2.4 KiB
Initial Setup & Configuration
We recommend that developers obtain the basic equipment and software described below (or similar)
Basic Equipment
:::tip PX4 can be used with a much wider range of equipment than described here, but new developers will benefit from going with one of the standard setups. A Taranis RC and a mid-range Android tablet make a very inexpensive field kit. :::
The equipment below is highly recommended:
-
RC controller for the safety pilot
- Taranis Plus RC control (or equivalent)
-
Development computer
::: info The listed computers have acceptable performance, but a more recent and powerful computer is recommended. :::
- Lenovo Thinkpad with i5-core running Windows 11
- MacBook Pro (early 2015 and later) with macOS 10.15 or later
- Lenovo Thinkpad i5 with Ubuntu Linux 22.04 or later
-
Ground control station (computer or tablet):
- iPad (may require Wifi telemetry adapter)
- Any MacBook or Ubuntu Linux laptop (can be the development computer)
- A recent mid-range Android tablet or phone with a large enough screen to run QGroundControl effectively (6 inches).
-
Vehicle capable of running PX4:
-
Safety glasses
-
Tether (multicopter only - for more risky tests)
Vehicle Configuration
Install the QGroundControl Daily Build for a desktop OS.
To configure the vehicle:
- Install PX4 firmware (including "custom" firmware with your own changes).
- Start with the airframe that best-matches your vehicle from the airframe reference.
- Basic Configuration explains how to perform basic configuration.
- Parameter Configuration explains how you can find and modify individual parameters.
::: info
- QGroundControl mobile variants do not support vehicle configuration.
- The daily build includes development tools and new features that are not available in the official release.
- Configuration in the airframe reference have been flown on real vehicles, and are a good starting point for "getting off the ground".
:::