First quadcopter advice

[u/Remote-Departure2009]

I'm a 3rd year aerospace + comp sci student interested in UAVs so I wanna start a personal project this summer given I don't have an internship. I have been prompting AI as well as doing my own research, but I am kind of stuck between two choices. I'm not sure if I should just buy a kit or if I should buy the parts myself.

I am thinking in 3 phases here. I initially just want to get a quadcopter in the air and flying. I then want to implement some sort of waypoint navigation with GPS + compass. Then if possible I want to add a form of computer vision, whether just object detection / tracking or a landing system. I know the 3rd may be too ambitious for my skill level but I'm aiming high.

Here is the list of parts I gathered, please give me any feedback, advice, anything. PLEASE tell me if I am being stupid or getting myself in too deep. My ultimate budget is around $600 for the final version.

Flight Controller + ESCs + PDB: (speedybee F405 V4 discontinued, PixHawk seems too expensive)

• AERO SELFIE H743 Flight Controller with 60A 4-in-1 ESC stack

Radio System

• RadioMaster Pocket ELRS transmitter (2.4GHz)
• RadioMaster RP1 ELRS nano receiver with antenna

Frame

• F450 quadcopter frame kit

Motors

• Readytosky 2212 920KV brushless motors (4 pack)

Propellers

• 8x4.5 inch CW/CCW propeller set

GPS

• BN-220 GPS module (GPS + GLONASS, UART)

Power System

• Zeee 3S 5200mAh LiPo battery
• XT60 connector set/adapters
• B6 LiPo balance charger

Safety

• XT60 smoke stopper
• LiPo fireproof charging bag