UV nail fungus curing thing - with schematic

This video got off to a really bad start with my usual recording device deciding it couldn't delete previous videos. Then I started the video by saying that the unit runs for 15 seconds, when in fact it runs for 45 seconds.

Other than that, this very suspicious device looks like a single finger nail polish curing UV light that has been re-themed by the quacks. It's optionally available with a brush-on liquid of unknown composition.

On a plus note, the unit does contain a very useful timer module with a decent MOSFET good for an amp or two, and you also get a neat aluminium core UVA (and phosphor) panel.

Reviews said the light only stayed on for 30 seconds, but mine stayed on for 45 seconds with a quick press, but 1 minute if you held the button down until the light came on.

The quiescent current of the unit is around 800uA (0.8mA), and the running current is around 500mA.

Further investigation of the LEDs shows they contain what appear to be two UV chips, with one stimulating the phosphor to give a bright white light, and the other emitting in a different wavelength.
I used a lens to focus the LEDs onto hi vis work trousers and the LEDs both stimulated fluorescence at different levels.

If you enjoy my videos, you can help support the channel with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets, and keep it independent from the quirks of the YouTube algorithm by supporting me on Patreon. Which also lets me link to my content on other platforms if YouTube uses the ban-hammer (again!)
I release content for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as it has been made.

Alternatively, for a single contribution you can use PayPal:-

#ElectronicsCreators

[RadioJonophone]

"Good for the bits." says Big Clive. I'm not putting my bits anywhere near such a thing, thank you.

[GothBoyUK]

I'm glad you covered the fact UV doesn't cure nail fungus in real world conditions. It saved me having to write a scathing essay about why these quack devices are a scam. 🤣

[____________________________.x]

I watch these videos mainly to see which finger the band-aid will be on this week 🤕🚑

[lrrromicronpersei]

Always amazed at how things can be manufactured and shipped for less than you can buy some of the components if you had a project to do… I quite often look for things that have the components I want lol. I was after a relay a while ago and they wanted more for 1 relay than a switched relay board with 5 relay’s on lol

[wimwiddershins]

If only there was a source of intense UV that was free...
🌞

[jamcguire]

Your new colour coding is really intuitive and easy to follow. Great idea.

[two_tier_gary_rumain]

A mushroom went to a party on my foot because it was a fungi.

[johnrehwinkel]

The entire nail industry popped up due to a conversation with a dentist, so it's not weird at all that a sensitivity to one would cause a sensitivity to the other.

[amorphuc]

Thanks Big Clive. Interesting. Especially with the allergy thing too.

[johnj]

I've suffered the effects of foot fungus for years. Athletes foot recurring regularly from childhood despite various powders and creams. I retired and ceased wearing boots in favour of desert wellies. The free circulation of air finally saw an end to it. However I then developed fungal nail in both big toe nails. That failed to respond to medical attention but a variant of this device which has a 7 minute timer and a restricted illuminated area does seem to be effective. The fungal damaged area is growing out. I must get a UVC test card to check the actual UV content. So far I'll say it looks hopeful but the jury is still out

[CrazyOregonBeaver]

It also saves 50% of your household electric bill when plugged in. 🤣

[markfergerson]

If the timing is set to prevent overheating the LEDs, a heatsink bonded to the aluminum backer would be useful if someone wanted to repurpose it.

[Bleats_Sinodai]

I was here before he picked a title for the video teehee!
(Also, I too think the item is supposed to be for _nail polish curing, _ but someone misinterpreted it for the _other_ meaning of the word curing, thus the miracle UV nail recovery station was born).

[quantumleap]

'This is held in by a screw, let's not use violence on it!' Your comments are always a reason for me to chuckle!

[JamieTyson]

To my ears, the new recording device has more high frequency content. My tired ears liked it (sounds like more energy up around 8kHz), but some folks might say it's tinny or siblant sounding. I like the clarity. Thanks!

[hal]

Video is fine. The audio definitely has noticeably more high end to it than usual, some of your warm, buttery tones are lost. It's not terrible, but the top end of the vocal frequencies seem to be a bit too "hot". The stereo field seems to be rather different, although not unpleasing (for the most part). When talking directly at the device, it's lovely, however if you turn your head, there is a noticeable shift between left and right channels, and at times, a dip in volume. If I had to choose, the previous set-up was consistent overall. A Rode wireless mic would be far better.

[darrenstone]

To be honest I was looking forward to you painting your nails Clive?

[MasterBakerVideos]

No way! Just in the last few days, I had to find something for toe fungus and considered this blue light device. Hell of a coincidence or great timing. Having said that, I have a 1 watt blue laser at home and I wonder...lol.

[keithstandiford]

I too have used an 8 bit processor (ATtiny) to replace a 555 timer. I wanted real 0-100% PWM for dimmer control. For 1 extra wire, I then turned the whole lamp housing into a capacitive sensor for touch control. Bonus!

[Ariannus]

I don't know why, but when you touched the switch on the photo of the circuit board my brain was expecting a click sound.