The 0802 brushless motor is one of the most common power configurations for lightweight drones,particularly the Tiny Whoop class.Its name derives from the stator dimensions—8mm in diameter and 2mm in height—striking a balance between weight and thrust.Compared to other small brushless motors like the 0703,1102,and 1103,the 0802 motor finds the optimal combination of agility,efficiency,and power output,making it very suitable for 1S or 2S drones with 65mm–75mm frames.
This article will provide a comprehensive understanding of the 0802 motor from the aspects of basics,core parameters,application scenarios,popular model recommendations,and accessory matching,helping you quickly make a suitable selection.
I.0802 Brushless Motor Basics and Characteristics
1.Size and Naming Convention
The model of a drone brushless motor is typically composed of the stator diameter and height.For example,"0802"represents a stator diameter of 8mm and a height of 2mm.This type of motor is widely used on 65mm–75mm Tiny Whoop frames due to its small size and light weight,primarily paired with 1S–2S batteries.It achieves a good balance between lightweight design and power performance.
2.Structure and Composition
The 0802 brushless motor is a typical brushless outrunner motor,mainly composed of the following parts:
Stator:Where the coils are wound,determining the motor's basic power and efficiency.
Rotor:Composed of the outer shell and magnets,responsible for rotation and driving the propeller.
Magnets:Commonly N52 grade,ensuring a strong magnetic field and sufficient torque.
Bearings:Support the motor's rotation,affecting lifespan and smoothness.
Windings:The coil material and craftsmanship determine the motor's power consumption and heat generation level.
This structure gives the 0802 motor characteristics of fast response,good throttle linearity,and high energy efficiency on lightweight drones.
3.Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
Lightweight:Single motor weighs only about 2g,suitable for ultra-light frames.
Fast Response:Good throttle linearity,agile movement,suitable for indoor acro flying.
High Cost-Effectiveness:Price is usually$8–15 per motor,low entry barrier.
Wide Compatibility:Almost the"standard configuration"for 65mm–75mm Tiny Whoops.
Limitations
Limited Thrust:Single motor thrust is generally 10–30g,not suitable for large props or high loads.
Relatively Short Lifespan:Frequent high-speed operation accelerates bearing wear.
Average Crash Resistance:Small size means weaker impact resistance.
Noticeable Heat Generation:High KV versions(greater than 25000KV)can easily overheat under prolonged full throttle.
4.Comparison with 0703,1102,and 1103 Motors
II.Detailed Explanation of 0802 Motor Parameters
1.KV Value
Definition:KV value refers to the motor's rotational speed(RPM)per volt(V)applied under no-load conditions(RPM/V).
Common Range:The KV value of 0802 brushless motors is typically between 18000KV–27000KV.
Application Differences:
High KV(25000–27000KV):Represents faster RPM,strong burst power,suitable for indoor racing and fast acro,but has higher energy consumption and heat generation.
Medium KV(20000–23000KV):Represents a balance between power and efficiency,common on 75mm Whoops or models suitable for both entertainment and racing.
Low KV(18000–19500KV):Represents higher efficiency,suitable for long flight time training,but lacks instant burst power.
2.Motor Weight
Typical Range:0802 motors are about 1.9–2.5g per motor(including wires).
Significance:On 65mm–75mm frames,every 0.5g increase in weight noticeably affects flight time and agility.
Trend:Major manufacturers are optimizing motor housing and winding design to reduce weight without sacrificing durability.
3.Compatible Voltage
Supported Batteries:0802 motors are usually designed for 1S(3.7V)or 2S(7.4V).
Matching Suggestions:
65mm Whoop:Typically uses 1S battery,agile and light.
75mm Whoop:Can use 2S battery,stronger thrust,more suitable for outdoors.
4.Thrust and Efficiency
Typical Thrust Range:Single 0802 motor thrust is approximately 10–30g(depending on KV,propeller,supply voltage).
