The UV monkey is a handy mini UV ray detector – small enough to hang on a keychain.

Just expose it to sunlight and it’ll tell you how strong the devious rays are at that precise moment, taking just a few seconds to give you a simple read-out on its cute purple scale. Each part of the scale corresponds to the UV warning scales used in national forecasts too, so you’ll know precisely when to pop your hankie on your noggin and roll down your trousers.

The UV Monkey is available from the Firebox.com website for £3.95 (about $6 USD).

Here’s a way to do a little home security surveillance in true FBI Files style, using a small high-quality Sony camera disguised as a normal smoke detector.

The high quality 1/3 Inch SONY CCD camera hidden inside features low LUX of 1.5, as well as an adjustable lens fixture for wider or narrower viewing angle, is mounted on an adjustable mounting bracket for easily getting the desired vertical viewing angle, and is easily connectible with any TV via its RCA connection.

Features:

• Image Device: 1/3 INCH SONY CCD
• Color System: NTSC
• Horizontal Definition: 420TV Lines
• Angular Field of View: 65 deg
• Minimum Illumination: 1.5Lux/F1.2
• Adjustable Lens Focus: 2.8mm /3.6mm /6mm
• Scan frequency: NTSC 60Hz
• White Balance: Auto
• S/N Ratio: >48dB
• Operation Temperature: 0~35 deg C
• Connection: RCA
• Power Adapter: DC 12V
• Dimension: 200×200x55mm
• Recommended Max Range for Objects: 8~10 Meters

The Smoke Detector Style Disguised Camera (NTSC) is available over at Chinavision with the retail price set to $51.14 for a “Sample +1″order.

This new spy gadget allows you to search for hidden cameras. It can detect the lens of any wired, wireless or covert camera from up to 50 feet away.

Two high-power alternately pulsating “laser frequency” beams scan for camera lenses up to 50 incredible feet away. Hidden cameras are easily and quickly detected and viewed as bright flashing red lights by simply looking into the 4X magnified, focus adjustable, optical glass view port.

The Hidden Camera Detector locates ALL kinds of cameras, including ultra mini pinhole and cameras hidden inside objects such as clock radios, smoke detectors, etc. It will find more hidden cameras with less false results and greater accuracy than any other product on the market today.

So, if you’re the “Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you” type of person, the Hidden Camera Detector is yours for $393 over at Bim Bam Banana.

The London Science Museum has taken a new approach to the good ‘ol art of metal detecting by adding the technology to a radio controlled car.

This colourful little piece of technology has chunky off-road tyres and a metal detector underneath so you can seek your fortune in rough terrain.

Features:

• Find lost or hidden metal objects
• Beeps and lights up when you find metallic objects
• Learn about metal detecting as you play

The Metal Detector R/C Car measures 230(L) x 270(W) x 110(H) mm and is available for £39.99 (about $83 USD) over at the Drinkstuff website.

The TeleSpy may not be a true alternative to a standard home alarm systems, but it can function as a low-cost option when you want to add a little extra security to your home.

The TeleSpy features an intrusion notification systems built into a working telephone. With the internal hidden motion detector and microphone this plain telephone is now your DIY way to install a home alarm. Simply enter the number you would like the TeleSpy to call in the event of an intrusion and turn the power switch on. When the motion activated sensor is triggered the TeleSpy will call the number and the internal microphone will allow the call recipient to hear what is happening!

Features:

• “Slim Line” type standard telephone
• Stores one number
• Plugs into standard RJ-11 phone jack
• 30 seconds of listening – after 30 seconds the TeleSpy call disconnects and re-arms
• Built-in passive infrared motion sensor
• 45-degree wedge beyond the sensor origin
• Amplified condenser microphone
• Includes: Telespy, coil phone cord, phone cord, AC adapter, instructions

The TeleSpy Intrusion Detector is available at ThinkGeek for $59.99.