Rigel Systems Aline 1.25″ Collimator
What Is the Rigel Systems Aline?
The Rigel Systems Aline is a dedicated collimation tool for Newtonian telescopes. It contains no optical elements - it is not an eyepiece - but it fits your focuser exactly like a standard 1.25″ eyepiece. Just slide it in and start collimating straight away. No adapters, no complicated setup.
The Aline is designed for use in daylight, which makes it a practical companion when you are preparing your telescope before a night session. You no longer need to wait until dark just to check your collimation.
Why the Aline Stands Out
Most basic collimators rely on simple reflective surfaces. The Rigel Systems Aline uses microprismatic retroreflectors on its inner surface. This highly reflective coating returns light precisely back to its source, giving you a clear and accurate view through the collimator even in low-light conditions - including advanced twilight, when other tools become unreliable.
This means you can collimate your telescope at dusk without hunting for an artificial light source. The Aline works across a wide range of lighting conditions, giving you more flexibility in the field.
Centre Spot Included
The Aline comes with a high-contrast centre spot for the primary mirror. This spot offers better reflective properties than the printed marks found on most mirrors. If your Newtonian telescope has no centre spot at all, or if the existing mark lacks sufficient contrast, simply use the one supplied by Rigel Systems.
A correctly placed centre spot is essential for accurate collimation. Without it, you cannot reliably align the optical axis of your telescope.
Collimating a Newtonian Telescope
Collimation is a routine task for every Newtonian telescope owner. The optical alignment shifts with transport, handling, or even a change in storage position - so regular collimation is necessary to keep your telescope performing at its best.
The Aline is particularly well suited to rich-field optics and fast Newtonian telescopes with focal ratios of f/4 and f/5, where precise collimation matters most. In fast optical systems, even a small misalignment of the optical axis degrades image quality noticeably - especially towards the edges of the field of view. Both visual observers and astrophotographers will appreciate how quickly and accurately the Aline brings the optics into alignment.
Easy to Use - Even for Beginners
Using the Aline is straightforward, even if you are new to collimation. Insert it into the focuser, look through the opening, and adjust the secondary and primary mirror screws until all reflections align on the optical axis. The process is logical and easy to follow from the first attempt.
Rigel Systems - a respected American manufacturer of astronomy accessories - designed the Aline with practical, real-world use in mind. The result is a reliable, compact, and affordable tool that every Newtonian telescope owner will find useful.
How to Use the Aline - Step by Step
- Insert the Aline into the focuser just as you would a standard 1.25″ eyepiece.
- Look through the opening at the reflections inside the tube.
- Adjust the secondary mirror screws until the secondary mirror appears centred.
- Adjust the primary mirror screws until all reflections are concentric and aligned.
- If needed, apply the included centre spot to the primary mirror before starting.
About Rigel Systems
Rigel Systems is an American manufacturer with a long-standing reputation in both the amateur and professional astronomy communities. The company focuses on practical, well-built accessories that make everyday telescope use easier - from finderscopes and focuser controllers to collimation tools.
Rigel Systems products are valued for their thoughtful design, durability, and ease of use under real night-sky conditions. The Aline collimator is a clear example of this approach - a simple tool that solves a specific problem precisely and without unnecessary complexity.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Barrel diameter |
1.25″ |
| Optical elements |
None |
| Reflective technology |
Microprismatic retroreflectors |
| Compatible telescope type |
Newtonian telescope |
| Recommended focal ratio |
f/4, f/5 and similar fast Newtonians |
| Usable lighting conditions |
Daylight, twilight, low-light |
| Includes centre spot |
Yes |
| Manufacturer |
Rigel Systems (USA) |
What Is Included
- Rigel Systems Aline 1.25″ collimator
- Centre spot for the primary mirror
