> 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/radio-software.md).

# Radio and Software Notes

Use these setup notes as the current working procedure until they are verified during an operating session.

## IC-R8600

The IC-R8600 is documented as the station software-defined radio.

### Computer interface setup

1. Power on Astron 2 PDU.
2. Power on the radio.
3. Connect USB A from the computer to USB B on the radio I/Q OUT port.
4. Power on and set up the rotator controller.
5. Launch SDR Console v3.2.
6. Select the IC-R8600 radio.

![SDR Console radio selection](/files/hoC9tmGmf1nFQeEp7x0t)

## IC-9700

The IC-9700 is documented as the station radio transceiver.

### Computer interface setup

1. Power on Astron 1 PDU.
2. Power on the radio.
3. Complete the remaining radio-interface setup after the station team verifies the final IC-9700 connection procedure.

## Satellite tracking software

Current station software includes:

* SDR Console v3.2 for SDR control.
* Orbitron for satellite tracking and rotator control.
* SpidAlfa 0.97 driver for Orbitron rotator support.
* FLRig for transceiver control.

Orbitron should be the main rotator-control program because the rotator documentation supports Orbitron through the SpidAlfa 0.97 driver. SDR Console's satellite interface can also use Orbitron rotor control in the background, which allows radio and rotor control through the SDR Console satellite interface.

## Network notes

Current network notes:

* DHCP was turned off.
* Ethernet ran from the transceiver to the PC.
* The PC successfully pinged the radio.
* Future work may include connecting radios to the UCF Ethernet network for remote access.