Bug Detector Derby

During some heavy snow days in January, the staff of Spytech took some time to compare several of our RF Detectors.  We rated each detector for various tasks and then posted the results on our YouTube channel:

Here are some additional notes about these tests:

FM Transmitter

Bug Detector Pro 2.0

This was a very simple job for all the detectors, since it is pretty much what they are designed to detect.  The transmitter was just a high power analog audio signal with a range of about 500 feet.  Basically the same as a standard cordless phone or walkie talkie.  The CC308 detector had a problem with this device because it would reach maximum signal strength when it was still half a meter away from it.  This means, in a real situation, you would only know a rough location for the transmitter and waste a lot of time narrowing it down.  The other detectors were way more precise.  Most impressive was the RF Detector Pro.  Even though the indicator meter had maxed out a few inches away, the detector had a detection confirmation function, which made the lights shut off when we located the device.  You can see this in the video.

5.8GHz Transmitter

This transmitter generated a low powered, high frequency, analog signal.  You could see the feed in the 5.8GHz monitor sitting right behind the camera.  Not many RF detectors are even made for anything higher than 2.4GHz frequency.  So it came as no surprise that most of the detectors had to almost touch the device to give any indication of signal strength.  This would be difficult if you were searching for hidden devices.  The detectors that have a lens detector function would be more useful in this situation.  Only the RD-10 was able to detect the 5.8GHz device as easily as an FM Transmitter.

WiFi Transmitter

This transmitter introduced a digital signal into the mix.  This signal would simulate certain hidden cameras (such as the one in the video), live GPS trackers, or mobile phones that have been engineered into impromptu listening/tracking devices.  With this test we could see that some of the detectors were actually better at detecting digital signals than analog.  Notably the Bug Detector Pro was very accurate, while the Blu Detector seems to be designed for this type of digital detection application.

Conclusion

Bug Detector RD-10

The best detector overall was the RD-10.  It was capable in each of the 3 very different detection situations we presented, and in addition to RF detection functions, it also has a camera lens detection function that we were not even using for these tests.   Of course we are aware that there are more advanced detectors than this one, and we have even used some of them at Spytech over the years, but in this situation we were limiting our test to affordable, pocket sized detectors.  The more professional units may be more capable, but they also have a much higher price point, they are usually briefcase size or larger, and they require some serious training to use properly.  If you are interested in one of those professional countersurveillance machines, you can contact spytech for pricing information or even hire a local countersurveillance agent in your area who is already experienced in using this type of equipment.

The other detectors we tested each had strengths and weaknesses in one or more areas.  For example, even the worst performing RF detector - the model called "Camera Finder" - still boasts the best lens detection function.  This was not mentioned because it was not part of our test.  These detectors that specialize in just one function are limited to very specific jobs.  In the real world you may be looking for one type of device, but you could always discover something you were not expecting, but only if your detector is capable of detecting many different things.  That flexibility is why we chose the RD-10 as the best bug detector.

Introducing Personal Safety Products

Spytech is proud to offer a new line of personal safety products.  Canadian law is very strict when it comes to weapons - even non-lethal weapons - so we try to offer products that fall outside of the self defense catagory, although they can be used in addition to any self defense products you may carry with you.  The effectiveness of these products varies depending on the situation, the reactions of all the people involved and the environment.  One big advantage over weapons, is that these products cannot be used against you.

Personal Alarm

sold out

Personal Alarm with Door Contact

CA$24.95

This is a small battery powered box that fits in a pocket or purse.  When the cord is pulled out of the box it makes a loud noise to attract attention.  The intent of the loud noise is to expose and confuse an attacker that is trying to commit a crime without being noticed.  The noise may motivate bystanders to intervene, it may startle the attacker enough to give you a chance to escape, or at least the alarm indicates to the criminal that his control over the situation has been compromised.  Of course, what happens after the alarm sounds is unknown, and depends on many variables.

Drink Test Kit

This small paper can be used to test a drink for the presence of the most common types of "date-rape drugs".  To use the test, place a few drops of your beverage on the paper and see if it changes colour.  The test may be corrupted by chemicals like food colouring, which would colour the paper just like a positive result, or there could be drugs present that are not part of the test.  In light of these possibilities, the test kit should only be used to compliment common sense behaviour, not to replace it. 

Stay safe and look out for each other Canada.

Introducing Several New Products

There are several new products now available at spytech.com that we have been eagerly anticipating.  After much research and testing, we have now settled on a few new technologies that should be easy to use, but also packed with many features.  Let's take a look at the most recent ones:

Live 3G Magnetic Vehicle Tracker

We are excited to now offer this Live 3G GPS Tracker with the longest battery life and most advanced features available for its size.  You can use this for 2 weeks or more on a single charge.  The phone/tabloid app is free and the monthly fees will be free for the first 12 months!  No other tracking device on the market even comes close to matching this device.  What more could you want from a live tracker?

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Smartphone Blocker Case 2.0

After a lengthy absence, we have introduced a new Smartphone Blocker Case to our products.  The old case worked fine but became obsolete based on the size of more recent phones.  This new case also blocks your phone signal whenever you put it inside.  Even though this new case is larger, please check the measurements, to make sure it will fit your phone before purchasing.

