Post by demonologist on Jan 10, 2009 11:24:33 GMT
Thought this might be of help for some of you. 
Below is a general list of equipment one should try and use during a good ghost investigation. Use what you can afford and design your experiments around what you have available. Sometimes vigils with very little equipment that force you to actually sit and observe are most rewarding.
If you do have equipment make sure you know how to use it and what it measures. Also position your equipment to get the best from it.
When I do investigations I sometimes will take only a pen and paper other times I will have a car full of equipment
1) Pen and paper - to take notes of your observations and experiences. Always keep records of times and events, this is very useful for documenting the investigation and especially if the study is to be replicated.
2) Flashlight -Again a very important tool when on location you are there of a night it's dark you will come across obstacles, stairwells and such, you need to avoid accidents at all costs, they are also very important if someone claims to see a ghost further away so you can see almost straight away. Take plenty of spare batteries to
3) Camera digital or 35mm - Still motion photography is the means in which most evidence of ghostly activity is obtained. In all honestly, any camera will do. The one most frequently used is 35mm. I believe this choice is prevalent due to the popularity of 35mm cameras in recent years over older models. I expect the next trend will be digital cameras due to their growing popularity. Let’s take a look at both options:
A. Chances are, you probably already own a 35mm camera: Most people don't own a digital camera.
B. A good 35mm can cost around £100 : A good digital will cost over £400
C. A 35mm requires film which will be an expense for every investigation : Digital has no film but memory can be an expense.
D. Developing takes time and is another expense : Digital photos can be viewed on location and requires no developing.
E. With a 35mm you get what you get on film : Digital camera can delete unwanted images therefore freeing up memory for more.
F. A 35mm battery will last a long time : Digitals use more power, depleting batteries much quicker. Rechargeable batteries are recommended.
G. 35mm film will provide tangible evidence in the photo and negative : Digital images must be saved to disk and/or printed on paper.
This list could go on. I have just listed a few of the major differences. Ultimately, in the future, I intend to use both at every investigation.
Film: The most widely used film for ghost hunting is Kodak Gold 400 speed film. This seems to get the most results. Kodak Gold 200 & 800 speeds are a close second. Keep in mind that the higher you go with speed, especially with night time photography, the images get grainier in appearance.
Some ghost hunters go as far as to use infrared film. It sounds like a fabulous idea but is quite expensive. Not only does the film cost more, so does the developing.
4) Motion Sensor - Motion Detectors are a useful tool for ghost hunters. They work great when left in a room during the time when no investigator is present. I have had them go off in rooms where no activity has been reported and upon further investigation, we found much evidence of spirit activity in the area. The motion detectors used by paranormal investigators project an infrared beam. When the beam is disrupted by spirits an alarm will sound giving the investigator a clue that spirits may be present in that area. When monitor or chime mode, the alarm will chimes to announce visitors and then stop. When it is switched to alarm mode, it will sound a siren when it detects motion up to 30ft away and continue to sound the alarm until it is turned off. I always use the alarms in chime mode.
5) EMF Meter - Electro-Magnetic Field Detectors: Otherwise referred to as EMF meters, these devices can add an important element to any investigation. Their purpose is to detect the presence of electro-magnetic fields. Such fields can be generated by ghosts and has been related to haunting activity. Be careful of jumping to conclusions if you do get an EMF reading. First, you must rule out the possibility of an electrical or magnetic source. Televisions, appliances, electrical wires and (strangely) pipes in the walls or ground can generate EMF's.
EMF meters can range from the relatively cheap to somewhat expensive. First decide what you want in an EMF detector. Here are some features to consider:
A. The frequency sensitivity range can vary greatly between models. Some can detect between 20-10,000Hz. Others may detect only between 40-60Hz. A substantial difference wouldn't you say?
B. The way in which a measurement is displayed can also be of importance. Some may only have a green and red light display allowing you to document the range in which a magnetic field is. (i.e. 2.5 to 7 milli-gauss). Others have a needle resembling the speedometer on your car. This will give you the comfort of documenting an exact reading. Still, others have a digital display. Although more expensive, the digital display will give you an exact reading to the decimal. Also, they usually have a light feature so you can see what you are doing in the dark.
C. An audible alarm is a helpful feature to consider. This will inform you of EMF detection without having to keep your eyes on the device.
6) Electronic Thermometer - Rapid drops in temperature has often been associated with the presence of a ghost. As with the compass the old fashioned mercury filled, red-line thermometer is probably better than its electronic counterpart. A good thermometer can detect changes in room temperature quickly and where electromagnetic forces have been reported, an electronic device might fail or be wrongly affected
7) Video Camera - This piece of equipment allows events to be captured as they are happening.
8) First Aid Kit - It is always useful to have a first aid kit.
This list is by no means exhausted and there is a huge list of other equipment you could take with you however the cost would put most people off .
