GHOST HUNTING FORENSIC EQUIPMENT

 We are adding a forensic approach to ghost research and hunting. As used in criminal investigations, forensic tools are being used in our studies and investigations. There are many tools available for paranormal investigations. We feel that the points and suggestions given on each particular product are important to look for when purchasing them for use in investigating the paranormal.  We thought it should be said that this is a fairly extensive list used by professionals that have been able to commit many years and a lot of money to push their passion to the fullest extent they felt necessary.  Now that being said everything on this list is not for everyone.  We do not want people to feel overwhelmed or under equipped to the point where they don't even try to pursue their passion of the paranormal.  One can have many a successful investigations into the unknown with none or all of the equipment below and for all of those people who may now have all of this equipment and more, at one point they started with nothing.  Above all else make sure you take your scientific, open minded and safety conscious self into the field and you should always come away with something beneficial.

Provided by getghostgear.com
 

 
VCR- When used in conjunction with a closed circuit television monitoring camera it can basically become a camcorder in the sense that you can play back the images recorded for later analysis.  
 
Video Splitter- Using a video camera, closed circuit cameras and or a television on your investigations?   If you are you might be able to appreciate this little invention.  It allows you to apply multiple camera use to one single television.  Using a video splitter attached to you multiple cameras allows for any television with the appropriate jacks to split a screen or even switch between cameras depending on the level of splitter your able to acquire.  More to come about this products usage soon.
 
Tape Recorder- Any quality micro-cassette recorder with its compatibility will lend itself to be stored and used unobtrusively.  Some features to look for on your unit would be a microphone jack with a separate ear piece jack.  Having these separate jacks is a must in my book for several reasons.  First and foremost while collecting EVP or Electronic Voice Phenomenon with the internal stock microphone can yield confusing and less credible evidence.  The internal microphone can actually record its own internal parts moving creating many unusual sounds that may be mistaken for other worldly things such as EVP’s.  The other main reason I refuse to use the internal stock microphone is the internal microphone is not capable many times to pick up the wide range of noise that happen on varying frequencies and volumes.  Noise or sound is measured by frequency in hertz and volume in decibels (more on this under the “External Microphone”).  A low battery warning light feature I consider a must even though a simple yet over looked item, it can serve as a reminder about soon to be corrupted and worthless data due to low power.  First and foremost LEAVE IT ON AT ALL TIMES you never know what’s going to happen and when.   
 
Digital Micro Recorder- These digital audio recording units are nice because of the obvious ease in studying and analyzing the audio recording on a computer.  The draw back I find is the lack of material records unless some are duplicated, from the original you are limited with how much you can store before having to erase.  It may be safe to say that the jury is still out on this one as for using them for EVP’s. 
 
External Microphone- Using an external microphone has many positive points that lend to a higher credibility with ones peers.  Recording at any time under any conditions with the internally mounted microphone that comes stock with any recorder can lead to “confusing” data.  The data is "confused" by the internal microphone picking up internal mechanics as they move.  Solely using an internal microphone narrows your field of data recording.   The internal microphone is not capable many times to pick up the wide range of noise that happen on varying frequencies and volumes.  Noise or sound is measured by frequency in hertz and intensity in decibels.  It is generally agreed upon that the typical human capacity for hearing is as low as 20Hz to as high as 20,000Hz.  Making it a volume or rather an intensity of 0db to around 130db (we can hear higher however lasting damage can ensue).  Also generally agreed upon is the average level of sound that the human voice is capable of producing.  The ranges are from as low as 100Hz to as high as 10.000Hz.  There are extra features such as camera mounts and multiple sound gathering settings that one can also look for while shopping for a microphone. 
 
Spares- Always make sure you have enough film for your cameras (video and or still), batteries for every different piece of equipment, and audiotapes, new and unused for most reliable data.  In these situations get into a habit of not even unwrapping the original unused film or whatever it may be until you load it into the equipment.  If it happens not to come in a wrapping or a discernable package, I recommends using a noticeable piece of tape.
 
Batteries- Spare batteries, nothing ruins an investigation like lost or missed data.  Greatly varying prices for different brands, sizes and quantity in package.  We prefer to use batteries with an expiration date on.  Batteries with a self-contained power level gauge can make trouble-shooting problems with equipment in the field a bit easier.
 
