Making a Hidden Camera

It's not too hard to make your own hidden camera or spy camera. All you need is a some parts and a little motivation. The procedure we are presenting here is really the first stage of the project. The second stage - placing the camera in an object or location for surveillance - is totally up to you. Since the whole concept of a secret camera, hidden or spy camera is to keep it HIDDEN, we aren't going to go into the second stage of the project except for some basic advice, which you'll find at the end of this procedure.

Basic Hidden Camera Parts List

For this project we've decided to make a camera that we can place somewhere on a screened-in porch. The light conditions will be variable so we selected a camera with an auto-iris control so it can dynamically adjust to changing light conditions.

• STI-454A board camera
• STI-622AIVB varifocal auto-iris lens

As with all delicate projects you should have a clean work bench or table for the assembly.

Board Camera

Remove the board camera from the box. Below is a typical STI-454A board camera, as it comes from the box.

You get what is shown above, a board camera with cables attached. We removed the lens protector cap from the lens mount to show the video sensor. Don't touch it or get dirt or moisture in here or it will ruin your camera. Do not attempt to clean the sensor unless it's an emergency, and then use a soft cotton swab and alcohol and wipe very gently. It probably won't work - once a sensor is contaminated it's nearly impossible to clean it off and recondition it to factory quality so the real lesson here is DON'T GET THE SENSOR CONTAMINATED.

If the cables are not attached they must have vibrated free during shipping. Re-attach them to the correct connector. For this camera, you can identify the connector using the image below.

In this case the connectors are identical so make sure you connect the video/power cable to the right connector or you will destroy your camera when you connect power. You also may want to note the position of any DIP switch settings and record them. These factory presets determine the optimal setting for the camera and usually require no alterations, so alter them at your own risk. If for any reason you can't identify the correct place to put the cables call us for support.

Camera Lens

Now remove the lens from it's package and any material that may be wrapped around it to prevent shipping damage. Both ends of the lens should have plastic lens caps.

Lenses are made of precision optical glass with special chemical coatings and require no cleaning or prep when new. You just have to keep them clean. If the lens came packed in styrofoam make sure to gently wipe off (or used compessed air to blow off) any errant particles of styrofoam that may have picked up a static charge. If you don't do this those tiny particle may migrate to a lens surface when you remove the lens caps. If that happens first try cleaning the lens using compressed air. Avoid touching the lens if at all possible.

Attaching the Auto-Iris Lens to the Camera

Pick up the lens and remove the smaller lens cap from the lens and you'll see machined threads. With you other hand pick up the board camera. Gently screw the lens assembly into the mount surrounding the video sensor until it fits snugly.

Attach the Auto-Iris Lens Control Cable

Take the cable that is attached to the lens and connect it to the auto-iris control connector on the board camera. The connector is keyed and only fits one way.

Test the Camera

Apply power and test your spy camera. If all is well you'll see video on your monitor and you know you're ready for the next step - making your hidden camera housing. If you don't see video examine the connections and wires to see if any are lose. Check power to make sure you have 12VDC. If not contact our technical support line.