Do Wireless Security Cameras Work?

This is a difficult question to answer, but it is one that security camera shops get all the time.  The simple answer is yes of course they work, but a better question might be how well do wireless cameras work?  Obviously the appeal of a wireless camera system is high because they seem so simple, but in reality the functionality of most wireless camera systems is questionable at best.  Because of this, I always tell people that if you can run a wire to your camera then don’t go for a wireless camera system.  Although having a camera system with no wires might seem ideal, the truth is that it really isn’t that simple and there are several other factors you should consider before purchasing one. 

Firstly, every wireless camera still needs a power source.  So unless you want to be changing batteries very often, possibly every day, then you are actually looking at running a wire from the camera to a power source anyways.  Often, by the time you do this, you may as well have run the cable all the way back to your video recorder or DVR.

Next, consider that wireless security cameras can be intercepted by other people.  This means that if you put a wireless camera system into your workshop or garage to view in your house then possibility other people, would be thieves, or nosy neighbors could be watching  your cameras as well.  If the camera has audio then perhaps they are listening in also, not an ideal situation for a security camera is it.

Also, remember that if you spend say $150 on a wireless outdoor security camera system then you are actually paying for a transmitter, a receiver and a camera.  If that same amount were spent on a wired outdoor security camera then you would be getting a much higher quality camera since you wouldn’t be paying for an unneeded transmitter and receiver set.  If you want to view at night or make out details on a face, then this difference in camera quality could be critical.

Another very important factor to consider with a wireless camera system is that wireless video transmitters are very sensitive devices.  They are especially sensitive to voltage variations and power surges.  This means that if the wrong power adapter were plugged into it, or if a power surge occurred, or under a variety of different conditions the transmitter could fry and permanently fail.  Camera manufactures are aware of this and as a result typically a wired camera system will come with a minimum 1 year warranty, where as many wireless camera systems have a much shorter warranty period, possibly 90 days.  Basically, they know that a wired camera system will last much longer.

Lastly, unlike a wired CCTV system, most wireless camera systems are susceptible to interference.  This means that although the system might work great in the store, it may not work at all in your home.  Every environment has varying RF signals present, and unfortunately many of those signals are out of your control and will interfere with or overwhelm your wireless camera system.  You may experience lines on the screen, fuzzy images, or no signal at all.  This does not happen with a wired security camera system.

So although the idea of a wireless camera system seems great, in reality they are not always what they are cut out to be.  I always suggest that you choose a wired security camera system whenever possible.  Although a wired security camera system will take longer to set up, it will work better, last longer and ensure that there are no unwanted viewers monitoring your cameras or camera system.  We at Spy Inc Store Canada say that you should only go wireless if you absolutely need to or if you are planning to move the camera around a lot.

Which GPS Tracking Device Works Best?

Tracking vehicles, people and packages has become a lot easier since the invention of the Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking Devices.  Although many people realize this, most don't seem to understand the differences between array of GPS Tracking Products that are now available.  Having handled over 200 different models of GPS trackers over the years I will offer a simple explanation of the three main types of GPS Tracking Devices that spy stores and online spy shops are now offering, and how they differ.

The first type of GPS trackers would be the Historical gps tracking devices.  These devices are small and can be placed onto something to collect GPS tracking information from the satellites overhead and store this information into its memory so that the data can be reviewed later once the item is retrieved and connected to a computer.  These trackers work great and are definitely the least expensive GPS trackers available today.  They can offer a vast amount of tracking information including routes traveled, stop locations, speeds traveled and they can be battery operated or hardwired into a vehicle.  The main advantage of a historical GPS logger is its low price and the fact that there are no activation fees or monthly costs associated with their use.  The main disadvantage of a historical GPS logger is that if the user can not get the GPS logging device back then they can not recover the tracking information and the unit may be lost forever.  Obviously the devices would be better suited for after the fact tracking the family vehicle than for loss prevention of your treasured motorcycle.