Efficiency Differences:
High KV motors have strong thrust but high current consumption,resulting in shorter flight times.
Medium-low KV motors are more efficient,suitable for training and long-endurance flights.
Experience Matching:
31mm propeller:Paired with high KV,fast burst.
40mm propeller:Paired with medium-low KV,more stable current,suitable for long endurance.
5.Mounting Compatibility
Shaft Diameter:Commonly 1mm shaft diameter,compatible with most Whoop propellers.
Mounting Hole Pattern(MHP):TypicallyΦ6.6mm–7mm,with 2mm diagonal screw holes,compatible with 65mm/75mm Whoop frames.
Note:The screw hole spacing on some frames varies slightly;confirm motor base compatibility.
III.0802 Brushless Motor Application Scenarios
1.Tiny Whoop Indoor Acro Drones
The most classic application of the 0802 brushless motor is the 65mm Tiny Whoop.Leveraging its lightweight and high RPM characteristics,it enables fast acro flying and agile maneuvering in indoor spaces.
High KV versions(e.g.,25000KV–27000KV)provide sharp throttle response,allowing pilots to perform quick flips and sudden stops,making it very suitable for indoor FPV practice.
2.75mm Micro Racing Drones
On 75mm Whoop frames,0802 motors are often paired with 2S batteries for a higher thrust configuration.Medium KV values(20000–23000KV)are more popular in this scenario,balancing power and efficiency,suitable for small-scale outdoor racing and freestyle flying.
3.Ultra-Light Freestyle Practice Drones
For players wanting to try freestyle flying,the 0802 motor provides good throttle linearity and control feel.Although the thrust is not as strong as the 1102 or 1103,its lighter weight and high response speed still make it perform well in low-altitude flips and outdoor lightweight freestyle.
3.FPV Entry-Level Training and Entertainment
Due to their relatively low price and low damage cost,0802 motors are often used in beginner FPV drones.Players can use them to practice hovering,acro flying,and formation flying indoors without worrying about high hardware loss costs.
For recreational players,Whoop models equipped with 0802 motors are almost"ready to fly and practice,"making them very suitable for daily entertainment.
4.Educational and Experimental Use
Besides entertainment and racing,0802 brushless motors are also often used in educational kits or scientific experiments.Their small size and high RPM make them suitable for pairing with sensor modules for light-load testing,such as small flight control algorithm verification and attitude control experiments.
IV.Market Popular 0802 Motor Recommendations
1.T-Hobby M0802 II—27000KV(1S)
The M0802 II is T-Hobby's high KV 1S micro motor for 65-75mm Whoops,weighing about 1.9g.Its 9N12P structure offers very fast response,suitable for indoor racing and sensitive control;the same series has a stable reputation for consistency and workmanship.
Specs:
9N12P config;weight~1.91g(with wires);shaft dia.1.0mm;no-load current 4V 0.56A;peak current(10s)5.39A;max power(10s)22.3W;wire length~33.5mm(JST-1.25);supports 1S.
Model Characteristics:
High KV,lightweight,fierce acceleration,suitable for 65-75mm Whoops with 31-35mm props for pilots seeking burst power and feel.
Price:~$18.99/motor.
2.Happymodel SE0802—25000KV(1–2S)
The SE0802 is Happymodel's classic 0802 series,compatible with 1-2S,lightweight at~1.9g.Shares origins with Mobula and other complete drones,high parts commonality,easy maintenance,and outstanding cost-effectiveness,suitable for beginners and indoor entertainment/racing.
Specs:
1-2S input voltage;9N12P config;weight~1.9g;shaft dia.1.0mm;JST-1.25 connector;size~Φ10.5×14.9mm(with housing);tested current 4.34A;tested power 16.06W.
Model Characteristics:
Strong versatility,friendly price,easy to find spare parts;the 25000KV version has a more aggressive throttle response,suitable for 65-75mm platforms tuned for indoor racing.
