DX Engineering RT4500HD Rotator

DX Engineering RT4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator

DX Engineering RT4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator (US Patent No. 11,652,268 B2) – Here is the ultimate azimuth positioning rotator, purpose-built to work flawlessly for many years in a vast majority of tower-mounted directional antenna systems. Every aspect of this rotator was specifically designed for high-strength, ease of installation, serviceability and longevity. This is THE rotator of choice for any radio enthusiast who desires an extremely capable and worry-free unit for their tower and mast-mounted directional antennas.

The RT4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator has capabilities that surpass most rotators available on the Amateur Radio market. In addition to an impressive list of features and benefits, it is especially noteworthy that this rotator does not have mechanical limit switches. Soft rotation limits are set as desired in the controller, to the limits of the installed antenna cables. If the antenna or the mast ever slips, simply reset the controller to the new center of rotation and recalibrate the rotational range. Climbing or antenna mast repositioning is not immediately required.

An Important Note About Rotator Capacity – Antenna Wind Area, expressed in square feet or square meters, is a specification that applies for tower loading, but it does not properly equate to rotator specifications. The appropriate specification for rotators is Rotational Torque. Antenna system size, boom and element lengths, antenna balance, as well as total antenna and mast weight, must all be considered to determine torque requirements.

Total maximum antenna wind area handling of the DX Engineering RT4500HD is expected to be approximately 25sq. ft., with maximum torque of over 4400in-lbs., for very well-balanced antenna systems, while also using the appropriate torque calculations that account for total antenna system size and weight.

The part number DXE-RT4500HD is the stand-alone rotator unit only, which does not include a Top Mast Clamp. This allows for the selection of one of three different size Rotator Top HD Mast Clamps available, both also sold separately, that matches popular mast outside diameters (OD); DXE-RTMC-2A for 2-inch OD mast and DXE-RTMC-3A for 3-inch OD mast, or Super-Duty Mast Clamps for 2-inch, 2.5-inch and 3-inch OD masts.   

Similar part numbers with added suffixes represent combinations that include the DX Engineering RT4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator along with either the 2-inch or the 3-inch Rotator Top HD Mast Clamp, as well as systems that also include either the DXE-RT-21DXE Digital Rotator Controller or the microHAM ARCO Advanced Rotator Controller. Rotator control cables and cable assemblies are sold separately. 

Install the DX Engineering RT4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator in your tower to take advantage of these features and benefits:

• Superior Rotational Torque > 4,400in. lbs. with high ratio worm gear drive powered by an extra heavy-duty 24VDC motor

• Exceptional Braking Torque >18,500in. lbs. by high ratio gear reduction that prevents rotation of the mast-mounted antenna system due to wind

• Very High Vertical Load Capacity — internal needle thrust bearing handles up to 2,000lbs.

• High-compression Heavy-Duty Top Mount Mast Clamps available for 2-inch OD or 3-inch OD masts; Super-Duty Mast Clamps for the ultimate mast gripping are available options for 2-inch OD, 2.5-inch OD and 3-inch OD masts.

• Precision Movement — accuracy within +/-0.1 degrees with high-resolution pulse counter controller

• Easy Maintenance — access panel allows service of pulse counter switch without removing the rotator from the tower

• Built for Longer Life — all steel gears are hardened; high-load gears are welded onto their shafts to prevent slippage; larger main gear provides increased strength

• Weather-Protected — sloped powder coated body sheds water; seals at the output shaft, intermediate plate and access panel keep moisture out; weep holes make sure it stays dry

• Worry-Free Installation — standard four-bolt mount (same as Hy-Gain T2X/HAM); this triangular-shaped rotator fits inside ROHN 25G and Amerite 25 towers and on Accessory Shelves (rotor plates), including the DXE-AS25G and DXE-AS-455G. However, the RT4500HD easily handles antenna systems larger than the 25G will safely handle. Rohn 45G, 55G and up, Amerite 45 and 55, and many other high strength towers are recommended

• Works with High-Quality Controllers — Optional DX Engineering Rotator Controller DXE-RT21DXE or other 24VDC, Pulse Counting Programmable Controllers including Green Heron Engineering and microHAM ARCO Advanced Rotator Controller

Specifications, DXE-RT4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator

-Maximum Torque: Over 4,400in-lbs. @ 24VDC

-Braking Torque: Over 18,500in-lbs.

-Vertical Load: 2,000lbs., maximum

-Rotating Range: Unlimited (limited by the range of installed coaxial cables)

-Rotational Speed: 61 seconds/revolution (360 degrees) @ 24VDC, max.

-Resolution: 0.1 degree, nominal (dependent upon controller)

-Travel Accuracy: 0.1 degree

-Pulse Counter Ratio: 4,814 pulses per revolution (required for third-party controller programming)

-Antenna Mast Clamps: Heavy Duty 2 in. OD mast DXE-RTMC-2A or 3 in. OD mast DXE-RTMC-3A, available with rotator and separately; Super Duty Mast Clamp series 2 in. OD DXE-SDMC-2 or DXE-SDMC-2HD, 2.50 in. OD mast DXE-SDMC-2-5 or DXE-SDMC-2-5HD, 3 in. OD mast DXE-SDMC-3 or DXE-SDMC-3HD.

-Voltage: 24VDC

-Current: 3.1A, nominal, during rotation

-Weight: 22lbs. without hardware or mast clamp; 27lbs. with hardware and 2in. Mast clamp

-Width: 7.970in. apex to side; 8.855in. apex to apex (fits inside Rohn 25G and larger)

-Height, without clamp: 9.205in. from base to top of mast platform

-Control Wire: 4 Cond. Cable, 2 @ 12AWG (motor) + 2 @ 18AWG (pulse counter) for controller to rotator total length up to 400ft., 4-Cond. Male weatherproof locking shielded connector installed on rotator pigtail; Female cable-mount mating connector supplied. Additional weatherproof locking cable mount connectors are available separately. DXE-RTC4 series Extension Cables are available separately.

Important Note regarding DX Engineering Protection Plans and Kit Combo Contents

NOTE: Protection plans cannot be purchased for combination packages or on applicable devices after shipment.

DX Engineering Combination Kits and Packages are designed to help you easily visualize and order the right items for your specific needs. However, we encourage you to contact our experienced Technical Sales Team for assistance. We can help adjust the kit contents, suggest substitutions based on stock availability, and offer DXE Protection Plans for radios and devices when applicable.

Contact us for Expert assistance and make informed purchasing decisions with our guidance.