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Question:

I got my InstanTrack software loaded. Is there any special way to apply the updates that come across the arrl members page, I'd really appreciate your guidance. Thanks and 73

Answer:

Assuming you have InstanTrack running properly and have the time and location set for your QTH, updating the kep's is the easiest part.

1. Transfer the bulletin into a text editor (notepad, Word, etc.).
2. Remove all the bulletin text from above and below the actual data. Leave just the satellite names and the double rows of numbers
3. Save the .txt file by any name and at any location - remember where it is. I use kep.txt and save it in the root (C:\) directory, it's easier on my brain cells.
4. Run InstanTrack
5. From the Main Menu choose 5. Update Satellite Elements
6. From the Update menu, choose 3. Update
7. When File Format appears at the bottom, enter 2 for NASA
8. Enter the file you saved including path (in my case c:\kep.txt)

InstanTrack does the rest.

Some hints:

If you want the satellites in a particular order, set it up in your editor. Put your favorite ones at the top of the list. InstanTrack will load them in that order. The program keeps that same order in subsequent updates so you only have to do the sorting the first time. Well worth the trouble.

If you forget to edit out the bulletin text, no harm done. When you get to the point that the program is reading the file it will error that it can't read the line and give you a choice. Select Continue. Do that for each error, again and again. It's quick and does no damage. The program will enter the real data and discard the text.