5W High Power UV LED - 365nm Ultraviolet (16mm Aluminum Round PCB)

Specifications:

• Power Rating: 5 Watts
• Peak Wavelength: 365nm
• Forward Voltage (Vf): 3.4V - 3.8V DC
• Forward Current (If): 1000mA - 1200mA (Max)
• PCB Form Factor: 16mm Round (Standard Flashlight Size)
• PCB Material: Aluminum Core

Key Applications & Projects

• Flashlight Modding: Drop-in upgrade for Convoy S2, S2+, C8, and Surefire P60 style hosts.
• Portable Curing Pens: Build a pocket-sized, high-power curing tool for UV resin repairs in the field.
• Forensics & ID Check: Professional verification of passports, ID cards, and currency.
• Mineralogy: Portable excitation source for rock hounding (finding fluorescent minerals).
• AC Leak Detection: Illuminates UV dyes in automotive cooling systems.

Project Evolution 

• Prerequisites: Familiarity with flashlight assembly (soldering to pills, installing drivers).
• The Upgrade: Replacing a standard 3W 365nm or 395nm bulb with this 5W unit dramatically increases the "throw" of the beam. You can inspect objects from further away or cure resin faster.
• Effort Level: Advanced. Requires soldering in tight spaces and strict thermal management.

Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety Guide

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Invisible Hazard: You cannot "see" the beam brightness. Do not look into the emitter. It can cause corneal burns. Use UV400 safety glasses.
• Battery Safety: When using 18650 Li-Ion batteries (4.2V), you must use a current-limiting driver (e.g., AMC7135x3 or x4, or a Buck driver). Direct connection will destroy the LED instantly.

Wiring Pinout:

• (+) Pad: Positive (Connect to Driver +).
• (-) Pad: Negative (Connect to Driver -).
• Mounting: Apply a thin layer of thermal paste to the back of the 16mm PCB before seating it in the pill.

​Packages include:

1 X 5W High Power UV LED - 365nm Ultraviolet (16mm Aluminum Round PCB)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will this fit my Convoy S2+?
   Yes, the Convoy S2+ uses a standard 16mm LED board. This is a direct drop-in replacement (requires soldering).
2. Why is this more expensive than the 395nm version?
   365nm technology is more complex to manufacture. It requires specialized materials to produce pure UV light without visible "noise." 5W at 365nm is a premium specification.
3. Can I use a 7135*8 driver (2800mA)?
   NO! That is too much current. This LED handles max ~1200mA. Use a driver with 3 or 4 chips (approx 1050mA - 1400mA max). Overdriving it will kill it instantly.
4. Does it need a ZWB2 filter?
   While not strictly required (since it produces very little visible light), adding a ZWB2 (black glass) filter will block the remaining faint white glow, making it a pure "black light" professional tool.
5. Is the light invisible?
   Yes. You will only see a faint whitish glow from the die itself. The beam is invisible until it hits a UV-reactive object.
6. Can I use this for curing resin?
   Yes, it cures resin extremely fast and deep due to the high energy and 365nm wavelength.
7. How hot does it get in a flashlight?
   Very hot. On "High" mode, a small flashlight will become uncomfortable to hold after 2-3 minutes. This is normal for 5W of power.
8. Can I run it on 2x CR123A batteries?
   No. 2x batteries = 6V or 8.4V. That is too high. You need a "Buck" driver to step the voltage down to ~3.6V.
9. Is the PCB copper or aluminum?
   It is Aluminum. For 5W, aluminum is sufficient if mounted properly to a brass pill with paste.
10. Can I solder wires easily?
    The pads are standard size, but the 16mm board is small. Use a fine-tip soldering iron.
11. What is the difference between this and the 20mm version? Only the PCB size. The LED chip is identical. Choose 16mm for flashlights and 20mm for stationary heatsinks.
12. Does it detect cat urine?
    Yes, 365nm is the absolute best wavelength for detecting biological fluids. They glow brightly against the dark background.
13. Is it waterproof?
    The LED itself is not. The flashlight body provides the waterproofing.
14. What happens if I don't use thermal paste?
    The heat will stay in the LED chip, it will turn blue/dim, and then burn out within a minute.
15. Can I look at the beam with sunglasses?
    No. Sunglasses block visible light, causing your pupils to dilate, letting more UV in. You need clear polycarbonate safety glasses or specialized UV glasses.
16. Why is my beam blueish?
    Some cheap drivers "PWM" the light, or the LED might be overheating. Ensure good cooling. Also, a small amount of visible light is normal without a filter.
17. Is this good for finding rocks?
    Yes, 365nm is the standard for mineralogy (Yooperlites, Sodalite, etc.).
18. Can I use it on a drone?
    Yes, it's lightweight (5g), but you must arrange airflow for cooling.
19. What is the beam angle?
    ~120 degrees raw. Your flashlight's reflector determines the final beam shape (spot vs flood).
20. Is this better than a tube blacklight?
    Yes, the intensity (energy per square mm) is thousands of times higher than a fluorescent tube.