Double Take: JR X9503 2.4 GHz Spektrum DSM Radio - 2010/06

WHEN THE FACTORY
offers your favorite model of
car in a GT (grand tourer)
version, that’s the time to buy.
It has all the special features,
and the body has crisp pinstriping
and stylish wheels.
Similarly, the JR X9503 RC
system is the GT version of
the JR X9303, which has
grown to be many pilots’
favorite radio.
Reviews of the X9303
airplane and helicopter
versions were published in the
June 2008 MA. Major
differences between the two
systems were the same then as
they are now: the throttle
smoothness, the front label,
and that the upper left front
corner has a button for the
airplane and a switch for the
helicopter.
Stating that the JR line of
2.4 GHz radios uses the sound
DSM2 Spektrum signal
technology is enough to earn
it respect. With the X9503, a
June 2010 51
Double Take: JR X9503 2.4 GHz Spektrum DSM Radio
MICHAEL RAMSEY
Photos by the author
A user-friendly system for
pilots who are interested in
flying—not programming
Throttle trim is analog, and the
remaining five trim functions are
digital. The resolution of every trim
lever is adjustable.
The X9503 transmitter case has a solid feel, with grips on
the back to prevent slippage. Notice how easy it is to
read the backlit screen.
In the front upper left corner,
the helicopter version has a
three-position flight-mode switch.
The aircraft X9503 has a button
at that location. Slide controls
are on the right and left side of
the case.
This transmitter is comfortable to hold
whether you’re a thumb or finger flier. The
unlit screen is far less clear.
The large display lists the model programming options on
one screen. A precision roller ball helps to quickly select
and adjust menu choices.
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user can command any JR 2.4 GHz or
Spektrum receiver ever made. Many of us
fliers have them.
Many pilots thought that 20-model
memory was enough in the Spektrum
DX7, but a lot of us need more nowadays.
The new, lower-priced X9503 was
released just before I purchased a second
DX7.
An X9503 system is a far better deal
than owning multiple radios, and you get
two more channels and 10 more modelmemory
spaces. The compact JR R921
receiver is a great product.
I started using the X9303 when
electric-ducted-fan models with retracts
came installed with standard servos.
“Whack” up and “whack” down, the
retracts would actuate.
Using the Servo Speed program, I can
delay movement of the retracts so that they
not only move in a scale fashion, but also
so they won’t damage themselves when
hitting the stops. Playing with that feature
gave me a new appreciation for the
system.
The new illuminated LED display is
valuable. I appreciate it most because
glowing in the dark is a high-end feature
of more expensive systems. The
illumination is on a timer and dims after
10 seconds of dormancy. Extra current
drain from the 1500 mAh battery is
minimal.
I can never remember to start a timer,
even when I do think ahead to program
one. The timer in the X9503 can work with
the movement of the throttle, so its
activation is automatic. I’m flying more
safely knowing my flight time.
Setting up this system’s timer feature
takes less than a minute. Actually,
programming anything in the X9503 is as
easy as the timer feature is.
Those who wrote this radio’s manual
should be praised for their efforts. Briefly
but clearly, the features are explained by
purpose and then by how to set them up.
It’s all in real English, and it’s a valuable,
unintimidating read.
Don’t let the channel count scare you.
This is as much a radio for the sport
modeler as it is for more advanced pilots.
The preprogrammed mixes are ideal for
Scale and helicopter fliers, and they’re fun
to try to see what the fuss is all about.
With this easy-to-use radio, you might
soon find yourself becoming an advanced
pilot. MA
Michael Ramsey
[email protected]
Manufacturer/Distributor:
JR/Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
• Nine channel functions
• Airplane- or helicopter-specific versions
• Loads of automatic programming features
• 50-model memory
• Throttle-timer startup
• Spektrum DSM2 2.4 GHz RF link
• ModelMatch
• Easy JR X9303 transmitter programming
• Back-compatible with all DSM receivers
• Backlit screen for greater visibility, readability
• JR R921 receiver included
• Three-axis dual rate and exponential
• Five CCPM mixes (2s 180, 3s 120, 3s 140, 3s 90, 4s 90)
• Price is $549.99 ($80 less than the X9303)
JR X9503 Top Tricks
The X9503 aircraft and helicopter system include JR921 DSM2 2.4 GHz receivers. The author
recommends using at least a 6.0-volt battery pack.
52 MODEL AVIATION
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