At Spy Equipment UK we have to keep up-to-date on the legalities in relation to the equipment that we sell. Any equipment that transmits on a radio frequency (RF), is subject to strict criteria and as such must comply to certain regulations. The government regulatory body in the UK is OFCOM (Office of Communications) and it is this agency that enforce and advise of any existing or new transmitting equipment that is sold in the UK and in fact the EU.

Here at Spy Equipment UK we offer a range of UHF Equipment for export only outside the UK and EU, but many ask, why it is not available to UK or EU member state customers. UHF transmitters have been around now for about 30 years, likewise have been the cheaper FM Transmitter counterparts. FM Transmitters generally transmit on frequencies between 108 MHz and 115MHz of the FM band and UHF Transmitters operate generally between 395 MHz and 430 MHZ in the Ultra High Frequency band. It is not illegal to manufacture, sell for export outside EU or possess such equipment, but it is illegal to switch on an unlicensed transmitter or offer for sale to UK or SE customers.

The FM Transmitters do not comply with OFCOM regulations because the frequencies that they use sit in the range used by Air Traffic and it has been deemed that ground-based FM surveillance transmitters could possibly interfere with air traffic control. As regards the UHF Equipment, OFCOM informs us that the frequency range used is set aside for military use and therefore UHF surveillance transmitters could interfere with their usage. In short, unless granted a licence by OFCOM to operate on the frequency bands specified. It should be borne-in-mind that OFCOM do investigate and prosecute offenders and fines are often in the region of many thousands of pounds, so beware!

No Spy Shop would be complete without a collection of wireless spy cameras. These cameras have been around for a few years now as have wireless CCTV cameras. Both of these sets of cameras use the same transmission frequency of 2.4GHz. Wireless Covert Cameras were originally only available as a lower quality CMOS camera unit, but in the last few years, advances have meant that these devices are now available as a CCD unit giving higher quality crisper images.

Here at Spy Equipment UK we have divided our wireless cameras into two main categories. General Stand-alone units and Bespoke devices. The general stand-alone units come with either CCD or CMOS transmitting cameras, but these cameras are ‘naked’, meaning that they have not been built into anything.For a customer who wants to locate a camera into an existing situation (into a current room set-up), then these cameras are relatively cheap to purchase. The Receivers accompanying these cameras are either Receivers with built-in recording capacity (onto SD Card) or a specialised Receiver that plugs into the USB port of a nearby PC. The latter device working in conjunction with included software enables recording of received footage onto the PC. On top of this, this system has software driven movement detection and even enables the user to remotely watch the imagery from another networked PC. Both of these systems can be used at home or in the office to great effect.

Our Bespoke range of wireless cameras are more expensive, but offer some serious advantages. The cameras themselves have been built into a Clock, an Air Freshener, a Smoke Detector and even a Potpourri Bowl. These power-saving units have intelligent modules that enable the battery powered units to stay in position for an extended period of time as opposed to the general stand alone units that can burn a standard battery out within 3 to 4 hours. Coupled to an intelligent Receiver/Recorder and one of the triggers - PIR, or Door Catch or Floor Matt, the system enables intelligent recording in response to movement or other triggers ensuring that only the relevant events are recorded. These units can be used in the office or at home, but are ideal where an extended and unattended monitoring period is required. Maybe when proof is required that a certain individual is entering a restricted area or stealing from this area or even for discreet monitoring out-of-hours. Maybe in a domestic situation when proof of an illicit liaison is taking place during the day when everybody should be at work.

Whatever the situation, it is now possible to select a wireless camera system that can really work for you and choosing one that fits-the-bill really it is all dependent upon the situation that needs monitoring and of course your budget.

Here at Spy Equipment UK we have pretty much always had a range of Wireless Spy Cameras in our range of Spy Solutions. As the consumer demands more powerful and innovative solutions, so the wireless spy camera has been developed to accommodate at least some of those needs.

