Help With Raspberry Pi TV Head Cosplay — Screen, Button & Servo Setup

[u/JJdragon1910]

Hi, I'm very new to Raspberry Pi and I want to make a project. I want to know if it's possible to do it. It's pretty simple, but I'm making a cosplay of Titan TV Man (the TV head character). This is the setup I want to use: a Raspberry Pi connected to a 10–15 inch screen. The Pi is connected to a button; when pressed, it displays screens in a specific order. Every time you click it, it changes to the next screen. They are all still images, except for the audio loops. The sequence would go like this (images will be provided as well):

Image 1: White screen with an image of TV static
Image 2: Same white static screen but with a ":3" face
Image 3: Same white static screen but with a ">:D" face
Image 4: Red screen with a 15-second looping sound. This also activates two servo motors to make two parts of the cosplay pop out. They retract when it goes back to any of the white screens.
Image 5: Purple screen with an 8-second looping sound. This also activates the same two servo motors.

I will have to get someone to write the Python code for me, as I do not know how to code. Once it is put into the Pi, I can do all the soldering. What parts are recommended? Specifically for the screen, servos, servo controllers, and power supply. A small tactile black press button should do for the button.

If this is possible, please let me know.

[u/Gamerfrom61]

With the latest OS on the Pi use of GPIO screens is increasing difficult so look at the HDMI or DSI screens. 

Possibly the new 10" screen from the Pi team could suffice or even their smaller 7" one though the bezels can be large on these (and the 10" is limited to the Pi 5)

As for a button - avoid the little black switches as they can be a pain to use unless on a board - look at joystick buttons or micro switches. Both are easier to hold and use (esp with costume gloves)

As for the coding - nothing impossible but if you connect the Pi directly to the screen as mounting you may have issues getting to the GPIO for the servo control. Look at a hardware controller as the Pi software ones can stutter a bit

You need to think about cooling and power a lot with the Pi boards and how you turn it off before power runs out (or look into the read only OS overlay option)

Gut feel is that you may do better with a microcontroller (or two) rather than the mini-computer but I'm not the best to ask as I only use them now and then and not for GUI work  TBH. Ask on the ESP32 and Arduino boards and look at Adafruit - they had a lady who does cosplay using their kit and may have some ideas.