Equipment
The most important and valuable paranormal investigative gear one can ever use is their own common sense and good judgment. However, for those of us who are determined to approach the field in really scientific ways, commercial markets and Internet stores are loaded with specialized devices that help detect, determine and document paranormal phenomena. Entities Inc. has also invented a few of our very own pieces of equipment as well. Although, all you really need to get started is a light source, a compass, a voice recorder, and a camera; Entities Inc. uses many additional pieces of equipment in our investigations including those of our own design. The following list and descriptions should give you an idea of how specific and scientific the equipment we use really is.
Flashlights: Flashlights really are an essential, basic item for any investigator. Naturally, most investigations occur after dark, and when it is time to cut off power the flashlight is one of the few if only light sources available. A red filter fitted to the lens or a red bulb keeps night vision intact and eyes adjusted to lower light levels. Lots of extra batteries are always essential as well.
Watch: A reliable timepiece is an essential piece of equipment for keeping track of time spent during the investigation and to help coordinate the team’s efforts. This may be overlooked in this modern age; due to the fact many people don’t wear watches and keep track of time with cell phones. However, since cell phones should be off during investigations due to their ability to interfere with technical device readings a watch is a good idea.
Compass: Simple in construction and function, the compass is probably the most overlooked yet dependable paranormal tool in existence. It is a highly dependable electromagnetic field sensor. It has largely been replaced by more accurate and sensitive electronics, but this tool is a good backup for these modern devices. Compass needles can be moved by entities with strong EMF that may well be paranormal in origin.
Camera: A picture is worth a thousand words. That is never truer than when it is applied to pictures of the paranormal. Most investigators prefer cameras of more than five mega pixels for higher resolution and clarity. However, it isn’t necessary to spend a fortune. As the technology has evolved, and newer models are no longer plagued with problems with “false orbs” and such some models also offer important features, such as night shot mode. More expensive digital cameras offer a format known as “raw”. These files are uncompressed and any anomalous raw image that is examined using this format can be easily authenticated. A bonus feature of digital files is that vital information is embedded within them. They can tell you about the make and model of the camera, the date and time the image was shot, what camera settings were used, whether the flash was used and the ISO settings. If any attempt to manipulate the image, the EXIF data records this information as well. You can easily analyze a digital image to see if it has been manipulated. There are many more complex cameras that can be used in every imaginable way to gather readings on images captured as well as the environment. To the paranormal investigator the choice in different camera is like a kid in a candy store. But, you don’t have to get that complex to get some great evidence. Each of our investigators uses various cameras according to preference. We also have Infrared cameras and night vision cameras.
Audio Voice Recorders: Audio and more specifically digital voice recorders are small devices that pack a lot of investigative punch. Voice recorders can be extremely useful investigative tools for the paranormal investigator. The technology is advancing so quickly that it is a good idea to make sure you have good sound quality and that the digital files can be easily copied and transferred. This is how we capture electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) and are very important in our investigations. There are some really advanced and high-tech recorders as well. Our group has both.
K-2 Meter: These are electromagnetic field meters/detector. They are used today because they are so helpful in finding paranormal activity. K-2 meters have five LED lights that alert the user to different levels of electromagnetic field activity. These lights make using it in the dark a lot easier. The theory about EMF activity is that manmade EMF will stay steady, while paranormal activity will produce spikes in the reading, because spirits emit a pulsing electromagnetic field. When the meter goes to the second light, it is a definite indication of a higher than normal level of electromagnetic energy. They can be affected by giving a false reading in the event they are in the presence or close proximity to one of the following:
- Poorly grounded or unshielded wiring
- Microwave ovens in use
- Dimmer switches
- Cellular phones in use
- FM, FRS, GRS and CB radio transceivers in use
- Air conditioning and power system/stations
- Television screens, plasma screens, and LCD screens
- Computers
- Power lines within 100 yards, especially high voltage (tension) towers and transformers
- Fuse boxes
For these reasons, they require a certain amount of familiarization and training. We must always make sure none of these factors are present or potentially affecting the readings. Manifesting entities will typically cause the meter to go all the way up to the highest level and make the reading spike. This is exciting to witness and very useful.
Gauss Meter: These meters are used when sensitivity, ultra-fast reactivity, wide detection range, and audible tones are needed on an investigation. They are precision instruments designed for specific situations, and their unique qualities make them a great asset to the team. A single-axis gauss meter detects paranormal activity within an area by showing the “electromagnetic smog signature” such activity generates. These instruments are very accurate and fast. A color-coded graph helps indicate the level of a field’s intensity at a glance.