Lets make a number of things perfectly clear. In the UK, by law, wireless cameras are restricted in a number of ways. They have limitations on power output and frequency of transmission. In the USA these cameras are able to transmit on a number of frequencies around thew 1.2GHz range, whilst in the UK, we are restricted to a number frequencies on the 2.4GHz range. In the UK output power is kept to a maximum of 10 milliwatts in comparison to our US counterparts who not uncommonly are able to broadcast using transmitter output power of 1 Watt or above. The result is that in the UK transmission ranges have a claimed maximum of 100 metres. Let’s not forget that this distance can only be achieved under optimum conditions with line of site, so even this maximum figure is almost a dream. In the USA using a powerful 1.2GHz transmitter, broadcast distances of several miles are easily achievable. On top of these criteria, wireless cameras also need to be RoHS and CE approved.

RoHS Compliance - These Regulations implement EU Directive 2002/95 which bans the placing on the EU market of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.

CE Approval - This determines the extent to which the product complies with the essential requirements for design and manufacturing in the applicable EU directive(s). The letters “CE” are the abbreviation of French phrase “”Conformité Européene” which literaturely means “European Conformity”. The term initially used was “EC Mark” and it was officially replaced by “CE Marking” in the Directive 93/68/EEC in 1993.

OK, so the wireless cameras have to comply with certain EU tests and directives, but some may ask, why the other restrictions. Well, in the UK certain radio transmission frequency ranges have been allotted for various needs. GSM frequencies in the UK ate 800MHz and 1800MHz, our FM radios transmit on a frequency range between 87KHz to 108KHz, then we have Police, Ambulance, Fire, Air, Nautical wavebands to name but a few. In short, the radio frequencies have been divided up this way to ensure that lawful one transmission is  not affected another lawful transmission. Pirate Radio Stations are a classic example that breach this legislation. Use of 1.2GHz Wireless Cameras with a high output power would breach this same legislation, which is policed and enforced by OFCOM (Office of Communications).

Beware. If caught selling, offering for sale or using illegal wireless cameras in the UK may mean a visit from OFCOM resulting in confiscation of the equipment in question and any other equipment that is reasonably suspected to breach any of the directives. If prosecuted then fines of several thousands of pounds plus court costs may be the eventual outcome.

GSM Bugs are a relatively new tool in the modern Spy’s toolbox, but what an addition they have become. GSM Bugs, also known as Infinity Bugs and Spy Phone Bugs have really only made their presence felt in the Spy market in the last four years. As the name suggests, these devices are based around mobile phone technology. Essentially, the stand-alone GSM Bugs are modern mobile phones with the screen, buttons and other non-essential parts stripped away providing a very compact unit with a sensitive microphone and often specialist operating software. These units are world-wide listening tools, whereas previously there was only on offer RF (Radio Frequency) Bugs that have a realistic listening range of up to 600 metres and although these other offerings (FM and UHF Bugs) were and still are effective listening devices, they have been deemed as illegal for use in the UK and EU.

GSM Bugs are these days not only stand-alone devices, but these days are found built into everyday equipment such as Double and Multi-Plug Mains Adapters. These advances mean that the GSM units are far more versatile than they ever previously were. Probably the most popular in Spy Equipment UK’s range is the GSM Double Plug Adapter. This is a working Double Plug Adapter with a GSM module and internal back up battery inside. Plug the unit into a socket and within about a minute or so the GSM unit has ‘fired up’. Dial the number of the SIM Card within and the unit opens up the microphone without any indication and this then enables the caller to listen in to the surrounding environment, a radius of several metres. Whilst plugged in, other mains equipment can be powered by the Adapter and once fully charged, if the Adapter is removed from the power socket, then the internal battery will still power the unit for up to 8 hours.

Our smallest stand alone unit, the GSM Micro, is believed to be the smallest self-contained GSM unit available. Measuring only 43mm x 35mm x 17mm, the device can be hidden almost anywhere and yet this battery-only powered unit has a standby mode of up to 6 days and a calling time of up to 6 hours, yet the audio clarity that it provides is superb.

