[Kids] What to do this trip ? 2m IRLP ? Quick setup with Raleigh IRLP ?

[Mark W4CHL]

Well, was planning on operating some for Kids Day while on vacation, but the FT-817 has a picofuse blown in the batt supply (though it should work off external power) and the TT Pegasus just doesn't work well off batteries at all. We are heading to a spot near Franklin NC at about 2700 ft. 

? What 2m IRLP node is reasonably close ?  I see node 7880 run by AC4RZ, it is a 70cm node, but have only 5w on 70cm and that is unlikely to hit this repeater very well. On 2m nearest nodes appear to  be 8330, 5440, and 4686. 

I have simply used the Raleigh IRLP node 4260 in the past by responding when I am monitoring that repeater. 
? what is the quick way to insure that the node I access from the mountains is "connected" to the Raleigh ?

Have the FT-817 and a Tokyo Hi-Power amp so perhaps we'll be able to work some people direct. Also have a 50W 2m amp, and since the Buddipole can be setup for gain on 2m as well as HF, perhaps we can reach 

Hope to hear you and have you hear us calling "CQ Kids Day" from Western NC.

Cheers de Mark W4CHL
http://www.qsl.net/w4chl