Remote Sensor Wireless Thermometer: This type of thermometer uses wireless technology and a remote sensor. The device should be placed in a remote area that needs to be monitored. It shows temperature changes and will alert investigators if there is a sudden shift in temperature.
Infrared Thermometer: Infrared technology, commonly called IR, is used to measure a type of EMF we don’t hear that much about- but you know it when you feel it! An infrared thermometer is a pistol-grip meter, equipped with a laser pointer that will measure temperatures from 0* to 600* F at a safe distance for the user. It is incredible accurate and has a backlit LCD readout for ease of use in dim lighting conditions. It can be used to quickly measure the IR temperature of corridors, rooms, basements, or attics.
Hardwire Thermometer: This is a high-tech thermometer used primarily to back up readings found with IR thermometers. They use an extremely sensitive wire probe, which is hard-wired into an equally sensitive meter with a digital read-out. The probe is then placed in the target area to record the temperature.
Infrared Motion Detectors: These instruments can detect anomalies in two ways:
1. The device’s passiv4e infrared motion detector sweeps the zone and compares the area’s thermal makeup to the reading it took upon activation.
2. The device’s infrasonics detect noise in the sweep area and any sudden disturbance in the room’s air mass. Small objects, even on the molecular level, will displace enough air within the room to trip a warning signal.
Ion Detector: The air ion counter is used for the detection of both positive and negative natural and artificial ions. It is a standard paranormal theory that when a spirit/ghost is about to manifest, a certain amount of energy is drawn from the surrounding environment or from nearby sources. These meters measure the resulting change in the positive or negative ions (electrostatic energy) in the air. It is a fascinating tool in the arsenal of the paranormal investigator. This particular instrument has the following features:
- Audible notification of activity
- Visual notification of activity
- Long battery life (up to eighteen hours continuous use on a single battery)
- Telescopic antennae for maximum signal gain
Two Way Radio: Handheld communication is a must for use in our investigations when normal speech isn’t possible. When groups are spread out and need to maintain communication with all members at all times to ensure our safety during investigations and coordinate efforts. These handy little devices make that possible. Most have a two to five mile range and are powerful enough to transmit through walls and obstacles to allow clear communications in all kinds of weather.
Geiger Counter: This meter is most often associated with atom bombs and radiation, but also has its uses in paranormal investigation. They are tough, durable, portable, and powerful. Paranormal energy ionizes the air and this meter detects the change instantly. Thee simple meters detect changes in the number of negatively and positively charged ions on-site at investigations.
Closed Circuit TV: A monitoring system of this sort is of huge assistance to investigators. A closed circuit television with Night Vision capability (CCT/IR) allows our investigative team to monitor one or more areas simultaneously without risking direct exposure to any paranormal activity. If there is suspicion of the presence of inhuman entities or poltergeists, we can more easily catch it here.
Night Vision Equipment: Expensive but incredibly useful! Entities Inc. has a few different pieces of equipment that use IR technology, and we are always adding and upgrading.
Sound Level Meter: Enhanced sound level meters detect ELF (extra low frequency) and EHF (extra high frequency) sounds. These can (with slight modification) pick up the sound of a tape recorder in operation, or a video camera’s mechanical signature. If hoaxters try to set up a site trying to trick investigators, this device will help find that equipment by locating the sound of it in operation. Since it is so sensitive, it is extremely useful to EVP-seeking and very useful when determining the quietist location to place microphones and recording devices.
Black Light: A black light or UV light is a multi use tool, which can be used to detect airborne particles in a room or building, and it also allows investigators to distinguish between true orb phenomena and non-paranormal airborne contaminates. There is also a theory that a black light can be used to “push” spirits out of an area and herd them toward another space, where they can then perhaps be photographed or contacted.
LED Laser Grid: This is a high-powered laser that emits a grid of green dots useful in detecting shadows or general visual disturbances in an area during an investigation. This is set up in front of a camera to catch potential evidence.
Electronic Electroscope: This device detects static electricity given off by energy in the area around the device. Whenever someone says they can “feel the hair on their arms standing up”, this device shows when a charge is being produced by a potentially unseen or paranormal entity. The electroscope unit we use is a modified design built by a member of our own team.