There is plenty of other equipment you can buy a lot of it is very expensive so stick with the basics at the moment and add to it when you get more experienced. I recommend Toms Gadgets www.tomsgadgets.com
Below is a general list of equipment one should try and use during a good ghost investigation. Use what you can afford and design your experiments around what you have available. Sometimes vigils with very little equipment that force you to actually sit and observe are most rewarding.
If you do have equipment make sure you know how to use it and what it measures. Also position your equipment to get the best from it.
When I do investigations I sometimes will take only a pen and paper other times I will have a car full of equipment
1) Pen and paper - to take notes of your observations and experiences. Always keep records of times and events, this is very useful for documenting the investigation and especially if the study is to be replicated.
2) Flashlight -Again a very important tool when on location you are there of a night it's dark you will come across obstacles, stairwells and such, you need to avoid accidents at all costs, they are also very important if someone claims to see a ghost further away so you can see almost straight away. Take plenty of spare batteries to
3) Camera digital or 35mm - Still motion photography is the means in which most evidence of ghostly activity is obtained. In all honestly, any camera will do. The one most frequently used is 35mm. I believe this choice is prevalent due to the popularity of 35mm cameras in recent years over older models. I expect the next trend will be digital cameras due to their growing popularity. Let’s take a look at both options:
A. Chances are, you probably already own a 35mm camera: Most people don't own a digital camera.
B. A good 35mm can cost around £100 : A good digital will cost over £400
C. A 35mm requires film which will be an expense for every investigation : Digital has no film but memory can be an expense.
D. Developing takes time and is another expense : Digital photos can be viewed on location and requires no developing.
E. With a 35mm you get what you get on film : Digital camera can delete unwanted images therefore freeing up memory for more.
F. A 35mm battery will last a long time : Digitals use more power, depleting batteries much quicker. Rechargeable batteries are recommended.
G. 35mm film will provide tangible evidence in the photo and negative : Digital images must be saved to disk and/or printed on paper.
This list could go on. I have just listed a few of the major differences. Ultimately, in the future, I intend to use both at every investigation.
Film: The most widely used film for ghost hunting is Kodak Gold 400 speed film. This seems to get the most results. Kodak Gold 200 & 800 speeds are a close second. Keep in mind that the higher you go with speed, especially with night time photography, the images get grainier in appearance.
Some ghost hunters go as far as to use infrared film. It sounds like a fabulous idea but is quite expensive. Not only does the film cost more, so does the developing.
4) Motion Sensor - Motion Detectors are a useful tool for ghost hunters. They work great when left in a room during the time when no investigator is present. I have had them go off in rooms where no activity has been reported and upon further investigation, we found much evidence of spirit activity in the area. The motion detectors used by paranormal investigators project an infrared beam. When the beam is disrupted by spirits an alarm will sound giving the investigator a clue that spirits may be present in that area. When monitor or chime mode, the alarm will chimes to announce visitors and then stop. When it is switched to alarm mode, it will sound a siren when it detects motion up to 30ft away and continue to sound the alarm until it is turned off. I always use the alarms in chime mode.
5) EMF Meter - Electro-Magnetic Field Detectors: Otherwise referred to as EMF meters, these devices can add an important element to any investigation. Their purpose is to detect the presence of electro-magnetic fields. Such fields can be generated by ghosts and has been related to haunting activity. Be careful of jumping to conclusions if you do get an EMF reading. First, you must rule out the possibility of an electrical or magnetic source. Televisions, appliances, electrical wires and (strangely) pipes in the walls or ground can generate EMF's.
EMF meters can range from the relatively cheap to somewhat expensive. First decide what you want in an EMF detector. Here are some features to consider:
A. The frequency sensitivity range can vary greatly between models. Some can detect between 20-10,000Hz. Others may detect only between 40-60Hz. A substantial difference wouldn't you say?
B. The way in which a measurement is displayed can also be of importance. Some may only have a green and red light display allowing you to document the range in which a magnetic field is. (i.e. 2.5 to 7 milli-gauss). Others have a needle resembling the speedometer on your car. This will give you the comfort of documenting an exact reading. Still, others have a digital display. Although more expensive, the digital display will give you an exact reading to the decimal. Also, they usually have a light feature so you can see what you are doing in the dark.
C. An audible alarm is a helpful feature to consider. This will inform you of EMF detection without having to keep your eyes on the device.
6) Electronic Thermometer - Rapid drops in temperature has often been associated with the presence of a ghost. As with the compass the old fashioned mercury filled, red-line thermometer is probably better than its electronic counterpart. A good thermometer can detect changes in room temperature quickly and where electromagnetic forces have been reported, an electronic device might fail or be wrongly affected
7) Video Camera - This piece of equipment allows events to be captured as they are happening.
8) First Aid Kit - It is always useful to have a first aid kit.
This list is by no means exhausted and there is a huge list of other equipment you could take with you however the cost would put most people off .
There is plenty of other equipment you can buy a lot of it is very expensive so stick with the basics at the moment and add to it when you get more experienced. I recommend Toms Gadgets www.tomsgadgets.com