Giving direction control to the 10178 AT-AT walker

[Diaaabo]

First of all, I was a bit confused whether to post this topic on the Star Wars or Technic forum, but since it's about motorization, I thought I'd post it here.

I own the set 10178 Motorized Walking AT-AT. It comes with Power Functions, featuring the ability to walk forward or moonwalk backwards. I already modded it to give it remote control, with the PF set. I would like to give it direction control, but since I don't understand much about Technic, I humbly ask you for your help. I've been given two sugestions already: motorize each leg individually, or somehow create a flexible joint in the belly.

Any ideas on how to do it? What kind of parts would be involved in the task? Is that M motor enough?

I don't have the set with me to take pictures of the engines, but here is a link to a review topic so you can have some clues from the pictures.

I am also thinking of motorizing the 7675 - AT-TE, but that's another different project, first I would like to make this one come true.

Thank you all, any suggestions will be appreciated!

[Siegfried]

My suggestion would be to have a leaning weight; that could create a gentle curve and shouldn't be too hard. Making the legs move interdependently would be tricky to say the least...

A flexible joint isn't a bad idea but you'd need to move a lot of the insides to make that work!

[Diaaabo]

How would that leaning weight function? Perhaps a small motor inside just to move something sideways? Or even using the original motor?

[Siegfried]

How would that leaning weight function? Perhaps a small motor inside just to move something sideways? Or even using the original motor?

Another motor. I did some testing with mine and I found it was turnable that way but I never looked into it much. (I didn't like the model; the legs are too wide for my taste.)

[Diaaabo]

I have to try that when I get back home, buy a new motor and some parts. Now I am thinking of what to use to make weight inside... I don't think that some bricks would be enough. Perhaps an enclosed platform with a battery or just some metal stuff inside?

Anyway, many thanks for the suggestion!

[Zerobricks]

What about making the AT articulated? Its not as fancy, but it would allow a tigther steering radious.

[Siegfried]

What about making the AT articulated? Its not as fancy, but it would allow a tigther steering radious.

He did mention that. Do you think it would be do-able? Won't you need to move a lot of shafts? I recall they run both sides.

[Zerobricks]

He did mention that. Do you think it would be do-able? Won't you need to move a lot of shafts? I recall they run both sides.

You would need one universal joint where the rotation point would be, but thats all.

[Diaaabo]

You would need one universal joint where the rotation point would be, but thats all.

How would that be done, not only the "skeleton" as well as the motorized part? I have no clue how to build with Technic, as I am mostly a System guy

[efferman]

articulated steering means this, sorry for the dark vid

ok it is a six legger, but the system is the same

here some pics

edit:

this is an other posibility, but it needs many turntables

pics

Edited August 29, 2010 by efferman

[Diaaabo]

Thanks a lot, those pictures are surely enlightening to me! So basically I'll have create a central hinge, with the front legs connected to a motor, and gears connecting to the main motor and the back legs?

[Milan]

But you would loose "realistic" appearance of your AT-AT if you make central hinge.

It is easiest way to accomplish the task, but what is more important to you?

[efferman]

basically yes. but be aware about the center of gravity. 4 legged walkers are delicate to balance

@milan, that is a good point.

Edited August 29, 2010 by efferman

[Diaaabo]

But you would loose "realistic" appearance of your AT-AT if you make central hinge.

It is easiest way to accomplish the task, but what is more important to you?

Hmmm I wanted to keep the appearance of the walker, although I don't mind modding the original plates. Could it be possible to keep all the gears inside the shell and the hinged leg supports while using some other kind of support for the shell?

[efferman]

Hmmm I wanted to keep the appearance of the walker, although I don't mind modding the original plates. Could it be possible to keep all the gears inside the shell and the hinged leg supports while using some other kind of support for the shell?

it is possible, but not easy.

[Diaaabo]

Using the moving weight inside it would be able to keep the appearance?

[efferman]

it makes it easier, but i think the space that you have in the at-at, is too small for a steering system, and a movable weight.

[efferman]

i think i have a solution that not kills the design

i hope this hint is enough, if not i could make a complete walking thing. but i didnt have the 10178 and it will not look like an AT-AT

[Siegfried]

i think i have a solution that not kills the design

Smart. I'm tempted to try that out myself!

[dolittle]

Hi,

I don't recall in the movies that the AT-AT ever turned, I am not sure even whether someone designed them to turn :)

They are based on elephants - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT-AT#All_Terrain_Armored_Transport_.28AT-AT.29 - so maybe the idea was to mimic how elephants turn, by doing shorter steps on one side, or maybe that huge head was the weight necessary to turn the AT-AT at the desired direction while still giving the "driver" the ability to aim his cannon.

Thanks,

Noam

[Siegfried]

I don't recall in the movies that the AT-AT ever turned, I am not sure even whether someone designed them to turn :)

One turns prior to targeting the main reactor.

[dolittle]

One turns prior to targeting the main reactor.

Turns or just moves its head?

I need to watch that movie again I guess :}

[Siegfried]

Turns or just moves its head?

I need to watch that movie again I guess :}

6:20 It's shaky, but it turns!

(I've watched that scene too much... )

[Diaaabo]

i think i have a solution that not kills the design

i hope this hint is enough, if not i could make a complete walking thing. but i didnt have the 10178 and it will not look like an AT-AT

Sweet, I'll try that as soon as I get back to my ABS. Thanks a lot, you have been a great help!

[efferman]

iam currently working at a complete chassis, including headshaking. what do you think, all legged steering or only front leg steering?