Having just got hold of one of these, and having a couple of days to play it, I would have to say its EXCELLENT.

I have no idea why this thing didn't sell in its millions. It has a completely unique movement. Is a tough puzzle, but does allow you to make steady progress. It is very solidly built and aesthetically pleasing. WONDERFUL.

In light of discussions about getting puzzles built, it is worth pointing out that the Astrolabacus is made from only 2 different shaped pieces and off-the-shelf beads and rivets!! BRILLIANT.

I hope that it re-emerges. I am sure they would sell like hot cakes if released. I think eBay has grown massively since John Harris was selling them sometime ago. I bet he has stock remaining and we will see this around again. Might make me look silly for paying so much, but I don't care ;) Thanks again t_goodchild.

I haven't solved it yet. I wish my wife hadn't mixed it up before I had a chance to try a few things ;) Even she likes it and she hates most of my puzzles!

Max

Thanks for your opinion, Max. I am getting few of these beasts, so I will be able to try it too. I may have it for trade then, if anyone is interested.

Astrolabus pic

There is not much info on the box..

What is it? do youhave a pic? I don't think i know what an astrolabacus is... hmmmm
jake

Aleksey,

If you get these in the boxes, I would be very interested in getting a scan of any booklet or the inset.

Max

If someone is getting some of these, I would be interested in getting one.

email me when you have more information

hey, can you tell/show me how it works please?
thanks,
ytram

I'm interested in getting one too. Write me please on my email address if you have one for trade.

Thanks.

Hi Max,

Check out the Astolabacus website it is now up and running, (coincidence ?) it was down for several months.

For info and a solution.

http://www.astrolabacus.com/index.html

Michael
;-)

I suspected that he would have been thinking about selling again. I had even got his phone number, but its been disconnected. So I posted very positive messages here and on TwistyPuzzles

http://twistypuzzles.com/cgi-bin/fs.cgi ... gi?pid=825

I figured he might be reading them and had probably seen me buy one on eBay for over $70.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 3115963501

Could just be a coincidence I guess ;) Either way I am very happy to see this puzzle available again, I can highly recommend that everyone get one. I will be getting a couple more, I even have an idea for a chopped version ;)

$55 might seem like a lot for a puzzle, but I haven't had such value for money from a puzzle for a long while and I paid $70 ;)

John, if you are reading this, post a message. It would be good to hear from a real puzzle designer! Oh, and sorry for using the anim gif for the TwistyPuzzles site. I did try and ask permission ;)

Max

Here today, gone tomorrow! Astrolabacus.com is offline again. Might just be a dodgy server or maybe someone just put it up for a laugh ;)

Max

Max, there is no booklet in the package of the puzzle. I've got it too, and yes, I love it. It's beautifully made, and it's a pleasure to hold it in hands, and work on it. It solid too, I'd say. I like they way the quarters move around each other. I have few for trades, if anyone is interested.

I am interested in a trade. Please email me so we can discuss options.

bearsapair@wwdb.org

Thanks

I'm also interested in a trade. Email me at
RobertW@kagi.com

I'd email you, but you don't give your email address :-)

I m sorry, and indeed I should have given my email address.
The email is keshonok at yahoo.com