May 15, 2020 at 12:35 AM - Posts: LED based moth light, Title: Entomological Supply
I have been doing a significant amount of research on this topic and actually have developed a few prototypes of a moth light using LEDs instead on MV(Mercury Vapor) or other lights with a high UV index. The main problem with these lights are the power consumption. They often need a mains power supply or a large bulky battery which makes them inefficient for field collecting. Thats why I bring up the use of LEDs, not only do they have a very low power consumption they also make way to a very light portable light that can be powered off of a single portable power supply rather than a mains or bulky battery. I then started researching LED moth lights. I came up with the Gemlight, Lepiled and entoled. But these lights range from $200-$600. They all use 2-4 UV LEDS that use a spectrum of 365-375nm Most moths are attracted to this spectrum so I decided I could build a LED light for a lot less than $200. I ordered all the parts and I started to put it together. My light uses 3 UV LEDS with a spectrum of 355-410nm then a green along with a blue just to match the overall spectrum some insects and moths are attracted too.The total cost set me back around $30, though I was able to make around 5 of these lights. They operate on both a built in power supply thats rechargeable. I ran them for a couple of nights and was in complete surprise at how well they worked, not only did the light itself keep cool, it also attracted quite alot of moths as well as insects. I will continue into the research and hopefully will be able to make a cheap and portable moth light that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to buy. Id love to get some feedback as well as pointers on how to develop this further.
