"Invert motor" on a wheel

[Sharpy]

Is there some trick to invert the direction a motor of a rover wheel goes? Some edit to the save or an editor extension or such? Say, I placed two wheels in radial symmetry so I want them to go in opposite sides, but still they push in the same direction.

[Slam_Jones]

The direction they turn and accelerate towards is based on the orientation of the probe core (or pod, or seat) that you are controlling from. AFAIK, the only wheels that could potentially function like that are the giant "tank" wheels (I forget their name).

Perhaps Kerbal Foundries has some wheels that can do that?

[Sharpy]

Phew. So if the wheels are all around the probe core, symmetrically? Or if I flip it or move some way?

[Slam_Jones]

Maybe (unconfirmed, but) maybe if you put one of the wheels on upside-down it will function as you intend. I think there's an issue with the wheel collider so it doesn't work upside-down, though...

I do know, however, that Squad is working on a whole new set of modules for wheels, (hoping they're in the next update, but I have no idea if they will be) which should make them significantly more user-friendly.

Not sure what would happen if you put them all around the probe core, I'm assuming facing different directions. I've had the idea before of having a regular set of wheels, then a perpendicular set that could be lowered (using IR or KAS maybe) so it's could kinda "crab-walk" if needed.

I am curious, though, what the intended outcome is? What kind of rover is it/what's it's intended function?

[Sharpy]

Not a rover - a helicopter! I'm just working on an electric motor.

[Slam_Jones]

Ohhhh, I gotcha. Well, hm, that's not something I've personally tried to do without mods, so I can't really help ya there :\

I do know there are lots of mods with electric propeller parts: Firespitter with KAX. It'll add some old school props, and some new-school ones.

If you're looking to do it without mods, well, good luck. It's not an easy (or part-efficient) task as far as I've worked out.

[Sharpy]

It may not take off, but the motor turns - with four out of its eight wheels with motor disabled.

[Stoney3K]

It may not take off, but the motor turns - with four out of its eight wheels with motor disabled.

You're never gonna get it to move fast enough with just "wheel power".

Use the wheels as free running bearings, and attach some rockets or jets to your hub or chopper blades.

[Sharpy]

Except I can't produce fuel on the fly, and I'd rather not include an ISRU.