This is Andy speaking and this is the page where I tell you about the Actafool Camera, the stealth camera chassis, and our current cloaking mechanisms. The Actafool camera The idea for the use of a hidden videocamera marked the beginning of Actafool; and the dream still lives on. Currently the original camera is still in use, being skillfully hidden in various contraptions. Until the funds are raised for a smaller, wireless camera, the original VHS-C camera will more than suit our needs, despite a much higher PGD. (probability of getting discovered) The Actafool camera has caught many interesting incidents on tape, both staged and candid. In staged acts, we perform pre-written scripts such as the upcoming Actafool episode series, while in candid taping we take the hidden camera to videotape unknowing subjects and events. Here you can find out more about the cloaking mechanisms of
the current stealth camera as well as learn about some times
when we were almost discovered. As soon as the funds
are raised for video input hardware for our computers, we
will share some actual videos with you online at no cost to you.
Making the Stealth Camera Chassis The wooden camera-mounting chassis required many tools to assemble, as shown in the animation to the right. The chassis was built to accomodate the various cloaking methods described below. The goal of a low PGD (probability of getting discovered) was kept in mind during the design process. Only the finest Pennsylvania woods, wood screws, and wood glues were used.
Cloaking Mechanisms Sunkist Box - The original enclosure for the stealth camera chassis was a six-pack Sunkist box. The chassis fit snugly into the box and marked a very efficient use of space. The PGD of the Sunkist box enclosure method was suitable for small operations and went unnoticed in summer backyards and car seats. However, a higher PGD was attained when the Sunkist box was taken into less natural surroundings such as the mall or Josh's allergy doctor's office. Below are photos of the Sunkist enclosure, including a cutaway view revealing the stealth chassis.   Gap Bag - Our winter taping excursions to the mall and whatnot called for a more natural chassis enclosure. Our engineering technological and anthropological research led us to choose the Gap bag enclosure that gave a much more natural appearance during the holiday season. Lots of people carry around bags with their holiday purchases, and the Gap provides not only fashionable menswear, but also a bag that is more than large enough to enclose our stealth chassis. A styrofoam conversion mounting base was engineered to fit the bottom of the bag snugly and accomodate the existing camera chassis, aiming it at an upward angle. This was perfect for carrying around the bag by your side and taping roughly what is at your eye level instead of at your feet, or at the level of the bag. The Gap bag has a lower PGD during the holiday season, especially in malls. However, as we learned the hard way, it is not foolproof. Below are photos of the Gap bag enclosure and its cutaway view revealing the stealth chassis and styrofoam conversion base.  
Getting Discovered The unfortunate reality of the whole hidden camera industry is that in certain situations, getting discovered may lead to imprisonment, murder, a close call with the Limerick, PA, local police, or worst of all, embarassment. A lower PGD can help, but unless the PGD is zero, there is still a small chance of discovery. Although we don't believe we have ever been outright discovered during a stealth camera operation, we have had close calls which periodically show us the limits of our current hidden camera. It is because of this that we are attempting to raise funds for the purchase of a very small, wireless camera with the lowest possible PGD. In addition, as soon as we are able to purchase video input hardware, we will share videos of some of our closest calls including those known as "Arby's Drivethru" and "Waiting Room." |
