A digital phone recorder may seem like one of those extra gadgets that you really don’t have a use for. What it can offer in terms of function may seem too much, of course, until you actually need it. If you’ve never used one before, it may seem a bit too high-tech. But really, it’s a device that has been designed for easy operation and practical use. If you’re a newbie, here are tips on how to use a digital phone recorder:

Understand the set-up.
The basic digital phone recorder is usually an independent device, sold separately from your phone unit. To give you a basic idea of how it looks like and how it works, imagine your old cassette tape telephone recorder, except that a digital phone recorder is generally a smaller, more compact device. It records your phone conversations electronically, which means that voice files are easily compressed, allowing you longer periods of time for a single recording session.

Decide on what types of conversations you wish to record.
Some digital phone recorders have to be connected to the phone jack, while others only have to be hooked to the phone handset. Models that are attached to the phone jack allow you to make recordings of every call that comes through the line, regardless of which phone it is that will be used for the conversation. With this type of digital phone recorder, you could record a conversation in the dining area even if the recorder is plugged into your bedroom.

A digital phone recorder that is attached to the phone handset, on the other hand, can only record conversations made on that phone unit.

Control the settings.
A digital phone recorder comes with a control feature, usually built into the device itself. This allows you to set and control the settings of the recorder – how it works, for how long it will run a recording, what time the recording will begin, etc.

Check the settings to determine what types of recordings you can do. You can, for example, set the digital phone recorder to automatically make a recording of every call that goes through, regardless of its source. If you prefer, you can also set the control so that the device will only record conversations during a particular period, such as phone calls made during lunch hour, early mornings or evenings.

You might also wish to capture the time and date that calls are made for documentation.

Save your recordings.
Although a digital phone recorder will probably hold your captured voice calls for you, it’s best to transfer them to your computer for more efficient and safe storage. Use a USB port and cable for this purpose. On your computer, you can then store, edit, organize and share these conversations as voice files.

digital phone recorder image

Who says you need fuel-powered electricity to use an effective surveillance system? With the advent of ‘green’ technologies, you really do not need to rely so much on resource-hungry gadgets. With solar-powered surveillance, this is probably as green as you can get – or maybe not. Let’s take a look:

What are solar-powered surveillance systems?

Solar surveillance systems are your basic electronic monitoring and tracking systems used for automatic observations and recordings, but with a catch – they run on solar power. They are used for security monitoring purposes on residential homes, office buildings, universities, government offices, shops, parking lots, garages and construction sites. Solar-powered surveillance systems are also very popular for monitoring wildlife and remote environment changes over a long period of time. The fact that they tend to be wireless means that they can be carried in virtually any location and will not require electricity in order to work. The system’s recorded data can be stored onto digital video recorders for future use.

Advantages

One of the advantages of the solar surveillance system is that it does not rely on old video tapes for recording what the cameras capture. Video tapes, as we all know, can be notorious for producing less than sharp images. They also tend to run out, causing you to lose valuable recording time merely because no fresh blank video tape is available. Of course, a solar surveillance system uses green energy, allowing you to tap one of the best energy resources around. Unlike fossil fuel-sourced energy, solar energy is clean, leaves no residues, has no harmful side effects to the users and is environment-friendly.

Limitations

Its greatest strength is probably also its greatest weakness. A solar surveillance system works best outdoors, where it can pick up the sun’s rays to power up its batteries and run the device. It could probably work well indoors provided, of course, that there is ample access to light.

Can you really go green with solar surveillance?

The truth about most solar surveillance systems is that the video security system itself is the only component that uses solar power. The wireless cameras that are essential to making the system work may not always run on solar power. In fact, most units still require the traditional power connection in order to work. That means, in order to view any activities captured by the surveillance system, you will need to have the cameras hooked to a power outlet and probably use a monitor or TV that also uses electricity. However, as green things go, some solar surveillance systems may be hooked with rechargeable battery-powered cameras for more efficient energy use.

solar powered surveillance camera image

Ever wished your telephone could spy for you? With a motion sensor phone, you’ll have a very effective and relatively affordable monitoring and security device. This is just one of the many technologies you can use today to create an effective monitoring system for your home or business use.

What is a motion sensor phone?
A motion sensor phone is actually three gadgets in one: it is a phone, a microphone and a motion sensor in one device. What it does is that it senses any movements within a specific area in proximity to the phone. It will then alert the user via a phone call in case a movement is detected.

Motion sensor phones can be very effective tools for monitoring a certain area, such as an office or a room in your home. In case an intruder comes in and passes next to or near the phone, the motion sensor will pick up the movements, silently send you a signal by calling your mobile phone or another alternate phone unit. You can listen in, decide if the intruder is dangerous and call the police.

How it works
The telephone feature works like any other ordinary phone, in that it can receive and make calls. It is rigged with a condenser microphone, which is used to allow you to hear any noises in the room. The microphone is built into the device and contains an amplifier that can increase the sounds that it picks up. This comes in handy when you have to monitor the sounds in the room from a remote location.

The motion sensor, which is at the heart of the device, is powered by passive infrared or PIR. This technology works by sensing movements or changes in the ambient heat within the room where the phone is located. If an occupant is nearby, the heat signature of the room will change, triggering the device.

The range for most motion sensor phones is about 30 feet, although the width of the area in which it can be triggered is only about 20 feet.

Any concerns about the efficacy of the device?
Motion sensor phones can only be effective if the user understands their use and limitations. The range mentioned above, for example, means that in order for the phone to detect the presence of an intruder, it must be placed in an area where an intruder is most likely to pass. If it is located in a hidden area, it probably won’t work.

Who needs it?
If security is a concern in your home or office, then a motion sensor phone will help relieve you of your worries. Most motion sensor phones work best with small or moderately-sized rooms.

telespy motion sensor phone image