Make Your Own Spy Bug (Arduino Voice Recorder)

In this project I will show you how I combined an Arduino Pro Mini with a couple of complementary components in order to create a voice recorder which could also be abused as a spy bug. It has a run time of around 9 hours, is small and super easy to use. The recording quality might not be the best, but it should be suitable for many purposes. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the information you need to create your own Spy Bug. During the next steps though I will present you some additional information.

Step 2: Order Your Parts!

Here you can find a parts list with example sellers for all the components that you will need (affiliate links).

Aliexpress:

1x Arduino Pro Mini: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d62ALdV

1x LiPo Battery: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWbxwQm

1x TP4056 LiPo Charge/Protection Board: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dX8n0hp

1x Micro SD Card Adapter: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUy68bd

1x Electret Mic + MAX9814 Amp: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dT18MYS

1x Tactile Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXIIMcP

1x 5mm Red LED: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV63r7D

1x 2kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTPpXjt

Ebay:

1x Arduino Pro Mini: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x LiPo Battery: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x TP4056 LiPo Charge/Protection Board: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Micro SD Card Adapter: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Electret Mic + MAX9814 Amp: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Tactile Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 5mm Red LED: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 2kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x Arduino Pro Mini: http://amzn.to/2FHf9PY

1x LiPo Battery: http://amzn.to/2DZnbY5

1x TP4056 LiPo Charge/Protection Board: http://amzn.to/2EE8pTT

1x Micro SD Card Adapter: http://amzn.to/2nHrsVd

1x Electret Mic + MAX9814 Amp: http://amzn.to/2FHzW60

1x Tactile Switch: http://amzn.to/2BTCxYg

1x 5mm Red LED: http://amzn.to/2BTCyLO

1x 2kΩ Resistor: http://amzn.to/2nKX5NN

Step 3: Build the Circuit!

Here you can find the schematic and pictures of my finished Spy Bug. Feel free to use them as a reference.

Step 4: Upload the Code!

Here you can download the Arduino code for the project. Use an FTDI breakout to upload it to the Arduino Pro Mini. And don't forget to download/include the TMRpcm library:

https://github.com/TMRh20/TMRpcm