* A Note From Our Tech manager: Vinny Ferraro*
“In the following article I will be reviewing some of the personal equipment I use during our investigations. It seems that every day there is a new device being developed in the ghost-hunting circle. No matter if it’s to record spirit voices or detect high fluctuations in EMF, the more ways we have to document the paranormal the easier it is to prove our case. Along with my review, I will also explain some of the methods in which we use the devices.
During our investigations I use a wide range of equipment. Some devices tend to work better than others and some supply a much better piece of evidence than the next. So, I’ll start out with my basic equipment. The Digital Voice Recorder I use is an Olympus WS-500M. It’s a very small compact durable recorder with which I catch most of my evidence. It’s not the top of the line recorder, but for the price you can’t go wrong. It sells new for about $100 dollars depending where you get it. This recorder is extremely simple to understand and operate. It has 4 GB of memory and starts off with 5 folders to store your recordings and uses a rechargeable AAA battery which charges thru the USB plug. I have a new folder for each place I investigate. There are 2 modes to set the recording sensitivity for both microphones. This is also a very nice feature, because it records the files as right and left microphone, so when you use your audio software you can see which part of the room the voice actually came from.
I also use a Lutron EMF-822A, which is an electromagnetic field tester. It’s one of the most popular EMF detectors used in the field. The 822A is an average size detector that runs on a 9V battery. It has 2 modes to sense fields, which are “tesla” and “gauss”; with only one drawback to this device…the display screen is not backlit, which makes it very hard to see in the dark. This means that you will always need a light source when using it, so you cannot have another device out while walking around. Other than that, it’s “a turn on and go” operation, which is extremely responsive as well. Another EMF detector I use is the K2 meter. I love this meter. It also runs on a 9V battery like the 822A. The K2 has 5 lights going from green to yellow, orange then red. Each color is a range of EMF that the device senses. During an EVP session we set up two K2 meters, one labeled “yes” and one labeled “no”. We explain to any spirit in the room how we are planning on using these and seem to get some positive outcomes on them. I highly recommend this device along with the others I use.
Some other devices I will briefly touch upon are the “Shack Hack” and the laser grid. The shack hack is a basic Am/Fm radio with a wire disconnected to make the radio scan channels without stopping. The point of this device is to use it during an EVP session in the hope that a spirit will answer thru the white noise. I’ve only had a chance to use it once, so I will talk more about it after a few more uses. The same goes for the laser grid. I’ve briefly used this, but the point is to set up the laser next to a camera and hope to catch a shadow, mist, or mass walk thru the lasers. The problem I’m having with it is that the grid does not show up on the infrared cameras or on a normal camcorder in the dark. I will touch back on this also once I work out the kinks I’m running into.
The last few pieces I use are my digital camera and my video camera. The digital camera I use is a SONY Cyber-shot DSC-S2100. This is a great camera to use due to the fact that it’s not big and bulky, and runs on two AA batteries. The camera is 12-mega pixels, which give you very clear pictures even when zooming in during review. Also a great feature is that you can set the mode to take a picture every second you hold down the capture button. Any digital camera will work during an investigation, but keep in mind that you will be working in the dark and keeping things simple is best. I also recommend using a digital camera that runs on AA batteries. I say this because you can replace them in the field. If something drains the power from your batteries and you’re using a camera that’s only rechargeable then you’re going to be out of luck. My last piece of equipment is the CANON FS300 camcorder. It’s easy to use, lightweight and uses SD cards to record on. The camera records in three different qualities depending on how much memory you want the video to take up. Once again there is a downfall, no night vision. To solve this problem I use YUKON Wake 2 X25 night vision scope with a bracket. It’s not the greatest setup because you lose a lot of your camera’s view. Also, there is a lot of auto focusing because you’re adding lenses for the camera to look thru. I wouldn’t recommend setting up your camera this way, but if you cannot afford a night vision camera your choices are limited.
I hope by writing this review that I helped you out in some way with making decisions on which equipment to use or purchase for your investigations. Always keep in mind that all of your equipment is for you, and you should purchase what suits your needs. You also do not need all of these devices to try and capture a piece of evidence. A basic camera and voice recorder can get you some great evidence by themselves. The others are just a great scientific way to back up your experiences and evidence you catch, and isn’t that why we do this in the first place? We all are here to experience something paranormal and capture it on camera or any other device we can use to prove that something is out there that we cannot explain.”
Entities Inc Tech Manager
Vinny Ferraro