Sensors to detect unwanted electronic devices?

Question

Hi all...

So, my roommate and I are moving into a sublet. We don't really trust the guy we're renting from. So my question is, does anyone know of any kind of sensor that can sense electronic devices, such as cameras, perhaps? We're kind of worried that he may have installed cameras where we can't see them. Or any other kind of electronic devices that might invade our privacy. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

You can check for hidden radio transmitters (or anything that generates rf frequencies) with a spectrum analyzer.

The local amateur radio club probably has one, or knows where to borrow one.

Don't use cell phones or cordless phones if they aren't in digital mode.

Check the smoke detector, to see if it's really a smoke detector or not - pop the cover, and give it a visual inspection.

Answer 2

move out

Answer 3

Most 'sensors' like that will only pick up signals sent to a wireless device, so if the guy lives in the other side of the duplex and his 'cameras' are hard wired to a recorder then your bug detection equipment will not catch it.  For wireless there are many good detectors, running in price from a few dollars (like $20-30) on up.   Keep in mind that such sensors may also detect wireless routers, cell phones and even blue tooth connections if they are turned on.  You can find many of these bug detectors at the Spy Yard.  

http://www.spyyard.com/catalog/bug-detec...

On your own, do a very clean search of walls and corners and decorations. (Probably best done before you move in.   Check all lighting fixtures, switches and plugs (easy to remove the cover and visually inspect) and look for any odd item which seems to be an "add on", that is something not found in other like items.

Cameras are perhaps your worst threat, so look in places where you would undress: bathroom & bedroom.  Check corners and lights in the center of a room.  Check edges of windows and 'built in' things such as cornice and crown molding.  Don't forget to go over the ceiling inch by inch.  A good small camera would only need a quarter inch hole.  Spackling compound costs very little and can fill any hole you find easily and quickly.