MSPUYSIC
G H
I
J
Figs. G and H: Solder extension cable to the cut portion
of the webcam cable. Wrap electrical tape around each
wire to prevent short circuits. Fig. I: Use a heat source
to shrink heat-shrink tubing over the connection points.
K
Fig. J: Use hot glue to secure the webcam to
the sunglasses. Hold the camera in place until the
glue solidifies completely. Fig. K: Plug the cable into
the camcorder and attach the 9V battery.
you won’t have access to the lens in that area. Hook camcorder, then plug the extension cable from the
the camera up to a TV or camcorder again, position micro camera into that A/V cable (Figure K). My
it in the far corner of the sunglasses, and check camcorder is small enough to fit in a coat pocket or
its positioning: it should shoot straight ahead and even the front pocket of a pair of jeans.
should be level with the ground when you’re wearing
the glasses. When you’re sure of the location, heat 5. Spy and videotape!
up your glue gun and, while holding the camera in Test it out! Go outside and walk around. If the cam-place, shoot an ample amount of glue in the corner era is lined up correctly, whatever you look at will
to secure the camera (Figure J). Hold it in place for be recorded. Most of the micro cameras I’ve used
a few minutes until the glue is completely dry. have an auto iris that works great — on the video
you won’t even be able to tell that it was shooting
through dark sunglasses.
Now come up with some creative uses for your
spy specs. Do your own Candid Camera-style
pranks, or take them with you to places where
videotaping may be frowned upon. Don’t break
the law. Keep it safe and fun, and enjoy your new
covert spy sunglasses!
4. Test-fit the glasses and hide the
cable and camcorder.
Now it’s time to try on the glasses and see if you
need to make any other adjustments. Depending
on how much hair you have and the type of clothes
you’ll be wearing, the cable may just run behind
your ear and down your back (see page 138). You
can use a small amount of hot glue to secure the
cable to the temple, or use a small piece of electrical Watch Kipkay’s how-to video for the Covert Spy
tape if that will conceal it better. Another option is to Sunglasses at makezine.com/go/spysunglasses.
use a pair of eyeglass straps or retainers and then
hide the cable along those.
Get your camcorder out, plug in your extension
cable, and attach your 9V battery. In my case,
I had to use an A/V cable that plugged into the
Kip “Kipkay” Kedersha is a videographer with 25 years of
video production experience. In his spare time, he makes
videos that reflect his personal interests in DI Y solutions to
everyday problems. His work can be seen at kipkay.com.
140 Make: Volume 14
