Equipment
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We employ many different kinds of tools in our research- from instruments as high tech as infra-red recording devices and geiger counters, to tools as simple as dowsing rods.
SHPS maintains what we’ve coined a “tandem evidence” rule. One measurable anomaly in itself is not generally given much credit. But two measurable or tangible anomalies in tandem are considered more legitimate. Such as, an EMF spike and a temperature fluctuation at the same time are given more plausibility as a paranormal event than an EMF spike alone. A personal experience in tandem with a recorded EVP is much more likely to be reviewed seriously than a personal experience by itself.
Have a look at some of the equipment we use while on investigation:
Closed circuit infrared camera system- we currently have two sets of CCS, each with four cans and a four panel monitor with DVD recording capability. These “night vision” cameras can record in total darkness by emitting infrared light and measuring the amount that is reflected back toward the camera’s sensors.
Hand-held digital video recorders with infrared illuminators. IR Illuminators enhance the camera’s ability to record in low/no light environments. Some of our cameras are high resolution or high definition and have the capability of hard drive storage as opposed to removable storage. We also use Mini DV, VHS-C and Hi8 analog video recorders on occasion.
Digital Point and shoot camera with or without Infrared light illuminators. These smaller pixel cameras also have a more pronounced “orb zone” due to the close proximity of the flash to the lens. We have found that this type of camera is far more conducive to producing dust “orbs” than the SLR camera.
Digital SLR camera with multi-focal lenses, used with or without IR illuminators. We prefer the SLR to the P&S type of camera due to the extended “orb zone” and larger megapixel capability. We’ve also found that GENERALLY, the more complex the camera, the less often we find “anomalous” photographs. We also use 35mm SLR film cameras on occasion.
Trifield EMF meter: Combines magnetic, electric, and radio/microwave detectors in one device. This is the best meter we have to measure an ambient electromagnetic field, and we use this meter to calibrate our digital EMF meters. Because it is a needle-type sensor and does not have a backlight, its use is limited on investigation- this meter is very sensitive to EMF field fluctuations and should not be moved casually and quickly.
Digital EMF meter: generally not as accurate as the Tri-field meter. These EMF meters are back-lit and have better portability- still useful at detecting EMF fluctuations, which is our primary concern. EMF fluctuations are theorized to possibly be evidence of an entity’s attempt to manifest itself by drawing from a natural electromagnetic energy source.
K2 EMF meter: The accuracy and functionality of this EMF meter is widely debated among paranormal researchers. SHPS employs the K2 regularly to simply detect EMF fluctuation, rather than as an accurate EMF meter. When used properly with consideration of the instrument’s limitations, we have found the K2 to be a wonderful tool in “communicating” with entities. We have on occasion received appropriate and timely responses to direct questions via the K2. However, we are still wary of its sensitivity to any outside influence, including cell phones, electric key locks, radios, and even the tiniest motors in our digital voice recorders. There is much debate among our own team regarding the K2 and its appropriate use.
Digital and analog audio recorders with external microphones to reduce interior noise and artifact: Both types of recorders are used to capture Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP)- verbal communication that was not heard by researchers at the time of the investigation, but that imprinted on an audio recording device and is heard during review. Of course digital is much more convenient than analog, but there is a theory within the paranormal community that the “white noise” created by the analog system (specifically the use of a magnetic analog tape) allows an entity greater energy potential to draw from to manifest a vocal response. SHPS is currently researching the possibility of thought projection as a possible explanation for EVP’s - verbal imprint by a non-vocal source.
Zoom H2 multi-directional microphone for stereo recording- our newest toy. Allows 360 degree stereo playback to better analyze the directional source of EVP and “phantom” noises
The Parabolic Microphone collects and focuses sound waves into a receiving dish for distance amplification. This microphone proved useful for us in providing a possible answer for previous EVP’s at one location. We hypothesized that a large defunct satellite dish on the roof of the site could have acted in the same way the parabolic mic does- it could potentially have focused random sound waves that our sensitive microphones picked up and then recorded, which were later interpreted as EVP.
Infrared Thermometer: this is a non-contact thermometer that is useful in measuring the surface temperature of an object based on the amount of infrared light it emits or reflects. The benefit of the IR thermometer is that it can measure temperatures of moving objects, quickly fluctuating temperatures, and the temperature of objects at a distance. We use the IR thermometer to detect hot and cold spots on a surface, such as the floor or a chair, or our own skin.
Pocket Weather Station: this item is invaluable in collecting assessment data prior to beginning an investigation. Among other things, the weatherman is an altimeter (to measure altitude), a barometer (measures barometric pressure), and an ambient temperature thermometer. Having an altimeter and barometer in the kit helps us better examine anomalous mists and fogs and cold spots. They also are useful in interpreting possible weather-related causes of phantom noises and disembodied voices; such as acoustic shadow or stray sound waves.
Lynchburg and surrounding areas have several natural uranium deposits – potential radiation from these deposits may be measured with a geiger counter. It can be important to know where an area of hazardous radiation may be, especially when exploring caves, tunnels, and the numerous defunct mines in the area.
Dowsing or “divining” has been widely used for thousands of years to find water sources, veins of metal and gemstones, and to follow the earth’s natural geomagnetic energy lines. It is interesting to compare the results of an experienced dowser with more sophisticated EMF meters… dowsing rods are often just as reliable.
One Response to “Equipment”
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Burton Haynes Says:
November 7th, 2009 at 5:34 pmI am writing reviews for various metaphysical products and came across an ebook called dowsing the lottery. Has anyone had a chance to try this?