Alignment Computers

The Three Measuring Technologies in This Category

3D imaging with camera beam and wheel targets

Six systems measure with cameras rather than wheel-mounted electronics. The four Hofmann geoliners and the iDEAL 3D iPRO use targets carried on wheel clamps; the Corghi Exact Linear Plus publishes a high-resolution target board and a single target 'B' calibration, and does not publish a clamp or wheel range. The Hofmann geoliner 770 (EEWA752BV3), geoliner 678 (EEWA715TBV3), geoliner 660 (EEWA712TH3) and geoliner 609 (EEWA741TH3) all fall here, along with the Corghi Exact Linear Plus and the iDEAL 3D iPRO. Hofmann calls the camera package on the geoliner 770, 678 and 660 XD Camera Technology and describes it as high-definition video-speed cameras that continuously watch the alignment process and flag environmental conditions or vehicle issues that could corrupt a reading. The geoliner 609 does not publish the XD name; its listing describes video-speed imaging for fast roll-back compensation. The iDEAL 3D iPRO uses two cameras described in its spec table as "Hi Res / WideScope" and publishes an accuracy figure of 0.01 degrees. The CEMB CCD sensor heads publish rechargeable lithium-ion batteries; the camera-based systems in this category publish no battery at the wheel.

Eight-sensor CCD wireless sensor heads

Four CEMB systems and the Corghi Exact 70 measure with electronic sensor heads mounted directly on the wheels. The CEMB DWA1100 and DWA1100TRUCK publish an eight-camera CCD design with wireless Bluetooth 2 communication and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The DWA1100ADAS publishes wireless Bluetooth 2 communication and lithium-ion batteries without stating a sensor count. The DWA1100CWAS is listed as the DWA1100 supplied with a wheel stand kit and publishes no sensor, communication or battery detail of its own. CEMB's DWA1100 data sheet explains why eight sensors matter: the design gives separate front and rear cross-toe views, so a low vehicle with a ground-effects package can still be aligned when the front cross-toe beam is blocked. The Corghi Exact 70 is described as a computerized wheel aligner with 8-CCD-camera sensor heads, available with wireless or cable sensor heads, and ships with an external battery charger so packs can be charged with the PC switched off.

Touchless, clampless optical measurement

The Corghi REMO Compact is the outlier. Corghi describes it as an aligner that never touches the rim: no wheel clamp, no adjustment for wheel size, no operator required to stand at the vehicle during data collection, and vehicle selection by QR code. Its listing states it works with any lift or pit and gives live readings the customer can watch. Note a wording conflict worth understanding before you shop: the Corghi Exact Linear Plus also carries a feature bullet reading "Touchless, clampless pre-check aligner," but its product name and its specification table describe a camera system with a full set of published measuring ranges. Following the name and the spec table, the Exact Linear Plus is a camera and target aligner that includes a touchless pre-check function; the REMO is the system built around touchless measurement end to end.

What the "Alignment Computer" Actually Is

The console is a real purchasing variable in this category, not a detail. The Corghi Exact 70 ships as a wheeled cabinet with a professional PC listed as an Intel motherboard, 2 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, DVD reader, high-speed USB 2.0 port, Ethernet network board and keyboard, running Windows XP Embedded with the Exact Plus program. The iDEAL 3D iPRO ships with a Windows 10 PC, wireless keyboard and mouse, a 21.5 in. flat panel LCD monitor and a storage cabinet with swivel poly casters and a printer drawer, running Techno Vector 7 software. The Hofmann geoliner 609 goes the other direction entirely: its listing states minimal shop space is needed with no console at all, and the aligner is controlled from anywhere in the shop using a tablet.

If your shop has an IT policy about operating systems on the network, compare those three lines directly - a Windows XP Embedded console, a Windows 10 console and a tablet-controlled system are three different conversations with whoever manages your network.

Measuring Ranges and Vehicle Capacity

The four Hofmann geoliner systems all publish the same track width range of 48-96 in. (122-244 cm). The geoliner 770, 660 and 609 each publish a wheelbase range of 79-180 in. (201-457 cm). The geoliner 678 data sheet does not publish a wheelbase figure, so confirm that on the model data sheet before you commit to a long-wheelbase workload.

