The Isis Adventure

Hi there. I'n new to the Isis puzzles and just wanted to know if this is normal. I know that the top 2 layers (capstone and 2nd from the top are supposed to be moved as one piece. When I recieved my puzzle, i inverted it to check for any markings and was fidgeting with it, I noticed the numbers 0 on the layer above the base and 1 on the layer above that one. I noticed that layer one and the top pieces cannot be turned independently, like they are stuck together. is this normal?

edit, it actually turns 10mm clockwise when viewed from the top. but thats it. when I first recieved it, all layers moved independently, then it stopped facing the logo, it freed up when I turned it counter clockwise, now top 2 layers move together.

that is total normal, just remember which direction it stop in the beginning and it will help you know if you are going backwards or forwards!!!

it doesn't stop at any point, I was turning the top piece, heard something click, and now I only have 2 moving parts, Layer 0 and the combined layer 1 and the top piece. Is this supposed to happen or do I lock up something i shouldn't have and need to send it back for service? I guess my question is, (without giving any solutions away) is it possible to lock-up the puzzle, or is there anyway for the puzzle to lock-up (like a step in opening the Ramisis for disassembly) before i get the key out? Or is my puzzle busted and I need to send it in for service?

edit: i've figured out the clues in the manual and it doesn't help. (clue number 2) its still locked up no matter what orientation it is. I'm beginning to wonder if I should whack it with a mallet to get what ever internals unstuck.

I know what you mean about the layers stuck.

I get very confused about people turning things clockwise/anticlockwise etc. Are they referring to the top sections or the bottom sections. People say to turn the layer 90 degrees. Does it refer to that single layer above the base (mine doesnt have any numbers etched into it). Or should I be turning using the tip, i.e. the top layers turned 90 degrees with the other layers stationary, OR, could it be the second from bottom whilst maintaining the placenta in the same orientation???

I wish some people had a better understanding of combinations and permutations! A bit of clarity would help from various contrasting bits of information!!!

I find my top 2 layers eventually get stuck to the third layer from the top. Even when turning upside down, the layers are still firmly fixed in place. They only budge again if I shake the pyramid to dislodge the "internal object". It is my understanding that this fixed point is when the internal object has reached the top most point and should start its' descent. Please can someone correct me if I'm wrong??

The other confusing issue is Stage 1,2,3...??? Who came up with these markers? The clues dont mention anything about stages? I'm guessing stage 1, you release the key. You replace the key holder and stage 2 is to dismantle all the layers. What the hell are people going on about stage 3???

With regards to stage 1 and 2, talk about the rings of hell and a central column. Can people please make up their minds about which applies to which stage? In order to release the key, should I be aiming for the central column (how can you hear an object move silently??? - surely it means the object is stuck and not moving?)

Other posts give me the impression that if I miss the mechanism through stage 1, I have failed and will never be able to open in that method and must dismantle the whole pyramid in order to complete all goals at once! Why do the clues indicate a reset?

I am a bit frustrated atm, although it doesn't help when I have minor hearing impairments which make it even harder to hear which layer the "internal object" is at!

Rant over...

Ok, when the top two pieces (which move as one, except for the wiggle) don't move in relation to the base (the part with the key chamber) this is beginning and/or the end. If you have followed the clues and the top pieces stop moving in the opposite direction(compared to the direction it stopped in the beginning) you are at the end, and hopefully (barring any chamber blockage) your key chamber popped out just before that. I hope this helps.
For better understanding of Permutations click here

Thank you, I think that just confirmed for me that I don't need to send my puzzle for service. I enjoy working on it, I just didn't want to end up attempting to make chicken soup out of a plucked mystery bird that ended up being duck rather than chicken.

Is the Ramisis a puzzle that you have to pay attention to from the beginning? I ask this because since I got it a year ago I have just been turning levels back and forth and hoping for the best.