What UV torch? Convoy S2/S2+, LIGHTFE?

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

Hi All,

I’m looking at purchasing a UV torch, primarily for finding automotive leaks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I’m am current deciding between the following torches:

Convoy S2+ black, nichia 365UV
Convoy S2 UV 365nm flashlight ,LG UV 365nm
Gray Convoy S2 LG UV 365nm flashlight ,LEUVA33W70RL00 LED
LIGHTFE Blacklight 365nm UV Flashlight UV301D

The reason I list the LIFHTFE in there is because it uses AA batteries, which are way more convenient than 18650. I don’t have any 18650 equipment so would need to buy everything new. The LIGHFE torch is the first decent looking AA torch I found, fell free to suggest AA alternatives.

I have a few questions regarding the above.

  1. I assume the Convoy S2+ is not worth getting, given the LG versions are cheaper and better?

2. Between the two Convoy S2 LG torches (Black / Gray), what difference does the LEUVA33W70RL00 LED make? The price between them is basically the same, so which one is better to get?

3. What is the benefit of the 18650 batteries vs AA? There must be something to make it worth all the additional hassle. If the 18650s have some huge advantage of AA then I guess I can put up with the cost of buying the odd-ball batteries and charger.

4. I see with the Convoys that they have a specification regard “7135*5 ”, “7135*3” etc. What does this actually mean, some kind of driver? Which one is better/worse?

Thanks in advance

2

1. The Convoy S2+ is actually better, since it emits less visible light and more UV light actually.
Get this with it separately to make it even better:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ZWB2-filter-for-365nm-light/330416_32649282235.html

2. No difference except for the higher power level(1,050A with 3x7135, 1,750A with 5x7135).

3. Much higher capacity. Up to 4x higher capacity.
AA Eneloop 2450mAh = 3Wh
3000-3500mAh 18650 = 10,8Wh-12,6Wh

4. More 7135s(350mA each) = Higher power.

All in all, get this lamp:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/S2-black-UV-365nm-flashlight-nichia-365UV-in-side/330416_32515105965.html

And this filter: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ZWB2-filter-for-365nm-light/330416_32649282235.html

3

Thanks for that, helps a lot.

I’ve read about the Convoy S2+ being driven harder than the Convoy S2 LGs? Also read about potential heat issues with the S2+? Would this result in reduced useful life of the LED?

My understanding of the LG vs Nichia light is that the UV filter on the S2 basically negates any advantage that the Nichia has in regards to visible light?

4

Well, you are right. It’s a bit overdriven.

Since you will already have the filter, you should just get the LG S2+.

5

If you can mod the light, i would buy s2+ for 12$ and sst10 UV, sst10 UV has higher power and doesn’t produce much visible light.

6

I have the Convoy S2+ with the Nichia LED you mentioned

I have THIS JAXMAN … it has a Nichia also.

Sofirn also has some reasonably priced UV Lights. I do not have any of their’s… yet. :wink:

I have the Convoy S2 Grey 7135*5 365nm UV Flashlight you mentioned.

If I had to choose only one of those I own, it would be the Convoy S2 Grey 7135*5 365nm UV Flashlight. I like it the best.

I tried to buy it from Simon (Convoy Store) on AliExpress, but it could not be shipped to the USA because it had the ZWB2 Filter installed. Something about a patent dispute??

So, I bought it from Banggood instead. They shipped it with no problem.
I used a code from M4DM4X (m4dm4x.com) & the price was about the same as AE’s price.

7

minimize visible light somehow!
either add the Zf (?) filter or something with it built in (not all lights will let the filter disc just drop in)

8

Thanks all - ended up buying the Convoy gray LG light - with the 15% BLF discount! :smiley:

9

Sounds good. :+1: . Let us know how you like it after you get it.

10

Don’t forget to put a ZWB2 filter on it. Regardless type of emitter. You will see the difference for yourself.
Convoy even put it on their Nichia S2+ UV-light untill that @#$%& showed up with his patent claims.

Remember: don’t shine the light into your own or someone else’s eyes. This is NO fun- and play light.
Also be aware of UV-light reflected by mirrors, windows and even bathroom- and kitchen tiles.
Human eyes can’t see UV-light like visible light. But UV-light certainly can see your human eyes!
It will hit you as if you were looking into the sun with eyes wide open thinking it was a dark night!

11

I’m from Australia, so they come with the filter already :+1: . Will also be getting some UV safety glasses as I have kids around the house as well.

12

Can anyone comment? What is the maximum or ideal current the sst20 UV can be driven?

13

The ideal current for it to be driver is 1,2A, and that can easily be done using a FET driver.

Unless you use a boost driver, you aren’t going to be able to get more than that.

1,2A is perfect for that LED.

14

There are several UV lights mentioned (I actually have tried the 3 Convoy UV lights: a) S2+ UV365, 7135x3 ; b) S2 UV365, 7135x3 and c) S2 UV365, 7135x5). However I’m wondering if there is a more “floody” beam UV light?

15

Hey guys… I just got an Acebeam UC15 today and it has a tiny UV light. I am just mesmerized with this thing.

I see some great info and recommendations however some are from quite a while ago.

What would be the absolute best UV flashlight to get if money were no object? I was checking out the new Astrolux UV-C light but I don’t think that’s really right for my needs. I I want to be able to shine it on objects outside, especially from a distance, without worrying about collateral damage (:

thanks!

16

The mineral community modded a Convoy C8 with a buck driver, 2 cells, 42mm ZWB2 filter and LG led. Then the patent holder cloned the design and asked Convoy to build it. As usual you can buy it directly from Convoy anywhere but in the USA.

17

Thanks my friend! Does anyone have a link to somewhere I can buy this? I’ve checked all the sites I normally order from, banggood, aliexpress… I can’t seem to locate the official Convoy store

Thanks!

18

Convoy C8 with LG UV LED:

I remember it being available in Banggood before, but it appears to be out of stock there now.
I wanted to test this flashlight, unfortunately the only available shipping method to my country costs twice the price of the flashlight during this Covid period…

19

Hey thanks a lot. Unfortunately, they don’t ship to the US :frowning:

A guy on another thread gave me this link: https://www.engeniousdesigns.com/product-page/fyrfly

Does this look like the same one?

20

That’s the one from the mineral community. The one from the store (Way Too Cool LLC) authorized by the patent holder maybe is a bit cheaper if you go through all the process to buy it but the bundled batteries are crap.

There is also a M45 flashlight in Aliexpress that’s more or less comparable to the C8. The link in the post is dead but this one appears to be the same.

Edit: d_t_a, you can contact Simon and ask if there is a cheaper shipping option. IIRC he said that sometimes the AliExpress system drops some shipping options for no reason.