# Joystick Setup

A [computer joystick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystick) or gamepad connected through *QGroundControl* can be used to manually control the vehicle (*instead* of using an [RC Transmitter](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/config/radio)).

This approach may be used by manual control units that have an integrated ground control station (like the *UAVComponents* [MicroNav](https://uxvtechnologies.com/ground-control-stations/micronav/) shown below). Joysticks are also commonly used to allow developers to fly the vehicle in simulation.

![Joystick MicroNav](https://4155462212-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LArEa7z2SPawfl3HpCD%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-63c03e5e5efc9061987cfa1f7884aea141469f0e%2Fmicronav.jpg?alt=media)

:::tip [Radio Setup](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/config/radio) is not required if using only a joystick (because a joystick is not an RC controller)! :::

:::note *QGroundControl* uses the cross-platform [SDL2](http://www.libsdl.org/index.php) library to convert joystick movements to MAVLink [MANUAL\_CONTROL](https://mavlink.io/en/messages/common.html#MANUAL_CONTROL) messages, which are then sent to PX4 over the telemetry channel. In consequence, a joystick-based controller system requires a reliable high bandwidth telemetry channel to ensure that the vehicle is responsive to joystick movements. :::

## Enabling PX4 Joystick Support

Information about how to set up a joystick is covered in: [QGroundControl > Joystick Setup](https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/SetupView/Joystick.html).

In summary:

* Open *QGroundControl*
* Set the parameter [COM\_RC\_IN\_MODE=1](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/advanced_config/parameter_reference#COM_RC_IN_MODE) - `Joystick`
  * See [Parameters](https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/SetupView/Parameters.html) for information about setting parameters
  * Setting the parameter to `2` or `3` also enables Joystick under some circumstances.
* Connect the joystick
* Configure the connected joystick in: **Vehicle Setup > Joystick**.