Transforming Old Tvs: Diy Spy Cam Project

If you're looking to repurpose your old TV camera as a spy cam, there are a few steps you need to follow. Firstly, you'll need to remove the outer shell of the camera to make it more compact and easier to hide. Next, you'll have to pick a suitable hiding spot and get creative with disguising the camera. You could consider hiding it inside a household object like a pencil sharpener or a tissue box, ensuring it's something you'd typically have in your room or office. It's important to secure the camera in place, possibly with superglue, and to add weight to the object so it doesn't feel unusually light. You'll also need to carefully hide the USB cord that connects the camera to your computer and ensure it's plugged in. Finally, you can point the camera towards the area you want to monitor and start recording.

Pick a basic, compact webcam

When selecting a webcam to repurpose as a spy cam, it is important to choose one that is basic and compact. The camera must be small enough to escape detection, so you can discreetly hide it inside a household object like a pencil sharpener or a tissue box.

You should be able to find a suitable model for less than $10 by running a web search for "cheap webcam". If you need the camera immediately, try visiting a large electronics store like BestBuy or Circuit City and asking for their cheapest, smallest model.

If you're capturing serious crimes, consider investing in a professional-grade security camera. Homemade hidden cameras are fun and can work in a pinch, but the video quality will be much higher on a more expensive setup.

When selecting a webcam, also consider whether you want it to have features like motion detection, night vision, or Wi-Fi streaming capabilities. These features can be useful for surveillance purposes, but they may also increase the size and cost of the camera.

Overall, when choosing a basic, compact webcam for a spy cam, look for a small, discreet model that fits within your budget and has the features you need for your surveillance goals.

Remove the outer shell of the webcam

Removing the outer shell of a webcam is a simple process but requires careful handling to avoid damaging the internal components. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your workspace: Before starting, gather the necessary tools such as a screwdriver, a plastic spudger, and a container to hold the screws and small parts. Place the webcam on a clean, flat surface to ensure that none of the components get lost during the process.
• Locate the screws: Most webcams have screws that hold the outer shell together. These screws are usually located on the back or bottom of the webcam. They may be Phillips-head or flat-head screws, so have both types of screwdrivers handy.
• Remove the screws: Using the appropriate screwdriver, carefully unscrew each screw and place them in the container to keep them safe. Some webcams may have additional screws located around the edges of the webcam. Make sure to remove all the screws to avoid damaging the shell when prying it open.
• Pry open the shell: Once all the screws are removed, use the plastic spudger to gently pry the shell open. Start from one edge and slowly work your way around the webcam. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this may damage the shell or the internal components.
• Lift the top shell: After prying it open, carefully lift the top shell away from the webcam. You may need to gently wiggle it back and forth to detach it completely. Be mindful of any cables or connectors that may be attached to the top shell.
• Detach internal components: With the top shell removed, you will now have access to the internal components of the webcam. Carefully detach any cables or connectors that are attached to the top shell. Place the top shell aside and set it down gently to avoid damaging any exposed components.
• Expose the circuit board: With the top shell removed, you should now see the circuit board upon which the lens is mounted. This circuit board contains all the essential components of the webcam, including the image sensor, processor, and memory.
• Check for additional screws: Before proceeding, check if there are any screws holding the circuit board in place. If there are, carefully unscrew them and set them aside.
• Remove the circuit board: Gently lift the circuit board out of the bottom shell. Be careful not to bend or damage any of the components on the board. Once removed, set the circuit board aside in a safe place.
• Clean and inspect the components: With the outer shell and circuit board removed, you can now clean and inspect the individual components. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any dust or debris from the lens, image sensor, and other exposed parts. Carefully inspect the circuit board for any signs of damage, such as burnt-out components or loose connections.
• Reassemble the webcam: If you plan on reusing the webcam, follow these steps in reverse to put it back together. Make sure to handle the components carefully and ensure that all cables and connectors are properly attached before screwing the outer shell back in place.

By following these steps, you can safely remove the outer shell of a webcam, exposing the internal circuit board and components. Remember to be gentle and take your time during the process to avoid damaging any of the delicate electronics.

