Just what the title says. It needs to be handheld and able to produce short and long wave UV.

Any details on functionality, battery and bulb life, and dependability would be most appreciated.

-Les

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re: Recommendations for a handheald dual wave UV light

Thank you Michael! The Lighthouse lamp looks like what I'm looking for.

-Les

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khj

05 Jun 2014
02:14:53am

re: Recommendations for a handheald dual wave UV light

Good point Keijo. I prefer the larger dual-lamp units that are the size of a brick. They actually have 2 bulbs covering the different UV wavelength range. A little more expensive, and not battery operated, but they make observing tagging and repairs much easier and as you pointed out, they usually use standard replacement UV lamp bulbs (tube shaped).

That being said, the standard UV lamp bulbs last a really really long time. Both of the bulbs in my unit have lasted more than 20 years of use (avg 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes)! Just remember not to leave them on if you aren't going to use them in the next 15s or so. Unlike other bulbs (incandescent, fluorescent) that are better left on, short wavelength UV lamps are better left OFF when not in use.

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khj

07 Jun 2014
10:13:21am

re: Recommendations for a handheald dual wave UV light

My unit is a Cole-Parmer (vendor, not manufacturer). It is a research grade UV lamp, so it is overkill. About 20 years ago, I traded a professor about 5 years of technical journals for it when I got out of research. He didn't need the lamp anymore, and I didn't need those particular journals. So we're both happy.

I didn't chime in before, because you said you wanted a portable one. This one is plug-in only. The plug-in units have dropped in price considerably in the past decade. If plug-in units (size of a brick) are an option for you, I can suggest to you a couple of units (under $100) that seem to have received decent feedback from fellow collectors. Just send me an email.

If you plan on using the lamp a lot to study tagging (especially panes), look for hidden damage/repairs, check for mold/mildew contamination... then it is probably worth your money to get the plug-in units. The small portable philatelic units are nearly impossible to use in a well-lit room, and very tedious when examining lots of stamps or large multiples. The drawback of the plug-in units is the bulk, and you probably would not be able to use it at shows unless you could "borrow" an outlet.

k

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larsdog

APS #220693 ATA#57179
25 Sep 2014
11:33:51pm

re: Recommendations for a handheald dual wave UV light

Stan, I bought mine from Michael78651. I was quite pleased with the purchase. If he no longer sells them, I would expect he could point you in the right direction. You just need to know if you want shortwave, longwave, or both. I don't understand why you don't want a handheld unit, though. My understanding is that they are the cheapest way to go.

Lars

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re: Recommendations for a handheald dual wave UV light

Stan, unless you're looking for tagging on stamps in a commercial sense, it will be much cheaper for you to purchase the double UV lamp from Lighthouse. It is cheaper than buying a long wave and a short wave lamp, it is much cheaper than the "professional ones", and it does just as good. The product number is Lighthouse L81. I got mine from Amos, because I get a discount with my subscription to Linns. Subway also sells them, and while I can get it from them, it was cheaper for me to get it through Amos. Unless you use the lamp for hours every day, it should last you a long time.

Just so you know, and it may allow you to get started checking for tagging and such now, the long wave UV lamp (380 nm) is the same frequency as what is commonly known as a "black light". You can purchase black light bulbs at many stores, and should get you started. The short wave lamp (254 nm) is the dangerous one, and you should not look into it at any time.

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