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Scott talks about the problems associated with sending large video files.  Some options are discussed including Skype and FilePhile as well and Case Management Software.  There’s some discussion on Databrokers as well.

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This episode is sponsored by USAPI and GoToMeeting.com

GotoMeeting  Hold your meetings online for just $49/mo. Try GoToMeeting FREE for 30 days

In this episode, Scott explores generalization as opposed to specialization.  Consider his long standing position on being specialized, it’s a tough proposition to endorse.  Check it out.

There’s also some discussion of Spoofcard.  It’s a great tool but use it wisely and always be aware of your local laws.

Don’t forget to add The Curbside Investigator to your Twitter Feed.

Check out the new forums on the site.  Create your username and password on the site to access the forum.

Visit our sponsor, USAPI

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This episode is sponsored by USAPI and GoToMeeting.com

GotoMeeting  Hold your meetings online for just $49/mo. Try GoToMeeting FREE for 30 days

I’ve seen lots of questions about how to send large files lately.  Here’s my take on the  subject.  As mentioned, my favorite service can be test driven here. You’ll have to listen to the podcast or just trust me.

Don’t forget to add The Curbside Investigator to your Twitter Feed.

Check out the new forums on the site.  Create your username and password on the site to access the forum.

Visit our sponsor, USAPI

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This episode is sponsored by USAPI and GoToMeeting.com

GotoMeeting  Hold your meetings online for just $49/mo. Try GoToMeeting FREE for 30 days

Happy New Year everyone.  Thank you for listening and thank you for supporting the show.  Can you do me a favor and leave a comment on itunes?

Resolutions-We all make them this time of year.  My resolutions this year, for business, are to do more marketing, rework my website and buy new gear.  I’d like to get active in local business groups too.  What are your resolutions?

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Since I posted the review of the 808 Key chain Spycam last week, I’ve gotten quite a few calls and emails about the root directory and setting the time and date.  Give this short update a listen to get the scoop.

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There’s been a lot of discussion in PI forums about the keychain spy cams.  This episode is my attempt to explain what they are, the different versions and how they work.  Much of my source material was taken from here.  Big thanks to the author for the work in figuring these things out and allowing me to use the material.

Here’s the link to my Youtube page where some sample videos can be viewed.  Keep in mind these are highly compressed by Youtube.

My ebay seller where I’ve had good luck purchasing the keychain spy cam for $15.  Keep in mind you’ll have to supply your own micro SD card.

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Usage notes:

HOW TO TAKE A VIDEO
1. Start with the camera off (or press the reset button to turn it off).
2. Press the power (on/off) button.  This turns the LED and the camera on.
3. Press and hold the mode (video/image) button.  The LED flashes 3 times then the LED goes off.  The camera is recording video and audio.
4. Press the mode button to stop video recording.  The video recording stops, the video is written to a AVI Flash memory file, and the LED turns on.
5. Press and hold the power button.  The camera and the LED turn off.

HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO
1. Start with the camera off.
2. Press the power button.  This turns the LED and the camera on.
3. Press the mode button.  The LED briefly goes off, then on.  The camera took a photo and wrote it to a JPG Flash memory file.  Repeat step three to take more photos.
4. Press and hold the power button.  The camera and the LED turn off.

Setting DATE and TIME

HOW TO SET THE DATE TIME – Use one of these methods and maybe try them both.

The Internal Flash Camera
The camera keeps the date and time as long as the battery is not dead.  It stamps the date time in the upper left corner of all video, and the date time property of all AVI and JPG files.

If you don’t set the date time, 1980 Jan 1 will be used.

For example, to set the date time to May 13 2009 at 3:10pm:
Connect the USB.  Create a time.txt file in the flash root with one line inside in this format:

2009.05.13 15:10:00

Disconnect the USB.  The camera will read the file, change the camera date time, and delete the file.

The Micro SD Camera (#3)
David contacted a seller to get these instructions.
Bob has give me a more detailed instructions.
For what you call the #3 camera – settime.txt and time.txt files don’t work at all.  It has to be a file named tag.txt reading EXACTLY this way:

[date]
2009/10/22
03:45:00

There has to be a space after the first line AND AFTER THE SECOND LINE.  And the time stamp starts when the key chain camera is powered on with this file on the root – not when the file is created – so create it with a time a minute ahead and then disconnect it from the USB (the proper way) and power up the keychain cam at that time.

Sample Video
Morning Video
Daytime Video

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This episode is chock full of good stuff on a variety of topics.  Give a listen to The American PI podcast and tell em you heard about it from The Curbside Investigator.  Big thanks to some of my biggest fans.  That’s right, I’m talking about the Australian PI’s.  They’ve been with me since the beginning and I appreciate it.  Follow me on Twitter at TheCurbsidePI or check the link at the Curbside Investigator site. Use Dropbox to transfer and sync large files.  Saving online video.  Take a look at Keepvid and netvideohunter.  Also look at Firefox extensions Downloadhelper and Screengrab.  To save date and time, try vDTS8888 or dvcsetup.  Vobmerge will join videos and avs4you will convert AVI to DVD.  What’s your thoughts on surveillance with busses, bikes and carpool lanes?  I’ve shared mine.  You share yours.

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Thank you for sponsoring the show USAPI.ORG

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I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the type of marketing I do.  Much of it has been unsuccessful recently and it’s time to throw it out to the listeners.  Tell me what YOU are doing to market in a slow economy.

Special thanks to our sponsor USAPI for their support

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Some items of interest mentioned in the podcast:

My Presidential bid is going well.

PI mistaken for turkey

USAPI product review

CALI conference

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This one is huge guys.  You heard it hear first.  Thank you for your support!

Yes, it’s true.  I have decided to run for President of the California Association of Licensed Investigators.

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