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.
The TriField Natural EM Meter can detect changes in extremely weak static (DC or “natural”) electric and magnetic fields, and signals with both a tone and the movement of a needle-type gauge if either the electric or magnetic field fluctuate. The Natural EM Meter can also detect geomagnetic storms caused by unusual solar activity interacting with the ionosphere (which results in rapid changes of up to 10% in the Earth’s magnetic field), as well as the electrical activity of ordinary thunderstorms. Ball lightning is in theory be associated with a strong magnetic field, and magnetization of metal on the ground has been reported with some sightings of earthlights and other mysterious lights. Every type of detectable physical manifestation requires a certain amount of energy. Human beings and animals usually emit a slight electric field which is easily detectable using the Natural EM Meter. In theory, quasi-physical entities should be able to be detected as well. Because of its extreme sensitivity to subtle variations in the EM field, this meter should be kept in place and not moved around casually.
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 an 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.
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.
Ultraviolet lamps are used in conjunction with infrared illuminators to increase the “visible” spectrum of electromagnetic radiation our cameras and camcorders can measure. The human eye sees only a range of approx. 400 nm (4 x 10-7 m) to 700 nm (7 x 10-7 m). Cameras have the ability to significantly increase this range with the addition of light in frequencies above (ultraviolet) and below (infrared) the visible light spectrum.
Motion sensors are used to detect physical movement. We’ve startled ourselves more than anything else with these, forgetting they are there. But the theory is that there is the potential for a quasi-physical entity to set off the sensor just as a fully physical form might.
A relatively new toy for ghosthunters, the laser grid is both terribly amusing around four am when you’re in the mood to dance and potentially useful as well. Some come standard with five different grid patterns- my favorite is the “wormhole” pattern. The theory is that if an entity has mass enough to break the light pattern, then we can assume it is made of some kind of physically substantial solid substance. Movement within the grid disrupts the light pattern so that “shadow people” or quasi-physical entities may be seen more easily.
SHPS is testing theories of using fundamentals of Harmonic Resonance to manipulate frequencies which may increase the ability of entities to manifest physically. In addition to using pure tone generators, a more feasible method of frequency manipulation in the field is by the use of tuning forks with resonance chambers. Our hypothesis is that by changing the ambient frequency of an area through harmonics, it may become easier for an entity to manifest physically, either visually or audibly. These theories are being tested and if anything comes of it, remember, you read it here first!!
Another theory we’re working on is with visual representation of manipulation of the electromagnetic field by the use of a plasma ball. This of course, is another four a.m. toy as of right now, but the theory is that a significant enough fluctuation in the EM field should be able to manipulate the plasma ribbons within the ball. The plasma ball has not been tested significantly as it does require a power source, but we’ll let you know if we discover anything phenomenal!
Frank Sumption was the original inventor of the Frank’s Box - a random voltage generator that creates raw audio from an AM tuner, then amplifies it and feeds it into an echo chamber. The theory is that entities may have the ability to manipulate the white noise that is created from this process to form words. Basically, the box becomes a real time two-way communication device between us and a spirit entity. In 2007, the “Radio Shack Hack” was introduced as a simpler form of the Frank’s Box and is a portable AM/FM radio modified to continuously scan radio frequencies without locking onto any particular station. This one was created by our own Mark Taylor. SHPS is still studying and experimenting with the Ghost Box to find any real or legitimate evidence to support its claims.
The Mel Meter Model 8704 is an intelligent microprocessor based instrument specifically designed for Paranormal Investigators & Enthusiasts by Gary Galka of DAS Distribution Inc. after losing the eldest of his three daughters. The unit registers AC/DC EMF fluctuations while simultaneously recording variances in temperature on a single display. The Mel Meter features a large backlit display and measures EMF in both mG and UT and temperature in both °F and °C grades. The Thermometer uses a Type K (chromel–alumel) general purpose thermocouple.
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?
