Agree with the above; but in addition if you need to use a standard AA battery:
There are 2 Convoy UV models, the S2+ UV which uses a Nichia led and doesn’t include the UV filter and the newer S2 UV without + which uses a LG led and includes the UV filter as the LG led creates more visible light. The S2 model has higher output and it’s floodier while the S2+ has a higher intensity.
Because the US patent office granted a patent to somebody for UV flashlights with a filter which shouldn’t have ever been granted (as it isn’t a novel idea) , the S2 UV without the + cannot be shipped to the US. However if you are in the US you can still buy the S2+ version and buy the ZWB2 filter yourself.
Edit: I don’t support such patent abuse (I don’t live in the US anyway) but here is the link to a commercial site explaining the situation
http ://www.fluorescents.com/products-uv-flashlights.html
The site sells the S2 version for higher than the original price (2x18650 and a charger are included to be fair but that doesn’t make up for the price difference). Perhaps some of the price difference would go to Simon (Convoy’s owner), but I guess most of it would go to the site and to the patent owner.
Edit 2: This thread has more information
I hate patent fascism…
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/50830 has a list of UV flashlights posted last April. However as everyone has said, the Convoy or Jaxman are probably the best budget lights.
Thanks for your help guys
Although I need to do some reading about filter ,,,,,do I need it when testing a bill ?
Regards
Yes you do, see 2mm ZWB2 filter tested (visible light blocking filter suitable for 365nm UV flashlights)
It is a more than 4 years old test, the variety of UV leds have improved a lot since, and ZWB2 filters have become a lot cheaper. But it shows well what a visible light blocking filter can do.
Noted
Thanks for that
I have used my Acebeam for that purpose. It has UV, Red and regular white. Runs on 2 AAA batteries of any type (including 10440s). The red will light a room. Advertised as keychain but a bit large for that. Incredible output for a smallish light
How about Harbor Freight Tools ?
Cheap though?
https://www.harborfreight.com/uv-blacklight-flashlight-63931.html
Does it have to be an EDC size or would something in the vicinity of a C8 size work. The reason I ask is, the Fitorch MR35 has a white, + a UV LED and three other color LEDs as well. It’s really a nice light and has very cool features like dual switches plus on-board charging!
I have one and really like it. In normal white light mode it is 1200 lumen.
Most paper money today is designed with characteristics that can be checked by 365nm UV-light.
Not that they happen to be visible at 365nm. No, they are designed that way.
Even the best 365nm emitters are not perfect: they also emit more or less visible light.
That’s why you need a ZWB2 filter, that blocks (almost) all emission of light other than 365nm.
Without having seen the Fitorch MR35 I very much doubt if this has a 365nm emitter or a filter.
One review says something about “let the experts decide the wavelenght of the UV”.
Another review says that Fitorch admitted that the green emitter is directly lit by the UV emitter.
And that the UV emission may have a greenish shade.
A member on TLF started his review by emerging the light in water, which also ended his review.
So I would not recommend it, without ever having seen it. Not for paper money.
One of the first things I did when testing my light was get out a $20 bill. There are two features you can distinctly (glowingly) see with the UV light mode. I believe this is plenty to recognize counterfeits or genuine bills.
I am not doubting you knowledge of UV but I think the light would be practical for many other purposes as well.
I’ve done same homework, and in my opinion, the best bang for a buck is Convoy S2 from Aliexpress:
Convoy S2 UV 365nm => Aliexpress
Led: LG UV 365nm
Driver: 7135*3
Is far more superior over the more popular S2+ from GB:
Convoy S2+ 365nm => Gearbest
Led: Nichia 365UV
driver: 7135*2
Vis
Convoy S2 LG UV with filter:
Convoy S2+ Nichia UV without filter:
Thanks guys for helping and sharing
Yes, neat light. Bullet-proof, silly output for such a small thing. Bought a bunch as stocking stuffers, recipients seem to love them.
Adhara it seems to me you have shop and all your recipients are happy with this small beast ?
I’ve done same homework, and in my opinion, the best bang for a buck is Convoy S2 from Aliexpress
Nice to hear that
Yes, they all seem to love it, they are constantly re-thanking me for it. In addition several regulars at my cigar lounge, after seeing it in action, went and bought one for themselves. They love it. I think it’s very fairly priced for the quality and features, and will be buying more as gifts in the future. If you’re considering one, I’d say go for it: you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for this feedback,,,,glad to hear review from actual user.
PM me if you are
I am based in New Zeland ,,,,I have to purchase it via Aliexpress, Gear Best ,,,,Ebay,,,,,etc.
Yes USA has most quality items around the world but shipping is costly
One of the first things I did when testing my light was get out a $20 bill. There are two features you can distinctly (glowingly) see with the UV light mode. I believe this is plenty to recognize counterfeits or genuine bills.
I am not doubting you knowledge of UV but I think the light would be practical for many other purposes as well.
I’m not familiair with dollar bills. The EU consist of 28 countries, in 19 countries the EURO is legal currency. Plus in Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. Because all countries print their own money, there are 19 different sets of EURO bills.
They share however the same anti counterfeit characteristics. Some have to light up in a distinctive colour when lit with 365nm UV. Besides 365nm UV features there are features for short-waved UV-C and IR.
That we, the people, know of.
I have the Customlites P60 365nm UV drop-in. It’s the three level with smoothe finish. I’ve got it in a Solarforce host and put a 365 filter on it. A little pricey but it is high quality and hasn’t failed me yet. Can’t hardly see any light out of it. You have to use CR123’s and not 18650 though. Don’t know why really,probably because of voltage?