Hello! I'm headed to a convention in late August, and I'm wanting to create this somewhat complicated portable backdrop as part of a costume. Basically, my friend would be in a stage performer costume and I would be a backstage showtech/staff with a stage attached to my back that can automatically extend to the side and accommodate 2 people so the performer can have an impromptu concert. It's big, it's stupid, and it's challenging, but I think it will make for a fun time at the convention!
I've built a mock-up with cardboard and LEGO pieces of how it would basically function: two motors with spinning gears that catch these gear tracks that, at the push of an Arduino button, would extend/collapse the sliding board.
I'm asking for help on two fronts:
- What's the best way to affix a harness on the board so I can wear it comfortably? In previous years I just stuck a big piece of cardboard and PVC into a backpack and called it a day, but this year I want to actually make it slightly more comfortable and stable.
- Does anyone have any advice on how to set up the motors/mechanism as a whole? This isn't my first time working with Arduino, but it is my first time working with something so big, so maybe there are some things I should know beforehand when designing/building this. Are there other subreddits I can look into to ask for more tech/wearables help?
You can read more about this in an r/AnimeNYC post I made here. and in an r/CosplayHelp post here.
Thanks for any help you can offer!