So, when and where are these pieces of spy equipment best used. The GSM Micro and our other battery-powered units can be placed anywhere, even stuck under a chair, a desk, a table or behind a filing cabinet. We have known customers to hide the GSM micro in a variety of places, even in the lining of a handbag! As regards the Mains-powered units, these of course are ideal for long-term deployment. We even have a mains-powered extension that with intelligent sound activation that calls you. By replacing an existing Double Adapter, Extension Lead or Double Wall Socket with one of our devices, nobody would ever suspect. To keep tabs on a wayward employee, a cheating partner or even your children, then GSM Bugs provide the perfect modern day solution.

The Digital Age has seen the advent of some very sophisticated equipment that would be the pride of every good spy. Voice Recorders have been around for many years although originally they were huge ‘Reel to Reel’ tape machines that could not be deemed as being portable. Initially these machines were used by Government Agencies to spy activities of other Governments and regimes that posed a threat to national security. The 1970’s saw the advent of commercially available Cassette Tape Recorders and these are still available today. The microprocessor has given birth to a digital revolution. Digital Recorders have a versatility that tapes never had and now are able to store vast amounts of voice recordings.

Most commercially available Digital Recorders are designed to be used as Dictaphones with the microphone technology being sufficient for this purpose. Here at Spy Equipment UK we use enhanced microphone technology so that our Digital Recorders can be used in a variety of situations. Our Digital Recorders come with varying capacities ranging from 16 hours to 280 hours. All have voice activations and all are supplied with a Covert Microphone. This enables the Recorder to be secretely hidden away making discrete recording possible. It is possible to hide the Digital Recorder behind a set of drawers, a cabinet or something similar, but have the covert microphone, which is very small placed in a semi-exposed position, thereby not alerting attention. With the Digital Recorder used in this way, then recording voice/noise in a fairly large room will give excellent results. Other customers have used these recorders hidden away inside a car behind the Drivers side ‘A’ Pillar with the Microphone just semi-exposed from the headlining. This method has given fabulous results and with Lithium Batteries inside the recorder can stay active for several days. Add the facts that we can provide Mains Power Adapters and Landline Telephone Recording Adapters for the 16, 32 and 280 hour Recorders and you can see you have versatile surveillance tool.

Talking of versatile surveillance tools. When it comes to Voice Recorders, Spy Equipment UK has the very latest range of Bespoke Digital Voice Recorders. Our Flash Drive Voice Recorder can also be used to store computer files, but its secret is that it can record high quality audio in a variety of situations. Have it on your keys, around your neck, leave it on your desk. One customer reported that he left his in his Laptop Case recording and the device still picked up the conversation in the room even though it was hidden away. Our Voice Activated Pen Recorder is a very nice working ballpoint pen, yet so simple to set it recording. Wear it in your top pocket, record whilst using it as a pen, leave it on the side set for voice activation, or put it in the Pen Holder on your desk. Our Watch Voice Recorder can be worn on the wrist and is ideal for meetings or recording an interview discreetly. One of our customers got her boy to wear the Watch to School to gather evidence to prove a bullying problem.

All in all voice recorders are one of the most important tools in the armoury of the DIY Detective where recording of noise or voice in discreet situations is essential.

In previous posts we have looked at the very latest products in the PC surveillance market and the benefits they have given to this sector of the marketplace. Now we have decided to explain how they can be used in the real world, because here at Spy Equipment UK, we don’t just sell spy equipment, we like to provide solutions to a customers circumstances. Arguably Spy Equipment UK more than any other Spy Shop, has the most diverse range of solutions on offer.

Probably the most established are the Keyloggers. These come in USB and PS/2 formats and essentially are an in-line memory device that is placed between the Keyboard wire and the PC Base Unit. These devices are not picked up by anti-spyware or anti-virus programmes. They are designed to record every keystroke made on the PC to which they are attached. Commonly used to record conversations of children with a view to their security on the Internet, for monitoring employees who maybe acting illegally or for checking on partners who maybe having an illicit affair which incorporates communication via the Computer. These cannot be used on Laptop Computers

Coming a close second is the pure software solution. Spy Sure is the choice on offer here and this software has a set of very comprehensive tools including keystroke logging, e-mail capture, Instant Messenger Capture, Screen Shot Capture, Website Tracking as well as other blocking and monitoring tools. This solution comes on a disc with 1 licence for installation and so can only be used on one PC. It does offer a very comprehensive package, but it does mean that discreet checking of what it has recorded needs to be performed on the computer on which it is installed. This solution is ideal for monitoring children’s activity on the Computer or the activity of a cheating partner where there is shared access to the same PC or Laptop.

