Would like to connect CAT rig to model of real human skeleton

[RobH2]

I've done about 10 different tutorials over the past few days in a search for a good way to rig a realistic human skeleton model I bought. I'm not a rigging and character animation expert so I was hoping to take advantage of the IK already built into CAT. I can't seem to find a good workflow for attaching the CAT rig to the skeleton model. If I use a skin modifier on the skeleton model and use the CAT rig to control it I get a lot of deformation of the skeleton model no matter how carefully I adjust envelopes. 

Is there a way to just modify a CAT rig over my skeleton model so it's really, really close  and then attach the skeleton model bone geometry to it without using skin? I don't want any deformation, I just want the movement and IK functionality. 

[Anonymous]

if the model is a single object. you will have to use skin. and there is no perfect skin tool. but if its seperated objects you can link the matching catbone to the bone that it will control. but it will be robotic motions 

[RobH2]

That would actually work well. The whole skeleton will never walk or have to do any combined movements. Only one joint at a time will be bent. I'm adding mucsles over the bones but for instance only the elbow will bend or only the knee will bend. I just couldn't find anything that talked about linking the CAT bones to the objects without using skin. Now that I know it is, in fact, possible, I'll do some more reading and see if I can't figure out how. 

Thanks for verifying that it's possible. It really helps a lot.

[RobH2]

tyree_10 I think you are saying to "Select and Link" as I play with this more. That's a very simple solution that I was overthinking. Again, I appreciate it.

[VishnuR · Accepted solution]

Hi,
Select and Link is most likely what you will need for that goal. Just make your objects occupy same space as the relevant CAT limbs/body parts and use the Select And Link feature on each item > match/link it to corresponding CAT part.

http://docs.autodesk.com/3DSMAX/16/ENU/3ds-Max-Help/files/GUID-D5446135-7734-4F9A-A1A1-3564FB89147B....

[RobH2]

Yep, got it. Thanks all...

[Anonymous]

How would you handle the radius/ulna and tibia/fibula relationships?

[RobH2]

I'm the wrong person to ask here as I'm a hack when it comes to character animation. I have a lot of respect for anyone who is really good at it. Hopefully, someone will weigh in and assist you.