In May 2018, after successful tests of multi-mode running on GB3CF, it was decided to investigate running GB3LE in digital mode as well. Leicestershire Repeater Group had previously purchased a Yaesu DR-1X repeater in 2016.

It was intended that this repeater would be used on GB3CF, but the lack of control over analogue operation (mainly the inability to produce a confidence tone or "K") meant that it was 'shelved'.

As the intention was for "LE" to operate mainly in Yaesu System Fusion mode, the lack of a "K" was not thought to be too much of a problem, so at the end of May, the replacement repeater was installed. It currently consists of the following new hardware (in addition to existing cavities etc.):

• Yaesu DR-1X repeater
• Yaesu HRI-200 Wires-X controller
• LattePanda miniature computer 

The repeater is configured with the latest firmware and software versions currently available from Yaesu and has full connectivity to the Wires-X network. Initial reports are very good with reported coverage being similar to the old LE.

We are in the process of creating a "dashboard" on the LRG website which will show repeater activity in much the same way as the existing GB3CF dashboard (membership required).