Riki,
I have used both, starting with the DC current Orion and then two 4500s and
then back to the OR2800.
Tower is Tash DX70, rotor about 8' below top plate. I have the K7NV clamp
from Jeff at Green heron and use the RT21 as well. The antenna is a DB36
with tilt plate and a 10' DOM mast.
The RT4500 is slightly smaller than the OR2800. I know this because I had
to replace both of the new 4500s with the tower up and partially nested.
Long story for later. With a carefully tested position, both rotors will
come out the side, but with no room extra room.
The K7NV clamp drops onto either rotor.
IMO, the OR2800 is more robust. Not sure about torque ability but better
in dealing with a windy QTH. It has not broken either before or after the
RT4500 tests.
Al N6TA
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: "Riki, K7NJ" <k7nj@awinets.com>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2025 22:08:02 -0700
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Replacing Orion 2800 rotator with DXE-RT4500HD
> I'm considering replacing my ancient AC version Orion OR2800 with a DX
> Engineering DXE-RT4500HD. If I do this, I would hope that mechanically, it
> would be a drop-in replacement. I would be very grateful to receive replies
> from anyone who has replaced an Orion 2800 with a DXE rotator in a Tashjian
> LM-470 crankup tower. In particular, I would like to know:
>
> 1. Is it possible to fit the DXE rotator through the opening in the
> top of theLM-470 tower?
>
> 2. Is the bolt pattern on the bottom of the DXE rotator the same as
> on
> the Orion 2800?
>
> 3. Will the Orion's mast clamps properly mount on the DXE rotator top
> plate?
>
> 4. Comparing the specs, the DXE rotator is 9.205" from base to top of
> mast platform, and the OR2800 is 9.75*. Since I'm not able to conveniently
> measure this, I would like to know if these numbers appear to be
> correct(?).
>
> I would be using a Green Heron RT-21 controller. It seems that many are
> using this with the DXE rotator. I've not yet found the recommended set-up
> instructions for the Green Heron when used with the DXE rotator. Guidance
> on this would be appreciated.
>
> Any other information would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks for your input !
>
> 73 de Riki K7NJ
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: <john@kk9a.com>
> To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2025 09:14:07 -0500
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Replacing Orion 2800 rotator with DXE-RT4500HD
> I have no experience with the Orion or DX Engineering rotator but I would
> recommend using the K7NV style mast clamp with the DXE rotator. It is a
> great design maximizing the contact surface area. I have never had a K7NV
> clamp slip, even with 60ft boom HF antennas.
>
> W2FU should be able to quickly answer your controller set up questions if
> the RT4500HD is not included in the RT-21 manual.
>
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> Riki, K7NJ wrote:
>
> I'm considering replacing my ancient AC version Orion OR2800 with a DX
> Engineering DXE-RT4500HD. If I do this, I would hope that mechanically, it
> would be a drop-in replacement. I would be very grateful to receive replies
> from anyone who has replaced an Orion 2800 with a DXE rotator in a Tashjian
> LM-470 crankup tower. In particular, I would like to know:
>
> 1. Is it possible to fit the DXE rotator through the opening in the
> top of theLM-470 tower?
>
> 2. Is the bolt pattern on the bottom of the DXE rotator the same as
> on
> the Orion 2800?
>
> 3. Will the Orion's mast clamps properly mount on the DXE rotator top
> plate?
>
> 4. Comparing the specs, the DXE rotator is 9.205" from base to top of
> mast platform, and the OR2800 is 9.75*. Since I'm not able to conveniently
> measure this, I would like to know if these numbers appear to be
> correct(?).
>
> I would be using a Green Heron RT-21 controller. It seems that many are
> using this with the DXE rotator. I've not yet found the recommended set-up
> instructions for the Green Heron when used with the DXE rotator. Guidance
> on this would be appreciated.
>
> Any other information would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks for your input !
>
> 73 de Riki K7NJ
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
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