I am not much of a fan of the Mexican made DB-224E. Having said that, what are your options? Telewave has a HAM discount of 30% off list, but that still puts their equivalant at well over what the going rate for the 224E is. What about RFS Cellwave or Sinclair? Even more costly. Some say you get what youi pay for. Back to the Mexican 224E, still a worthy contender. I just installed one and a couple of it's A and B sisters over the past few months. I had to replace 2 less than 4 years old. One was in good condition despite an obvious lightening hit. Customer just wanted to spend money on a new Sinclair antenna. The other one had somehow gotten water inside the N male connector at the end of the harness. The water got inside the hot glue heat-shrink and then inside the N female on the Heliax. Needless to say, that didn't work too well. If you go with the 224, just make sure to tighten all terminal nuts and weatherproof all the connectors and joints well. Don't assume that the heatshrink with hot glue inside will keep water out. Inspect all factory moldings carefully and take appropriate measures if you have the slightest question about it. If you do, you should get years of good service out of the Mexican Commscope/Andrew DB-224E. 73 de N5NPO Norman Knapp
----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] <[email protected]> To: Repeater-Builder <[email protected]> Sent: Mon Apr 13 20:58:47 2009 Subject: [Repeater-Builder] 2 Meter Repeater Antenna Suggestions OK not to open a can of stinky worms......but....... I need to buy a NEW 2 Meter Repeater Antenna. I am asking for suggestions. I have heard bad things about the now across the boarder assembled Andrew/DB Prod. Antennas. The 139-150 Split version is available and in stock from Tessco List is $730.00. (and yes I know it can be bought a lot cheaper) And please no suggestions about Diamond or any of the HAM made antennas. These are very poor Repeater Antennas and will not stand up to Mountain top ice and wind. Not to mention their poor performance and noisy Duplex operation. Thanks and 73 Tim K4TDO
