I think the ‘problem’ is that the Convoy is OVERDRIVEN. Which is fine if you want lotsa light for short periods of time, but will cause premature failure if used for extended periods. Similar to a ‘regular’ light run in turbo too long.
I don’t know if there is a lower mode available for the Convoy, or if it would require a driver swap to keep it in the green.
That's what I'm wanting to know as well. In real time use, what's the bottom line of these things, longevity wise without depreciation in performance
Thanks for bringing what you mention to the table.
Added
I want the best "out of the box" factory UV light that serves the intended purpose.
sadly only 1 mode on convoy…
The convoy uses 7135 chips right on its UV light? Could unsolder one of the chips to lower the mode. Or if you contact Simon at convoy and order through him he can do it for you
Check this thread out…djozz tested several uv leds. I built a UV light using a black Convoy S2+, a 1.5a mtn buck driver, and a Liteon LTPL-C034UVH365 led. It only has one mode but I build it for curing NOA61 when installing trits. It can be used with the standard 18650 tube or the 18350 shorty tube. I also used a black UV pass filter. She puts out a lot of nice UV light. I still have a few of those leds and UV pass filters…I’d build you one for cost of parts.
Here’s a couple of pics taken of a public restroom.
Don’t worry, these ugly stains are probably détergeant 
I checked my bathroom at home and get the same !
Seriously though! Is that detergent? Please say yes!
Yeah, my washing machine looks a little rough. I scared the crap out of my daughter…I put laundry detergent on my hands and put hand prints coming from her closet across the ceiling in her bedroom and down the wall to her bed. I showed her what the UV light could do so I told her to take to her bedroom to see what all would fluoresce and she started screaming :smiling_imp:
Put me down as accepting your offer, DJ. I have no problem with letting you build me one.
PM me for any further correspondence needed.
That bathroom image, I was a custodian at a Community College. Adults are just as DISGUSTING as kids!!
I don't buy the comment being detergent. On the toilet, yes, some of it. Now imagine that filth spreading throughout the whole facility on anything you may come in contact with throughout your time there. The filth IS everywhere.
Since my time way back as a carpet cleaning tech, I experienced everything imaginable from urine, to excrement of dead people of every form.
Notice how the cleanest part of the toilet is the seat…
It's the angle of the light..LOL!!
When you see a dark spot moving on the seat, shoot from afar!!
PM responded to, DJ ;)
Brilliant.
If you are not familiar with UV lights and applications you should probably do some research.
My modest understanding is that fluorescence occurs at different wavelength depending on the substance or material. Thus crime scene investigators probably want powerful lights that can reveal a broad range of fluids and materials with a wide range of wavelength.
However, for currency checking, i would guess you don’t need something very sophisticated or powerful. Some cheap UV/purple light may be enough?
One thing to keep in mind is that using a UV light for an extended time does require protection glasses.
I tend to think a Convoy UV S2+ is overkill for what you need. Just occasionally playing with mine a few minutes gives me a head heck.
You should check what wavelength are recommended for your application.
No.
You ‘need’ a true 365nm UV LED plus a filter (to block the visible light coming from the LED) to really see the fluorescent bits.
Cheap 400nm LEDs do not do the trick for money detection and the like.
On another note, unfortunately UV LEDs have a rather high Vf.
Like close to 4 Volts.
So the fun is over pretty soon with a normal linear driver (like with 7135 current regulators)
Best would be an AA light with boost driver and current regulation, as to not exceed the maximum current.
So for example, the little Jetbeam would be ideal, but it doesn’t have the filter in it, and i have only seen tiny ones for ridiculous prices…
You could buy a 20.5 mm filter and make it smaller and try to put it in the head… Hmmm… :weary:
Supfire has an AAA 365nm flashlight.
Not sure of its performance, though.
There is also the non-nichia jaxman u1 (18650) and jaxman e3 (aa). The uv output is lower than the convoy (There were some tests where the difference was quite visible) but they are still close to 365nm and have a filter (they are available at the
Jaxman store)
I just recently got the Nitecore CU6. Not real bright in the UV area but it works well. In my research it has been one of the best fot looking at bank notes (money).
Most threads here and on CPF are a few years old at best.
The Convoy with the proper led has been noted as the best dollar value.
My reason for the CU6 is that it can do UV and be a carry light both.
My 2 cents, Lateck.
Wow! 3000mW of 365 UV. Impressive.
Anyone know how is the strength of UV light from the Convoy in comparison with UV component of the sun?
All led’s depreciate in performance. From what I understand the lifespan rating isn’t to failure. Rather, it’s to 50% brightness.