FingerTech FT1806 1500KV Brushless Motor – Updated
FingerTech FT1806 1500KV Brushless Motor – Updated
The updated FingerTech FT1806 1500KV brushless motor brings a redesigned 3mm stepped shaft to the heart of the Mega Spark brushless gearmotor system — now capable as both a drive and weapon motor. Engineered by FingerTech Robotics for beetleweight combat robots, this latest version pairs perfectly with the Mega Spark planetary gearbox and delivers more robust shaft performance than its predecessor. It can also be used for a fairyweight weapon motor, due to the strengthened shaft. Note that this updated version does not include a pinion gear — if you need one, it is available separately here: 11T Brass Pinion Gear, or choose the original version which includes one.
$20.99
12 in stock (can be backordered)
FingerTech FT1806 1500KV Brushless Motor – Updated
The updated FingerTech FT1806 1500KV brushless motor is the latest version of the dedicated drive motor for the Mega Spark brushless gearmotor system — and it now pulls double duty as a weapon motor for 150g fairyweight robots. Whether you’re building a new drive system or upgrading an existing one, this is the latest version from FingerTech Robotics — redesigned from the ground up with a stronger shaft and expanded voltage range.
The most significant change in this updated version is the redesigned shaft. The internal shaft is now 3mm, stepped down to a 2mm output to accept the standard 11T pinion gear. Critically, the e-clip is now located on the 3mm portion of the shaft — eliminating the weak point found in other motor designs where the e-clip sits on a narrower shaft. This strengthened shaft makes this updated FT1806 motor a legitimate weapon motor for 150g fairyweight robots, in addition to its proven role as a drive motor.
At 1500KV, this motor strikes the ideal balance between torque and top speed — the versatile middle ground between the pushing-power-focused 750KV and the speed-focused 2300KV variants, making it the go-to choice for most beetleweight builds. It now runs on 2–6S LiPo (up from 2–4S), giving builders more voltage flexibility than the original. For drive use, pair it with a BL40A-R AM32 Reversing Brushless ESC — AM32 firmware delivers smoother low-speed control and better torque than BLHeli. For weapon use, the BL20A BLHeli_S Brushless ESC is recommended.
This listing includes the FT1806 1500KV motor only. A pinion gear is not included. If you need a pinion, you have three options: (1) purchase the 11T Brass Pinion Gear separately; (2) note that the Mega Spark planetary gearbox includes one pinion — if you are purchasing the gearbox alongside this motor, no additional pinion purchase is needed; or (3) choose the FT1806 1500KV – Original, which includes a pinion gear pre-installed while stock lasts.
Installing a pinion requires a press fit, which can be tricky — an arbor press is ideal, but a bench vise or C-clamp can work well. Always support the shaft from below to protect the bearings, and make sure that the force is applied parallel to the shaft. Canting either the motor or the pinion can damage the motor bell, the bearings, or cause the motor to wobble. Loctite is not a viable alternative — the pinion requires a true press fit.
Features
- Redesigned 3mm stepped shaft — e-clip on 3mm portion eliminates the weak point found in standard motor designs
- Dual use — drive and weapon motor weapon-capable in 150g fairyweight combat robots; drive motor for Mega Spark Beetleweight gearmotors
- 1500KV rating delivers the ideal balance of torque and speed for versatile beetleweight builds with the Mega Spark gearbox
- Expanded voltage range — now runs on 2S–6S LiPo, up from 2S–4S on the original
- 23.1mm (0.91in) diameter — slightly smaller than the 24mm gearbox, won't rub on sidewalls when flush mounted
- Pre-installed 3.5mm bullet connectors on 10cm 26AWG wires for fast, clean ESC hookup
- Pinion gear not included — available separately: 11T Brass Pinion Gear, or included with the Mega Spark planetary gearbox
- Custom-wound brushless outrunner designed specifically for the Mega Spark drive system
Maintenance & Replacement Parts
| View | Kit | Description | In Stock | Price | Qty Per Kit | Buy |
|---|
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| KV | 1500KV |
| Rated Voltage | 24V (2S–6S LiPo) |
| Rated Current | 10A |
| Max Current @12V | 10A |
| No-Load Current (with Mega Spark gearbox) | 1.1A |
| Motor Resistance | 0.15ohm |
| Weight | 25.3g (0.89oz) |
| Diameter × Length | 23.1mm (0.91in) × 18.5mm (0.73in) |
| Internal Shaft Diameter | 3mm (0.118in) |