Watch- A digital version may be easier to read at a glance.  One with a light-able face for in the field use could be ideal.  Another feature on a watch that could be of some added use would be a stop watch element for timing anomalies.  Having an alarm feature may come in handy for those late night investigations and catnaps.  Use this timepiece as an aid to your scientific endeavors.  Recording specific times (to the second, or tenth of a second etc.) may help reveal clues as well as credibility to your work.  Keeping all timepieces used in the investigation synchronized has proven to be quite significant in our experience.  Doing this allows you to record exactly where every investigator was at the time of a possible anomaly and what they experienced if anything in there vicinity.  However for all of this to work properly the investigators must be keeping timely and accurate personal logs of there activity while on investigations. At first this may seem like a remedial and demeaning task, comparable to just plain busy work but if one is to create that controlled scientific environment to best analyze data recorded most of us feel this is an important step.  Picking up a strange EVP in one room at the specific recorded time is interesting but perhaps after further review you may find that another team member recorded themselves sneezing or a bus passing down the street that may explain the EVP better than a mysterious message from another dimension.  At the same time this may be the exact opposite case.  You may further scrutinize the data and find that no other team member reported anything audible around that time lending more probability to the paranormal in some peoples view.

 

Container- Any sturdy container that can seal tightly and securely.  Using a sturdy container helps protect any physical data collected in the field until it can be stored properly.  Having at least one container that is liquid tight would be helpful for taking water samples and such.  If taking physical data one should consider a wide temperature rang and any acidity of your specimens when choosing containers to take with on investigations.  
 
Bag- A re-sealable, waterproof bag for an extra container or to place another container in for added security.  This can also be used as a quick water proofing system for sensitive equipment if and when the unexpected rain storm happens.
 

Microscope- One should have available for the study and analysis of physical data a microscope.  There is a specific microscope for each different object being studied.  If your willing to pay and you start out with a high quality unit you can purchase attachments for a multitude of varying research.  A good rule of thumb is to purchase a stereoscopic or stereomicroscopic microscope.  These units will allow for the analyzing of data in a three dimensional state, at times giving much needed foresight into what you could be dealing with.  This particular model is distinctively set apart by the dual eyepiece as well as noticeably larger price tag. 
 
Miniature Portable Microscope- This style of micro-microscopes is usually of a lighter material giving a less quality and sturdy feel.  They normally are not as powerful as the desktop microscope nor are they offered in stereoscopic models.  This being said it can be a priceless tool in the field if you are investigating something that typically leaves physical clues behind. 
 
Pen/Paper- For recording any desired information or data.  Some times you're not able to dictate into your audio recorder with out disturbing the investigation or because it is being used in another area.  On most investigations we choose to keep a pen as well as several small colored pencils with the team to record any visual phenomena as accurately as possible and to challenge my artistic abilities. 
 
Written Documentation- There are numerous areas that could help your investigation in the long run if appropriate written documentation is obtained.  We use such forms as; the audio data reviewing form, land permit agreement, release of information and evidence, environmental investigation report, witness interviewing questionnaire form, and even a ghost interviewing questionnaire.    Whether interviewing a civilian witness to the possible anomaly your investigating or an investigator themselves it all should be professionally carried out and properly documented for posterity.  A section with more elaboration on the different forms used will be added as soon as possible.
 
Digital Thermometer- A digital thermometer is able to react faster than mercury thermometer and has optional back-lit display’s for easier in the field use.  Normally digital thermometers will monitor the temperature to the tenth’s if not even more precise on some of the more expensive models.  One should be aware that many models vary as to how often the actually take a temperature reading.  If you are investigating an anomaly that has been reported only to last 3 seconds or so and you purchase a digital thermometer that takes readings every 5 seconds, well you get the picture.  Some of the higher end models of digital thermos also have a memory built in so they can record such things as high and low temperature readings, averages and on some units that contain barometers even forecasts. 
 
Infrared Thermometer- Infrared contact-free digital thermometer.  This type of thermometer uses light at the infrared end of the spectrum to reflect off of an object at a known rate giving the temperature without ever physically touching the surface.  This thermometer is nice to use in the field as some have a back lit option with a large digital display that can read to the tenths or hundredths.  When purchasing these thermos there are several things we will discuss in greater detail at a later time.  For now know that you can purchase models with or with out a lighted laser 'sighting' as they are typically called.  This means on thermos with the laser sighting you are able to see a red dot when the thermometer is activated.  On those with out the laser sighting you will save a little money and only lose the colored laser sightings but typically no other capabilities. 
 
