New Products - Night Vision Scopes

An example of how Generation 0 night vision works - IR light illuminates target

For centuries, early humans were envious of other animals.  Fish could breath under water, birds could fly in the sky, bees could make honey, and of course cats could see in the dark.  Once we got intelligent enough to invent inventing, we humans could finally emulate these animals we have always jealously observed from afar.  Scuba gear allowed us to become fish.  Airplanes allowed us to become birds.  Sugary junk food allowed us to become bees.  Then, during WWII, night vision technology was invented and finally humans could see in the dark just like cats.

Gradually, the bulky "Generation 0" machines of WWII were replaced by hand held 1st Generation night vision scopes, which were widely used during the Vietnam War.  These devices were capable of amplifying ambient light to create a natural night vision image that somewhat resembles our own eyesight.  In other words, the amplified light would make everything around you visible, as far as the eye could see.  Today's 1st Generation scopes still use the same technology, but with several decades of image quality advances, and much needed decreases in size and weight.  The old Generation 0 gimmick of using invisible IR light to illuminate your target has also be implemented into modern 1st Generation devices.  This option is most useful in conditions where there is no ambient light at all, which would diminish light amplification functions, but then your visible range would become limited by the brightness of your IR light source.

1st Generation scope amplifies ambient light to generate this familiar green image

2nd Generation and 3rd Generation night vision scopes were invented during the late 20th century.  Even though these advancements were superior for their time, they were prohibitively expensive to buy, and often hindered by many government trade restrictions, paricularly outside the USA.  Therefore, 1st Generation technology was continually improved over the decades, and has actually never become obsolete.   Newer variations, such as thermal vision (heat vision) have become more popular, since they bring a completely different ingredient to the table.  Of course, it is always interesting to read about the even more advanced night vision technologies being researched today, but they won't be available for decades to come.  When night vision contact lenses are finally released to the public, be sure to check this blog for more information.

1st Generation Night Vision Scopes are available in our online shop. 

Stargate Night Vision Scope

Phantom Night Vision Scope

If you are interested in 2nd Generation or thermal vision devices please contact Spytech stores for a quote:

stproductinfo@gmail.com

(416)482-8588 - Spytech Toronto location

source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_vision_device

New Products - Cameras with Wifi

One example of a WiFi camera

Here at spytech.com, we have recently introduced a few cameras with WiFi, mainly due to customer demand.  The reason we have been resisting this feature is simply because there seem to be a few misconceptions out there about how WiFi cameras operate.  In this blog I will explain the basic functions of these cameras as well as debunk a few myths that seem to be confusing people I have talked to.  If you are not sure what WiFi cameras actually do, please read on and learn, before purchasing any of these products.

The Different Meanings of "WiFi Camera"

Generally you will find there are three major ways that a "WiFi Camera" could operate:

• Camera connects to a local phone or tablet but not to the internet

The first type of camera has the advantage of a private local connection, which can only be accessed within a few feet, which makes it quite secure only because of its own limitations.  Of course it cannot be viewed over the internet which is the feature most people are looking for.

• Camera connects to a DVR and the DVR is connected to the internet

Ever since the DVR replaced the VCR in the surveillance industry, it has been possible to connect it to the internet.  Whether you have hard-wired cameras from the 80s, or modern IP cameras that connect to a DVR through a wireless network, you could always have online access to those cameras because the DVR has always had the functionality of a video router.  These surveillance systems work great if you are covering a building with several cameras, but they may be overkill if you just want to monitor one room on your phone.

• Camera connects to your WiFi router and then it is on the internet

These are the WiFi cameras we prefer.  You can put one camera in one location and see it on your phone along with controlling any other features it may have.   The location needs to have some kind of wireless internet service for the camera to broadcast to.  Obviously, you cannot put these cameras in a location without having complete access to the WiFi there.  There should be no additional charges to use your camera if you just use your own WiFi, except whatever your high speed internet plan might charge for bandwidth usage, if you aren't on some kind of unlimited plan.

Memory for Recording

Again there are many ways that a WiFi camera can be recorded.  Some cameras record to an online "Cloud" memory which conveniently requires you to pay monthly fees to access.  Others have to record on a local computer hard drive.  Some cameras have no recording ability and just act as a streaming video device.  The cameras we carry will record onto a SD memory card which you can physically take out and store anywhere you want.  This way you will not have to pay a monthly fee for memory because you could permanently own all the memory you want, in the form of SD cards, even if you just want to use one card and keep erasing it whenever it fills up.

