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.
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 41⁄2
inches wide and 11⁄4 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.
Te c h n i c a l R e v i e w Bob Aberle
E-mail: [email protected]
The XP9303 RC system’s airborne components: R649 PCM
receiver, four digital DS811 servos, 1100 mAh battery pack, and
switch harness.
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 ninechannel-
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 highresolution
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
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.
JR XP9303 RC System
Photos by the author
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.
one servo, if pulsed in a rapid motion, would
draw an average of 500 mA (1⁄2 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 twomenu
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;
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
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).
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 retractchannel
switch.
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.
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.
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.
Rear of transmitter showing battery-compartment cover removed,
exposing 600 mAh battery pack. Above battery is removable RF
module.
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!
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.
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.
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. MA
Distributor:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(877) 504-0233
www.horizonhobby.com
February 2005 63
02sig2.QXD 12/22/04 12:23 PM Page 63
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 61,62,63
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 61,62,63
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.
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 41⁄2
inches wide and 11⁄4 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.
Te c h n i c a l R e v i e w Bob Aberle
E-mail: [email protected]
The XP9303 RC system’s airborne components: R649 PCM
receiver, four digital DS811 servos, 1100 mAh battery pack, and
switch harness.
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 ninechannel-
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 highresolution
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
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.
JR XP9303 RC System
Photos by the author
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.
one servo, if pulsed in a rapid motion, would
draw an average of 500 mA (1⁄2 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 twomenu
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;
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
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).
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 retractchannel
switch.
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.
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.
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.
Rear of transmitter showing battery-compartment cover removed,
exposing 600 mAh battery pack. Above battery is removable RF
module.
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!
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.
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.
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. MA
Distributor:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(877) 504-0233
www.horizonhobby.com
February 2005 63
02sig2.QXD 12/22/04 12:23 PM Page 63
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 61,62,63
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.
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 41⁄2
inches wide and 11⁄4 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.
Te c h n i c a l R e v i e w Bob Aberle
E-mail: [email protected]
The XP9303 RC system’s airborne components: R649 PCM
receiver, four digital DS811 servos, 1100 mAh battery pack, and
switch harness.
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 ninechannel-
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 highresolution
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
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.
JR XP9303 RC System
Photos by the author
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.
one servo, if pulsed in a rapid motion, would
draw an average of 500 mA (1⁄2 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 twomenu
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;
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
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).
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 retractchannel
switch.
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.
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.
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.
Rear of transmitter showing battery-compartment cover removed,
exposing 600 mAh battery pack. Above battery is removable RF
module.
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!
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.
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.
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. MA
Distributor:
Horizon Hobby Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(877) 504-0233
www.horizonhobby.com
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