Angle ranges are published by the two Corghi camera and CCD systems. The Exact 70 lists total toe +/-48 degrees, half toe +/-24 degrees, camber +/-10 degrees, caster +/-30 degrees, king pin +/-30 degrees, set back +/-22 degrees, thrust angle +/-22 degrees and steering angle +/-22 degrees. The Exact Linear Plus lists total toe +/-20 degrees, half toe +/-10 degrees, camber +/-10 degrees, caster +/-30 degrees, king pin +/-30 degrees, set back +/-22 degrees, thrust angle +/-10 degrees and steering difference +/-20 degrees. The Hofmann, CEMB and iDEAL listings in this category do not publish angle ranges; consult the individual model data sheet if a specific measuring range is a requirement.

For heavy-duty work, the CEMB DWA1100TRUCK is the only system here built for it. Its listing states operators can configure the alignment process for a wide range of heavy-duty trucks, from a single steer axle up to seven combined steer and drive axles, with compensation modes covering rolling compensation, raised axles compensation, or bypass.

Clamps and Targets: What Is Included and What Is Optional

This is the single easiest place to misread a listing, because clamp specifications belong to the clamp, not to the aligner. On the Hofmann geoliner 770 and geoliner 678, both sold with AC400 clamps, the published tire diameter range of 19-39 in. (48-99 cm) is an AC400 figure - AC400 clamps grip the tire without contacting the rim. The rim size range of 12-24 in. (30-61 cm) listed on those same two data sheets belongs to the AC200 clamps, which both listings mark as sold separately. The geoliner 660 is titled with AC200 universal wheel clamps, though the same listing also shows the AC200 clamp under Optional Accessories (sold separately) and publishes no clamp, rim or tire range in its spec table. Confirm the clamp configuration with us before you order. The geoliner 609 publishes a wheel size range of 12-24 in. (305-610 mm).

The CEMB DWA1100, DWA1100TRUCK and DWA1100CWAS each list wheel clamps covering 12 in. to 24.5 in. The DWA1100 listing adds that extension pins are included for attaching clamps to offset wheels, and that an optional extension kit extends the wheel clamp diameter to 30 in., sold separately. The Corghi Exact 70 lists 10-26 in. or 10-21 in. car wheel brackets with a self-centering system. The iDEAL 3D iPRO includes four standard wheel clamps covering 12-24 in., with targets described as compact magnesium alloy with a protective petrol and oil resistant layer.

What Your Shop Needs to Run One

Lift and bay

The iDEAL 3D iPRO is explicit: its spec table lists a 4-post or scissor alignment lift as Required, with a lift range height of 35 in. to 67 in. and a maximum wheelbase up to 157.5 in. If you do not have an alignment rack, two listings address that directly. The CEMB DWA1100CWAS is the DWA1100 packaged with a wheel stand kit - stands, roller and plates - with integrated turn plates on all four stands, which its listing describes as allowing use on a two-post frame contact lift in virtually any work bay. The Hofmann geoliner 609 offers an elevated two-wheel compensation mode described for customers with limited space, no alignment lift, or vehicles too large for the lift. The Corghi REMO listing states it goes well with any lift or pit.

Floor space and storage footprint

Corghi publishes hard dimensions for the Exact 70: the cabinet measures 31.5 in. x 25 in. x 67 in. (800 x 630 x 1710 mm), and 53 in. x 52 in. x 67 in. (1350 x 1320 x 1710 mm) with the sensors in place. Its sensor heads measure 31.5 in. x 5 in. x 8 in. each. Hofmann addresses footprint through design rather than dimensions: the geoliner 770 is described as a one-piece design with a foldable camera beam so the whole system can be moved where it is needed, and the geoliner 609 has a rotating camera beam for a smaller storage footprint. The Corghi Exact Linear Plus publishes component weights instead - PC holder 24.2 lbs (11 kg), camera beam 57.3 lbs (26 kg), column 145.5 lbs (66 kg) - which is useful if you are planning a wall or column mount.

