Nets and conversations on repeaters in the Wake County, NC vicinity are getting disrupted by a troublemaker. The conventional wisdom is not to feed the trolls.
Transcript of short article about interference follows:
>When You’re the Victim of Intentional Interference
>The question of why one ham intentionally interferes with another would make a fascinating study topic for psychologists. The answer usually involves anger of some sort-either anger at you personally, or anger at the world in general. Amateur Radio is the ideal medium for those who want to act on their frustrations with little fear of suffering the consequences. A ham who wouldn’t dare insult you to your face has no problem anonymously garbling your transmissions!
>This type of ham gains pleasure from his actions only when you acknowledge them. He craves attention and your angry response gives him exactly what he needs. The trick is to do everything possib!e to ignore him. Try to continue your conversation as best you can, working around his interruptions without comment If the interference is so bad that you cannot continue, move to another frequency.
>I know it’s difficult to hold your tongue in the face of such rude behavior. By ignoring his antics, however, you’ll rob him of the pleasure he seeks. Eventually, he’ll become bored and move on. That’s the worst punishment you can inflict! - WB8IMY
Cool study, good report! Lots of interesting things there, including the variability of the Baofengs.
Yes, seems like the consensus here is towards a separate bruiser that’s not too precious.
I'm not suggesting anything illegal. I think we're having a misunderstanding based on the different ways this works in the US vs Australia? I've edited my question to clarify I'm in the US, where "public service" (being communications support for primarily bike and foot races, where I live) does indeed happen on the amateur VHF/UHF bands.
This is who I volunteer with, for context: https://hpsnc.org/
So what are people writing about? Please share your comments and thoughts.
The ARRL post leaves a lot to be desired; I tried to capture the most basic information about this here:
I’m inclined to go with the long-term cost savings of a radio that does everything but wondering if others have good reasons to go with a dedicated, simplified rig. I would be purchasing used equipment either way. And would have to use either radio for base as well as mobile use. #PublicSevice #VHF #UHF
[EDIT] to clarify I'm in the US, where "public service" (being communications support for primarily bike and foot races, where I live) does indeed happen on the amateur VHF/UHF bands. This is who I volunteer with, for context: https://www.hpsnc.org/. They also require a mobile (not handheld) radio at least 25W.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

Announcement of “joint re-introduction of legislation in the Senate and House to restore the right to Amateur Radio operators to install the antennas necessary to serve their communities” e.g., to prevent homeowner associations from fining you for antennas on your property.
Don't do that, Cat 6 is strictly for microphone cables!