Page 50 - Patchwork & Quilting - UK (February 2020)

TESTING, TESTING | R/C System

A socket alongside the speaker allows a headset with a
microphone to be plugged in - a mobile phone headset is
ideal. For voice commands without a headset, the Tx
microphone is just above the neck strap hook.

While the Jeti was better than other colour
screen transmitters I have experienced, and
better than my smart phone in this respect, it's

a shame as it's very easy to configure the screen
to display exactly what you require. But I guess
that is the price for having a colour display,

Information specified to be logged can be viewed later which in other respects for programming and
on the display, post flight. post flight analysis is excellent. I would point
out that many other users of Jeti transmitters
with colour screens don't report this, so it may
As expected, the model flew very nicely on in the hands. I'm a pinch flyer, in that I pinch just be my sunglasses.

the DS-12 and the transmitter was the sticks with my finger and thumb, but I The ability to configure the transmitter with
comfortable to hold and the sticks smooth in passed the transmitter to my some of my less features to suit your requirements and add
operation. The voice command system sophisticated club mates (and the editor!) them as your needs develop is an interesting
worked most times; pulling the switch and who just use thumbs and they reported that concept and allows Jeti to provide a high
using the voice command activated the the sticks fell easily to hand and the radio was quality, lightweight transmitter that grows
required sensor reading. This is very neat, comfortable to hold. with you at a price on par with its mainstream
and I can see it being quite useful on models competition.
that have multiple sensors; being able to use POST FLIGHT ANALYSIS Neither is the range of ancillaries lacking,
a single activation switch and then a voice Like all Jeti transmitters, the DS-12 has built in with everything from lightweight receivers for
command would reduce the pilot workload a flight logging and these can either be viewed small models, receivers with inbuilt
great deal. Some commands worked better on the transmitter screen immediately after stabilisation, central box units with battery
than others and I think keeping the flight or analysed on a PC using the Jeti backup for large models, telemetry sensors for
commands simple helps here. You may Studio software, useful for checking LiPo measuring just about everything and a range of
however get some strange looks for talking voltages in flight, seeing how good you were electronic speed controllers with inbuilt

to your transmitter as well! Jeti do point out at finding thermals, or checking the signal telemetry. There's something for just about
that the feature is experimental and don't strength to check you have the receiver aerials every modeller, making the DS-12 an
recommend using it for any flight critical positioned optimally, etc. In my post flight interesting proposition for those for whom
operations, but for none critical activities it's analysis, the data revealed that one of my 3S earlier Jeti transmitters were either outside
a neat feature. LiPos had a couple of cells on the way out and their price range or who were looking for a
To test the accelerometer function, I used the voltage on the flight battery on the T-21 lighter weight transmitter.
my 1/5th scale Slingsby T-21 glider, which has glider was quite variable, showing that it In summary the DS-12 is a cracking radio and
an FPV camera situated in the co-pilot's seat, wasn't holding up so well under load. The in this review, I've only just scratched the
with a servo which allows the camera to pan. flight logs can be downloaded and saved on surfaces of its capabilities. Also, whilst
After setting up the main model features the PC, so you don't need the transmitter preparing this feature, I had cause to call Bernie
comprising of dual ailerons, dual spoilers, hooked up to the computer for analysis. at Jeti UK with a couple of technical queries,
rudder, elevator and tow release, I made use which were promptly answered, so it's not
of the accelerometer function so that tilting LIGHTWEIGHT QUALITY lacking in support either! ✈
the transmitter made the camera pan. The After using the transmitter for a few weeks, I
set-up allowed a dead band to be set up came to the conclusion that while some may
around the centre and the sensitivity of the look at the DS-12 as being Jeti's entry level DATAFILE
transmitter tilt to be adjusted. model, it could also be viewed as Jeti's
I'd also set up the vario so that with the tow lightweight radio, it weighing only 700g - just
release engaged I had height readouts, and over half the weight of its DS series brethren Transmission Duplex 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz
once the tow release was activated the vario with the CNC metal cases, which come in at frequency: backup (optional)
tones kicked in. This allowed the height on 1.3kg. I can see this appealing to those who Output power 2.4GHz: 10mW
the tow to be monitored, changing to vario don't normally use a neck strap or need to
tones once off the tow; flicking the switch in hold the radio one handed while launching Output power 900MHz: 25mW
flight allowed height readouts again. the model - slope soarers and discus launch Number of channels: 8 upgradable to 12/16
For the first flight with the DS-12, I handed gliders, for example. In the latter case the Display: 3.5” TFT LCD backlit

the FPV googles to a passenger and checked ability to position the spring-loaded switch on 320 x 240-pixel
out the model's trim with a traditional line of either side would allow the programming of a colour display
site flight and, as expected, all went well. For launch mode on a conveniently located Battery: 3.6v 6200mAh Li-ion
the second flight I put the googles on and sprung switch.
flew FPV, with an observer. Again all went The only bugbear I had with the Weight: 700 grams
well and it was easy to tilt the transmitter to transmitter - and when flying with Dimensions: 194mm x 215mm x 55mm
look around, the only problem I had was that prescription sunglasses it's one I also have Price: £556.07 (Standard)
the googles kept steaming up and I had to with other transmitters with colour screens £682.07 (Basic Update Package)
pass the transmitter to my observer - no fault - is that despite being easy to see in normal £833.15 (Medium Update Package)
of the radio, but it did give me the chance to light and having multiple user selected colour £902.44 (Full Update Package)
get some feedback from another pilot... combinations, in bright light it wasn't possible Distributor e-Soaring Gadgets, home of
. flawlessly, as expected, and was comfortable to easily read the screen when wearing my (of loaned set): Jeti UK www.jetiuk.co.uk
In both models the DS-12 performed
sunglasses, especially without the backlight.
.

. 50 | RCM&E www.modelflying.co.uk | February 2020