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WiFi Digital Clock Camera

A few weeks ago, we released our latest hidden camera, which looks like a desk clock.  This cameras has so many different features and settings that people have been using them for applications we never even imagined.  Check out the product page because the features are too numerous to list here.

Jack Reacher Prize Giveaway

Spytech Blog is proud to offer a Jack Reacher prize pack thanks to our friends at Paramount Pictures Canada.  We will give away ONE exciting prize to a randomly chosen entry.  To enter, just leave a comment on our Facebook page, stating the name of your favorite spy, either real of fictional.  There is no wrong answer.  No purchase necessary.  In order to receive the prize you must be able to provide the following if you win:

1. A shipping address in a Canadian province for us to send the prize to.
2. Your comment must be dated before the midnight Jan 30, 2017 to be considered during the draw.
3. Each individual profile is only entered once for the draw - there will be no multiple entries for commenting multiple times.
4. If you are contacted as the winner, and do not respond within 24 hours with a valid shipping address, we will assume you have declined the prize and will award it to another person, with another random draw.

5. Comment must appear on our official Facebook Page to qualify: https://www.facebook.com/spytechcanada

The "Jack Reacher Prize Pack" consists of a "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" Blu Ray DVD, a Jack Reacher toque, and a Jack Reacher multi-tool flashlight.  Approximate value about $40.00 CAD.  Winner will be announced on our Facebook page.

Odds of winning are 1 in however many different people leave a comment.

Enter your comment before the end of Jan 30, 2017 to qualify.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back will be available for purchase on Blu Ray, DVD and digital on Jan 31, 2017.

Spy Products that Can Help Elderly People

In these times of accelerating advances in technology, the world only becomes gradually more alienating to people as they get on in age.  Communicating with your family members requires knowledge of several types of ridiculous phone apps, shopping for gifts can be like navigating a minefield of online scams, and sometimes new technologies you have never even seen before are turned against you.  All of this stress just adds to the health problems that already accompany old age.  As we see in the Hieronymus Bosch depiction above, elderly people were targets for criminals even in 1502, although over the centuries technology has replaced the magic from that painting.  As much as I have now denounced technology as an enemy, let us turn the tables, and investigate how we could instead embrace modern technology to help elderly people.  Isn't the easiest way to eleminate an enemy to make it your friend?  Here are some spy gadgets that our elderly customers have found useful.

A Miniature Tracking Device

Click on picture to see the product page

There are various memory issues we may encounter in our lives, at any time, but they become much more common as we age.  These memory lapses are usually remedied by a loved one taking over certain tasks, like making sure medication is not forgotten, and such.  There is a much more difficult problem when the person with the memory issue is mobile enough to get lost.  The solution would either be to limit their mobility to keep them safe, or provide them with a tracking device, in case they do end up lost.  Our tracker not only allows you to locate the person when they have wandered away, but it even has a SOS button, so the lost person can notify you when they feel they are in danger, probably before you even realize they have gotten lost.

A Granny Camera

One of the biggest issues for the elderly is that they are targeted constantly for crime.  Over the decades, our customers have been buying various types of hidden camera for this exact application.  Capturing some kind of video is especially helpful in cases where the elderly person has trouble communicating or remembering.  Whether it captured an abusive nursing home worker, or some thieving relative, the video footage allows the victim to put an end to the activity much quicker than would be possible without any hard evidence.  You can check out our previous blog about "granny cameras in retirement homes" for more details.

A Telephone Voice Recorder

If modern technology has made communication easier then the awful side effect is that it has made fraud easier as well.  Today, con artists can work their magic from a safe distance, contacting more and more potential victims with every new generation of technology.  A loved one will usually step in to try and secure the elderly person's communications, report phishing emails, and block some of the shadiest social media contacts.  In many cases our customers have purchased a home phone recording device as well, to document any suspicious telephone communication.  It can help to have a record of all phone conversations in case there is any kind of claim of a verbal contract.  You can simply replay the conversation and check if the details are accurate.  Consequently, you may just end up with recorded proof of a telemarketing scam!

Home Security Devices

Click to see electronic dog product...

Humans have known forever that dogs are the greatest security device.  However, these dogs require a lot of care, and that isn't good for elderly people who may find it harder to move around freely.  Instead of walking a dog every day, and lugging around 20 pound food bags, we like to suggest simply plugging in an electronic dog in a box.  While not as effective as the real thing, it is obviously less physically demanding than a live dog, and possibly less messy.  Of course, various types of home alarms, and a decent quality door lock, would all add security to any home as well.

Links

If your situation is not addressed by any of these gadgets, or if you need to talk to somebody who specializes in the problems of elderly people, then here are a few suggestions.

Elder abuse resources: 

• USA - http://nursinghomeabusesupport.com/

• Canada - http://cnpea.ca/en/

Senior fraud resources:

• http://canada.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/why-fraudsters-target-seniors-and-how-to-fight-back-1264/

Suggestions about wandering seniors: 

• https://www.agingcare.com/articles/help-a-senior-with-dementia-who-wanders-167541.htm