all

Bands

Frequency	n/a
Power	A heavy-duty azimuth antenna rotator (not a transmitter), driven from its AC-powered controller.
Modes	n/a
Weight	19.05 kg (42 lb) - Heavy worm-drive rotator: the rotator unit weighs about 42 lb (19 kg); 15.75 in tall to the top of the clamps.

Connectors

control cable	Multi-conductor cable to the RC2800-series controller (analog or PX/computer-control versions).
mast clamp	Accepts masts 1.75 in to 3-1/8 in outside diameter.
power	Controller from AC mains.
power req	AC-mains controller (RC2800 series).

Heavy-duty azimuth rotator for large directional arrays - 35 sq ft wind area Vertical load capacity 1800 lb Worm drive that cannot be reversed by mast torque in high winds Rotating torque 3200 in-lb; starting torque 4200 in-lb; braking torque 17000 in-lb 360-degree rotation in 55-270 seconds (controller-dependent) Accepts masts 1.75 in to 3-1/8 in OD; ~15.75 in tall; ~42 lb Pairs with M2's RC2800 controllers (including PX computer-control versions)

Strengths

A serious tower-grade rotator for big antennas: 35 sq ft of wind area and an 1800 lb vertical load, with a worm drive that high winds cannot back-drive and an enormous 17000 in-lb braking torque. It takes fat masts (to 3-1/8 inch), and M2's RC2800 controllers - including PX computer-control versions - make it ideal for large monobanders, stacks and contest stations.

Weaknesses

It is expensive and heavy (42 lb), it is overkill (and over-budget) for a small or medium beam, and the worm drive turns relatively slowly. Proper installation in a tower with the right mast and thrust bearing is essential to realize its ratings.

Verdict

The M2 Orion OR-2800 is a heavy-duty, tower-grade azimuth rotator built for large Yagis and stacks - 35 sq ft wind load, 1800 lb vertical capacity and a wind-proof worm drive. The right choice for a serious big-antenna or contest station; far more than a tribander needs.

The M2 Orion OR-2800 is a heavy-duty, tower-grade azimuth rotator designed to turn large directional antennas that would overwhelm a consumer rotator. It is rated for 35 square feet of wind area and an 1800-pound vertical load, and it accepts fat masts from 1.75 up to 3-1/8 inches in diameter - the kind of mast a big monobander or a stack of Yagis rides on. The 42-pound rotator stands about 15.75 inches tall to the top of its clamps.

Its defining feature is the drivetrain: a powerful worm-gear drive that cannot be reversed by mast torque from high winds, so the antenna stays exactly where you put it without relying on a separate brake. The numbers back that up - 3,200 in-lb of rotating torque, 4,200 in-lb of starting torque, and a massive 17,000 in-lb of braking torque - and it sweeps 360 degrees in anywhere from 55 to 270 seconds depending on the controller. It pairs with M2's RC2800-series controllers, including PX versions that add computer control for contest and remote operation.

The trade-offs are straightforward: it is expensive, heavy, and genuinely overkill for a small or medium beam, and the worm drive turns deliberately rather than quickly. Realizing its ratings also demands proper tower installation with the right mast and a thrust bearing. For a serious big-antenna or contest station, though, it is exactly the right tool. Compare it with the heavy-duty Yaesu G-2800DXA and the digital Alfa SPID RAK.

M2 Orion OR-2800 (Heavy-Duty Antenna Rotator)