Price:~$10–13/motor
3.BETAFPV 0802SE—19500KV/23000KV(1S)
The 0802SE is positioned for lightweight and optimized dynamic balance,about 1.8g per motor,adapted for 65mm frames like the Meteor65/65 Pro:23000KV offers more punch for indoor racing,19500KV balances efficiency and flight time.
Specs:
Weight 1.8g/motor;1S voltage;MHP 6.6mm;M1.4 screws;shaft dia.1.0mm;wire length~35mm/30AWG;some versions use brass bushing bearings.
Model Characteristics:
Extreme lightweight+good dynamic balance,especially friendly to 65mm lightweight frames;KV can be chosen based on"handling/endurance"preference.(Source:BETAFPV)
Price:Sold in 4-packs~$38.99/set.
4.FLYWOO ROBO 0802.4—16500KV/19500KV(1S)
The ROBO 0802.4 targets long endurance and smooth flight needs,about 1.8g per motor,suitable for 65/75mm lightweight platforms with 31-40mm props,offering smoother steady-state efficiency and feel.
Specs:
Weight 1.8g;1S voltage;shaft dia.1.0mm;MHP 6.6mm;M1.4;wire length 40mm/30AWG;size 10.5×10.5×13.6mm;bushing structure.
Model Characteristics:
Leans more towards efficiency and smooth feel,suitable for training/cruising or a"more flight-endurance"orientation for 75mm lightweight platforms;16500KV is more power-efficient,19500KV offers more responsive handling.
Price:Sold in 4-packs,~$39.8/set.
5.RCINPOWER GTS V3 0802—27000KV(1S)
The GTS V3 is a series from RCINPOWER highly regarded in the 1S Whoop circle,combining high KV+lightweight(~1.97g)for burst power and sensitivity;workmanship,windings,and dynamic balance are competitive in its class,suitable for indoor racing and fast acro.
Specs(27000KV):
Config:Voltage 1S;shaft dia.1.0 mm;no-load current 0.3 A 5V;efficiency current:1–2 A(>82%);internal resistance:95 mΩ;motor size:Ø11.2×8.2 mm;weight:1.97 g(with wires/with connector);max continuous power:26.6 W(3S conditions);max current:7.2 A(3S conditions).*Voltage:1S(practical use is 1S)
Model Characteristics:
Strong burst power,throttle follows commands well,lightweight brings agility advantage;offers more headroom for aggressive tuning on 65-75mm Whoops with 31-35mm props.
Price:~$10–15/motor
V.0802 Motor Matching and Optimization
1.Matching with Propellers
31mm 2-blade prop:Often used with high KV(23000–27000KV)motors,fast RPM,strong burst power,suitable for indoor racing and fast acro.Disadvantage is slightly louder noise and shorter flight time.
31mm 3-blade prop:Smoother thrust,finer control feel,suitable for beginners and freestyle flying,but power consumption is slightly higher than 2-blade props.
40mm 2/3-blade prop:Suitable for 75mm frames or medium-low KV(18000–20000KV)motors,providing higher lift and more stable flight,common on 2S outdoor platforms.
Tip:Larger props and more blades increase the motor load;avoid High KV+Large Prop combinations to prevent overheating or burnout.
2.Matching with Batteries
1S Battery(3.7V):The most common configuration for 0802,lightweight,suitable for 65mm Whoops,paired with 25000–27000KV motors,offers highest agility.Common capacities are 300–450mAh.
2S Battery(7.4V):Used for 75mm platforms,recommended KV range is 16000–20000KV,stronger power,suitable for outdoor racing or lightweight freestyle.Common capacities are 450–550mAh.
Note:Pairing excessively high KV motors with 2S batteries can easily cause overload;proceed with caution.
3.Matching with ESC/Flight Controller
Current Demand:The peak current of 0802 motors is typically in the 4–6A range,so it is recommended to use a 4-in-1 ESC rated for 5A–12A.
