From the discreet to the downright deceptive, we look at some covert products on offer. For a faster response make your enquiry online.
It's a sure thing
Sure Vision is distributing a covert, discreet and powerful device that's ideal for recording activities in a number of different locations. The MemoCam, manufactured by Video Domain, is a stand alone camera, PIR detector and smart VCR all in one device. It is aimed at sites where quick installation is required, since it needs just one mains cable to be set up.

Events are recorded on an internal memory card when activated by the built-in PIR alarm and images can be downloaded on to a PC. Other products in the MemoCam range include the MemoCam Plus with two video inputs for additional cameras, one video output for real time monitoring and storage capacity to 10,000 images, weekly scheduler and video motion detector.

Sew so
The Button Camera from OpTex International always arouses a lot of interest whenever it is featured. The miniature CCD colour camera has a 3.6mm pinhole lens, built into the back of a real shirt button.

The front aperture of the lens is no more than 1mm in diameter and slips through the button holes of most shirts. Pre-studs are available for sewing onto the shirt, above and below the camera to keep the front flat. Existing buttons can be replaced with the matching buttons supplied, so they are all the same.

Low light performer
Stortech Electronics has a range of miniature cameras that can be hidden in clock faces, suitcases and bookshelves to provide unobtrusive monitoring with options of either colour or mono.

The Pecan range of miniature cameras are the size of a 50 pence coin. Even at low light levels they are said to provide excellent quality.

The mono units, PCAM, UCAM and MCAM can operate at light sensitivities down to 0.1/0.2 lux. Power consumption is between 80 and 135mA, with an electronic iris that adjusts to changing light conditions.

Lens options of 2.0, 3.6, 6.8 and 12mm are available. The lightweight cameras are PCB-based and come with robust cast aluminium housings.

Self contained
MEL Secure Systems' Covert Miniature Black Box Image Recorder is said to make digital image recording even easier and more compact.

The small, low cost, self-contained recording device has been described as "revolutionary". It stores up to 5000 images on one multimedia card and can be deployed discreetly and swiftly using any CCD camera.

The Image Recorder unit can be programmed to capture images at regular intervals, or the associated PIR can be used to trigger the recording of any movement within the field of view.

The multimedia card can be easily removed from the unit, and viewed on any PC using the card reader. All images are date and time stamped and watermarked.

Empty property protected
Wandsworth Council has installed the OASIS (Orbis Advanced Security Intruder System) at an empty sheltered accommodation block in inner London. The system is one of Europe's first GSM intruder systems available on the market.

It uses mobile phone technology to alarm empty properties, and activations are picked up by Orbis' 24 hour monitoring station in the Wirral before being relayed to Wandsworth's response team within 60 seconds.

The wirefree system is being used to protect 21 dwellings for the local authority. By using mobile phones and battery operation, installation is simple and reliable in empty properties that often have their utilities cut off. Any intruder alerts are text messaged anywhere within the mobile phone network, and the system does not require an additional radio base station.

BWorld's smallest?
Swann Communications has launched what it claims is the world's smallest wireless covert camera with an audio facility, which enables a portable mini security system to be set up in minutes.

The StealthCam mini surveillance button camera has a built-in 2.4 GHz transmitter and high sensitivity microphone. It can be worn undetected on a shirt or jacket, and comes with plug and play connectors.

The receiver plugs into a TV, VCR, monitor or PC capture card.

Versatile bracket
GBC's Sharpshooter PIR camera fits on a versatile wall or ceiling bracket, as well as on a special corner-mount bracket. The casings are white or jet black, making the colour camera inside "almost completely invisible". It uses a standard rather than a pinhole lens and so it is available with a variety of lens options from 2.5 to 12mm.

It comes with free audio capability and free power supply. Standard or high-resolution mono models are also available.

Covert selection
Fineplan Video Services distributes a range of discreet and covert cameras, including the FVS VSIIP, a PIR black and white camera; the VSIIWP, a working PIR with black and white camera; and several GBC units, including PIR and smoke detector versions with black and white or colour cameras, choice of lens and optional audio.

FVS can supply covert cameras to order, hidden in clocks (of various styles), loudspeakers, junction boxes, convex mirrors, outdoor PIRs, picture frames, lights and thermostats.

Merge into background
Although corner-mounted cameras from GBC look as if they stand out, they can be painted to merge into the background. The CM-550IR/A from the covert specialist features built-in infrared illuminations.

The unit comprises a miniature high-res camera and 180 LEDs, housed in a 45 x 80 x 230mm casing, designed to fit into the corner of a room. It also works in natural light conditions, so there are no adjustments to make during the day, or when the lights are on. It comes with a free power supply and free audio capability.

Where there's smoke
Panasonic has a range of cameras disguised as smoke detectors and PIRs that observers would find difficult to see any difference in. The WV-CF420 is a colour smoke detector model. It offers 330 lines resolution, sensitivity down to 10 lux at F2.8 and comes with an exclusive lens.

The WV-CF400 is a colour camera in an unobtrusive PIR housing, offering 330 lines resolution, operating in lighting down to 42 lux at F2.8 and built-in electronic light function. Optional lenses are also available.

The WV-BF320 is the black and white version of the smoke detector design. It offers 380 TVL and sensitivity down to 0.5 lux at F2.8. And finally, the WV-BF300 is the black and white version of the PIR camera, giving high-res images down to 2.1 lux at F2.8.

Covert Training
Tavcom Training provides a course for users and installers who need to learn the practical methods of employing covert systems. Associated civil liberties and essential Codes of Practice are included in the course, held: March 11, 12; May 13, 14; Aug14,15 and Nov 18,19.

Course includes: Why covert?; CCTV fundamentals; cameras and power supplies; monitors and resolution; lighting requirements; covert hides; cabling; video recording; wiring alarm inputs; video evidence and confidentiality; tape and video management; body worn devices; remote transmission; audio surveillance; projects and assessment.

It lasts one and a half days and costs £395+VAT.

Wireless protection

Danish company, Profort, has a supervised wireless alarm system for art objects in museums and galleries that gives invisible and flexible protection of objects. The Picollo uses small seismic/magnetic detectors and infra-red detectors weighing no more than 25 grams and is suitable for permanent or temporary exhibits with the flexibility to be operational in minutes. Detectors can be placed up to 75 metres away from alarm receivers connected to a central unit that is controlled by PC. Incoming alarms are logged and displayed on the monitor notifying monitoring personnel immediately. Emergency signals can also be sent using a portable transmitter. User-friendly software allows easy installation and maintenance. Detector installation can be corrected, RF signal jams can be cleared, and receiver conditions for RF signals and battery voltage can also be checked via the software.

Mix and match

Philips CSI has a range of colour covert cameras for use with its POS CCTV observation systems. The cameras are disguised as standard PIRs, smoke detectors or mini dome housings. They can be mixed with standard cameras on a single POS system to provide any combination of covert and overt surveillance. They can also be added to any other colour or monochrome Philips system, including the Multiplexing Quad and Network Observation system. The camera units are simple to install and come complete with mounting kit. Features include 380 TVL, acceptable pictures down to 0.2 lux and automatic adjustment to changing lighting conditions. The mini dome unit also includes a built-in microphone for audio monitoring.

Source

Security Installer