Additional Features

Since there are hundreds of different WiFi capable cameras on the market, you can probably find just as much variety when it comes to features.  There are bigger cameras that have pan and tilt motors to move around.  There are cameras with 2-way voice communication through the internet.  Some cutting edge cameras now use facial recognition software to identify family members and strangers.  All of these fancy features can be convenient for the right application, but may only add unnecessary functions to a device that is already quite complex.  Of course in today's market, anyone looking for even the most unusual feature, would still find a handful of cameras on the market that do what they want.

The features our cameras have are the ones that would be associated with a "Spytech" theme.  We sell small sized or hidden WiFi cameras instead of large bulky cameras.  They have a motion activation record feature.  They generally have some kind of "push notification" to warn the user whenever the motion activation is triggered so they can log in and take a look at the video stream.  There should be a way to access the SD card online and view any recordings that may have happened while your phone was off.  These features and others will vary from one product to another, so it is better to actually read the specific details of one particular WiFi camera instead of a vague summary of all of them.

What Does the User Provide?

Indeed, these cameras don't just appear on your mobile device through magic.  As I mentioned before, there may be all kinds of other charges to use a WiFi camera, but let us focus on the cameras we carry at spytech.com to keep things simple:

• High speed wireless internet for the camera

I'm not sure why anyone would be shopping for a WiFi camera if they don't already have this.  So let's say, as a point of reference, your current internet should work well if you can watch online videos without a lot of interruptions.  If you can't watch online videos very well, you probably need to upgrade your internet in order to watch your camera.  You might have a monthly bandwidth cap, which can become an issue once you add a camera that provides high definition streaming video.  Of course, this all depends on how much time you plan to spend watching your cameras over the internet.

• High speed internet and some kind of mobile device for the user

Your mobile device would need to have an internet connection to connect to the camera.  Whether you want to use your costly "data plan" on video streaming, or simply connect to the free WiFi inside your favorite coffee shop, you will need some kind of internet access to use the camera app.

• Memory

SD cards are sold separately.  Our cameras don't require any kind of cloud storage subscription.

• Installation

Well, as you can see from the product pages, some of these cameras just work as soon as you plug them into a power outlet, while other models need to be mounted on a wall or ceiling.  The amount of installation required is pretty much up to you.  All of them will require you to download a free app (available in Android or IOS) on your mobile device, which allows you to control and view the camera.  You will have to figure out how to access your own WiFi and what the password is in order to connect the camera to the internet.  If you have ever had to connect a tablet, or smartphone to your WiFi, then this process will be pretty familiar.

This WiFi camera is disguised as a USB charger

So all of these requirements are pretty much part of the average urban household these days.  However, if you are thinking of using a WiFi camera in some place like a cottage, or other isolated areas, please make sure you actually have access to the type of internet service described above before purchasing a device like this.  In more populated areas, you can likely use one of these cameras with your current wireless internet without adding any kind of new monthly fee to your stable of bills.

Safety and privacy

The WiFi cameras we carry do have a secure connection and offer password protection in order to access them.  Please be sure to change the default password to something unique once you have set up your camera because the default password can be easily hacked.  If you really want to ensure your privacy, you can increase your router security and disconnect all your WiFi cameras (and webcams for that matter), any time you are not using them.  If you do take all these steps, then the WiFi cameras will be more secure than any other part of your local network.

Did we forget anything?  Do you need more detailed information?  If you have further questions please feel free to contact spytech.com at:

stproductinfo@gmail.com

(416)482-8588 - Spytech Toronto location

New Product - The Camera that Does Everything!

Due to customer demand, Spytech has tested dozens of cameras over the past few years.  Several have had very limited options.  Others have had great features but limited picture quality.  In recent years our customers have demanded HD picture quality but in the same tiny size of our standard definition cameras.  Now, a brand new camera has been released that has both incredibly high resolution, more than 1080P HD, and yet it also has features like motion activation and time lapse recording.   With this new technology, the size has finally become small enough to either carry around comfortably, or to easily conceal in a room.

Introducing the Mini Action Camera:

For the full list of specifications please read the product page here.

Let's take a look some of the many applications of this camera:

• Helmet Camera - wide angle and HD resolution make this ideal for recording action videos of the highest quality
• Wireless Smart Camera - the P2P wireless connection allows "smart" functions like streaming video and playing back video on your smartphone
• Nanny Cam - you can use the included motion record mode to activate video recording only when motion is detected
• Security Camera - timelapse and adjustable framerate allows you to adjust the camera for long term recording - even as slow as 1 frame per minute!
• Outdoor Camera - the included weatherproof casing can protect this camera from rain and can actually go completely under water
• Dashcam - you can mount this camera in your vehicle and use the gyro movement activation to document all your driving footage
• Hidden Spy Camera - the small size and flexible functionality of this camera makes it ideal to hide somewhere for video surveillance
• Playback - unlike most small cameras, this one has a little LCD screen built-in, so you don't have to track down a computer every time you want to view your recordings

Included weatherproof housing allows you to use the Mini Action Camera in any environment

For long recording applications you would have to use your favorite kind of external power bank battery or AC adapter to power this camera through the USB cable.  Due to it's small size, the built-in battery lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on what mode it's in.  Memory card maximum recording time can be altered by changing video quality setting.

