JR XG14 DMSS Radio
Greg Gimlick [email protected]
When shopping for a new radio, we're faced with a growing number of manufacturers. Some have been around for years and others seem to come and go overnight. JR has a history of solid performance and a reputation for quality and customer service. That counts for a lot when I search for "the next radio," and ease of programming is high on my list.
JR has a reputation for being one of the easiest radios to program and has continued that with its new offering: the XG14.
What's New?
The primary question for many is: what's new? The main difference in the new JR radios compared with older versions is the introduction of the Dual Modulation Spread Spectrum (DMSS). It is not compatible with previous modes you might be familiar with: DSM2, DSMX, or DSMJ.
The new system combines the best of those versions to create the most robust 2.4 GHz system the company has released. This is a wide-signal, full-spectrum, channel-hopping system with X-Bus capability.
Ergonomics, 14 True Channels, and More
Ergonomics isn't something we usually hear about when shopping for radios. Many designs have remained similar for years. JR took a different approach and decided how the radio feels in your hands is important, then designed it accordingly.
When you look at the transmitter's profile from the bottom, one of the first things you'll notice is that the sticks aren't straight up. That's because your natural hand position, whether you're a finger flier or a thumb flier, isn't vertical. Pilots' hands are naturally offset, and we've been forced to stretch for the sticks—no longer. The JR design team found the correct stick angle, and the switches on each side are angled toward your hand position. These features may not seem major, but you'll feel the difference when you pick it up. It feels good.
JR positioned the switches for easy reach and covered them with a rubber sleeve to make them easy to operate. If you think the radio feels good in your hands, wait until you move those gimbals! JR has taken a CNC-machined premium aluminum gimbal base from its flagship radio and installed it here. That base is solid, and even the hardest 3-D stick banger won't find the sticks flexing at full deflection.
JR also provides a true 14-channel radio without any channel sharing. Most radios offering more than roughly nine channels use some method of band sharing or splitting for the additional channels.
X-Bus
JR's new X-Bus digital serial data communication technology, when combined with an X-Bus receiver, can connect as many as four servos per channel via the X-Bus serial connector. This allows for as many as 56 servos (4 x 14) to be connected via a special JR X-Bus servo harness.
Connection of conventional (non-X-Bus) servos is possible with a special conventional servo-harness converter. As more X-Bus devices become available, this paves the way for expanded radio capabilities.
Because JR uses a proprietary serial data protocol instead of standard Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), signals are sent in one packet. Each servo recognizes its command because of the channels that are assigned digital IDs and each servo's individual ID.
JR's patented Intelligent Output System automatically selects control signals and channel priority for channels that need to be transmitted at the same time and delivers them in one frame. This ensures there is no time delay or latency for channels used for control surfaces such as a CCPM swashplate on a helicopter, or multiple-servo control-surface setups in large aircraft. The X-Bus system allows each servo in the system to simultaneously receive its signal.
The X-Bus system has two modes to provide flawless communication with JR's equipment as well as Freakware, BeastX, Mikado FBL systems, and others as they are developed.
AT A GLANCE ...
Specifications
- Frequency: 2.4 GHz
- Protocol: Dual Modulation Spread Spectrum (DMSS)
- Input power: 6.4 V, 1,400 mAh LiFe
- Display: 128 x 64 backlit LCD
- Number of channels: 14 (true, non-shared)
- Resolution: 1,024
- Frame rate: 14 ms
- Runtime: Up to 4.5 hours
In the Box
- JR XG14 transmitter
- JR RG731BX receiver
- AC charging adapter
Features
- 30-model internal memory
- Airplane, helicopter, and glider program options
- Premium-grade gimbals with CNC-machined aluminum bases
- SD card slot for data sharing, storage, and updates (SD card not included)
- LiFe 6.4 V, 1,400 mAh 2S transmitter battery pack
- Integrated charging circuit
- 9 V AC/DC adapter supplied with automatic shutdown
- Lightweight design (820 grams)
- Easily adapts to stick modes 1–4
- Data entry via scroll bar and four push-button keys
- Telemetry with built-in receiver voltage sensor
- Optional telemetry sensors available
- Stick tension and spring adjustment
- Dual trim options
- Dual side slide-lever controls
- Touch Select System for switch selection
- New soft switch covers for improved feel and control
- User-selected menu for frequently used functions
- Eight-channel failsafe
- User-assigned switch functions
- Programmable throttle cut
- Two independent programmable timers
Pluses
- Ergonomics
- Soft-touch switches
- LiFe transmitter battery
- Backlit LCD screen
- Premium gimbals
Minuses
- Blue LED on front of transmitter is too bright
- Shiny chrome reflects sun and shows fingerprints
Telemetry
The included RG731BX receiver provides automatic telemetry that displays receiver voltage at all times. No additional sensors are required for that function. Other telemetry functions that require optional sensors are being developed.
Dual-stream, bidirectional communication transmits all telemetry information through a separate RF stream, distinct from the primary control-channel stream. That data travels along its own path and does not reduce or share update rates with any control channels.
Basic Programming
If you are familiar with later versions of JR radios, you'll feel comfortable with the XG14's program methodology. If you're coming from another brand, you'll find what JR users have known all along: it's logical and easy. The typical four buttons are on the left side of the main screen and the jog dial is on the right.
