[Instructables Robot Logo]
High-Tech Spy Stethoscope!
by Kipkay
Hear through walls AND record what you hear with this High-Tech Electronic Spy Stethoscope for under $25! See the Test Results in the Video!
Step 1: What You Need...
- Stethoscope: Purchased at a local drug store (Walgreens) for $10.
- A pair of Stereo Multimedia Microphones: Chosen for their low cost and decent specifications, costing $12 on eBay.
- 3.5mm (mini) Stereo Y-Adapter: Cost $0 as one was already available, but typically costs a few dollars.
Step 2: Disassembly...
The multimedia microphones were disassembled using an X-Acto knife and assorted tools. The casing was cut down the middle to access the cabling, and the top of the header was opened to extract the microphones. The result was 2 microphones and 3.5mm connectors.
[Image Description: Several disassembled multimedia microphones are laid out, showing their internal components and wiring.]
Step 3: Stethoscope Disassembly...
The earpieces were removed from the stethoscope. Then, the earpieces were drilled out to match the diameter of the microphone housings. A Dremel tool with a grinding attachment was used for fine-tuning the fit.
[Image Description: A hand is shown using a Dremel tool with a grinding attachment to enlarge the opening of a stethoscope earpiece to fit a microphone housing.]
Step 4: Reassembly...
A small amount of hot glue was used to secure the microphones into the earpieces. The earpieces were then reattached to the stethoscope.
[Image Description: The modified stethoscope is shown with the microphone capsules securely fitted into the earpieces.]
Step 5: Final Results!
After plugging the two 3.5mm connectors into the Y-Adapter and the single stereo connector into an MP3 player, the device was ready for testing. The creator encourages checking out the video and trying the project.
For those interested in similar devices, the document mentions:
- The smallest GPS tracker with audio and video recording with MMS message: jammerspro.com/GPS-Locator-Spy-03-with-MMS-and-Audio-Video-Registration.htm. This device is small enough to be hidden easily.
- A professional wall microphone: endoacustica.com/digital-stereo- stethoscope-wall-microphone.htm.
[Image Description: A compact MP3 player is displayed, with a cable plugged into its port.]
[Image Description: A small, black electronic device, possibly a GPS tracker, is shown.]
[Image Description: A professional-looking wall microphone is depicted.]
Discussion and User Feedback
The document includes a section with user comments and questions, offering additional insights and variations on the project:
- Users discuss sourcing microphones, with suggestions like buying from Radio Shack or disassembling spy ear toys.
- Questions arise about connecting the microphones to amplifiers or speakers instead of MP3 players.
- One user notes that the stethoscope design is not stereo, meaning both earpieces receive the same sound, and thus only one microphone might be necessary.
- Another user suggests that a contact microphone might be more effective for listening through walls as it picks up vibrations from solid surfaces.
- There are also comments about the creator's other projects and personal anecdotes, including mentions of cats.
- A specific user asks about the cat's name, which is identified as Tux.
- A link to a specific cheap microphone is provided: dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.793.
[Image Description: A cat is shown.]
[Image Descriptions: Multiple user avatars are present throughout the discussion section.]
