Tips for Using Equipment

Cameras are a valuable tool for investigating a haunting. They provide a visual documentation of the site and the phenomena occurring. Cameras are neither for nor against the supernatural allowing what we do not see with our closed minds to be photographed. We use Digital with auto focus/auto flash cameras.

When taken pictures it is also wise to say flash. While photographing at the site you should try to avoid any unnecessary focus points that might have lights, reflective surfaces, poles or any other obstruction that will interfere with evaluation or determination of the photograph and it's elements. All photographs should be cataloged with the corresponding negative for archival storage or saved on your hard drive, CD or disk.

Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation. Unlike still cameras they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation. The video cameras we use are equipped with infrared capability and this is the mode we use. With video any phenomena occurring can be documented in its entirety. This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs, what is happening, the conditions surrounding the phenomena, and possibly even the cause of the phenomena.

When setting up the video camera place it in an area that has an unobstructed view of the whole area being investigated but not in the way of the investigators, an entrance, or an exit. You can also walk around with the video camera. When videoing state the location, time, investigators names, and weather conditions. It is extremely important to state any obstruction in the focus point of the video camera that may be perceived during review as an anomaly, such as a light source for example. Do not use any external light source when videoing. Most video cameras have night shot setting or IR setting on them, if so, use that setting because that puts the camera in the infrared mode. When reviewing the tape, be sure to mark down all the times a phenomenon occurs and include this in your report.

Digital Voice Recorders are with out a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox.  Audio recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation. Recorders are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts, your notes and attempting to record  electronic voice phenomena [EVP].

Types of EVPs:

Class A - Loud & clear - interpreted the same by all listeners.

Class B - Reasonably clear - interpreted differently by some listeners.

Class C - Requiring headphones to distinguish the voices and open to individual interpretation.

 When using audio recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators names. When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names, which will make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice activation mode should be deactivated on tape recorders during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases. This is not necessary with digital recorders and they actual seem to work better in voice activation mode. If the recorder comes equipped with a tape counter record the locations on the tape where any audible phenomena is being heard during review.

The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's tracking device, a very important piece of equipment. With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy sources. It will detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields and low strength moving EMF fields that have no source. Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the area and take initial readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the investigation. Most units when purchased come with a manual describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading.

When using the EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates spirit presence. Anything higher or lower is normally has a natural source.

  Thermometers are an instrument that is also very useful There are two types used regular digital thermometers and infrared non contact thermometers. When used on an investigation this will aid as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drop of 10 degrees of more could indicate spirit presence.

  The compass is a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price. When used on an investigation this will indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves erratically. This works on the same principle as a EMF meter.

  Motion Detectors can be used to sense movements by often-unseen forces or spirits. You can get battery operated ones for about 20 dollars and they are great for inside but we have seen them used successfully outdoors as well, just watch the placement. You don't want a tree branch setting it off.

Two-way radios are a good communication system for an investigation team. Often the investigators tend to split up and this will allow quick and clear communication to avoid searching and yelling.

  Flashlights are a must for any investigator. In most investigations this will be the only light source you will have. When using the flashlight, if possible, the investigator should have a red filter fitted to the lens. This will still provide clear vision but tinting the light keeps your night vision intact.

Extra batteries, are a must when you want to be well-prepared for an investigation. You do not want to have that once in a life time opportunity such as a full body apparition to float on by because your batteries were drained or you did not have enough film. In this field there is never enough when it comes to equipment.