Next in line is the Global PC Spy. This is the perfect solution for remote live monitoring of Internet-connected Computers. This USB Stick contains the software than can be installed on up to 3 PC’s that need to be monitored. Installation takes about 60 seconds, after which the USB Stick is removed. Real-time monitoring can then be established from another Internet connected PC by plugging the USB Stick in. What results is that you are pretty much viewing what the monitored computer has on the screen. In addition, the Global PC Spy can record IM chat and e-mails, but doesn’t record keystrokes. This is ideal for monitoring live what employees are up to and again perfect for keeping an eye on childrens Internet activity when you have to be elsewhere.

Finally we have the latest device which is the KeyStealth. This unit is a software-based keylogger, with the software being held on a USB Stick. When uploaded to the Computer to be monitored the software can be installed and configured in about a minute and then the USB Stick removed. This product records all keystrokes and screenshots at a rate that you determine. To retrieve the information, then it is simply a matter of returning to the ‘Target PC’ where the stored data can be downloaded onto the USB stick for viewing there and then on the same PC or later on another Computer. This is the perfect keylogging tool because there is no physical item left inserted, which in turn means that it is ideal for use on Laptop Computers.

All PC Monitoring solutions can be catered for, so it really is a matter of what scenario dictates your choice.

Since the advent of the mobile phone communication has of course become so much easier. Of course easier, more accessible and varied communication options are now part of our everyday lives. As such, the mobile phone has become the leading key indicator that a partner maybe having an affair because it becomes the primary communication method of the parties involved. More often than not a cheating partner will hide their phone away, have it switched to silent and/or not let the phone out of their sight. Many even sleep with the phone under their pillow! Others will have a second phone that they have hidden maybe in their car. Whatever the signs are, the fact remains that the mobile phone usage can also be their achilles heel.

Realising the potential, here at Spy Equipment UK we have developed a number of ways to capitalise on the illicit mobile phone usage. The cheapest method to gather information is by using the Sim Recovery Pro Deleted Text Message Reader. This relies upon the forensic recovery of messages that we stored on the SIM card, but have been deleted. The content, time, date and number related to the message can be recovered. The device works if there has been data stored on the SIM Card. Unfortunately, not all phones store text messages in this way. The second method to gain advantage is to install one of Spy Equipment UK’s Spy Phone Softwares onto the phone. Spy Equipment UK sells software for a range of the latest Nokia phones. Software can monitor incoming and outgoing text messages, all calls and also will allow using the phone as a listening device when it is not on a call. All of these function can be completed without the phone user being aware that the phone is being used in this way. Installation of Spy Phone Software does require having possession of the phone in question. The software is dispatched to the buyer attached to an e-mail, so the phone under scrutiny will need to be connected to a computer by cable or bluetooth to enable uploading of the Spy Phone Software from the Computer to the Phone. Once installed on the Phone, the software features can then be controlled remotely using another Mobile Phone.

Both of these products have proved crucial for our customers. As a result, they have been able to assess the situation and gain inside knowledge about what is actually happening. Why not do some of the Detective work yourself by checking out both of these products today to see how they can help your personal situation.

Here at Spy Equipment UK we have decided to give our potential customers advice on how, when and it is best to use our products. Some potential buyers may be unaware as to how they can benefit from items in our range and some will be uncertain as to how to decide on what product or products are best for them.

