5W High Power UV LED - 385nm Ultraviolet (16mm Aluminum Round PCB)

Specifications:

• Power Rating: 5 Watts
• Peak Wavelength: 385nm
• 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

• DIY Curing Pen: Convert a Convoy S2+ into a resin curing wand.
• 3D Print Repair: Spot-weld broken resin prints together instantly.
• Windshield Repair: Rapidly cure glass repair resins in the field.
• Fly Tying: Instantly harden UV finish on fishing flies.
• PCB Repair: Spot cure UV solder mask (Green Oil) on jumper wires.

Project Evolution 

• Prerequisites: A compatible flashlight host (takes 16mm LED) and a soldering iron.
• The Upgrade: Replace the weak stock LED in your flashlight with this unit.
• Effort Level: Intermediate. Requires desoldering the old LED board and reflowing or soldering this new one.

Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety Guide

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Eye Safety: 385nm is high-energy UV. Do not stare at the beam or point it at people/pets. Use UV safety glasses.
• Driver Selection: Do not use a "Direct Drive" FET driver unless you know what you are doing. Use a regulated driver (like 7135x3 or 7135x4) that outputs 1000mA - 1200mA.

Wiring Pinout:

• (+) Pad: Positive Input (Red wire from driver).
• (-) Pad: Negative Input (Black/Blue wire from driver).
• Mounting: Ensure flat contact with the pill surface. Use thermal paste (not glue).

​Packages include:

1 X 5W High Power UV LED - 385nm Ultraviolet (16mm Aluminum Round PCB)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will this fit a standard Convoy S2+?
   Yes, the S2+ uses a 16mm LED board. This is a direct fit.
2. Is this better than the purple (395nm) flashlights?
   For curing glue/resin, yes. 385nm cures faster and leaves a harder, less sticky surface.
3. Is this better than the 365nm version?
   For curing, yes, because it is much cheaper  works almost as well. For forensics/money checking, no—the 365nm is better for that.
4. Can I use a 2.8A (8x7135) driver?
   No! 2.8A will overheat and destroy this UV LED in seconds. You need a driver that outputs around 1.2A max.
5. Does it get hot?
   Yes, extremely. 5W is a lot of power for a small flashlight. Use it in short bursts or ensure your host is metal (not plastic).
6. Can I use it for leak detection?
   Yes, UV dyes react well to 385nm, though 365nm is slightly better for contrast.
7. Is the light visible?
   Yes, it has a deep violet glow, but it is less "bright" to the eye than 395nm.
8. Can I use this on a 20mm star heatsink?
   You can, but it's harder to mount. If you have a stationary heatsink, buy the 20mm version (it has screw slots). This 16mm version is round and has no screw slots (it is meant to be clamped by a reflector).
9. Can I run it on 2x CR123 batteries?
   Only if your driver supports high voltage (Buck driver). A standard linear driver will burn out with 2 batteries.
10. Is it waterproof?
    The LED is not. Your flashlight body determines waterproofing.
11. Does it cure UV nail polish?
    Yes, very quickly.
12. Why is there no thermal tape included?
    For flashlights, you should use Thermal Paste, not tape, for better heat transfer to the pill.
13. Can I use a lens?
    Yes, standard flashlight reflectors and lenses work fine.
14. Polarity?
    Marked (+) and (-) on the board.
15. Is the PCB aluminum or copper?
    Aluminum.
16. Does it work for mineral hunting?
    It works okay, but 365nm is the gold standard for minerals. 385nm has too much visible purple light which hides faint fluorescence.
17. What is the beam angle?
    ~120 degrees from the LED. The flashlight reflector focuses this into a spot.
18. Can I use it to charge glow-in-the-dark paint?
    Yes, it charges phosphorescent paint instantly and extremely brightly.
19. Is it safe for skin?
    Avoid prolonged exposure. It is UV-A radiation.
20. Why build my own?
    Most pre-built UV flashlights use weak LEDs or wrong wavelengths. Building your own ensures you get True 5W power and the specific 385nm wavelength.