GB3TD - Wide-split, Dual-mode analogue / digital - what next?

The repeater group have been wrestling with a number of problems and potential enhancements with GB3TD over the past few years.

We have a first class site but do suffer some local (off-site) interference caused by an as yet unidentified digital pulse transmission at certain times of the day.

We are also a key UHF repeater on the M4 corridor and much further afield.

Our two neighboring repeater groups in  Bristol and Reading are opting for Dual-mode DMR based on the professional TDMA standard (Mototrbo) but still retaining a conventional analogue option. TDMA DMR would offer us two digital frequencies running simultaneously (well almost! - different time-slots), with one possibly used for local working and the second for interlinking to other repeaters or/and Echolink.

We are also considering moving to wide-split (7.6MHz) operation which would increase the receive coverage reducing current combining losses (swapping cavities for a diplexer) and move our output frequency away from the current localised digital interference. We may also have the option of unattended Echolink similar to some wide-split UHF repeaters. 

We would welcome any comments from users or interested parties as to their thoughts on both options or any experiences you may have.

Many thanks

73's

Andy G6REG

Updated: