diff --git a/Makefile.am b/Makefile.am
index f4d9da2..46238c9 100644
--- a/Makefile.am
+++ b/Makefile.am
@@ -3,3 +3,27 @@
 SUBDIRS = src
 
 EXTRA_DIST = debian/*
+
+
+# make required device file
+dev:
+	mknod -m 600 /dev/raw1394 c 171 0
+	chown root.root /dev/raw1394
+	@echo
+	@echo "/dev/raw1394 created"
+	@echo "It is owned by root with permissions 600.  You may want to fix"
+	@echo "the group/permission to something appropriate for you."
+	@echo "Note however that anyone who can open raw1394 can access all"
+	@echo "devices on all connected 1394 buses unrestricted, including"
+	@echo "harddisks and other probably sensitive devices."
+	@echo
+
+install-exec-hook:
+	@if [ ! -c /dev/raw1394 ]; then                                 \
+		echo;                                                   \
+		echo "***********************************************"; \
+		echo "Required /dev/raw1394 special device not found."; \
+		echo "Run 'make dev' to create it.";                    \
+		echo "***********************************************"; \
+		echo;                                                   \
+	fi