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Configure Desktop

Attention

Proceed with this section only if you previously selected the Desktop OS variant during setup.
If you selected the Headless variant, you can skip this section and go directly to >> Particle Console.

In this section, we’ll guide you through assembling your Tachyon for Desktop mode, which allows you to use the device like a traditional PC with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Step 1: Gather all the required components:​

  • Tachyon device
  • 3-pin Li-Ion battery (included in your kit)
  • USB-C PD Power Supply (most modern >30W USB-C PD capable power supplies are supported)
  • USB-C Hub (we recommend UGREEN Revodok 105 USB C Hub)
  • HDMI Monitor
  • Wired Keyboard and Mouse

Step 2: Connect everything​

Plug in all the pieces — especially make sure the USB-C hub goes into the correct port (USB 1).

Desktop Setup
Example setup

Here is an example of a complete desktop setup with a portable HDMI monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Desktop Setup

Step 3: Power it up​

Once everything is connected, plug in the power.
You should see the main LED on the board light up red — that means your Tachyon is on and ready.

Tachyon LED Red

Step 4: Boot the system​

Press the button on the board once to start booting.

Tachyon button click

Booting takes about 30 seconds. During this time:

  • The LED will flash green while the system boots.
  • Once it’s fully booted, it’ll switch to a slow green "breathing" pattern.
Tachyon LED Green
Connectivity Status

If you've configured Wi-Fi, the LED will eventually glow magenta. Once the SIM is activated and a cellular connection is established, it will glow cyan.

Step 5: Login​

Before accessing the desktop environment, you’ll be prompted with a login screen. Use the password you set during the initial setup to sign in.

Tachyon setup 1

Once logged in, you’ll be taken to the Tachyon Desktop environment.

Tachyon Desktop Home

Explore!​

Feel free to explore the Tachyon Desktop environment. We’ve bundled several apps to help you get started. You can access them by clicking the Apps icon in the bottom panel.

Tachyon Apps 1

Included are commonly used Linux applications such as:

  • Vim
  • Chromium Web Browser
  • Cheese (for testing USB webcams)
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Maps
  • ...and many others!

If there are additional apps you’d like to see included, let us know—we’re always open to feedback!

Tachyon Apps

Next Up​

Now you are ready to access the device from the Particle Console!