- "E" (Enter): Enter key. Used to enter the "My List" screen from the main screen. This fully customizable screen allows you to put the controls you most often access on one screen.
- "L": Changes to the function-listing screen.
- "C": Sets an option back to the default setting. It can also serve other context-sensitive functions (indicated by an arrow), and can reset the timer.
- "F": Function key. Operates various functions depending on the screen. One default from the main screen is to start and stop a timer.
The jog dial is the primary method for changing parameters and selecting options. It turns left and right and is pushed to make a selection. Holding the dial can speed numeric changes.
One Radio—Multiple Uses
You can order one radio and not worry about whether you'll fly more than one type of aircraft. The radio arrived with a smooth throttle and a tabbed piece is included to convert it to a ratcheting-style throttle.
It has a standard switch layout, so there's no need to order separate helicopter or airplane radios; functions such as throttle cut are in the same location regardless of aircraft type. If you don't like that setup, all switches are assignable so you can customize the configuration to suit your preferences.
Flight Modes
Some manufacturers have introduced radios without flight modes for fixed-wing models, forcing users to become inventive in defining mixes. JR recognizes the benefit of flight modes for all types of aircraft and has provided them.
- Helicopters: Six modes — Normal, Stunt 1, Stunt 2, Stunt 3, Stunt 4, and Hold. By default, Stunt 3 and Stunt 4 are inactive and must be activated through the device-select menu in the system list. Hold is activated in the function list under throttle hold.
- Airplanes: Five modes — FMOD-0, FMOD-1, FMOD-2, FMOD-3, and FMOD-4. None are activated until selected in the device-select menu; FMOD-3 and FMOD-4 must be defined in the custom menu.
- Sailplanes: Eight full flight modes — Speed, Cruise, Thermal, Land, Launch, Distance, Zoom, and Free. None are activated by default; they must be turned on in the device-select menu.
The flexibility of the sailplane flight modes goes beyond the scope of this article, but setting up my Discus Launch Glider was easy with the standard templates and selections.
JR also provides a flight-mode delay so you can fine-tune transitions between modes. If you're used to sudden changes and the resulting shaky moment, you can now set a delay so changes take place more smoothly.
No Reboots Necessary
Previously I disliked rebooting a transmitter every time I wanted to change models or access certain programming options. That is no longer necessary: all menus are accessible from the main screen, including changing models and binding.
The binding process is similar to previous JR radios, except the bind function on the transmitter is selected through the system menu. The receiver uses a binding plug and power to enter bind mode; then "Bind" is selected in the menu and a status indication shows that the radio is binding to that receiver. When complete, the screen will show "Success" and the binding plug can be removed. The XG14 will only bind to DMSS receivers (not DSM2, DSMX, or DSMJ).
Range checks begin in the main menu by entering "System" and selecting Range Check. This automatically reduces transmitter power; a check of approximately 40 paces indicates a good installation. Holding down switches or buttons is unnecessary. The LED on the transmitter will blink to indicate the lower power setting while range checks are completed.
Special Functions and Features
The XG14 has many features; the manual is 107 pages of well-laid-out instructions and descriptions. I suggest you download a copy from the JR Americas website to reduce the learning curve. Below are some of the most significant features.
- No labeled switches: Labels are included for each model type in case you want to permanently dedicate a particular switch to a function. Switches are fully assignable.
- SD card: Provides nearly unlimited model memory and a path for firmware updates.
- Gimbals: CNC aluminum base and dual bearings give them a feel like no other radio in this class or above.
- Servo balance: Easy method to equalize travel of servos on control surfaces; ensures equal movement.
- Servo speed: Adjust the speed of each servo, including separate up and down speeds. If an option isn't available inside a mix, it will be blanked out. Useful for controlling flaps and landing gear.
- Throttle curves: Available for both airplanes and helicopters; gas-engine modelers will appreciate this.
- Throttle hold: Important for helicopter pilots and now available for airplane pilots (especially useful for electric aircraft to prevent inadvertent throttle bumps).
- Motor system: Glider pilots can assign a switch to control a motor, making the throttle stick available for other surfaces. A delay can be programmed for smooth linear advance.
Conclusion
JR continues to innovate with the advent of DMSS and X-Bus. The XG14 provides all the features one would expect at this price point, plus a few extras. JR has extended the expected feature set, increasing the radio's capabilities and improving safety.
I prefer a radio that doesn't lock me into certain switch assignments. The XG14 provides the flexibility I expect while maintaining the ease of programming JR is known for. The list of X-Bus-compatible equipment is growing and will make large airplanes with dozens of servos easier to set up, tweak, and expand over time.
I encourage you to download the manual and study the radio's features. The JR Americas website has plenty of information to answer your questions, and the company has a reputation for quality customer service.
—Greg Gimlick [email protected]
Manufacturer / Distributor
JR Americas [email protected] www.jramericas.com
Sources
Notes:
- Basic transmitter settings can be selected and adjusted on three screens. The first provides the Function List where trims, curves, mixes, and the timer can be found.
- The XG14 offers several wing-type selections for gliders and airplanes.
- The helicopter function allows electronic CCPM mixing to match mechanical swashplate structure and control; one to four servos are supported.
- Receiver telemetry parameters are programmable to sound alarms as needed. Dual-stream, bidirectional communication transmits all telemetry information through a separate RF stream.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