Another type of GPS tracker now available is often termed a No Fees GPS Tracker.  These devices allow the user to send a text message to the Live Tracker and in turn receive the exact location of the device.  A GSM sim card that is a pay as you go card does work.  These trackers are great for loss prevention or for asset tracking where only a small number of locates would be required or where tracking would only be needed on occasion.  The main advantage of a 'No Fees GPS Tracking Device' is that you don't have to pay any activation fees or monthly costs.  You only pay as you actually use the device so, depending on the carrier; it might cost you $0.15 to determine where your family vehicle is at that moment.  The main disadvantages to this GPS type are that they do not log information for future reference, and if you did use them often they would become very expensive, especially if it was set up to transmit regularly.

The last types of GPS Tracking Devices, and probably the most popular, are the Live GPS Tracking Devices.  Live Trackers allow you to know exactly where the device is as well as where it has been.  A live tracker can do things like alert the owner that their vehicle is exceeding certain speed limits or that their vehicle has left a specified area, also called Geo-fencing.  A live tracker is ideal for tracking vehicles in real time as well as keeping permanent records of such travels.  The main advantage to a Live GPS Tracker is that you can have unlimited live tracking, storing of data and instant access from anywhere in the world through your computer or smart phone.  The only disadvantage is the cost, as all live tracking devices will have an activation fee, and monthly costs associated with the data transfer and internet hosting.

If you need to know where something is or something was then a GPS tracker is just what the doctor ordered.  Gone are the days of not knowing, now there’s no excuse, if you need to know now you can.

Phone Recording in Canada

As a long time Spy Store employee and shop owner, and having sold phone recorders and other discreet audio recorders for so long, I hear the same question about recording audio in Canada all the time. People are always asking me "Can I legally record my phone calls or conversations in Canada?". In most cases, the answer is quite simply, yes.

Yes you can record any phone call or other conversation in Canada provided one of the two parties conversing, for example you, knows that the conversation is being recorded. As long as you know, then you do not have to tell the other party. Canada has what is called a "one party consent rule". This means that as long as one party knows then that conversation is being recorder then it is fair game for recording. You can record your conversations over the phone, in person, etc. and you have no legal obligation to tell that other person you are speaking with.

The next thing that most people then ask is will it be admissible in court. The answer to that question is not quite as simple. For instance criminal courts have different rules than civil courts or family courts. In each case it would be up to the judge to decide if the recoding is admissible. In order for the judge to make a ruling, in most cases he or she would have to first listen to the recording. Once he has heard the recording I would argue that even if he or she decides it is not admissible, the impact of the recording could still be significant in his views on the parties involved.

Many spy shops sell covert audio recording devices of many types and qualities. If your being harassed, making a hand shake deal, trying to prove what someone else has been telling you, etc. then I would suggest you pick up a recorder and get it on tape (or more likely digital these days).

Here is an example of the value of a recording that I hear all the time. A customer comes into my spy shop and says that someone is threatening them or verbally assaulting them and the police, or other governing party like the boss, won't do anything about it. Often the police tell people that unfortunately since there is no evidence of wrongdoing, there is nothing that they can do. The police often suggest to people that they should get it on tape. Once you get that threat on tape it is amazing how quickly the police are willing to get involved. They will get involved because you have know proven to them that a threat has been made, shown them the evidence, given them the name of the perpetrator, and pointed out to them that you may be in danger if they don't act. The police at that point will usually go and talk to the suspect and their statements combined with the original recording is usually enough to bring charges. Crown council will also be cooperative since you have made their work easy.

Trust me, if you are thinking about getting a recorder, don't hesitate. It may be one of the best purchases you ever make. Always available at your local spy shop.

Coolest New Spy Cameras

If you've been looking for a spy camera but aren't sure what to buy or where to buy it then I have the answer for you. A new line of hidden spy cameras now allow you to place an ordinary object in any room and that device will automatically and discreetly record video into a hidden SD card within the unit. These 'ordinary objects' range from clock radios, wall clocks, air purifiers, dvd players, exit signs, bird houses, weather radios, desk clocks, or almost anything else you can imagine would fit neatly into the environment you need surveillance in.

The video can then be played back directly into any standard tv or simply remove the sd card and play the avi file back on your computer. Since most of these 'ordinary objects' can plug into the wall for power and the system can handle up to 32 gb SD cards, you can now put a camera almost anywhere and record continually or on motion activation for days, weeks, or even months.

For more information on these products or for anything similar feel free to respond to this post check out my favorite spy store.