Creating a UAV

I've wanted to create a computer-controlled helicopter for about 25 years. Now, finally, is the time to start on the project. Embedded computers are cheap, rc helicopters are cheap. Plus, a lot of other people have been successful at creating UAVs for academics, hobby, or business.

I'm really enjoying my Esky Lama V4, and I think it will be a good platform to try this idea out.

So I went over to my friend who runs the chembal website, and he showed me what I needed to get started. Here's the list:

Development kit: ($85)
http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/prod_summary.jsp?code=DEMO9S08AW60E&tab=Buy_Parametric_Tab&nodeId=01624684491437&pspll=1&fromSearch=false

Logic analyzer: ($79)
http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/Tools/tabid/162/CategoryID/37/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/47/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName

Gyroscope: ($74)
http://www.robotshop.ca/home/products/robot-parts/sensors/rotation-sensors/sensors-gyroscopes/sfe-adxrs300-gyroscope.html

The next two are from the same vendor:

Ultrasonic distance sensor: ($25)
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=639

GPS: ($72)
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=575

Wires: ($17 & $12)
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=19290
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=20080

Breadboard ($32)
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PB-3260/105/BREADBOARD,_3260_CONTACT_.html

One of these soldering stations, but not both!
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=609
-or-
http://www.hmcelectronics.com/cgi-bin/scripts/product/1980-0436

Powersupply ($188)
http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/3506

Some of the equipment is ordered. Since it comes from different vendors, the division chair got tired of registering and ordering from so many different sites. So the rest will be on its way later.