The 146.940 repeater needs a new antenna.

Kevin, W4KEV, and I visited the 146.94 site on Memorial Day Monday. After working on the duplexer there for the majority of the day, we turned our attention to the antenna. Upon closer inspection with binoculars, you can see that one of the dipole elements on the DB-224 antenna is obviously damaged. The other elements may be damaged as well, but if so they are not visible from the ground. However, with this type of antenna, one damaged element is all it takes. I’m sure this is the reason for the noisy signals and “desense” that has plagued .94 for the past several weeks. 

So now what?  It is possible to replace the one obvious defective element... but many of the '94 repeater users have convinced me that replacing the antenna is better than trying to repair the one that has served this machine at least 10 years.
 I want to do something for .94 that will last a long time and justify the total expense that will be necessary. 
Too many nets and emergency communications groups depend on .94. 

Needless to say this is a very expensive undertanking, and I will be saving sheckels and attempting to purchase an antenna in the very near future. I have already been approached by several folks willing to donate to the cause, and as soon as I financially can, I will obtain a new antanna. 

Yes, this will be expensive.. but I consider this a high priority. 
I hope to have .94 restored to its original high performance standard soon. 

Thank you again for your patience!