You might want to make a fake security camera look real for a few different reasons. Maybe you don’t want to spend the money on a real security camera, or maybe you already have a fake security camera, but you want it to look more real. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help!
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How to Make a Fake Security Camera Look Real
There are a few things you can do to make your fake security cameras look more real. Always install the camera in a place where you’d expect to see real security cameras – position, location, angle, etc. It’s also important to keep your equipment clean and well maintained. Many fake cameras are constructed of low-quality materials that quickly break down if left out in the elements.
And of course, the best option is to simply purchase relatively high-quality dummy cameras that look like the real thing. It’s much easier to make a nearly-real looking camera look like the real thing than to take an obviously fake one and make it look better.
Proper Placement
One of the most important things you can do to make your fake security camera look real is to place it in a proper location. Security cameras should be installed in high-traffic areas, near the entry and exit points, or in locations where thieves may try to gain entry. Placing your cameras in strategic locations will make them look more believable.
Location of Fake Security Cameras
Some important locations to consider placing your fake security cameras include hallways, parking garages, near the entry and exit points, and close to window exteriors.
A real security camera would be placed up high, out of reach, and in a position where it can get an unobstructed view. For this reason, it’s important to place your fake security cameras in similar positions.
Since many phony cameras are made of cheaper materials than real cameras, it’s a good idea to keep them out of the elements. When you place fake security cameras outdoors, make sure they’re well protected from rain or continuous sunlight.
Angle of Fake Security Cameras
Facing your fake cameras in a realistic angle is another important way to make them look more believable. Avoid placing cameras in corners where someone can tell they’re not really recording anything.
Instead, try to position them so they’re aimed slightly down and toward the middle of a room or hallway. The same goes for dummy cameras installed outside your home or business. This will make them look more like they’re actually recording activity.
Enhancements to Make a Fake Security Camera Look Real
There are also a few additional enhancements that can help to make your fake security cameras look real. Real cameras have common features like automatic flood lights, IR LEDs, and pan-motion are all features. While you don’t necessarily need to add all of these features to make your fake cameras effective, adding one or two can help to make them look more convincing.
Automatic Flood Lights
Better than simply leaving the porch light on, automatic flood lights are a great way to enhance the believability of your fake security cameras. People often use motion-activated flood lights alongside real security cameras. Installing some to flick on at night and show that you have “cameras” installed can be enough to scare away potential burglars.
IR LEDs
IR LEDs are another common feature found on real security cameras. These emit infrared light, which helps the camera to see in low-light conditions. You don’t need to install IR LEDs, though. They’re simply a feature of many dummy cameras to make them look more real. Most are often battery-powered too, so they’ll give a faint glow in the dark just like real ones do.
Pan-Motion
Pan-motion is a feature that allows cameras to automatically pan back and forth, giving them a wider field of view. Many fake security cameras are battery-powered with small internal motors to make them pan back and forth, to look like a live operator is viewing the camera monitor.
Phony Data or Power Cables
Some fake security cameras have real-looking cables coming out the back or sides. This gives the appearance they’re plugged into a network or power source. If you want to take this a step further, you can even buy fake data or power cables to run along the wall or floor near your cameras can add a bit of realism.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Last but not least, you should conduct regular maintenance to keep your fake security cameras looking real. This means periodically dusting them off, making sure the batteries are fresh and checking that the pan-motion features are functional. Regular maintenance will help your fake security cameras to look their best and most realistic.
Cleaning Your Fake Security Cameras
To clean your fake security cameras, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these could damage the camera. If the camera is extremely dirty, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to carefully wipe the camera afterward to remove any soap residue.
Replacing Batteries in Fake Security Cameras
It’s important to keep the batteries in your fake security cameras fresh, as this will help them to look and function their best. Most fake security cameras use AA or AAA batteries, while some have solar rechargeable batteries. If your camera uses AA or AAA batteries, be sure to check them regularly and replace them as needed. Solar rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced less often, but you should still check them periodically to ensure they’re working properly.
Checking the Pan-Motion Feature
You should also include checking the pan-motion feature in fake security cameras that are equipped with this feature. To do this, simply activate the pan-motion feature and observe the camera’s movement. It should move smoothly back and forth, without any jerky movements. You’ll know it’s time to replace the batteries when the camera doesn’t move at all, or if it moves erratically. The camera itself may need to be replaced as well.
Checking Connections and Housings
Finally, you should also check the connections and housings on your fake security cameras for wear and tear. Make sure that all the screws are tight and that there are no cracks or other damage. If you find any damage, it’s best to replace the camera rather than try to repair it because it’s a good sign the camera is reaching the end of its usability.
Get One that Looks Real
Research shows that CCTV cameras deter crime, especially when combined with a variety of security measures. Realistic looking dummy cameras are an excellent piece of a total security system.
Perhaps the best way to make fake security cameras look real is to simply purchase ones that don’t need any sprucing up. Many companies make high-quality dummy cameras that look identical to the real thing. They often come complete with data or power cables, fake infrared LEDs, and pan-motion features. While they may cost a bit more than your average fake security camera, they’ll save you time and effort in making them look realistic.
Conclusion
There are a few things you can do to make your fake security camera look more real. This includes adding phony data or power cables, conducting regular maintenance, and checking the connections and housings for wear and tear. You can also get ones that look real by purchasing high-quality dummy cameras.
FAQs
What type of batteries do fake security cameras use?
Most fake security cameras use AA or AAA batteries, while some have solar rechargeable batteries.
How often should I replace the batteries in my fake security camera?
You should check the batteries in your fake security camera regularly and replace them as needed. If the camera uses AA or AAA batteries, be sure to check them regularly and replace them as needed. Solar rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced less often, but you should still check them periodically to ensure they’re working properly.
Should I buy a fake security camera that comes with data or power cables?
Yes, if you want your fake security camera to look more realistic, you should consider purchasing one that comes with data or power cables.
How can I tell if my fake security camera needs to be replaced?
If the camera doesn’t move at all, or if it moves erratically, it’s time to replace the batteries or perhaps the camera itself needs to be replaced. You should also check the connections and housings on your fake security cameras for wear and tear. Make sure that all the screws are tight and that there are no cracks or other damage. If you find any damage, it’s best to replace the camera rather than try to repair it because it’s a good sign the camera is reaching the end of its usability.