Electrical service and air

No listing in this category calls for three-phase service. The geoliner 609, the CEMB systems, the iDEAL 3D iPRO and both Corghi consoles publish single-phase supplies; the geoliner 770, 678 and 660 publish voltage and frequency only and do not state the phase. Confirm the supply for your model on its data sheet before the install date. The Hofmann geoliner 770 and 678 list 110V 50/60 Hz; the geoliner 660 lists 100-230V 50/60 Hz; the geoliner 609 lists 110-230 VAC, 1 Ph, 50/60 Hz, 15A. The CEMB DWA1100, DWA1100TRUCK and DWA1100CWAS list 110V, 1 ph. The DWA1100ADAS listing does not publish a power figure. The iDEAL 3D iPRO lists 120V, 15 Amp, 1 PH, 60 Hz. Corghi lists 90-260 Vca 50-60 Hz 1 ph with 0.4 kW consumption for the Exact 70 central unit, and 115-230V 50-60 Hz 1 ph at 500 W for the Exact Linear Plus. No data sheet in this category specifies a compressed air supply - the CEMB sensor heads run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and the Corghi Exact 70 includes an external battery charger.

ADAS Calibration

Two listings here address advanced driver assistance systems. The CEMB DWA1100ADAS is a wireless CCD aligner whose ADAS assistance uses the same front axle CCD sensors, attached to an ADAS support panel calibration bar with universal adapters, while the rear axle sensors stay in their normal positions; the system then positions the ADAS panel relative to the vehicle's thrust angle. Its ADAS CCD kit is listed as including two universal adaptors for the support panel calibration bar and a software update and activation USB key, with sensors listed at 5.7 lb each and an optional bar code VIN scanner sold separately. The Autel MS906MAXADAS is not an aligner at all - it is a 10.1 in. Android 10 diagnostic tablet with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, bundled with the Bluetooth MaxiVCI V200 and static and dynamic ADAS calibration software, covering U.S., Asian and European vehicles from 1996 and newer, and compatible with Autel MA600 and standard ADAS calibration frame systems purchased separately. The Hofmann geoliner 609 lists quick access to ADAS information alongside vehicle specifications, TSBs, recalls and TPMS data, which is reference information rather than a calibration function.

Vehicle Specification Databases

Coverage depth is published differently by each brand. The Corghi Exact 70 lists a car and van databank with more than 18,000 vehicles, with optional truck and bus databanks of more than 3,000 vehicles. The iDEAL 3D iPRO lists a pre-installed database of 25-plus spec years covering wheel alignment specs, tire pressure specs, and adjustment diagrams and images for more than 60,000 vehicle models. The CEMB DWA1100 and DWA1100TRUCK each list an extensive vehicle database with over 30 years of coverage. The DWA1100ADAS lists vehicle specs with illustration adjustments covering most models back 30 years. The DWA1100CWAS lists user-friendly software with advanced features and comprehensive specifications, without stating a coverage span. The Hofmann geoliner 770 and 678 list access to Mitchell1 for alignment repair information.

Certifications

Only one product in this category publishes a certification in its specification table: the iDEAL 3D iPRO lists CE. No listing in this group declares ALI, ETL, OSHA or ASME certification. If a specific certification is required by your insurer, your state, or a fleet contract, treat it as a question for the individual model data sheet rather than assuming it from the category.

Model Comparison

Prices above are the list prices published on the individual product pages. Where a cell reads "Not published," the manufacturer does not state that figure in the model data sheet - ask us and we will pull it from the factory documentation before you order.

Hofmann Warranty Packages

Three Hofmann warranty packages in this category cover specifications, software upgrades and, on two of the three tiers, service. None of the three listings names the aligner model it applies to, so confirm compatibility with us. The Silver package includes 5 years of specifications plus 5 years of software upgrades and enhancements. The Gold package adds 3 years of service covering parts and labor to that same 5 years of specifications and software. The Platinum package carries 5 years of specifications, 5 years of software upgrades and enhancements, and 5 years of service covering parts and labor.

