Hi,
Don't build a whole lot of illusions, but I'm working on a flash appearance right now that is coming together great. But I need some tips on how to release the roller shade via some sort of foot trigger. I'm not very good with electronics, etc. but I thought those of you with more expertise might be able to help.

Thanks

A really simple solution is to just put a foot on the shade to hold it down. You could also make a simple catch-type trigger to release the shade. Make a pivoting hook that holds the shade down, then just kick the hook to pivot it away from the shade to bring it up. I saw somewhere recently a flash appearance that had a coordinated flashpot and shade release. It looked cool, but personally I try to stay away from electronics that could fail without warning.

Thanks,
Richard

Try a clothespin on a board set up- the spring style clothespins.

I wish I had thought of that. Simple - inexpensive - effective. Good thinking!

If you are using a flashpot, have a piece of carpet thread tied to the bottom of the roller curtain. Run the thread through a small screw eye either at the base or in the floor. Run it outward so it lies through the flashpot, and then anchors to the floor. (This all assumes you are working on a typical wooden floor stage) When the flashpot goes off, the thread burns at the same time. Simple solution and perfect timing every time. I used the idea for years!

~michael

Don't always assume the shade has to go UP. It can easily go DOWN (with the aid of gravity - no roller needed) or SIDEWAYS where it can be easily hand held. When approaching a problem, it helps to be a lateral thinker.

Many of my designs had the roller going down. Much faster and with some it only went half way up, with the person appearing crouching down behind. They stand up at the flash. Smoke going up as roller goes down is very deceptive and fast.

~michael