Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 445 Location: melbourne, Australia
A basic guide to ghost hunting
Seeing as quite a few of you have had a look at my spirit manifestation guide. I thought i'd share some information about the different devices I use when carrying out a paranormal investigation. Most of these devices are reasonably priced with the exception of infra-red video cameras or still cameras. Ok here are the basics for a well organized ghost hunt:
EMF (electromagnetic field fluctuation) meter
Running on a 9v battery the EMF meter is an essential device when looking for evidence of the paranormal. It measures fluctuations in the earth's magnetic field. Things to remember are that cables in the floors / walls will also cause the EMF meter to get a reading. That is why doing a "baseline" test is so important to do. This test done during daylight hours typically measures EMF disturbances and overall temperatures. That way all of your team will be aware of EMF strong spots caused by wiring, TV's and other electrical appliances. It's when you are in a room away from electricals and you get odd readings (there one minute..gone the next) that you know you have company.
A Typical EMF meter
Laser thermometer A.K.A non-contact thermometer
This thermometer uses a laser beam as an aiming system (useful for in the dark) and an infra-red beam to measure the temperature without actually being in contact with the surface. Very useful when somebody mentions a "cold spot" as the thermometer can be used to measure the temparature of the affected person or take readings of wall, doors etc. Some models come with a backlit display and believe me it's very unnerving watching the temperature plummet about 10 degrees and then go back to normal in a brief time. On one ghost hunt my chest became very cold, my partner measured my temperature and it was 14c whereas the ambient temperature level was 21c!
A laser thermometer
Dicta-phone or Voice recorder
Used by paranormal investigators to record EVP's or Electronic Voice Phenomenom. Personally I have never tried this approach but know people who have. Basically you leave the dictaphone in a locked off room and leave it recording for as long as the tape and batteries will allow. Digital voice recorders are better as they do not pickup the hiss from the cassette drive on older types. After you have recorded a tape you don a pair of headphones, pump up the volume and listen for anything out of the ordinary. There are many internet sites that have EVP files and the spookiest one I have ever heard was taken from the WTC site and it send a cold chill up my spine. I still have this file so if you want to hear it PM me
A dictaphone
Night shot Video camera
The big expensive one (about $400-$500 for older super 8 models and over $1000 for dvd or hdd models) I only have an old digital 8 Sony that I got from the pawn shop as I can't afford a new one. Essentially the camera is used (in super night-shot or infra red mode) to obtain visual evidence of spirits, usually in the form of orbs or ectoplasmic mist. I have footage of some orbs I got at an old cemetery and anybody who has seen the show "Most Haunted" will see how essential a video camera is
A typical night-shot camera.
Other equipment worthy of a mention.
35mm SLR camera with fast film
Digital camera (don't use as primary source of photos)
cooking flour - a light dusting on objects can reveal hand, foot, finger imprints on spirits who touch the object it is sprinkled on.
Coins & crucifix - Used as trigger objects, place on plain paper and trace around the outline, leave in a locked off room, and setup a video camera overlooking the objects, you may be suprised when you view the tape later on.
Other people - most importantly never go ghost hunting alone, as you will be traipsing around dark cemeteries, buildings etc and it's good to have somebody else for company and if you trip up and break something.
Common sense - Pretty much speaks for itself, be respectful to the dead and take the investigation seriously but most importantly enjoy yourself !
