Rigel Capstan hand bearing compass

[david42]

After nearly 20 years the nightlight in my Rigel Capstan has finally gone out, I've tried searching for Rigel compasses on the web, they used to be in Southhampton, but all I can find is Rigel Optics in the USA. Does anyone know where I can get it repaired/recharged/serviced?

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[dickh]

As far as I know Rigel Capstan hand bearing compasses are no longer manufactured - I think they were based near Souithampton. I bought the only one left in the country about 5 years ago when my original one got air inside. I particularly liked this compass as I wear glasses and you hold it at arms length. I had to ring almost every chandlery in the country; eventually Kelvin Hughes had one in Scotland which I snapped up.
I did initially speak to S.I.R.S about getting the original refilled, but they wouldn't touch it as the luminance is radio-active.....
I put it in a boat jumble in the end and got a few pounds for it.
After my experience, I think you may have to live without luminance or get one of the newer hand bearing compasses.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[david42]

I got the Rigel years ago on the strength of a PBO group test, now I'm getting older I'm starting to appreciate the benefits of focussing on tiny bouncing figures at arms length. I'm worried that I'll need glasses if I buy a compass that needs a close up squint. Are there any others around that work at arms length?

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[dickh]

The only one I know of is the traditional Sestrel, which is very expensive and weighs a ton at arms length!
Just a thought, I think Plastimo do an arms length one - also Silva?


<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif