uvBeast V3 UV Flashlight
Instructions & User Guide
Contact Information
uvBeast
11923 NE Sumner St • STE 635709
Portland, Oregon 97250 • USA
Tel: 503-568-1586
Email: support@uvbeast.com
⚠️ WARNING! DO NOT shine UV in the eyes, nor use irresponsibly. Adult use and supervision only.
Thanks for your purchase!
The uvBeast V3 is a new release, offering enhanced UV power, range, and intensity compared to previous models. It utilizes a Lithium-ion rechargeable power source, providing cost savings over older models that required disposable batteries. This model addresses user feedback regarding battery requirements.
Important Notice [Setting Your Expectations]
UV light is not perceived as "bright" like visible light. The uvBeast V3 emits majority "Dark Light" (invisible). While you may not see the full beam, it is present and causes objects to fluoresce. Spectral graphs are available in the Technical Section to demonstrate the UV output.
Quick Start Guide
Step 1: Unscrew the tail cap. Be careful not to damage the O-rings. After completing Step 4, apply lubrication to threads and O-rings for longevity.
Image Description: Shows the uvBeast flashlight, two 18650 batteries, and the tail cap.
Step 2: Remove and discard the battery insulation cover. This cover may be affixed to the inside of the tail cap.
Image Description: Shows a circular battery insulation cover and a battery with the cover removed.
Step 3: Charge the batteries until the charger indicator lights turn green. Initial charging may take up to 6 hours or more.
Image Description: Image of a two-port battery charger with two 18650 batteries being charged, with indicator lights.
Step 4: Insert the batteries with the positive (+) ends facing the LED head (button ends facing the LED head). Batteries must be oriented correctly.
Image Description: Shows the uvBeast flashlight and two 18650 batteries, with arrows indicating the positive (+) ends of the batteries.
Battery Installation
Ensure O-rings are fitted to the threads to seal the uvBeast from dust, moisture, and water. Spare O-rings are included in the packaging.
Important Note: Li-ion cells are shipped semi-charged and may require full charging before first use. Discard the thin white insulation disc found on the battery cell for transportation purposes, as it prevents parasitic drain and circuit connection.
Battery Orientation: The positive ends of each cell must be inserted first, facing the LED head.
Batteries and Accessories Included:
- Two 18650 Lithium-ion 3.7v PROTECTED PCB cells (2600mAh capacity each).
- Flashlight extension barrel to fit an optional third 18650 cell for extended working time (third cell not supplied).
- Two-port 18650 cell charger with USB lead.
- Mains USB plug for faster charging.
- Custom uvBeast color tint UV glasses for enhanced observation.
- Spare O-rings.
Image Description: Displays the uvBeast V3 flashlight, two 18650 batteries, a charger with USB cable, a mains plug, a pair of UV-tinted glasses, and spare O-rings.
Battery Type: Use only button-top 18650 Li-ion cells (not flat-top). The supplied cells are "protected" with a PCB to prevent over-charging and over-discharging, which can damage the cell.
Battery Life: Li-ion cells can be charged between 300-500 times (potentially up to 700-1000). For optimal lifespan, charge when around 80% depleted, though full depletion is acceptable with protected cells.
Charger: The two-port charger includes over-charge protection. A USB cable and mains plug are supplied for flexible charging.
Battery Chemistry: Supplied cells contain Nickel and Manganese, offering advantages over older lithium-cobalt types.
Extension Barrel: This barrel accommodates an additional 18650 cell to extend working time. It may be pre-fitted to the tail cap upon unboxing and can be removed or reattached as needed.
When to Charge the Batteries?
If the uvBeast V3 flashes or flickers during operation without the button being pressed, it indicates low battery voltage. Charge the batteries promptly.
Features
- Professional grade design for long-range UV and high-power applications.
- High intensity UV with high flux density.
- Adjusted wavelength (385nm – 395nm) optimized for domestic & commercial use.
- Capable under interior/ambient lighting conditions.
Using the Glasses
Included UV-tinted glasses filter out unwanted visible purple light, enhancing fluorescence visibility. They are designed to prevent eye fatigue and improve color transmission of observed objects.
Specifications
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
Wavelength | 385-395nm (Broader band) |
Optical Power/Radiant Intensity | ~1950mW |
Irradiance (UV power per unit area) | ~8100µW/cm² |
UV Beam Distance (dark conditions) | 110-120ft |
UV Beam Distance (ambient room light conditions) | 6-8ft |
UV Beam Width | 15in |
Battery Type [Supplied] | 2x Rechargeable 18650 Lithium-ion 3.7v 2600mAh Protected PCB |
Battery Life (Working time) | ~2-3 hours |
IP Rating | IP65 (prevents water ingress from jet sprays, but is NOT submersible) |
Care and Maintenance
Periodically lubricate the tail cap threads and O-rings to maintain thread integrity and seal function against dust and moisture.
Battery Charging Indicator: If the V3 LEDs flicker or turn off automatically after a few seconds, the batteries are low and need charging. If batteries are drained excessively, the protected PCB may shut down the unit. Charging may take longer in such cases to preserve battery chemistry.
Battery Safety
- Battery damage due to misuse is not covered under warranty.
- Damage caused by non-supplied 18650 batteries is not covered, except for specified types (18650 Li-ion button top ICR, INR, or IMR weighing at least 43g).
- Do not place damaged 18650 batteries in the V3.
- Do not store batteries in pockets or near metal objects when outside the V3.
- Do not tamper with the batteries.
If batteries fail to charge after multiple attempts, their PTC mechanisms may have activated for safety, permanently deactivating them. Do not attempt to reactivate.
Troubleshooting
LEDs are not coming on
Please check the following:
- Cell Type: Ensure you are not using "true" flat-top 18650 cells, as they will not work due to lack of metal-to-metal contact when stacked in series. Button-top cells are recommended.
- Cell Orientation: Verify that the positive (+) ends of both 18650 cells face the LED head.
- Battery Charge: Confirm that both cells are fully charged (approx. 4.2 volts each) or that the charger's indicator light turns green. Charging may take longer if not using a mains supply.
- Battery Insulation Disc: Ensure the battery insulation disc has been removed from the cell.
- Unit Not Turning On: If all checks are complete and the unit still does not turn on, the cells may require another charge cycle attempt to "wake up" the internal PCB protection (can take up to 24 hours). If issues persist, contact support.
UV emission appears to be not all that strong (i.e. weak UV)
UV light is not as bright as visible light. Test fluorescence with known materials (e.g., white paper, fluorescent materials). If fluorescence is not visible, it may indicate a defective unit or a battery issue. Ensure batteries are fully charged (may take up to 24 hours for cells to "wake up").
Light getting "dim"
If the light output dims after extended use, the batteries are likely low. While visible light may dim, UV intensity might remain. Check if object fluorescence is affected; if so, charge the batteries.
I have OTHER issues
Consult the Help Center & Knowledge Base on the official website: https://uvbeast.com/pages/help-center for further assistance.
Using UV Light
The uvBeast models emit ultraviolet light at wavelengths of 385-395nm and 365nm, depending on the model. Visible light is around 400nm and above.
Getting Best Results
Darker conditions enhance fluorescence. Even in ambient light, a decent beam range is achievable. TIP: Scan a general area first, then focus closer to investigate.
Some substances, like scorpions, glow distinctly under UV light, especially in dark or dull conditions.
What Can the uvBeast Be Used For?
The uvBeast is versatile for commercial and domestic applications, saving time and effort in tasks requiring UV light, such as identifying invisible fluorescence or for sanitization jobs.
Domestic Applications:
- Gems, Rocks, and Minerals (e.g., rubies, diamonds, yooperlite, opal).
- Cat/Dog urine (dry stains fluoresce; wet/fresh urine may not).
- Scorpions and their dens.
- Rat/Mouse urine trails.
- Human Body Fluids (urine, semen).
- Unsanitary stains.
- Leak Detection (using UV dyes or identifying calcium deposits).
- Conformal Coating Detection (e.g., checking glue coverage, paint anomalies).
- UV Curing (resins and adhesives).
- Other applications: UV adhesive curing, artwork/antique inspection, fluid leak detection, property hygiene appraisal, UV photography, charging fishing lures/golf discs, egg inspection, gemstone identification, resin detection, fossil detection, mineral fluorescence, vaseline glass identification, banana inspection, ringworm/mold detection, crime/forensic investigation, narcotic detection, PCB conformity checking.
For more details, visit uvbeast.com.
Commercial Applications:
- Verifying sanitization levels in properties, restaurants, hotels, kitchens, and for pest control services. Provides evidence-based verification for clients.
- Improves staff productivity and efficiency in cleaning and inspection tasks, allowing for accurate identification of stains and substances.
- Identifies leaks from devices/machinery, reducing operational risks.
Technical Section
The uvBeast models emit UV at 385-395nm or 365nm.
How it all works?
The uvBeast emits UV light (385nm-395nm) which causes excitation in certain substances. These excited substances then re-emit light in the visible spectrum (fluorescence), which can be observed.
What difference does the higher power from uvBeast make?
Higher intensity UV light excites substances more effectively, leading to stronger fluorescence. uvBeast's high intensity ensures better results compared to lower-power UV flashlights, which require darker conditions and closer proximity.
Spectral Quality
The uvBeast offers high UV capability. It peaks at approximately 393nm, with significant output at 385nm, providing superior performance compared to many other UV flashlights.
Diagram Description: Illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum, showing ranges for Far UV, Extreme UV, UVC, UVB, UVA, Visible light, and Infrared, with a detailed UV spectrum scale.
Graph Description: Spectral graph showing UV flux output versus wavelength, indicating the uvBeast peaks at approximately 393nm and highlights its high output at 385nm.