Equipment

An investigator's observation skills, common sense, and research abilities are at the heart of any investigation.  But it’s the evidence gathered using equipment that makes up much of the final product of an investigation. Witness statements, investigator experiences, and the background of a potentially haunted site are extremely important, but people want to see or hear evidence. The equipment we regularly use on our investigations is shown and described below..

 Digital Voice Recorders

A common theory is that spirits can communicate with us, but at a different frequency or decibel levels that we cannot no rma lly hear.  Digital rec orders can help us to hear these sounds and are called Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) or ghostly voices.  When used during an investigation, ask questions like “What is your name?” or “Is there anything you want to say?” You may just pick up answers to your questions.

Omni Directional & Zoom Microphones

We use these in conjunction with the digital voice recorders and Mini DV Video Cameras. These microphones have their own power source via battery in the back. This way we the microphone isn't dependent on the power from the recorder, increasing battery drain, and helps to cut down on the background noise caused by the electronic components of the recorder that would otherwise be picked up by its own microphone.

Faraday Cages / Boxes

EMF/ELF Meters

Carbon Monoxide Meter

We use these meters for debunking purposes to help rule out any claims of paranormal activity being caused by a natural or man made reason.  Just like high levels of electromagnetic fields, Carbon Monoxide (CO) can cause some sensations that can be misinterpreted as paranormal activity (i.e.: apparitions, shadows, hearing voices, & other types of hallucinations). 

These are not the kind that plug into a wall, but rather personal meters we carry around with us.  We take initial readings prior to the investigation starting, then hook onto our belt or Grab-It-Pack and continue to monitor the CO levels throughout the investigation.  They have a small alarm that will go off if the level gets above 35 ppm and a louder alarm if the level goes above 100 ppm.  This way we don't have to keep an eye on the meter to know if the levels get too high.CO is an odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable gas to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, hallucinations, nausea, and dizziness.  High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms which includes mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness, & ultimately death.

CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Some people can experience very mild symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 35 to 70 ppm. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

Digital Cameras

An important piece of equipment that can capture strange anomalies can be a camera.  Strange anomalies can be anything to mist, shadows, and orbs or balls of light (we don't hold much stock into orbs though since they can be easily recreated). Sometimes you can get lucky and find full apparitions (note: we have not captured an apparition as of yet. We've been told it could take a life time of searching to find.)

35mm SLR Camera

Because film can capture the same type of evidence a digital camera can, we also use a 35mm SLR camera during our investigations. Many investigators believe that because digital images can be altered in many ways, it's easy to fake a bit of parano rma l evidence.  Plus, there is also the problem of pixilation or matrixing with digital images, making them unusable as evidence. By using a 35mm camera as another investigation tool, we can have a negative to back up our findings.

Mini-DV Video Cameras

The video camera is another important piece of equipment that can capture strange anomalies. Our camera has a night vision feature which allows us to film in the dark.  We’ve also paired it with an additional infrared light (See IR Light below) to help us see more when we record.  We either walk around with it or, with the use of a tri-pod, place it in a location to record. We look for anything out of the ordinary like objects moving on their own, shadows, or lights coming from an unknown source.

Infrared Lights

We pair this with our video camera with night vision capabilities to give us more light the camera can pick up during an investigation.

Incadescent Black Lights

We call this the poor man's infrared light, even though it's a black light (ultraviolet).  Because our Mini DV cameras need more infrared light to record in a dark area, we need to add more IR lights (see above).  However, this can get expensive at $40 to $80 a pop.  That's why we turn to this method for a cheaper alternative. 

Even with the IR filter turned on, our Mini DV cameras can still record in normal light.  The UV light that this bulb produces is so close to the natural light wave length, our video cameras can still pick up this light in a dark room just like an IR light.  Unlike its fluorescent partner, the amount of UV light we can see is very minimal, allowing us to still investigate in darkness.

With the reflector costing between $7 to $8, and an incandescent blact blak light bulb costing $1, youc an see why we turn to this lesser expensive option.

If you would like to see this light at work, Christopher made a demonstration video that can be viewed by clicking here.

DVR (Digital Video Recorder) System with Infrared Security Cameras

Pasco Barometric, Temperature, & Audio Data Loggers

Motion & Door Sensors

Laser Level

Grab-It-Pack

More equipment coming soon...