Part of our Customer base includes private individuals who more often than not have potential maritial or relationship problems that point towards their partner cheating on them. In a previous feed we gave an outline of certain key indicators that a cheating partner will give away. Working overtime, taking up a new hobby that takes them away from the home and more social nights out. All of these will invariably involve them using their vehicle and to a certain extent, dependant upon the nature of the affair that they are having, the location of their vehicle will give a pattern of where they are going to meet with ‘that other man or woman’. This is where Spy Equipment UK’s GPS Evolution Vehicle Tracker comes in. This tracking device can be placed completely underneath a vehicle, where it can be attached using the two very strong magnets that are on the outside of the GPS Evolution. The unit is very compact and looks rather like a vehiucle component and is therefore not ‘out-of-place’ under a vehicle. Once it is in place then monitoring of the device can be achieved remotely from any Internet-connected computer or from any WAP enabled mobile phone, so it is easy to keep up-to-date. Because the data sent out by the unit is stored on our secure tracking platform database, then it is possible to check historic data, when convenient, rather than having to monitor constantly, although it is easy to do both if required.

The GPS Evolution gives incredible results and is simple to use, even for those who are not technically-minded and with Spy Equipment UK also offering a short-term hire service, GPS vehicle tracking is an affordable solution to suit any pocket.

Official news reports have just revealed a British Spy Fiasco. The new head of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Sir John Sawyers, has been subject of a security breach after his Wife posted personal details about him and the family on the social networking site Facebook. The Facebook profile was hurriedly withdrawn when it was discovered that details of where the live, where they holiday, who their friends and family are were found to be included.

Facebook membership and that of other social networking sites has grown rapidly over the past two years. Once it was the preserve of young adults, in their later teens and twenties, but now membership has expanded to include adults into their thirties, forties and beyond. Behind the benefits lies a more sinister trend. As with Friends Reunited, Facebook and other networking sites have become the hotbed medium for illicit affairs, but suddenly discovering your partner on one of these sites without your knowledge is just one sign. Here are other common factors:

• Your partner has suddenly started taking pride in their appearance
• They have started to work more overtime or shift working time has changed
• Their work suddenly involves training courses that keep them away overnight regularly
• They spend more solitary time on the Internet in chat rooms
• They take up a new hobby that takes them outside the home
• They are very guarded with their phone or you suddenly discover a second phone
• They have recently started to socialise with ‘friends’ on nights out
• They have gone off sex
• They suddenly want more sex or want to try out new things sexually

These are some of the signs, but the list goes on. Now more than ever it is possible to conduct your own investigation prior to calling in an expert. Spy Equipment UK offer a wide variety of solutions. Monitor their phone, monitor their whereabouts, monitor their computer activity, install a camera or a listening device to capture the evidence. Taking control of your own destiny not only empowers you, but also makes such financial sense….

Over the past 24 months Spy Equipment UK has welcomed a new addition to the Spy Camera family. 3G GSM Covert Cameras have added a new dimension the way that cameras can be used to remotely monitor targeted areas for any potential illegal or criminal activity.

Previously, there have only really two possible options for such remote covert camera monitoring. Firstly there are hard-wired board covert cameras can be connected to a network just in the same way that CCTV cameras can be monitored on remote sites, but this usually requires connection through a hard-drive recorder or a PC with specific PCI Card and supporting software. These system prove to be a relatively expensive option because of the cost of the hardware involved and expert installation fees. Secondly, there are wireless transmitting cameras, which in recent times have become more sophisticated with power saving and movement activation options. However, these cameras have restricted transmission range due to UK OFCOM restrictions and a further downfall is the fact that the transmission is not secure.

The 3G GSM cameras were first introduced into mobile phone technology, but now have been built into everyday objects including PIR’s and Smoke Detectors. The latest and most sophisticated addition to date has been SPY Equipment UK’s 3G Recording Clock Radio. This is specially designed for streaming real time audio and video footage back to your mobile phone or PDA from anywhere in the world where 3G coverage is supported. This stylish Sony DAB Radio operates as a fully functional digital clock to compliment any office or home environment and can be handled and displayed with complete confidence. Once set up, simply make a video call to the 3G SIM installed inside the radio (not included) and the connected call will display full-colour real-time footage with stereo audio directly on your handset. Should you wish, you can use your handset to remotely activate the recording function and store the evidential proof to a SD T-Flash Card within the clock radio.

So, if you are looking for a truly modern solution for remote camera site monitoring and recording, then the search is now over!