The well-equipped scientific paranormal investigator will use a wide range of electronic and other equipment.
Not all investigators agree on what equipment to use, or what the best equipment is. Here are some examples of common gear.
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Still Cameras
35 mm camera with black and white film and/or infrared film, or digital cameras. Usually flash or light amplifying systems will be required. With digital cameras the higher the pixel rate the higher the quality. Digital cameras are very useful and they are quickly becoming the item of choice because of the cost, ease of use and the ability to download photos directly to a computer.
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Video/Camcorder
Video or camcorders are also very useful. The more CDs a camera has, the better the picture, especially in darker rooms. Many camcorders have the ability to record infrared light. This is very useful. Additional infrared lights are also very helpful. Use new tapes. Don't use an old tape and tape over something. When possible, use a tripod.
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Audio Recorders
There are two types of recorders: Analog tape and digital. Many prefer one or the other, but both seem to be able to record EVP's. Even if you don't hear anything during the hunt, rewind the tape or recording and play it back. Spirit voices have been known to be heard on tape later in review. This is referred to as EVP, Electronic Voice Phenomena. Always use brand new tapes when recording.
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EMF Detector
These are great! EMF Detectors can pick up electronic fields over different frequencies. Where there are ghosts, there are usually disruptions in the electronic field. They are relatively cheap. You should try to get a hold of one or more of these for all field work. As a guideline, each person in your group should have one on hand.
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Thermometer
A good thermometer can detect changes in room temperature quickly. There are several types, from the old-fashioned, mercury-filled, red line thermometers, to laser-directed infrared thermometers that can tell you the temperature of a surfaces across the room and read Celsius or Fahrenheit, to thermometers that can automatically take the temperature at timed intervals and save them to a graph you can display on your PC. It’s often a good idea to have a several types to check readings.
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Infrared Thermal Scanner
These save on infrared film and time by accurately pinpointing the cold spots. These scanners are excellent to use in outside investigations.
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Air Ion Counter
This measures positive and negative ions in the air. This little add-on is a great instrument to have for use in the field.
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Geiger Counter
Some investigators believe the background radiation may change in the presence of a spirit. If you do get a Geiger counter, be sure to get one that measures alpha, beta, and gamma wave radiation.
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Flashlight
Always have bright flashlights -- usually three or four -- and extra batteries. It is useful to have a red LED or red filter on one pocket light, because the red light will allow you to see meters and your way around without impairing your night vision. Newer LED lights can offer more light and last a lot longer. Plus, the lamps don't have the habit of burning out at the worst time.
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Non-electric/Chemical Light Source
These are essential items, especially if your flashlight and equipment stop working. Some ghost hunters believe spirits can drain equipment energy. These light sticks can even be purchased in infrared to help your night photography.
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Night Vision Equipment
Night Vision equipment can be helpful in moving around during an investigation. Equipment can be expensive, but it is getting more reasonable in price. There are also a number of night vision "toys" on the market, and some investigators on a tight budget are using these. |
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Compass
Great for navigation if you know how to use one, and also great for picking up those electromagnetic forces. A compass will react to any magnetic or electrical stimulus that is out of the ordinary.
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Communicators, Radio or Direct Connect Cell Phones
When you have a team of three or more people spread out, headset commentators are a great idea for staying in contact. You can also use the handheld radios, but the headset frees up your hands for holding cameras, etc.
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“Frank’s Box”
This is a controversial new tool within the paranormal field. Developed by a man named Frank Sumption, this box is also known as the "Telephone to the Dead," a device that can allegedly communicate with the other side.
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Barometer
A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure or the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. Some investigators believe that some sightings correspond to a rise or drop in the surrounding barometric pressure.
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Notebook and Pens or Pencils
A notebook is a good way to keep notes, records of time or a journal of events. A lighted pen is very useful for writing in the dark.
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Security System
Some investigators use digital video recorders and security camera setups, including motion sensors to detect and record the presence of a spirit. This allows several areas to be monitored from one location with only one operator.
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Motion Detectors
An electronic motion detector contains a motion sensor that transforms the detection of motion into an electric signal. This can be achieved by measuring optical or acoustical changes in the field of view. It is used to detect movement in a investigation.
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Laptop PC
A personal PC can allow you to record noted, EVP's and record video. Much of the data recorded during an investigation can be loaded onto a PC for evaluation. Add to this many ghost hunting software programs available for a price of even free and the PC becomes a great tool.
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