MEPS SZ1804: FPV motors for 3-3.5″ drones

MEPS SZ1804

The Space SZ1804 are the third MEPS FPV motors reviewed on FirstQuadcopter. While the previous models were for 5″ drones, these 1804 are designed specifically for 3-3.5″ Cinewhoop drones, which are favored for their compact size, agility, and ability to navigate tight spaces.

When it comes to drone performance, especially in the realms of racing, freestyling, and filmmaking, brushless motors are a key component, and you should choose them wisely. Selecting the best motors for your build should start from frame size and expected take-off weight. While for cruising, a 4:1 weight-thrust ratio should be fine, to win a race, you will need 10:1 or even 15:1. The MEPS SZ1804 motors have an excellent balance between self-weight, power consumption, and thrust (lifting power), making them suitable for indoor flights in tight spaces and compatible with outdoor freestyle and racing flying, offering flexibility across various scenarios.

CineWhoop FPV motors

Usually, brushless motors are marked with a 4-digit number: AABB. The first two digits (“AA” part) refer to the stator width (measured in millimeters) and “BB” to the stator height. The “KV” parameter represents the number of revolutions a motor makes upon applying 1 Volt current without any load attached to the motor. For example, these MEPS 1804 have a KV rating of 2400, meaning that the motor spins 2400 rpm at the application of 1V without load (propeller installed).

MEPS Space SZ1804 (T-MOTOR Pacer P1804) review

Disclosure: I received these brushless FPV motors for a product review collaboration with MEPS. Although the products were offered for free, all opinions in this article remain my own, and the sponsor did not influence me.

MEPS, or MEPSKING, founded in 2023, is a relatively new brand in the FPV parts market. Their product range includes motors, propellers, flight controllers, and ESCs. Aiming to become a one-stop shop for FPV drone builders, they also offer products from the top brands. Some industry voices say that MEPS is somehow related to T-Motor, a well-established UAV brushless motor brand. As the TMOTOR Pacer P1804 looks almost identical to the MEPS SZ1804, there should be some truth behind these rumors.

Unboxing

MEPS sent me their SZ1804 gift pack with two sets of SZ3046 propellers, two battery bands, and a nice hat. The motors are individually packed with two sets of mounting screws (M2x6mm and M2x7mm).

At a glance

I received Space 1804 motors in a silver-red color scheme, but silver-green is also available. You can also choose from two KV options: 2450KV for 6S and 3500KV for 4S builds. Here, I should mention that T-Motor’s Pacer P1804 has a slightly different KV option: 2400KV and 3400KV.

Motor screws

Each motor comes with two sets of mounting screws, 6mm long for thinner frames and 7mm for thicker ones. They adopt lightweight 1.5mm stainless steel and a durable Uni-Bell structure that provides high crash resistance without added weight. Made of 6061 aluminum alloy, using N52H arc magnets, 220°C enamel-coated wire, and NMB ball bearings (granted for 10000 working hours), these motors provide reliable performance and have an extended lifespan.

Design

As you can guess from the product name, the stator has a diameter of 18mm and a height of 4mm. The MEPS SZ1804 motors weigh about 15 grams and have 120mm long wires. The motor leads are pre-tinned for easy soldering. The propellers can be secured to the bell using 2 or 4 screws. You can use 3 or 3.5″ propellers -Meps recommends using their SZ3046 props (photo below). The base has a 16x16mm mounting pattern with M2 screws.

MEPS 1804 motors with SZ3046 propellers

Apparently, the MEPS Space SZ1804 offers excellent build quality, especially at its attractive price point. The bearings rotate smoothly when turned by hand.

According to the manufacturer’s test data, the KV2450 version has 1.42g/W efficiency and the KV3500 1.49g/W.

Stator

I plan to use these motors on a new build using an iFlight AOS Cine35 EVO frame and a RushFPV BLADE F7 AIO flight controller. The build should be able to lift a full-size GoPro 13 with no issue. I haven’t decided yet whether to use a Walksnail Avatar HD FPV system or a DJI O3 Air Unit. After I finish the project, I will update this review with more impressions regarding the real-world performance and durability of these MEPSKing motors.

AIO flight controller for 3" drones

Key features:

  • Brand-new rotor design with an anodized two-color process
  • Suitable for 3-3.5 inch Freestyle, Racing, and CineWhoop FPV drones.
  • 6061-T6 Aluminum is a high-quality material with a high-strength one-piece rotor.
  • Customized N52H curved magnetic steel, strong magnetism, large torque.
  • NMB bearings are durable and have a long lifespan.
  • The motor runs more stably through high temperature-resistant 220° copper wire winding.
  • New optimized adjustment and calibration, maintain high torque at low speed, linear power output when the throttle changes rapidly, precise and quick response when turning.

Pricing, availability, and options

The SZ1804 motors with two KV options (2450 and 3500) can be purchased directly from MEPS’s online store. Now, you can get one motor for just $15.90 with 20% off the regular price. For a bundle set of motors with two sets of 3046 propellers, you will need to pay $71.01. If you make a combo purchase, you will receive two battery straps and a hat for free. You can opt for silver-red or silver-green color schemes.

MEPS SZ1804: KV comparison table

KV 2450 3500
Lead 120-123mm 120-123mm
Weight(incl. cable) 14.5±2g 14.5±2g
Motor Dimension 23x17mm 23x17mm
Shaft Diameter φ1.5mm φ1.5mm
Lipo compatibility 6S 4S
Configuration 12N14P 12N14P
Internal Resistance 190mΩ 190mΩ
Idle Current(10V)  0.8A 1.3A
Peak Current(60S)  18.7A 23.7A
Max Power 476W 386W
Max Thrust 680g 577g
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Since 2014, FirstQuadcopter has reviewed, thoroughly tested, and rated hundreds of products, including drones, gimbals, power stations, action cameras, 3D printers, and other high-tech gear to help you make better buying decisions. As always, if you found this review helpful, don’t forget to like, share, comment, and bookmark for more content like this!

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Price/performance ratio
Desing
Weight/thrust ratio
Compatibility
I have nearly 25 years of photographic experience and 10 years working as product tester for various websites. I have knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including DSLR\Mirrorless\Action cameras, Computers, Gimbals, Power Stations, 3D printers, and, above all, drones! I’ve flying, reviewing and building drones since 2014. I founded and own FirstQuadcopter a drone blog dedicated to newbie pilots. I authored over 300 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of drones!
meps-sz1804-fpv-motorsThese MEPS SZ1804 FPV motors are an excellent choice for drone pilots looking to build or upgrade smaller, lightweight drones that prioritize agility, responsiveness, and efficiency. <br> Pros<br> +Friendly priced<br> +Two KV options<br> +Included mounting screws (two sizes)<br> +Bundle options<br> <br> Cons<br> - None for the moment<br>

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