Mechanically automated chess computers - these remain to be the most fascinating and mysterious chess computers. Often heard from someone who doesn't play chess, "remember that chess game that would move it's own pieces? That was simply amazing! I don't even know how to play chess and that machine moves it's own pieces!"
I continue to wonder in amazement that these computers are so rare. The few that still exist are cherished pieces. The market is crying for them... let's see a traditional wood piece, alright plastic is fine - but please don't think we'll only buy it if it's aerodynamically sound, speaks in several languages, and has a 21st century color scheme. Function is what it's all about. Let's see what you can do Excalibur, Saitek, Novag!
Excalibur recently had an impressive piece of machinery, the Mirage. The Excalibur Mirage was discontinued around 1999. If you have any comments on this computer or mechanical chess computers in general, please post your thoughts!
Raphael,
I found an Excalibur Mirage on eBay. It is currently still up for bids and I am definitely keeping up with it. I hope that my bid holds up (though I know the price will skyrocket as time grows near). Anyway, I hope to soon be an owner of one~!
MDN.
Posted by: Mikel Nix | April 28, 2005 at 10:27 AM
I just picked up an Excalibur Mirage almost brand new in box for $10 at a fleamarket! I don't totally like chess, but I've always wanted one of these. I remember when it first came out for like $200 or whatever back in the day.
The guy at the fleamarket wanted $20 and I was like "ahh I dunno" and started walking and he's like do you wanna see it.. I can open it up.. it's almost brand new and I'm like "nah that's okay" and he's like "it's yours for $15" and I'm like "thanks anyway man". So then he's like "you know you can make me an offer.. come on take a look" and I was like "$10" and he's like "okay" and I go "sold." and walked off with my treasure.
Posted by: yuppicide | May 07, 2005 at 01:59 PM
Hi there yuppicide, ya wanna sell that Mirage???
Posted by: Stackalee | May 11, 2005 at 11:36 PM
I definitely think that those are the most fascinating of all chess computers. I have the Mirage plus the Phantoms and the very first Milton Bradley model and just about anyone who sees them in action are amazed by them.
Ismenio
http://www.ismenio.com/forum
http://www.chesscomputers.org
Posted by: Ismenio | May 21, 2005 at 07:53 PM
Any current news on the DGT USB board? I can find only your post and their website mentions only a 1998 tournament (www.dgt.nl).
Posted by: valtorna | May 27, 2005 at 06:37 PM
DGT Projects, the world leading company in the development and distribution of digital chess equipment, announce a long term co-operation with World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik (Russia).
A new DGT product line “Kramnik's choice” including a rosewood electronic chess board, a set of brand new chess pieces and the latest innovation of digital chess clock, DGT XL “Kramnik”, will be available by June 1st.
Kramnik himself is using the products of DGT for competition and preparation on a regular basis. He identifies with the aim of DGT Projects to bring the highest quality into the world of chess.
See this post for more information:
http://blog.chesshouse.com/the_chess_house/2005/06/kramnik_joins_d.html
Posted by: Raphael | June 07, 2005 at 09:33 PM
Hi,anyone selling any robotic chess?thanks a lot
Posted by: nelson | September 29, 2005 at 11:24 AM
I am giving my Idea to Excalibur for
a Phantom Mirage to be hopefully
manufactured by Fall of 2006. I am
going to suggest a starting price of
$350.00 and a Limited Edition of about
100,000 or less. Wish me Luck. Wendel
Posted by: Wendel | October 02, 2005 at 01:32 AM
i want a excalibur self moving chess game
Posted by: allen | October 19, 2005 at 06:04 PM
i want a excalibur self moving chess game
Posted by: allen | October 19, 2005 at 06:05 PM
I have a excaliber Mirage chess set that I am thinking of putting on ebay. Works perfect in fact it beat me twice this afternoon... Anyone interested let me know
Posted by: mike guill | December 07, 2005 at 02:36 PM
i am looking for a mirage chess set,that works good...if price is good ...i will buy it...thank and god bless....
Posted by: patrick | December 13, 2005 at 05:19 AM
I have been wondering why it's not possible to have a chess set that can move pieces by magnetically dragging them across the board by the use of rows of electro magnets below the board.
In the places where this is not possible (eg. a knight move through a wall of pawns) the chess set can ask for human assistance.
I dont see why it's not possible to detect human piece movement automatically as well by making the board touch sensitive so that it senses a piece being lifted and placed on another square so that it can record the movement itself since it knew the piece that was on the first position.
Posted by: Buddhika | July 10, 2006 at 04:08 PM
Hey, There is a Excalibur Mirage on Ebay right now as we speak! It's only at 20$ right now, I'm not sure how high the price will go. I already own one or I would be bidding on it. Just letting everyone know!
Posted by: chessmaster | July 21, 2006 at 07:58 AM
I want to play Robotic Chess with real pieces with program or online real opponent. Released DGT Electronic Chess Board is good idea and can play but not enough because if you play real pieces your opponent move is to do by yourself :( . It must do this move by Real Robot Army. Perhaps we wait e few more.
Posted by: ismet | July 31, 2006 at 08:38 AM
If anyone is interested in a robotic chess set that moves it's own pieces check out this item on ebay:Item number - 290052827554
Posted by: Mic | November 24, 2006 at 06:14 PM
Hello Everyone! I have been looking for the perfect gift for my boyfriend. I happen to know that he has always wanted the Mirage chess set. If anyone is willing to help me out with this I would so greatly appreciate it.
Posted by: stormyquin | February 13, 2007 at 09:00 AM
To anyone looking for an Excalibur Mirage Robotic Chess Computer?
I have one that is new in the original box. It also comes with an extra set of pieces in the original black bag. I was a retail seller and purchased the computers directly from Excalibur. This unit has been in storage since the late 1990's. It was set up and tested and works perfectly.
I was planning to put it on ebay but will take offers.
My email address is rvdmsw@sbcglobal.net
Posted by: Richard | February 25, 2007 at 04:47 AM
What is the name and brand of the chess set that moves it's own pieces. I saw one in a store in the late 80's and thought what an awesome concept.
Thanks
Posted by: Richard Turk | March 06, 2007 at 12:14 PM
That's the Excalibur Mirage. --Raphael
Posted by: Raphael | March 06, 2007 at 01:36 PM
I am currently making a mechanical automated chess machine at the moment for an art piece - if anyone is interested have a look on my site soon for work in progress (www.treadings.net)
The board is going to be a glass coffee table surface and the mechanical bits will be exposed beneath.
Any help or suggestions welcome!
Posted by: tom | March 18, 2007 at 11:12 AM
arranged marriages should be, should not be outlawed
Posted by: construction material testing jobs | September 26, 2007 at 03:32 AM
Teachers must be paid based on performance
Posted by: nissan | September 29, 2007 at 06:59 PM
My mind is like a bunch of nothing. I've just been letting everything wash over me lately. Oh well. Such is life.
Posted by: ann | October 06, 2007 at 05:18 PM
the novag savant was the best
Posted by: brian | November 04, 2007 at 04:45 AM