Can you dim a laser Collimation so it isn't so bright when using at night.

[Bionerd]

I don't have a Collimation that can be adjusted for brightness. If I don't get out to a site soon enough it is hard to Collimate when the laser is so glaringly red. Is there a tip or trick to dim the glare while collimating my dob?

[gooseholla]

Maybe different voltage batteries? Does a laser light dim when it is put through a barlow lens? I have heard someone say put a bit of sunglass lens over the end, but not sure what that would do to it. In fact, perhaps you could put sunglasses on? Don't know if that would work?

[Dave In Vermont]

I've played with this idea myself. Here's my take:

A Barlow only spreads the light out a bit - making for a larger 'spot.' Doesn't really dim the light for all practical purposes.

Filters can work to a degree. I have rather rather shelved which I've tried. If you tell me what filters you have at your disposal, I'll try such again. I have 36 different types.

Best-Bet: A shroud - like a blanket you can cover your head & eyes, the front of the scope, and the focuser with the laser in it over to keep the light "localized." Then just glance at it to see where you are, and adjust accordingly.

Let Me Know, Please,

Dave

[0030]

I think Dave has the right idea. I was going to suggest sunglasses...

[Jason D]

I don't have a Collimation that can be adjusted for brightness. If I don't get out to a site soon enough it is hard to Collimate when the laser is so glaringly red. Is there a tip or trick to dim the glare while collimating my dob?

There are two well-known methods to deal with the brightness of the laser:

1- Shine a flash light on the primary mirror. It will reduce the apparent intensity of the laser dot significantly. Do it at the start of your session to give your eyes time to re-acclimate to darkness. The flash light does not have to be too bright. 

2- Use an aperture stop. Basically, poke a 1mm hole on an Aluminum foil then cut the foil around the hole. Finally, attach the cut Aluminum foil at the bottom of the laser collimator after aligning the hole with the laser beam. You will end up with a smaller laser beam surrounded by concentric diffraction rings/circles.

Jason

[acey]

Or use a Cheshire and a dim torch. Easier on the eye and more accurate too. ;-)

[faulksy]

or a adjustable brightness laser colimator

[Bionerd]

Thanks a lot everyone, I'll try the flashlight technique in my garage tonight.

[DeepSkyBagger]

...or you could get one of these -

http://tinyurl.com/pwfvtcu

7 brightness settings and cheap as chips at the price.