> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/development/getting_started/config_initial.md).

# Recommended Hardware/Setup

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 plus a Note 4 tablet make up for a very inexpensive field kit. :::

The equipment below is highly recommended:

* **Remote control** for the safety pilot
  * Taranis Plus remote control (or equivalent)
* **Development computer**
  * MacBook Pro (early 2015 and later) with OSX 10.15 or later
  * Lenovo Thinkpad 450 (i5) with Ubuntu Linux 18.04 or later
* **Ground control station** (computer or tablet):
  * iPad (requires Wifi telemetry adapter)
  * Any MacBook or Ubuntu Linux laptop (can be the development computer)
  * Samsung Note 4 or equivalent (any recent Android tablet or phone with a large enough screen to run *QGroundControl* effectively).
* **Vehicle capable of running PX4**:
  * [Get a prebuilt vehicle](/px4-user-guide/drone_parts/complete_vehicles.md)
  * [Build your own](/px4-user-guide/airframes.md)
* **Safety glasses**
* **Tether** (multicopter only - for more risky tests)

## Vehicle Configuration

Install the [QGroundControl Daily Build](https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/releases/daily_builds.html) for a **desktop OS**.

To configure the vehicle:

1. [Install PX4 firmware](/px4-user-guide/config/firmware.md#installing-px4-main-beta-or-custom-firmware) (including "custom" firmware with your own changes).
2. [Start with the airframe](/px4-user-guide/config/airframe.md) that best-matches your vehicle from the [airframe reference](/px4-user-guide/airframes/airframe_reference.md).
3. [Basic Configuration](/px4-user-guide/config.md) explains how to perform basic configuration.
4. [Parameter Configuration](/px4-user-guide/advanced_config/parameters.md) explains how you can find and modify individual parameters.

:::note

* *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". :::