Shipping and Availability

Fourteen of the sixteen listings in this category are flagged for free shipping in our catalog, including all four Hofmann geoliner systems, all three Corghi systems, all four CEMB systems and the three Hofmann warranty packages. The two exceptions are the iDEAL 3D iPRO, quoted at $575 freight per unit to any address in the contiguous 48 states with Alaska, Hawaii and remote or limited-access locations excluded and orders over two units requiring a freight quote, and the Autel MS906MAXADAS tablet. Two listings - the CEMB DWA1100CWAS and the Autel MS906MAXADAS - are shown for reference but are not currently set for online checkout; contact us for their status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an alignment rack to use these machines?

It depends on the model. The iDEAL 3D iPRO lists a 4-post or scissor alignment lift as required, with a working lift range of 35 in. to 67 in. The CEMB DWA1100CWAS was packaged specifically to avoid that investment: it adds four portable wheel stands with integrated turn plates so the system can run on a two-post frame contact lift in an ordinary work bay. The Hofmann geoliner 609 offers an elevated two-wheel compensation mode for shops with no alignment lift or with vehicles too large for the lift, and the Corghi REMO listing states it works with any lift or pit.

What is the difference between CCD sensor heads and 3D imaging?

CCD systems put electronic sensor heads on the wheels and transmit readings back to the console - the CEMB DWA1100 family does this over Bluetooth 2 with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and its eight-sensor layout provides separate front and rear cross-toe views so low vehicles can still be measured when the front beam is obstructed. Imaging systems put targets on the wheels and let a camera beam do the measuring, which is how the four Hofmann geoliners, the Corghi Exact Linear Plus and the iDEAL 3D iPRO work. Imaging removes battery management at the wheel.

Which of these can set up an ADAS calibration?

The CEMB DWA1100ADAS is the aligner in this group built for it - after the alignment, the front axle CCD sensors move to the ADAS support panel calibration bar using the two included universal adapters, and the system positions the panel to the vehicle's thrust angle. The Autel MS906MAXADAS tablet carries static and dynamic ADAS calibration software and works with Autel MA600 and standard calibration frames, which are purchased separately.

Do these machines need three-phase power or shop air?

No listing in this category calls for three-phase service or a compressed air supply. The geoliner 609, the CEMB systems, the iDEAL 3D iPRO and both Corghi consoles publish single-phase supplies - 110V 1 ph on the CEMB DWA1100, DWA1100TRUCK and DWA1100CWAS, 120V 15A 1 PH on the iDEAL 3D iPRO, 90-260 Vca 1 ph on the Corghi Exact 70 and 110-230 VAC 1 Ph 15A on the geoliner 609. The geoliner 770, 678 and 660 publish voltage and frequency only and do not state the phase. Confirm the supply and the breaker size for your specific model on its data sheet before the install date.

Are the wheel clamps included, and what wheel sizes do they cover?

The Hofmann geoliner 770 and 678 as listed include AC400 clamps, which grip the tire without touching the rim and cover 19-39 in. tire diameters; the AC200 clamps that cover 12-24 in. rims are a separate purchase on those two models. The geoliner 660 is titled with AC200 universal wheel clamps, but the same listing also shows the AC200 clamp under Optional Accessories (sold separately) and publishes no clamp, rim or tire range - confirm the clamp configuration with us before you order. The CEMB DWA1100, DWA1100TRUCK and DWA1100CWAS each list wheel clamps covering 12-24.5 in. The DWA1100 listing adds extension pins for offset wheels and an optional extension kit that takes the clamp diameter to 30 in., sold separately; the other CEMB listings do not publish those accessories. The DWA1100ADAS listing publishes no clamp range. The iDEAL 3D iPRO includes four 12-24 in. clamps with magnesium alloy targets. The Corghi REMO uses no clamp at all.

Can I keep the software and specifications current after the sale?

Hofmann sells that as a package: Silver covers 5 years of specifications and software upgrades, Gold adds 3 years of parts and labor service, and Platinum extends service to 5 years. The iDEAL 3D iPRO ships with the most current specifications available at the time of purchase and lists optional yearly spec and software updates. The Hofmann geoliner 609 lists network-updatable software and specifications, and the geoliner 770, 678 and 660 all list cloud services for storing and printing alignment reports from anywhere in the shop.