Altimeter- This instrument measures the height or altitude of most any certain spot it is placed on.  Most of these units give the altitude in a distance above sea level.  This may be one of those items our gear list that some may wonder why it appears.  Our reasoning for the altimeter’s inclusion is one of a scientific manner.  To help the paranormal studies further itself as a measured science one must create that controlled environment or the closest thing possible.  Perhaps impossible or nearly impossible to do in most investigating cases however recording all possible environmental specifics helps watch for inconsistencies or patterns that may help gain insight.  Using an altimeter in your paranormal investigations will require added effort if to be used properly.  Most altimeters necessitate re-calibration when moved substantial distances.  Some ways of accomplishing this resetting for accurate readings may be contacting a near by air port, some even have a pilot hotline where they record the local elevations and barometric pressures.  Contacting a local television news studio may also yield the correct information from their meteorological department.  If you are without these you may attempt your local radio station as they are typically giving forecast for their listeners.  To set your altimeter accurately follow the instructions that hopefully came with it, however be aware that if you have obtained your altitude information from any of the above methods know that the closer you are to where they had taken those readings the more accurate your altimeter will be.  
 
Barometer- This instrument measures the pressure exerted by the atmosphere which can change from varying weather patterns.  Meteorologists use this information to forecast weather changes.  Again we feel the need to mention that perhaps in order to become a respected science we must acquire data in that controlled scientific environment or the closest we can get to it.  Knowing as much about the situation and the surroundings lends us a greater possibility to notice patterns, or other explanations for any anomalies being investigated.       
 
Thermal Imaging Scope/Scanner/Camera- This particular piece of equipment shows and records temperatures and temperature fluctuations in forms of colors.  Most of these units are looked through much the same way a video recorder is to view the image.  Some units have jacks that allow for the connection of an external separate viewing monitor.  Some of these jacks can be used to record what images are viewed and if looking at making the investment we would highly recommend it having this option.  The entry level price range for these meters is going to get you a gray scale temperature difference view finder.  Basically you will be able to see the image you are pointing it at in different shades of black and white but with no temperature read out.  Some other features of the higher end models will have features such as being remote controlled and on unit recording capabilities. Entry level, gray scale models start at a steal of about $7,500.00. Colored models with many added features that technology doesn't typically get started till over $10,000.

Spectrometer-Most spectrometers are gazed through much like a monocular or telescope.  This instrument when used correctly shows light in its place on the color spectrum allowing you to discern its composition.  Light radiates from many sources.  Sources such as the sun (produced by the nuclear fusion of metals and chemicals), a house hold light bulb (produced by the applying of electricity to a metal restrictor [the filament]), or neon lights at the neighborhood bar (produced by the application of electricity to a gas [neon in this case] creating a chemical reaction that radiates light.  Every known form of light gives off an equally known and distinctive color pattern from the color spectrum.  When a spectrometer is pointed at a light source it shows the light as a specific pattern from the light spectrum that can later be compared to all the known light patterns.  What this does is allow you to discern what type of metal, chemical, or whatever it may have been that was producing the light. 
 
Night Vision- Night vision units come in many designs such as goggles, binoculars and monoscopes.  Through the aid of many steps completed on the near atomic level this technology now allows the user to see in low illuminated conditions where the unaided eye could not.  The night vision technology is sometimes referred to as image enhancement.  There are several different forms of this technology that have been evolving as technology further develops.  The industry of image enhancing has labeled these different forms or evolutions as different 'Generations'.  Starting with Generation 0 implemented in World War II, progressing to Generation I, Generation II and Generation III.  We have noticed some retailers touting Generation IV technology with the night vision units they are selling.  We recommend you to take note of this as there is NO known technical increase in image quality above Generation III at present time.
 
