Equipment we use on an investigation

EMF METERS

Given that all you can tell from an EMF meter is that there was a disturbance to the local magnetic field, of unknown magnitude and frequency, are they any use in paranormal research.

You could use the same argument about most bits of equipment used in vigils. Since no one knows what causes paranormal phenomena, or what effects they may have on the environment, it is legitimate to try measuring any environmental parameter you can to find out. So you can certainly justify using EMF meters on that basis.

Electromagnetic fields can be either AC (Alternating current) or DC (Direct current). An EMF meter can measure AC electromagnetic fields, which are usually emitted from man-made sources such as electrical wiring, while Gauss meters or magnetometers measure DC fields, which occur naturally in the earth’s geomagnetic field and are emitted from other sources where direct current is present.

EMF meters usually measure radiation in milligauss. In absence of a moving magnetic field, an ideal meter will read 0 milligauss. Industrial EMF meters will often read 2-3 milligauss when placed in an open field devoid of emitters such as power lines (either overhead or buried).

The majority of EMF meters available are calibrated to measure electromagnetic radiation, which is alternating at 50/60Hz (the frequency of US and European mains electricity)This is because in recent years people have become concerned about the long-term health effects of exposure to high levels of radiation emitted from some electrical appliances.

There are other meters which can measure field alternating at as little as 20 Hz However these tend to be much more expensive and are only used to specific research.

The unit of measurement on all EMF meters is milligauss (mg). Normal activity through this meter is 0mg to 2mg. paranormal activity occurs between 2.5mg to 10mg. Any readings above 10mg is probably non paranormal. There are many things that can throw off EMF readings, such as speakers, electrical wires, television sets, computers, appliances, electrical outlets, romex cable, power lines etc.

Infrared Thermometer

In theory when a spirit/ghost is manifesting it may give off a cold spot or a hot spot because the spirit/ghost

will draw in the energy around it causing a temperature change.

The first thing you want to do is to get a base reading so you can compare your date later on. Hold the red trigger down to take temperature readings. You have to set the thermometer to either Fahrenheit or Celsius, by pushing the button. This thermometer has a back light feature and also a laser beam to see where you are taking temperatures. While in the field you want to scan the area looking for any temperature changes. If you get a cold spot or a hot spot then investigate the area. When the investigation is complete make sure to write down your readings in the field report.

    Voice Recorders

Voice-activated digital note-takers Voice-recording machines & MP3 players

Voices are rarely heard during recording -- only during playback. They may be so soft that they can barely be heard or so distorted that they must be listened to over and over again to determine their meaning. The words may be in any language, and they can even be in a combination of languages (called polyglot). Sometimes, the voice answers questions or addresses the researcher directly. It may call the person by name or mention something very personal to the researcher. Sometimes, the voice sounds as though it is singing.

     Voltage Meter

          The voltage meter tests for battery power.

Theory when a spirit/ghost starts to manifest, it is said that the spirit/ghost will draw in any energy around the area. In theory if a spirit/ghost starts to manifest then the voltage meter will have a sudden drop in battery power.

  Walkie-Talkies

    Motion Sensor

A motion sensor will pick up any kind of movement that passes in front of the sensor. In theory after a spirit/ghost has manifested and is moving around, it may pass in front of a motion sensor causing the unit to sound.

The first thing you want to do is set up the sensor in an active field. Then set up the receiver to either silent mode or sound mode. The receiver will be kept with you at all times. During the investigation keep a close look at the receiver box to see if there is any movement. If the alarm should go off then you should go and investigate the area were the sensor was placed.

If the sensor does not pick up any activity then you will note that there was no paranormal activity through the motion sensor. If the sensor picks up some kind of activity, then you will need to investigate the area to determine whether or not it is paranormal activity.

