Variable Power Switch - Solarforce L2

[gouldian]

I sometimes use a Solarforce L2 fitted with a 3W IR LED when using a night vision monocular in very dark conditions. The problem is that when looking at anything closer than about 100 yards its just too bright and the monocular must be getting damaged by the excess light. I remember seeing an infinitely variable power swicth on eBay probably a couple of years ago but just can't find it now. The other solution would be to have a 3 mode IR LED with memory function or always starting on low producing say 10, 50 & 100% power levers like on some of the white light Solarforce LED's. I would appreciate it if anybody could help me with this query. Thanks. Jim

 

[march.brown]

I sometimes use a Solarforce L2 fitted with a 3W IR LED when using a night vision monocular in very dark conditions. The problem is that when looking at anything closer than about 100 yards its just too bright and the monocular must be getting damaged by the excess light. I remember seeing an infinitely variable power swicth on eBay probably a couple of years ago but just can't find it now. The other solution would be to have a 3 mode IR LED with memory function or always starting on low producing say 10, 50 & 100% power levers like on some of the white light Solarforce LED's. I would appreciate it if anybody could help me with this query. Thanks. Jim

The alternative is to use an IR (photographic) glass filter on whatever torch/dropin you already have ... The filter-holder should be a push-fit for your torch and they are available in many sizes ... If your torch has a removeable glass then just replace it with the correct size glass photographic IR filter.
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[gouldian]

I actually have the IR glass filters but these only work with incandescents and still I will only have the one power level. Thanks all the same

 

[tam17]

There are Uniq variable tailcap switches available at Lighthound, but AFAIK they work with their proprietary drop-in(s) only, someone correct me if i'm wrong. Maybe putting a variable pot on some standard L2 switch?

EDIT: Above-mentioned variable tailcaps are supposed to work with all LED drop-ins, but maintain their full functionality only on voltages of 6V and above. Do some CPF search for more details. Good luck!

Cheers