Build a Hidden Camera Detector
Hidden camera detectors can be purchased online or from an electronics store, but you can save a good amount of money and have a lot of fun making your own hidden camera detector at home. This is a great weekend project for the hands on person or for the parent wanting a good hands-on project with your teen.
Steps
- Gather the materials needed. These are listed below.
- Cut two pieces of red plastic from the the basket:
- Cut one piece of red plastic the same size as the flashlight lens.
- Cut the other piece of red plastic about an inch larger than the inner core of the toilet paper roll.
- Disassemble the flashlight lens assembly. Attach the smaller piece of cut red plastic to the flashlight, as shown here. Then re-assemble.
- Create slits. Make 1/2" (12.7 mm) slits around the edge of the larger piece of red plastic.
- Cut the toilet-roll in two, and make two 1" (2.5 cm) slits in it, as illustrated.
- Tape red plastic and put the other half of the toilet-roll over it. Tape the two halves together.
- Tape this tube to the flashlight and you're finished. You may want to use a better kind of tube if you want to use the detector more than once or keep it in a bag/purse.
- Look through the tube. Any camera lens will light up as the flashlight shines on it. This is illustrated with the hidden camera in the video (a gum pack type camera). It works best if you turn off the light and draw the curtains.
Tips
- The hidden camera doesn't even have to be on for detector to work, but you will need to see through the detector in the camera's field of view (the more straight on, the better).
- These cost around US $29.99 on eBay (search for "Anti-spy bug detector wired/wireless hidden camera Lens" on eBay and see for yourself). This version will cost considerably less.
Things You'll Need
- ($1) Red vinyl basket (green may work also). Other coloured plastic like coloured plastic gift-wrap or book protecting plastic should also work.
- ($1) Flashlight
- Tape
- Scissors
- Empty toilet paper roll
