03/11/2008 | GM3PPG I operated SOSB 80m ph field day style from North Uist Island, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Set up a 6 el vert array 100m from Atlantic. Fault on array on first night. - fixed the following morning.

Extremely poor propagation condx. on first night, - K3LR and W3LPL were approx 30-40 dB weaker than in good condx. Condx. improved on the second night. This agreed with predicted Geo-magnetic indices.
But very few North and Western states/provinces worked from this
northerly latitude in Scotland (paths too close to expanded auroral oval). Condx. better to more southerly Eu stations I think (heard a CT3 station working into W7). Good to work K6OY (CA), NT0V (ND), and N7RK (AZ) as best dx.

Relentless high winds and rain on days before contest with F11 wind and rain during contest. Damage to tent protecting phase shift unit, but all 62 ft masts OK! Operated from car. Genny failed 2 days after contest. Amazingly it overheated! Condx. can only get better next year. Used SD logging after contest.

Thanks to the organisers and everyone who called. Apologies to any I didn't respond to. Looking forward to 2009 !!
73, Rick -- G4BYB