The monocular was provided to us by Rigel Optics. The package contained the monocular, batteries, instruction manual, cleaning patches and black padded nylon bag for the scope. The monocular measures 192 mm x 68 mm x 55mm and has a 3,6 X magnification.

The scope itself is 1 st generation model meaning that inside the image intensifier a photocathode absorbs light energy and converts it into electrons. These electrons are accelerated by an electric field or combined electric and magnetic field and impact on a phosphor screen. The added energy of the accelerated electron image is then absorbed by the phosphor and a visible image is produced. (This is the principle used in Gen... 0 and Gen... 1 image tubes.)
Gen. 0, Gen.. 1, and 25 mm Gen. 2 electrostatically inverted image tubes product some geometric distortion.

By nature image intensifiers or "night vision scopes" cannot see in complete darkness without an outside light source. The monocular includes an infra red illuminator that can be activated when necessary. The infra red illuminator does what it is supposed to do at close ranges, but at longer distances the power of the illuminator just isn't enough. The illuminator works sufficiently in indoor conditions and at close range, but as mentioned above, outdoors it's underpowered. There is a drawback to the IR illuminator since it produces a bright red spot visible to everyone looking at the direction of the operator of the monocular. This is only a drawback in so called tactical situations and people using the scope while camping or boating will propably be able to live with this "disadvantage".

The on/off of the device switch is located on the IR illuminator. It has 3 settings on, on with IR illuminator on, and off. The battery compartment is located next to the IR illuminator it has metal screw on cap and takes in two 1.5 volt AM5 LR batteries. The image is focused as one would expect by rotating the objective end. On the ocular end there is a diopter adjustment ring with a rubber eyepiece. The monocular is also equipped with a hand strap and a lens cover attached via cord to the objective piece. Rigel Optics also offers camera adapters to this model. This particular model does not have a sufficient protection against overlight and the manufacturer recommends not to rely on it.

The conditions best suited for the monocular seemed to be starlight/moonlight conditions at sea or at snowy conditions outdoors where the sea or snow helps to magnify the effect of natural starlight or moonlight.

The picture quality of the image intensifier itself is quite acceptable. There are no black or bright spots in the picture that are quite common in many 1st gen devices. The focusing ring is something that the user has to operate constanly to achieve a sharp image at varying distances. Fortunately the focusing mechanism works well and a sharp image is easy and fast to achieve with little practise.

As one would expect the monocular is obviously inferior to 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation models, however as a first generation device it performs well and it's easy to believe that this particular model is one of Rigel Optics best sellers. Due to the 1st gen. techonology and high gain of the device the image can be seen for several minutes after the power is turned off.

According to the manual the minimum viewing distance for this device is 3 meters and maximum about 200 meters at 1/4 moonlight. That matches up pretty well with our testing. Eventhough The scope is bigger than many 3rd gen devices for example it's still relatively compact and weighs less than one would expect ( 460 grams)

We had absolutely no problems with this device and it pretty much delivered the performance we expected.

Comparison chart for 2nd and 3rd gen. devices