Double Take: JR X9503 2.4 GHz Spektrum DSM Radio
A user-friendly system for pilots who are interested in flying—not programming
Michael Ramsey
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 solid DSM2 Spektrum signal technology is enough to earn it respect. With the X9503, a 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 model-memory 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
JR X9503 Top Tricks
- 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 X9303 transmitter programming
- Back-compatible with all DSM receivers
- Backlit screen for greater visibility and 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)
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
