DIY Security Systems
When you want to be assured that nobody is listening in or recording your phone conversations, a bug detector is a handy device to help you get that safety. It is a device that’s essential for people who often travel and spend a lot of time in hotel rooms. Read this guide to know how to make a homemade bug detector if you want to make one for yourself.
There are spy pens that can record live video, and GPS trackers are attached to your car to know where you’re going, and there are also so-called bugs that can be used to track your confidential discussions. Most of these bugs are designed to be discreet, compact, and hidden in corners and splits. That is what a homemade bug detector can work against.
What Are RF or Bug Detectors?
A bug detector circuit or RF sniffer is a device that helps you measure the strength of radio signals and detects hidden wireless electronic devices any gadget that emits a radio frequency. These are usually used to detect hidden electronic surveillance that may be installed to monitor a targeted person and learn about their plans secretly.
Bug devices are used by detective agents, police, and secret agents for tracking the behavior of a suspected criminal, or a personal client. The hidden spy devices are usually placed inside beds, cupboards, tables, flowerpots, or anywhere that could appear hidden or concealed within a surface. You can try to walk around your house and look for unusual sources of RF emissions, making it pretty simple to find a bug.
If there is a signal coming from your router, there is nothing to worry about. But if you detect a signal coming from a photo display on your wall, it is clear that a bug is planted there. They sound like complicated devices, but once you know how to make a homemade bug detector, you will be quick to produce one.
How to Make a Homemade Bug Detector
An RF Detector is an electronic device that detects RF (Radio Frequency) signals sent from bugs or other listening devices in a room. Although you can purchase these from online spy and gadget stores, these devices are expensive. You can inexpensively build your device if you want to find out if someone is listening in on your conversations. The following are steps on how to make a homemade bug detector:
The Materials and Tools Needed
- 41-AWG enameled copper wire
- Wire strippers
- BNC connector
- Brass tube
- Toothpick
- Glue
- Solder
- Epoxy
- Cotton swab
- Screws
The Steps on How to Build a Bug Detector
- Place all of the needed materials on your worktable.
- Next, take off the ends of the 41-AWG enameled copper wire using the wire strippers. You will see that two wires will be exposed after stripping.
- After that, make a coil of 19 turns of the 41-AWG wire around the end of the toothpick. Remember to do this using the first end of the copper wire.
- Next is to apply glue to the coil’s end and make sure that it will not be removed permanently. Afterward, run the other stripped end of the wire through the brass tube with a 0.090-inch diameter. Then strip another 0.5-inch wire starting from the end of the tube with the use of the wire strippers.
- This time, connect the 41-AWG copper to the BNC connector. From the stripped wire, you will see two small wires. Next, solder the first wire on the “+” contact of the BNC connector and the wire must also be soldered on the “–” side of the BNC connector.
- You need to attach the BNC connector to the brass tube with the epoxy and let it dry. Get a cotton swab and apply glue to it. Then, rub the cotton swab with glue on the outer side of the wire coiled around the toothpick.
- Place the toothpick in the brass tube and push the glued wires so that they will be attached to the sides of the brass tube. Let them stick together and dry.
- Next is to screw the BNC connector to the female BNC connector of the RF voltmeter, and turn on the voltmeter.
- To test if it works, move the brass tube around. If you see an increase in the number displayed on the RF voltmeter, it means your homemade bug detector has caught another frequency from a bug or other electronic listening device.
- Congratulations on successfully making your first DIY bug detector. Now that you already know how to make a homemade bug detector, you might want to make another one.
Conclusion
When it comes to securing your privacy, whether in a business or at home, a bug detector is the best tool for detecting unwanted surveillance. You can use a bug detector to identify hidden recording devices in their space, such as hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and wireless phones.
Bug detectors are an essential tool for your safety and personal privacy. You do not need to buy one if you know how to make a homemade bug detector. Not only will it save money, but you will also be proud of yourself that you have made your anti-spy gadget. Find out more about Homemade Bug Detectors.