| Output Shaft Diameter | 2mm (0.078in) |
| Shaft Length | 9.6mm (0.38in) |
| Motor Wires | 10cm, 26AWG with 3.5mm bullet connectors |
| Mounting Pattern | Two M2-0.40 holes spaced 16mm (0.63in); two M2-0.40 spaced 12mm (0.47in), 90° offset. Rotating portion: four M2-0.40 holes evenly spaced on 9mm circle. |
| Screws Included | M2×4mm socket head cap screws (qty 4); use a 1.5mm hex key |
| Pinion Included | Not included — available separately: 11T Brass Pinion Gear |
| Recommended ESC - Drive | BL40A-R AM32 Reversing Brushless ESC |
| Recommended ESC - Weapon | BL20A BLHeli_S Brushless ESC |
Peak Performance Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage (12V nominal) | 11.92V |
| Current | 10.3A |
| Efficiency | 58.68% |
| Torque | 0.0337N·m |
| Power | 72W |
| Speed | 13695rpm |
Original vs. Updated - What Changed
| Feature | Original | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Design | 2mm solid shaft with shaft collar | 3mm internal, 2mm output — e-clip on 3mm portion |
| Rated Voltage | 20V (2S–4S LiPo) | 24V (2S–6S LiPo) |
| Weight | 25.9g (0.91oz) | 25.3g (0.89oz) |
| Pinion Included | ✅ Yes — pre-installed | ❌ No — available separately |
| Weapon Motor Use | ❌ No | ✅ Yes — 150g fairyweight robots |
| Recommended ESC - Drive | BL20A-R BLHeli | BL40A-R AM32 |
| Recommended ESC - Weapon | — | BL20A BLHeli_S |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the right motor for my Mega Spark gearmotor?
Yes — the updated version of the FT1806 1500KV is the latest rev of the motor used in the Mega Spark Brushless Drive Gearmotor. It's a direct drop-in replacement requiring no modifications, except for the addition of a pinion gear, if you're using it with the Mega Spark Gearbox. If you are building a new robot or upgrading an existing drive system, this is the latest version to use. If you are trying to match your existing motors, you may want to choose the original version, while supplies last.
Does this motor come with a pinion gear?
No — the updated FT1806 1500KV does not include a pinion gear. You have three options: (1) purchase the 11T Brass Pinion Gear separately; (2) note that the Mega Spark planetary gearbox includes one pinion — if you are purchasing the gearbox alongside this motor, no additional pinion purchase is needed; or (3) choose the FT1806 1500KV - Original, which includes a pinion gear pre-installed (while stock lasts).
How do I install the pinion gear?
Installing a pinion requires a press fit, which can be tricky — an arbor press is ideal, but a bench vise or C-clamp can work well. Always support the shaft from below to protect the bearings, and make sure that the force is applied parallel to the shaft. Canting either the motor or the pinion can damage the motor bell, the bearings, or cause the motor to wobble. Loctite is not a viable alternative — the pinion requires a true press fit.
Can this motor be used as a weapon motor?
Yes — the updated FT1806 1500KV is rated for use as a weapon motor in 150g fairyweight robots. The redesigned 3mm stepped shaft with the e-clip on the larger diameter eliminates the weak point found in standard motor designs. For weapon use, FingerTech recommends the BL20A BLHeli_S Brushless ESC.
What ESC should I use with this motor?
For drive use, FingerTech recommends a BL40A-R AM32 Reversing Brushless ESC. AM32 firmware delivers smoother low-speed control and better torque than BLHeli, making it the superior choice for drive systems. For weapon use, the BL20A BLHeli_S Brushless ESC is recommended.
What is the difference between the original and updated FT1806 1500KV?
The updated version features a redesigned 3mm stepped shaft — stronger and weapon-capable — compared to the original 2mm solid shaft. The voltage range has also expanded from 2–4S to 2–6S LiPo, and the weight is slightly reduced from 25.9g to 25.3g. The updated motor does not include a pinion gear, while the original comes with one pre-installed. The updated motor is typically gray and black in finish; the original is all black — however, colors may vary by batch, so always verify by checking the shaft design.
What is the difference between the 750KV, 1500KV, and 2300KV versions?
KV rating determines the relationship between voltage and motor speed. Lower KV means more torque and lower top speed; higher KV means less torque and higher top speed. The 750KV is best for heavier beetleweights or pushing-power-focused builds. The 1500KV strikes the ideal balance — versatile enough for most beetleweight builds. The 2300KV is the top-end choice for fast, aggressive builds where maximum speed is the priority.
