Hi all! Questions - regarding the auto-voice recorders - I am looking at one online made by RCA that records 12 hours and will work in auto or regular record mode and its digital. Do they make any kind of noise when they start or stop recording? I am going out of town for overnight with a girlfriend and figure that is the best opportunity for the cat to play. I am however so nervous about getting caught. I also think I will rig something to our sheets so I would know if they had been messed up or changed. Still working through the details there. Anyway, any info would be helpful! Thanks!

They don't make any noise and work great. You can even hook them up to your house line.

Make sure you get a large supply of batteries as well.

good luck

Digital recorders don't make any noise because the recording is not done with any moving parts. Some do, however, have an automatic beep programmed in to signal the beginning of each recording.

Instead of buying on line, may I suggest you can get the same quality at Radio Shack...and you can ask questions about the recorders directly from the sales clerks. If the recorder does not function as advertised, you can also return it quicker and easier. Finally, buying it locally, you can use cash and avoid leaving a "paper trail" behind.

When you buy the recorder, it also might be a good idea to buy a tiny remote microphone (assuming it has the capability of adding a remote). One of these is generally more sensitive than the one built into the recorder and, since it is much smaller, it's easier to hide.

When you hide the thing, make sure it's where no one would think to look, but where the sound gathering ability is very good. For instance, the back or underside of a nightstand might be better than under the bed where the bedclothes will tend to muffle sound. Additionally, fasten the recorder and microphone (if any) very securely with duct tape or whatever so no amount of moving furniture, vacuuming nearby, making the bed, etc., will jar the device loose.

It's too bad you have to do this. But you have the right to know. Hang in there.