Types of Listening Devices and Bugs
There are many different types of listening devices and bugs. All devices in this article are for monitoring or recording audio only. This is because they are easier to deploy. They can be hard wired, GSM, digital audio, radio frequency (RF) and phone taps. We will give a brief explanation of the differences used in commercial espionage & available to the private customers. Devices such as RF listening devices are not allowed in some countries, so always check the legitimacy, before purchasing.
GSM Listening Devices (bugs)
GSM listening devices are also commonly called GSM spy bugs or GSM listening devices. Essentially these devices work on the GSM mobile phone networks. The name GSM refers to the fact that they communicate on the GSM networks. They work in the same way as a mobile phone. These devices just need a contract or pay as you go GSM sim card to operate. To listen in once in situ, just call the device in the same way you would call another mobile phone. Once the device answers the call, you can listen in. It really is that easy. Some devices also have the facility to call you, alerting you that something has happened nearby. This is a great feature to save time and unnecessary listening in.
These devices either come as a stand alone device, which is often no bigger than a matchbox. Or they also come installed inside every day products such as a calculator or mouse. They are most commonly disguised as room fixtures, such as plug sockets, bestselling mains adapters or extension leads. There is a clear benefit to this device type as it operates from the mains, no battery to worry about. So you can put it in situ and as long as there is power the device will operate. These are less likely to be inadvertently removed from a room. To view these devices please Click on Listening Devices.
On the other hand, should you wish to protect your car, a standalone GSM listening device would be the more logical solution. The Best Selling Professional GSM spy listening device is our best selling device as it has all the features listed below. To purchase this item click on the link Buy this item
Digital Audio recorders
This form of bug is a recording device placed in a location for later retrieval to make audio recordings. Digital audio bugs are normally small devices that record activity and sound to a memory card or digital memory as recording mediums, you can record many hours of conversation on a single card.They are normally simple to sue, where you just click start and leave the device in situ. You can either connect the device to a computer, transfer the files and playback at your leisure. Alternatively some allow you to playback on the device, just like an MP3 player. However, the computer playback is the more logical option as the files can be stored and played back a lot easier. These devices also come as stand alone items and hidden within products such as USB flash drives, USb cables etc. We have a large range of these Digital audio bugs.
Phone taps and Phone bugs
Phone taps are devices that are placed on the phone, they used to be placed on the phone handset. However, these days technology has moved on and you can normally connect the device inline. In other words between the phone socket and the telephone. This then allow you to connect a digital audio recorder to record the sound. Be careful when recording telephone conversations as you should inform the other parties that you may record the conversation. It is for the same reason that commercial organisations always warn you that conversations may be recorder and for what purposes.
Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitters
An RF bug works using a radio transmitter to send the RF signal from the device to a receiver. One famous example of the use of a RF bug is the “Great Seal Bug” story. In 1952 a radio frequency transmiter was hidden in a carved wooden seal that had been presented to the US Embassy in Moscow and had hung in the Embassy since 1946. There are very strict rules in the UK re the use of RF transmitters. We do not sell these devices for that reason. These kind of devices are best left with the official security services. This specialist equipment can be on many different frequencies, heavily regulated! Basic RF detectors, that can be purchased relatively cheaply, will only be able to detect limited frequencies.
Mobile Phone bugs
There are a few mobile phone's that can be used to listen to the surrounding area. The phone has adapted software to allow you to call it up, without any indication on the mobile phone. The microphone works normally. The only device available is a Nokia 3410.
Hardwire Bugs
These are often called wire taps. The hardwired bug in its simplest form is a microphone. The main drawback to this system is the concealment of the wires and the fact that if they are discovered they can be tracked back to the listening device. Often hardwire bugs are used from outside the premises, either by placing a miniature microphone into a pre-drilled hole, air vent, or by locating the microphone near an opening, as often all the conversation in the room can be overheard if you use a quality audio booster. These forms of listening devices are only recommended for security professionals use.
Optical devices
Optical devices convert audio signals into light pulses which are then converted back to audio signals by a receiver. One example of this is the laser attack whereby a laser beam is projected onto a surface, such as a window, and the vibrations detected are converted into audio signals. The main use for this system is the laser bounce principal, which relies on the propagation of sound waves, causing vibrations on objects such as windows. These are easily detected, difficult and expensive to conduct .