Bootlegger on 80 metres

VK4's Darling Downs Radio Club are reporting instances of late of a presumably unlicensed operator interfering with net operations on 80 metres, with indications that the perpetrator is in the southeast quarter of Queensland.

Recently in response to their net operator Theo's usual courteous preamble asking if the frequency was in use, the perpetrator replied "yes, the frequency is in use", but failed to identify.

While this is pretty mild, other nets has been far more seriously disrupted, with abuse and profanity being observed. Fortunately, a listener was able to capture some of the tirade on tape, which has been forwarded to the ACA
regional office. Darling Downs club say they have promised swift follow-up, but confess to needing help to direction-find the source.

Bizarrely, the instigator has a very pronounced accent, which he seems unable to disguise, so incriminates himself with every click of the PTT.

It would appear this club is working with a few like-minded amateurs in Northern Queensland to see if they cannot bring this to a satisfactory conclusion.

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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