   Dowsing Rods

_{Spirits/ghosts give off spiritual energy. Any energy that surrounds the dowsing rods will cause them to either cross or uncross.}

_{At the investigation site you should hold out the dowsing rods, one in each hand, very steadily. If they cross get someone with an EMF meter to confirm the reading. You may also start with them crossed and if they uncross check with and EMF meter as well.}

_{It is considered paranormal activity when the rods cross. The more they cross the stronger the energy field is. The dowsing rods can be made up of wood, brass, or various types of metals. Dowsing rods made up of any kind of metal can pick up electro magnetic energy. Bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, streams and oceans can affect the wooden rods.}

        Environment Meter 

    Bat Detector

                      Bat Detector 15 kHz up to 120 kHz used for listening for infrasound while at locations.

 Crystals

Quartz crystals are a gift from the earth. They have the ability to amplify or strengthen the things in you that are positive, and can help you put away things that cause you fear or anger. They can strengthen your ability to be a loving person, and can enhance your abilities to enjoy life and accomplish the things you want in life. They can amplify INTENTION, reduce stress, help with CENTERING (balancing or calming), strengthen HEALING abilities, and surround you with PROTECTION by amplifying white light. Any healthy quartz crystal point can strengthen these things and help produce personal growth by amplifying the subtle energies that flow inside you.

CHANNELLING CRYSTALS have seven edges surrounding the largest sloping face. These crystals are especially useful for obtaining information from deep within yourself or from sources that are outside of your normal realm. They can help you draw on the knowledge and information that is provided by the universe, and can aid you in getting help from a higher source. A channelling crystal can be used anytime you are seeking answers or help from outside of yourself. You must `listen' very carefully when using this crystal and realize that answers can come from many sources.

A channelling crystal can only be used by the person holding it. In other words, you can't send the energy to someone else in order to let him receive the information directly. However, since guides communicate readily with each other, you can become good at getting information to people by asking your guide to give you the needed information for someone else, and then relaying it to the person. This is how you channel information for others. Channelling crystals amplify the quiet inner voice of your guide, and can be a big help in learning how to channel information, both for yourself and for others.

IR light or Infrared light is an asset in paranormal investigation. IR lights can be used with video cameras that have night shot. The night shot feature allows you to record at night by shooting an IR beam out and reflecting it with starlight or moonlight allowing you to see in the dark. The IR light used with the night shot feature allows you to see a lot more than just using night shot. The IR light allows you to see a greater distance and more of an area, which can capture more on video. It is also believed that paranormal activity is more inclined to being viewed with IR light.

Stethoscope

Great for structure investigations where one should be excluding all other possibilities for alleged anomalous happenings.  Most of the general public is familiar with at least the stethoscope that your doctor uses to listen to your body (usually lungs and heart).  These types of stethoscopes are fine and will be functional for taking environmentals in the interior and exterior of structural investigations.  There are stethoscopes that are used in large machine industries for numerous things such as trouble shooting what is wrong with a large commercial engine.  Some of these stethoscopes can be used in our research giving us an added edge to focusing our scope of data collecting.  These stethoscopes have numerous appendages that one can listen through one at a time. The benefit of having several listening devices on one stethoscope will help to narrow down where exactly a noise or sound is resonating from.  This may allow you to possibly find out that the EVP was really a small leak in a wall that you can’t get physically check. (for a bad example).  There are also electronic stethoscopes that have several appendages that are microphones with the typical earpieces that you would normally see.  However some of these stethoscopes allow you to attach a recording device such as your microcassette recorder so you have a recorded copy of what you’re hearing for further analysis and credibility.

The compass point is affected by magnetic fields. In theory, spirits/ghosts will give off electro magnetic fields. This can cause the needle to spin or point in the wrong direction.

The range of the compass is from your location to the magnetic north pole. Any magnetic fields surrounding the location could alter the direction the needle points in.

First know what direction normal north is. During the investigation pay close attention to which way the needle is pointing towards. When the investigation is complete write down the summary in the field report.

A normal reading is always north. Possible paranormal activity is when the compass is reading the wrong direction or if it begins to spin.

 Flash Lights