Setting Up a PX4 SITL Loop with Gazebo

Problem definition

I want a local PX4 development loop where firmware changes can be tested in simulation before touching hardware.

Steps

1. Prepare the PX4 toolchain

   Clone the PX4 repository and follow its official toolchain setup for your host operating system.

2. Build the SITL target

   Build the software-in-the-loop target using the commands in the official PX4 build instructions.

3. Launch the simulator

   Start the Gazebo simulation target so a simulated vehicle appears.

4. Connect the ground station

   Start QGroundControl and connect it to the SITL instance; verify telemetry and parameter access.

5. Verify MAVLink flow

   Confirm that messages flow between firmware, simulator and ground station before development work.

Guide

Judgment criteria

• The loop is working when the ground station shows live telemetry from the simulated vehicle.
• Version-specific steps always come from the official PX4 docs.

Common risks

• Using an outdated simulator pairing that the current firmware no longer supports.
• Skipping the official toolchain and getting build errors unrelated to your change.

Checklist