FC Compatibility:Most Whoop AIO Flight Controllers support 0802 motors;pay attention to connector type(e.g.,JST-1.25 or JST-1.0).
Tuning Suggestion:For high KV motors,consider appropriately lowering the throttle curve in Betaflight to avoid prolonged motor overload and overheating.
VI.Maintenance and Care for 0802 Brushless Motors
1.Regular Cleaning and Inspection
0802 motors,due to their small size and high speed,easily suck in dust,hair,or small fibers during flight.These foreign objects can wrap around the motor shaft or between the magnets,causing increased friction or even stalling.
It is recommended to regularly clean the motors after flying using a small brush or compressed air.
If the motor rotation is not smooth,carefully use tweezers to remove hair and debris.
2.Control Temperature,Avoid Overheating
High KV(25000KV and above)0802 brushless motors can generate significant heat when running at full throttle for extended periods.Overheating can lead to winding insulation aging and magnet demagnetization.
Avoid High KV+Large Prop combinations(e.g.,40mm 3-blade).
Recommend using a reasonable throttle curve to reduce continuous full-throttle flight time.
After long flights,let the motors cool down for 2–3 minutes before continuing.
3.Determining Motor Lifespan
When an 0802 motor exhibits the following conditions,it usually means it needs replacement:
Significantly increased noise:Bearing wear or magnet debonding.
Reduced thrust,worsened efficiency:Winding aging,increased resistance.
Motor vibration or jerky operation:Bent shaft or uncleaned debris.
4.Usage and Storage Suggestions
Avoid frequent hard crashes:0802 motors themselves have average impact resistance;hard crashes can easily bend the shaft.
Avoid prolonged storage in damp environments:High humidity can cause winding oxidation;recommend storage in a dry environment.
Regularly check solder joints and connectors:Looseness can cause motor stoppage or intermittent failure.
VII.Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q1:Can an 0802 motor be directly replaced with a 1102 or 1103?
Not recommended for direct replacement.Although the mounting hole pattern may be partially compatible,the motor weight,current demand,and propeller matching are different.Installing a 1103 motor on an 0802 frame may cause excessive frame load,insufficient FC current,or even burn the ESC.Upgrading requires changing the frame,battery,ESC,and other components simultaneously.
Q2:Do 0802 brushless motors require break-in?
Most modern brushless motors have completed dynamic balancing at the factory and do not require break-in like brushed motors.However,for new motors,it is recommended to run them at low throttle for 1–2 minutes initially to check for vibration or abnormal noise.
Q3:Why do 0802 motors from different brands feel so different even though they are the same size?
The main reasons are differences in magnet grade,winding craftsmanship,and bearing quality.For example,T-Motor focuses on winding tightness and bearing precision,resulting in a smoother feel;while some cost-effective brands emphasize thrust and lightweight,which may come at the expense of durability.
Q4:Can 0802 motors be used for carrying cameras(like a Naked GoPro)?
Not recommended.The maximum thrust of a single 0802 motor is about 30g,and the total thrust of the entire drone is limited,making it difficult to support additional load.To carry a lightweight camera,at least 1103 or larger motors are required.The 0802 is positioned for lightweight racing and entertainment,not aerial photography or load-bearing platforms.
Q5:If the motor has slight play or makes abnormal noise,must it be replaced?
Not necessarily.If it's just slight dust inside the bearing,try cleaning+lubricating oil treatment.But if the motor vibrates significantly at low throttle,runs excessively hot,or has reduced efficiency,it indicates the windings or shaft are damaged and need replacement.
Q6:Can 0802 motor parameters be adjusted individually in Betaflight for optimization?
Yes.Common practices include adjusting the throttle curve and filter parameters to make throttle response smoother and prevent motor overheating.Some high KV models also require RPM filtering to reduce motor noise and vibration.
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