Here is a quick overview of how some of the night vision technology actually works.  The first piece of your night vision apparatus is what is called an objective lens.  This lens may not be all that different than those found on ordinary cameras and common binoculars.  Its job is to collect the light and focus it on to the photo cathode.  Enhancing the light or 'photons' present in your darkened situation is what's called a photo cathode.  The photo cathode used in night vision technology gets excited when exposed to light (photons) altering their state to electricity or "electrons".  In most Generation I night vision units the electrons are accelerated by an electrostatic charge typically produced by a cone shaped anode and a field forming electrode all powered by the battery of the unit.  It is at this point that in most Generation II units the electricity moves through what is called a 'microchannel plate'.  This plate is constructed of glass and shaped as a disc.  This 'microchannel plate' takes place of the electrostatic charge typically produced by a cone shaped anode and a field forming electrode found in Generation I units.  The microchannel plate is lined with openings, tiny angled holes that allow the image that is now in the form of electrons to pass through.  While doing so these electrons grow in great number by gathering additional electrons released from the charged 'microchannel plate'.  In either Generation I or II it is this large amount of electrons that are then striking a divider covered with phosphors.  Phosphor has the property of emitting light (photons) when struck with an electrical charge (electrons) facilitating the user to view the otherwise dark image as illuminated.  The classic green image associated with night vision is produced by the phosphors in the unit. 
 
Goggles generally present better perception and when used with head straps offer hands free use. 
 
ElectroMagnetic Frequency Meter- ElectroMagnetic Frequency meter or EMF meter shows changes in electromagnetic frequencies.  More elaboration soon to come on this meter. 
 
ElectroStatic Field Meter- More information to come on this.  please check back soon. 
 
Geiger Counter- Shows levels of and variances in beta- gamma- and alpha-wave radiation.  Used for taking and monitoring environmentals for any unusual levels of these radiations.  (more elaboration to come). 
 
SLM- Sound Level Meters monitor frequency ranges below, in and above average human capacity.  Those are the major points of having a sound level meter or SLM.  Monitoring frequencies out of the normal scope of human ear can give great clues and leads as to what is behind the anomalies reported.  This is a great device to use in conjunction with a microcassette when searching for EVP’s.  (Further elaboration’s to come). 
 
Baby Monitor- Good for keeping tabs on remote locations.  Some models have two way communications but most just the one line from the base unit placed in a distant room to the receiver.  Normally this device is used in a nursery and the receiver placed in another room usually where the person taking care of the child is allowing them to hear any disturbances in the nursery.  This is another way to expand your investigating team without the adding of extra people by allowing you to monitor distant areas from one central control point.  I do have my hesitations with this piece of equipment enough so to mention.  I have heard stories that radio frequency science can back up of these baby monitors picking up foreign frequencies and broadcasting them to the receiver.  The base unit or the receiver may pick up a CB radio, ham radio, cell or cordless phones if all variables are right at the same moment.  Now what this means to me is that I must have a person confirm the same noises at the site of the receiver that someone is hearing on the speaker end.  I do still use these however I am usually overly skeptical of the results from the speaker alone.
 
Motion Detector- Great for perimeter surveillance.  These handy pieces of equipment can be used as your eyes an ears in places where you can’t be watching all the time.  Alerting you to anything’s presence that would activate them they act as another team member.  There are two main types of motion detectors on the market microwave or ultrasonic types.  As the name implies that is the different technologies they use to function.  Microwave motion detectors emit a microwave that is rebounded to the motion sensor.  It is when something enters or moves in the path of these microwaves that the sensor picks that up and alerts you audibly, visually or in some cases both.  As always be sure that equipment being used is not interfering with the data collected elsewhere on site (i.e. a motion detector that vibrates to warn while your taking EVP ‘electronic voice phenomena’ recordings three rooms away).
 
Data Wave
Security Alert- This is basically a motion detector designed to aid those that are deaf by allowing them to see that there is someone at their door with visual notification.  It is hung from a doorknob conventionally.  This device activates lights on the exterior of the unit when it picks up the vibration of someone knocking on the door.  As you could imagine we could use this device for our investigations for perimeter control among other things.  This visual and sometimes audible notification would let us know if someone is entering or leaving our structure of investigation or if a vibration of enough magnitude were happening away from someone able to document it.
 
Air Ion Counter- Measures the amount of positive and negative ion’s found in the air.  Some people theorize that there are more paranormal happenings when there are a large amount of negative air ions present, the jury is also still out on this.  Once again I feel the need to mention that in order to become a respected science we must acquire data in that controlled scientific environment or the closest we can get to it.  Knowing as much about the situation and the surroundings lends us a greater possibility to notice patterns, or other explanations for any anomalies being investigated.   (More elaboration to come). 
 
Air Flow Meter- Also called an anemometer.  Using this meteorological tool to search for air currents that flow through a room for documentation and mapping.  The natural movement of air in a room can be calculated.  There is air movement in any room produced by heating and cooling systems, the heating and cooling from lights, windows or appliances and cracks or holes in structures that could alter test data, (a bottle with fine dust works also, but can interfere with other data collected). 
 
