What Equipment Is Required For A Ghost / Spirit Investigation?
Introduction
When investigating Ghosts and Spirits, different paranormal groups use different methods and investigation equipment. More scientific groups are more likely to have more electronic equipment, where other groups may rely more on psychic mediums. There is no right or wrong way, both methods can be effective in different ways.
Always have at least one other person with you at all times on an investigation. It's preferable to have a few people including someone experienced who can deal with any problems which can be encountered in a haunted location. This is partly for health and safety, but partly to witness anything unusual. 2+ peoples word is much better than 1 persons word as this doesn't stand up to scrutiny.There follows a summary of equipment that can be used on such investigations.
MINIMUM EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
A good torch (with spare batteries - sometimes spirits can allegedly drain batteries - I've known batteries suddenly go flat without a scientific explination). A torch is the barest minimum requirement for health and safety as investigations are usually performed in the dark or semi darkness. If you are actually doing a proper investigation, then you should also have a watch, pen and paper. Always keep a journal of events during the investigation.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT USED BY ALL
Camera (optical or digital), Camcorder and Dictaphone (preferably digital - voice activated). The dictaphone can be used to make notes, but can also be used to attempt capture of EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) which does exist as I've witnessed it being captured.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT MAINLY USED BY PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS
A compass - detects sudden changes in EMFs (Electro Magnetic Fields).
EMF Meters (various types) - spirits can allegedly give off EMFs (Electro Magnetic Fields), if a field suddenly appears and has no source (e.g. electrical equipment), then it's cause is unknown (possibly paranormal).
Negative Ion Detectors - detects static charges (can be alledgedly caused by spirits)
Digital Thermometers - sudden changes in temperature without a known cause (E.g the front door opened) can be put down to the paranormal.
Ultrasonic detector - can pickup sounds above and below what our ears can pickup.
Night Vision Camcorder - to detect possible light anomalies including so called 'orbs', remember dust is often the cause of a light anomaly on night vision equipment. This can be eliminated if a camera is set-up recording and the room is sealed from drafts and is undisturbed for a long period. There are numerous other experiments that can performed using a camcorder including trigger object experiments and more.
Lots of other professional equipment is also sometimes used, including radiation detectors, motion detectors, infra-red thermometers and more. On a professional investigation it is also important to turn off all mobile phones and any other equipment that could interfere with the equipment.
OTHER OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Oiuja Boards - OFTEN BANNED from investigations or particular haunted locations, always check first.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 at 4:43 am and is filed under Ghosts and Spirits, The Paranormal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
