Torg

Torg the robot is a Toy Operated by Remote Generator. Actually, this is a replica of Torg, the Martian robot from the movie "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (a public domain movie).

Torg requires no batteries, his motors and lights are powered by a hand crank generator. Turn the crank clockwise and he moves forward, counter clockwise and he goes in reverse. Push the button (stops power to the right leg motor) while cranking clockwise and the robot turns right. Push the button while cranking counter clockwise and the robot turns left.

Torg often makes the "worst movie robots ever" list while "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" usually makes the "worst movie made" list. The movie is very family friendly--the plot, acting and special effects are so bad that it's actually fun to watch; at least I watch it every holiday season.

Servo motor with no end stops

(4) 2 1/2 inch o rings

(2) Gear motor, 90 degree shaft

(1) Normally closed push button switch

(3) servo extender cables

(2) leds

200 ohm resistor

Diode bridge

Aluminum foil duct tape

(6) 2-56 by 7/16 inch screws and nuts

3 mm screws

cardboard

3d printed parts

These are the print and design files for Torg.

To transform the servo motor into a generator, we need to remove the circuit board. Direct current motors turn if electricity is applied. If you turn the shaft of a direct current motor, it becomes a generator and voltage appears at the terminals.

Remove the circuit board and solder extender wires to the wires that attach to the motor.

Print the wheels and attach the o rings for better grip.

Attach one wheel to a motor using the 2-56 screw.

Press fit this motor into the base, wheel toward the inside.

Fasten the motor to the base using a 2-56 screw and nut.

Secure the outside wheel.

Repeat the process for the other motor.

Print the caster base and ball (print at 80% of original size). Secure the assembly to the bottom rear of the base by either melting (with a soldering iron) or glue.

Screw the "leg base" and "leg upper" together. I attached the legs to the base by melting them together.

Attach the "body" to the legs using the "leg top nut."

This is a good time to connect the wires according to the schematic. The "neck" is a threaded piece with a hole that screws into the top of the body. The head screws onto that. Insert the leds into the eye holes in the head.

Insert the "head topper" into the head.

Cut two pieces of cardboard, 100 mm x 118 mm. Torg's original body was made using cardboard, so we are staying true to the original vision of the designers.

Secure the cardboard with tape.

I don't know what the lump/slot is for on the robot (maybe the original robot was a converted mail box), but I printed something and covered it using foil tape.

Thread the arms into the body.

Print the mouth piece and create a black interior section using electrical tape.

Attach the mouth to the head.

Keeping to the original theme of "hand drawn dials," I drew dials on aluminum tape using a permanent marker.

Attach the dial tape to the torso.

The back of the robot should look like this.

Secure the generator (modified servo motor) to the crank box.

Attach the servo horn to the crank using 3mm screws.

Wire according to the schematic.

Close up the box using 3mm screws to attach the lid.

Use one (or more) servo extender cables to connect the "Remote Generator Controller" to the robot.

If you can find time, take a look at the movie.