String Level- Needed for structural analysis.  When investigating structures where paranormal anomalies have taken place one should rule out the possibility of “jacking up”.  The term “jacking up” is used to describe the natural movement of structures caused by the movement of underground waterways.  This “jacking up” can be caused in areas not ever before plagued by earthquakes.  Historically normal underground water reservoirs can change sometimes suddenly creating a settling in the earth moving structures on the surface even large houses.
 
Stethoscope- Great for structure investigations where one should be excluding all other possibilities for alleged anomalous happenings.  Most of the general public is familiar with at least the stethoscope that your doctor uses to listen to your body (usually lungs and heart).  These types of stethoscopes are fine and will be functional for taking environmentals in the interior and exterior of structural investigations.  There are stethoscopes that are used in large machine industries for numerous things such as trouble shooting what is wrong with a large commercial engine.  Some of these stethoscopes can be used in our research giving us an added edge to focusing our scope of data collecting.  These stethoscopes have numerous appendages that one can listen through one at a time. The benefit of having several listening devices on one stethoscope will help to narrow down where exactly a noise or sound is resonating from.  This may allow you to possibly find out that the EVP was really a small leak in a wall that you can’t get physically check. (for a bad example).  There are also electronic stethoscopes that have several appendages that are microphones with the typical earpieces that you would normally see.  However some of these stethoscopes allow you to attach a recording device such as your microcassette recorder so you have a recorded copy of what you’re hearing for further analysis and credibility.   
 
Metal Detector- This again is a very multifaceted piece of equipment.  The metal detector may be used to search for hidden play back instruments or other hoaxing devises.  This use is helpful when doing structural investigations and inside environmentals.  Can also be useful when performing environmentals outside to aid in the search and examination of such things like transistors within walls, buried water or gas lines that may pass near the site, large deposits of natural rock and metal groupings found in the earth.  Also may be instrumental in locating physical data while researching older paranormal cases such as supposed contact sites of UFO’s, or haunted structures long since standing.
 
Salt- Salt can be used to line the perimeter of room revealing any movement by showing the disturbance in the salt that was evenly tossed and not easily fixed if disturbed.  This can reveal hidden doors and passageways as well as unknown or unwanted guest of any sort.  Salt is chosen for this task because of its generally lower cost and inability to float into the air to cause confusing physical anomalies (as long as the salt is not crushed into a powder by getting stepped on and the brushed into the air, please be aware).  Salt, originally natural coarse sea salt is believed by some people to have paranormal powers to control supernatural events.  Some people who practice witchcraft may use salt in rituals as a binding force for spirits whether it is to protect themselves or bind a spirit for their bidding.  There are many witchcraft spells and rituals that call for sea salt to be used as a protecting force, such as “the casting of the circles” ritual. 
 
Baby Powder- This is one of those love hate pieces of equipment.  One can lay down a thin coating of this powder around entryways when investigating alleged haunted structures.  Using it in this method allows you to be made aware of anyone or anything that may leave a physical trace entering or leaving the structure.  Spreading around objects (i.e. rocking chairs, children’s toys etc.) that are supposed to be moved by unseen forces can show minimal movements better than other tape methods (more on this in “tape”).  This is a multifunctional tool that can be used as a cost efficient motion detector to a very inexpensive wind meter.  For all those reasons and more I love it. While surveying structures for the possibilities of paranormal activities. I recommend a detail environmental study before pursuing deeper and narrower investigations.  One of the environmental surveys they perform would be to seal off the room or structure of the focus of the study.  They would do this to maintain as strict of a scientific sterol setting as possible by eliminating outside uncontrollable forces that may corrupt or change data recorded or observed.  When sealing a room off one step is to check for abnormal airflow’s that can be measured documented and corrected if needed.  The tool of choice for this is an air flow meter (see Air Flow Meter).  An air flow meter measures the amount of moving air or wind present, the same but much cheaper way a small bottle filled with baby powder would do when lightly shaken out around cracks or suspected areas of airflow.  And yes for that reason I hate it.  Perhaps hate is a strong word but I would'nt recommend this method for detecting airflow anomalies because of the great potential of corrupting other data recorded.  This baby powder would certainly be hard if not impossible to clean up completely to ensure it does not reappear in your photographic data later that night or even years later.