           

Worth the Money? Realistically this JR XP9303 could cost you $440-$800, depending on the functions and options you desire. If you are presently flying a JR RC system, buying just the new XP9303 transmitter for the $439.99 would upgrade you to one of the highest levels of RC capability. All of the control features you would ever want to operate a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, or sailplane are there in one package.

            With 30 memory positions and the ability to name each position, this transmitter might be the only one you have to bring to the flying field. As you need more airborne equipment (receivers and servos), you only have to buy those components—not a full system.

Function menu listing that comes up when transmitter is on and you press LIST button. From this point you can select anything you want using Rolling Selector.

Typical screen display, here for “Sub Trim.” All nine channel functions have trim controls. Numbers refer to trim positions; 6 is more trim than 4.

Basic display that comes on when transmitter power switch is turned on. It shows battery voltage; model-memory position; model name (ACROVOLT here); integrated timer (or other timer functions); trim positions for aileron, elevator, rudder.

 

            Although the XP9303 has many special control features, you can inhibit (turn off) practically everything so that you only have a basic RC system. Then as you progress in the hobby, you can simply “turn on” any feature you like.

            There is definitely rationale for paying this higher price. JR has a remarkable new system in its XP9303.

 

Q

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