> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.kscucf.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.kscucf.org/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station.md).

# Physics Ground Station

Satellite tracking station on the roof of the UCF Physical Sciences Building.

KSC operates this station with the UCF Department of Physics. The antennas and rotator sit on a retractable tower on the PSB roof, which can be lowered for maintenance. Radios, power supplies, and two computers sit in a lab rack in PSB 461. About 100 ft of cable runs between them. The equipment was originally set up for UCF's Q-PACE CubeSat mission, and KSC has been recommissioning it since 2025. It is the planned ground station for [KLEO-1](/projects/kleo-1.md).

The club’s radio call sign is [KQ4OHW](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/registration.md).

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Start here: [Run a receive pass](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/receive-pass.md).
{% endhint %}

## Role

This is the smaller of the two campus stations, and it is more limited. The long cable run between the lab and the roof loses signal, especially at higher frequencies. It is also much easier to work on than the [Engineering Ground Station](/projects/ground-stations/engineering-ground-station.md): its tower can be lowered to reach the rotator and antennas, while the Engineering station's 30 ft tower has to be climbed. That easier access is why the Physics station is KSC's current main focus.

Long term, this station will lean experimental. Expect its antenna configuration to change more often as the team tries new bands and equipment, such as TinyGS, S-band, and mission-specific setups for KLEO-1. The Engineering station is meant to be the stable one, serving the common frequencies.

## Status (October 2026)

* **Commissioning.** The antennas were remounted on October 14, 2026 so they reach the full elevation range, and the rotator was zeroed and its full range tested. Tracking from GPredict and Hamlib works on the Troi computer.
* **Rotator calibration problem (under investigation).** Since the October 14 zeroing, the controller has several times remembered a position that didn't match where the rotator was actually pointing. It has been reset each time, usually by eye from the ground to avoid roof access. Check the antennas' real direction before each pass. See [Rotator calibration](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/calibration.md).
* **First receptions.** Ground beacons and a weather radio station have been received with the SDR receiver. A first attempt at the FO-29 satellite on October 21 briefly heard a distorted voice signal. The transceiver is not receiving yet.
* **Repair needed.** On October 20 the coax wrapped around the rotator and pulled the connector off the 2 m antenna. It needs a new connector.

The [Ground Stations timeline](/projects/ground-stations/timeline.md) has the full history.

## Plans

These additions are being scoped so the team can request funding for parts:

* **TinyGS** (LoRa satellite receiver), a high priority to support upcoming PROVES Kit launches
* **SatNOGS** station, to share passes with the open SatNOGS network
* **GPS/GNSS receiver**, for accurate station coordinates and time
* **Receive-only APRS receiver**, lower priority because ARC\@UCF already runs an APRS igate on campus
* **Roof webcam**, so operators can see the antennas from the lab
* **S-band receiving equipment**, for future missions such as KLEO-1

Any work on the PSB roof, including new antennas, mounts, cable runs, or enclosures, needs UCF Facilities approval, which takes time. A proposal for the GPS and APRS additions was written in September 2026 and is going through the department first.

## Operate

* [Connect a computer](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/pc-setup.md) — connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse
* [Radio and software](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/radio-software.md) — set up the radios and tracking software
* [Callsign and registration](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/registration.md) — the club’s radio license

## Reference

* [Hardware](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/hardware.md) — installed gear and manuals
* [Rotator calibration](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/calibration.md) — check the direction shown by the controller
* [Station computers](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/station-computers.md) — Uhura and Troi
* [Project notes](/projects/ground-stations/physics-ground-station/project-notes.md) — past tests, session log, and unfinished tasks