Pick your hiding spot

Picking a good hiding spot is crucial to the success of your spy cam. If it is visible, people will act differently and you won't be able to know if they are hiding something from you. It is also important to choose a place where the camera won't be disturbed. Here are some ideas for places to hide your camera:

In the Bedroom

• Behind a clock or a lamp on a nightstand. Some spy cameras are built into clocks, so you could buy one of these and place it on your nightstand.
• Near the TV. Cover the camera with something so that it isn't visible to the naked eye.
• On a bookshelf. Make a hole in a book and hide the camera there, ensuring that no one can spot it. Or buy a spy camera that comes in the shape of a book.
• If you have a PC and speakers in your bedroom, replace the old speakers with new ones that have a spy camera installed in them.
• Mount a tiny spy camera at the top of your curtain or curtain rod. This will give you a good viewing angle.

In the Living Room

• Inside a light switch or socket. Tiny spy cameras can be placed inside switches and the cover will help mask the lens.
• Inside a flower pot. No one will suspect a hidden camera in a flower pot and you will be able to monitor the room easily.
• Inside a plush toy. Simply tear a teddy bear and plant a small spy camera inside it. Cover this teddy bear with other toys so that the lens is exposed.
• Attach a small camera to a remote-control car and use it to spy on your babysitter. Just make sure your child doesn't have the remote!
• Get a two-sided mirror and place your spy cam there. There are also mirrors available with cameras built inside them.
• Inside a lamp or a bulb. This way, you can monitor the room while you are away.

In the Kitchen

• Put a clock with a spy camera built into it somewhere in the kitchen.
• There are also spy cameras available that resemble coffee mugs, glasses, lighters, pens, and cell phones.

Mount the camera inside the object

Now that you've picked your hiding spot, it's time to mount the camera inside the object. Point the lens of the camera out of the hole you've cut in the object, making sure that the camera fits snugly and doesn't look out of place.

If you think the object might be moved around, consider using superglue to hold the camera in place. Carefully apply glue to the outer rim of the camera lens, ensuring it's facing out of the hole. Be very careful to keep the glue away from the lens glass—if glue gets on the lens, it will blur the video quality and be very difficult to remove.

If you're hiding the camera inside a machine, such as a pencil sharpener or clock, you'll want to add some weight to the object so that it doesn't feel unusually light. You can use fishing weights or any heavy, flat piece of metal to achieve this. Simply tape or glue the weights inside the shell of the object.

Thread the USB cord through the back of the hiding spot

Threading the USB cord through the back of the hiding spot is a crucial step in setting up your spy cam. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:

Firstly, assess the length of the USB cord. If it's not long enough to reach your computer or recording device, you may need to reposition your camera closer to it. Alternatively, consider using a USB extension cord to increase the length.

Now, carefully feed the USB cord through the back of your chosen hiding spot. This could be a hole in the back of a tissue box, a gap in a bookshelf, or any other discreet location you've chosen. Ensure the cord is not visible from the front or sides of the hiding spot.

If your hiding spot is an appliance or object with an "Out of Order" sign, be mindful of the cord's placement. You don't want it to be obviously connected to your computer, as this may arouse suspicion. Use something natural-looking, such as loose papers or a jacket, to cover the cord.

If you're hiding the camera inside a potted plant, you can carefully tuck the cord under the leaves or wind it around the stems to conceal it. Just make sure the cord is still reachable when you need to connect it to your device.

In some cases, you may need to drill a hole in the back of your hiding spot to accommodate the cord. This could be necessary if you're using a drawer, a box, or a piece of furniture as your hiding place. Choose a drill bit that is slightly larger than the USB cord to ensure a snug fit.

Once the cord is threaded through, ensure it is not pulled taut. You want to allow for some slack so that the camera has some movement without tugging on the cord. This will also help to avoid accidentally unplugging the device.

Finally, test the connection by plugging the USB cord into your computer or recording device. Ensure the camera is functioning properly and that there is no strain on the cord. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the setup is secure and discreet.

Remember, the key to a successful spy cam is to make the setup as inconspicuous as possible. Take your time to carefully thread and conceal the USB cord, and always ensure the camera and cord are well-hidden from view.

Frequently asked questions