If you are away from your computer, don't worry, this camera can play back the recordings right on its own LCD screen.  A lot of our customers have been asking for this capability so they are not constantly required to locate a computer every time they want to quickly view a recording or to simply erase their memory card.  You can also do all those things with a smart phone through a P2P wireless connection.  This camera is all about giving you options.

The Mini Action Camera is so convenient your biggest decision will be whether to leave it behind to watch over your home, or to take it with you on your adventure, for high quality photographs and videos.

Hans School
President, Spytech

Questions or comments:  stproductinfo@gmail.com

New product - Barking Dog Alarm

Since the dawn of mankind, the dog has been our protector and our loyal companion in the face of danger.    But today the era of "Man's Best Friend" has finally come to an end!  Thanks to the Dog in a Box, we humans can actually use a machine to simulate the protective qualities of a dog.  The box detects approaching objects - even beyond a closed door - and responds with the familiar barking that even our most ancient ancestors would recognize and avoid. 

No, the Dog in a Box will not shake your hand or wag its tail for you.  It will not lift your spirits or chase a squirrel.  Yes, all it does is bark at people.  But on the other hand it will not require large quantities of dog food, daily walks or constant supervision.  This dog will never bite your friends, shed on your carpet and rarely requires you to poop-and-scoop.  If you need a security system that has been effective since prehistoric times, and not a four legged companion, consider a Dog in a Box.

Click picture to see product page...

FAQ - How Can I Protect My Car From Vandalism?

This question deserves its own blog if only because we have been hearing it from so many customers throughout all the decades that Spytech has been in business.  The best answer is to capture the act on video, along with the perpatrator's face, for future legal procedings.  There are many ways to accomplish this, mostly based on where the vehicle is parked, and what is around it.

Not again!

Ideally the whole parking spot should be covered from above so that nothing can happen around the vehicle without being in view of the camera.  This type of setup is usually done by the building management and may not have much to do with the vehicle owner.  In such a situation, the vehicle owner should really discuss the parking security conditions with the building management or parking lot owner, before deciding to do anything on their own.  If the owner of the vehicle also owns the building or parking space, then it is quite simple to add a surveillance camera in the garage, or somewhere around the driveway to protect the vehicle 24 hours a day.  This could be accomplished with any surveillance camera.  The customer would choose between indoor or outdoor, night vision or not, wired or wireless, or whatever other type of camera may be appropriate for the location.  They would probably hire a professional installer to finish the job.

Of course, it's all fairly simple when the vehicle is in an "ideal" location.  Most customers have some kind of vandalism that is happening where there is no access to video surveillance.  Either the lot has no cameras, or they park on the street, or there is just no way to position any cameras around the vehicle for whatever reason.  This leaves the customer in a difficult situation of placing a camera inside the vehicle.  They would have to guess which window to point the camera out of to capture the best footage possible.  They would have to position the camera inside the vehicle where it can see the vandal clearly while not being noticed.  They would be limited to battery power since a vehicle won't provide endless electricity like a building would.

The current best solution is the Power Bank Camera.   This camera looks like a simple battery for charging a phone so it would not look out of place in a vehicle.  The battery life is long enough to cover a work day or overnight on one charge.  The resolution is HD 720P so the picture quality should be good enough to identify anyone who approaches the vehicle.  Motion activation conserves memory for long recording times.  Time and date stamp is helpful for using the video footage to document your evidence.

There are drawbacks in using this camera.  The Power Bank Camera is made for indoor use so it should probably be not be left in a vehicle during the coldest nights and hottest days.  This model has no night vision, so it can only be used for daytime or well lit parking situations.  Battery life is probably only going to cover one day at a time, so a customer won't be able to leave it in their vehicle for long term parking, since daily charging is required.  The biggest problem is guessing which window the camera needs to be pointed at.  Hopefully the customer can predict the correct angle of approach or at least pick a side that is more likely to be vandalized.  Some customers in the past have even bought multiple cameras to cover a wider area.

Despite all the usual limitations that have existed with vehicle video surveillance for over 20 years, the battery life of the Power Bank Camera is a major breakthrough that can't be ignored.