Thread: UV LED's

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When I made my first (only) FCG, I made it with a black face, and I made eye sockets and painted them with flourescent blue paint. In the center of the sockets I put a UV LED from Radio Shack, hoping that it would look like the glowing eyes were floating in the absent head. Unfortunately, the Radio Shack UV LED's are not in the right wavelength to adequately do that. For a really good layman's explanation go to Wolfstone (Black Light LEDs).
Now to get to my point...I found a source for UV LED's in the proper wavelength, and they are only .60 each (plus shipping of about $5) (www.LEDwholesalers.com - 382.5 - 385 nm Ultra Violet (UV) LED). I am in NO way affiliated with them, but am simply passing the info along, as I think some might find it useful. If I had it earlier, I would not have had to operate on Hellen (my FCG), and switch her eyes out. Take it for what you will, and enjoy!

PC

How are you powering the eyes- AA's, 9 volt battery?
When doing small haunt projects with leds, I like to use a 9 volt battery & clip. It's smaller cheaper & easier to hide. Yes most AA's are cheaper then 9 volt batteries. But, the AA battery holder is more expensive then the clip. Can purchase 9 volt batteries in 2 packs for 94 cents.

I too prefer the 9v: more power, smaller footprint, cheaper housing.

I've read the Wolfstone page about UV...According to all the resources there, UV light is invisible. Which is why your first set of UV LEDS didn't shine bright enough. UV can be dangerous to your vision, so using them for prop eyes is not recommended, as they point directly at your patrons. Using blue LEDS provides a better effect without the dangers. UV can cause all kinds of eye problems, something most of us don't think about but should at least be aware of.