1. Ambient Temperature Sensor
2. Infrared Thermometer
3. Single Axis EMF Meter
4. K-II EMF Detector
5. Tri-field EMF Detector
6. Digital Voice Recorder
7. H2 Audio Recorder
8. Digital Camera
9. SLR Digital Camera
10. DVR Recording System
11. Wireless Infrared Camera System
12. Short Range Infrared Camera
13. Mid-Range Infrared Camera
14. Mega Flood Infrared Camera
15. Audio & Photo Analyzing Software
16. HDR-SR12 Camcorder
(See all of our equipment in our Gallery)
1. Ambient Temperature Sensor
The sensor is used to measure the constant air temperature in a specific room or area. This temperature gauge will increase or decrease slowly as it measures the surrounding air and will usually stay within a very constant range. When investigating, we look for large or fast temperature changes with this instrument because this is not normal activity unless the room is being heated or cooled by conventional means. We compare the readings to a baseline temperature that is recorded in each room and area before we begin an investigation. It is believed that when a spirit attempts to manifest itself, that it draws energy around it such as heat creating cold spots. With the ambient temperature sensor, we are looking for a sudden and unexplained temperature change in the area being investigated.
2. Infrared Thermometer
The infrared thermometer specifically measures the surface temperature at which it is being aimed. It is a common misconception that this device will detect a change in temperature of the area being investigated. This device will only measure a change in temperature if something passes directly in front of it. It is believed that when a spirit attempts to manifest itself, that it draws energy around it such as heat creating cold spots. Using the thermometer, the cold spot can be confirmed in a specific location within the area being investigated. When used in conjunction with the ambient temperature sensor, it can provide valuable data in determining a paranormal event.
3. Single Axis EMF Meter
EMF stands for “Electro-magnetic field.” This piece of equipment is used to measure an AC magnetic field and gives us readings on a digital display. It will measure in a single axis relative the magnetic field. It is thought that an entity can draw energy from around itself when attempting to manifest, thus it creates fluctuations in a magnetic field. This is also a great tool to use for debunking activity in a supposed haunting. Faulty wiring and electrical boxes can give off high EMF readings which can result in the sensation of being watched, headaches, nausea, and even slight auditory and visual hallucinations in extreme cases. Most paranormal phenomena register in the 2.0 – 9.0 MilliGauss range with sudden and non-reoccurring spikes. When a spike occurs, it is recorded by the investigator and compared to the baseline reading taken before we start each investigation.
4. K-II EMF Detector
This unique piece of equipment is a visual aid in detecting small EMFs (Electro-magnetic fields). It has several LED lights in colors from green to red. The K-II meter detects fields in the 0.0 – 2.0 MilliGauss range. Many paranormal investigators believe that entities draw surrounding energy when attempting to manifest and this change in an EMF can be detected using the proper equipment. This specific detector will light up when its sensor picks up a change. We take a baseline reading before we begin each investigation which is an average or constant so we can confirm the change with data we have collected. Even though paranormal phenomena usually registers between 2.0 and 9.0 Milli Gauss, we can use the K-II meter to ask questions and possibly receive a response by the presence lighting up the detector on command. In order to accept and use this as evidence, the response must occur repeatedly to ensure that it isn’t just a random spike. This device is extremely sensitive to electronic interference and so it requires that there be no cellphones or radios near this device when collecting data.
5. Tri-Field EMF Detector
This EMF (Electro-magnetic field) detector is used to detect DC or “natural” electric and magnetic fields. Most EMF meters and detectors measure AC or “man-made” magnetic and electric fields. An example of an AC or “man-made” sources include power lines and appliances which could give off a false reading when collecting data to confirm a paranormal event. We record baseline readings which is an average of what the EMF fields are before beginning each investigation in order to confirm a change if it occurs. This detector allows you to measure electric, magnetic, both fields, or radio and microwave leakage. It shows the result in an analog display with the needle increasing as it detects each field. The display has a measurement of 0-100 microteslas or 0-1,000 MilliGauss and also gives off a buzzing which increases along with the strength of the field detected. By using the tri-filed meter, we can ask questions and listen for a change which could signify a presence. In order for us to use the response as data and not just a random spike, it must be repeated in conjunction with the investigators’ questions and/or personal experiences.
6. Digital Voice Recorder
A digital voice recorder is used in paranormal investigating to capture EVPs (Electronic voice phenomenon). An EVP is a disembodied voice that couldn’t be heard by an investigator during a recording session. The digital recorder replaces the older tape recorder with the advantages of tape replacement and the ability to download into audio analyzing software. High end voice recorders tend to filter out unnecessary sounds because they record only within the normal voice range. Sometimes the unknown voice does not show up within the normal range or even at all when put into audio analyzing software. During recording sessions, an investigator will ask questions spacing them in hopes of capturing a voice when the audio is reviewed. Most of our recorders use an Omni-microphone system which allows it to collect all the surrounding sound rather than audio from a specific direction.
7. H2 Audio Recorder
The H2 is a high end audio recorder that we use during an investigation to capture EVPs (Electronic voice phenomena). It differs from a voice recorder by not filtering out the frequencies above and below the human voice range. It also has the ability to record in 2-channel or 4-channel. The advantage of 4-channel is that it records in surround sound and when reviewing, you can actually hear the direction each sound is coming from. It has the capability of capture surrounding sounds that lower end recorders can miss. During an investigation, this audio recorder has been successful in capturing footsteps heard by investigators but not captured on other audio recording devices.
8. Digital Camera
The digital camera is used to take still photos of a location that may capture a paranormal anomaly not seen by the naked eye. The camera is also a good source for documenting the investigation to later reference. A digital camera has several advantages over a 35mm film camera. It can be costly when using many rolls of film for each investigation and developing all the film afterwards. In addition to the cost, the time it takes to develop the film is also a factor. With the digital camera, it stores the pictures on a memory card and can be reviewed immediately. The biggest problem with a digital camera isn’t the camera itself, it’s the person behind the camera. If someone is not trained to properly take pictures and lacks knowledge of some photography basics, then anomalies that show up in the pictures are accepted as paranormal when most of the time it is a simple photographic error.
9. Digital SLR Camera
SLR stands for single reflex camera. The camera captures exactly what is seen in the field of view. This higher end camera has different lens and flash options allowing an elimination of unwanted photographic errors such as dust particles and reflections. We use these cameras to take high definition photographs that can be enlarged and reviewed with more precision. By taking a picture with an SLR camera, we can eliminate most contamination and focus on the possibility of any evidence collected as paranormal activity.
10. DVR Recording System
We use a split screen DVR system to monitor and record the activity from all of our hard line infrared cameras. This piece of equipment outputs the view from all of our cameras to a monitor so that the command center operator can monitor the activity of each team and the area being observed. It also records the video that we later review in case any activity was missed or to confirm an experience by an investigator. We use high quality BNC cables to eliminate outside interference and record the highest quality video possible. The system has a built in hard drive and allows the data to be transferred to other computer devices for storage.
11. Wireless Infrared Camera System
This wireless piece of equipment operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency sending information from the camera to the receiver without the use of cables. It has the advantage of being able to fit in locations that is hard to reach with hard line. The cameras can see in total darkness with the use of infrared technology. These cameras have a distance of 16 feet in the dark which is optimal for small rooms. The disadvantage is that we sometimes receive interference and can obscure or contaminate the video footage being captured.
12. Short Range Infrared Camera
This camera is hard lined directly to the DVR recording system which eliminates outside interference and corruption of the video. It can see in total darkness with support of 9 LED Infrared lights. It is a small camera allowing a view of up to 33 feet which is ideal for small areas. This camera is ideal for small rooms allowing for a good range of view. The disadvantage of the camera is the quality is not comparable to higher end cameras. Using the camera, we record video that may capture paranormal events when an investigator is not present in the room.
13. Mid-Range Infrared Camera
This camera is hard lined directly to the DVR recording system which eliminates outside interference and corruption of the video. It can see in total darkness with support of 24 LED Infrared lights. It is a small camera allowing a view of up to 66 feet which is ideal for small hallways and larger rooms. This camera is ideal for medium and large rooms allowing for a good range of view. The disadvantage of the camera is that it doesn’t have a good viewing angle for smaller areas. Using the camera, we record video that may capture paranormal events when an investigator is not present in the room.
14. Mega Flood Infrared Camera
This camera is hard lined directly to the DVR recording system which eliminates outside interference and corruption of the video. It can see in total darkness with support of 44 LED Infrared lights. It is a small camera allowing a view of up to 164 feet which is ideal for large areas and long distances. The disadvantage of the camera is that it on has a 32 degree view which is great for view down hallways or in large buildings, but it offers extremely limited view in small rooms. Using the camera, we record video that may capture paranormal events when an investigator is not present in the room.
15. Audio & Photo Analyzing Software
We use different types of software when reviewing the evidence we captured from an investigation. Listening to the sound from the audio recorder only gives you the flexibility of recorder itself. We use Adobe Audition when reviewing so that we can visually see the wave or spectrum format of each recording. In the spectrum view, we can see where each sound registers on the scale in Hertz allowing us to compare the results to the voice range of a male or female. Also, we can run in depth analysis such as generating a preview of the Doppler, phase, and frequency ranges giving us a “3D” image of the sound. Using Adobe Photoshop, we are capable of analyzing photos in a similar manner by look at all aspects through adjusting contrast and other tools the program has to offer. The software we use is invaluable to us as it can mean the difference in confirming a claim or not.
16. HDR-SR12 Camcorder
This piece of equipment is a high end version of the normal camcorders we use during an investigation. It has a 120GB hard drive and recorders in high definition. The clarity of the recorder is superior to our lower end camcorders. We are able to capture more detail and definition which helps to sort through any evidence capture with the camera. It is also infrared capable and all data can be transferred directly to our computer systems from the internal hard drive. This saves time by not having to capture the video minute for minute as we do with the lower end camcorders. This has become a valuable part of our investigations.