How to make a robot arm.

How to make a robot arm.

Hi, I'm new to Cheetah 3D and 3D software in general so I need some help. I'm trying to make a robot arm. I found a thread(http://www.cheetah3d.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1632) that explains the same thing I want to do and I followed the instructions but can't get it to work. I try to move the handle but the arm doesn't move at all.

What I did:
1. Make 3 joints. Put one inside another and make a chain.
2. Place upper arm object as root joint's child and lower arm object in middle joint's child.
3. Put IK Handle tags on all 3 joints. IK Solver is 3D. length is set to 1, 1, 2. Use preferred angle is turned on.
4. Put IK Constraints tag to shoulder and elbow joints. Heading is set to -30 through 30. pitch is 0, bank is 0.

I click on the joints and try to move them using the transform tool but they don't move. What am I missing here?

A picture or file would be helpful. It's a bit hard to spot any error from just a description.
Perhaps try removing the constraints, grabbing the end joint and see if it moves?

Thanks for the advice. Here is a screenshot and JAS file of my test case.

What I want to do is to recreate "test.zip" on this thread -> http://www.cheetah3d.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1632

You just need to pre-angle the joints a bit in the main direction you want it to move.
It's something to do with the way the IK system works - don't ask me the details! For best results, basically just model and rig your characters with their limbs slightly bent.

http://mysite.orange.co.uk/macscraps/test_arm2.jas.zip

Thank you! So thats what I was missing.