INVESTIGATION EQUIPMENT
Basic Equipment
Basic equipment needed include flashlights with colored filters. Note books
and pens used to record interviews and to document activity. Two way
radios to keep in contact with each other and know where each member is
at all times. A compass (old school emf detector), candles (in case of
battery drain and to check for drafts), duck tape for securing equipment, and
a good first aid kit. We use baby powder under objects to see if they are
moved. This also works good on window seals.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon)
EVP recording devices can consist of analog or digital recorders. With the
analog recorders an external microphone works best, you can avoid the
mechanical noise of the recorder on your tape while in record mode. A high
bias low noise cassette tape should be used for best results. We like to use
Olympus digital recorders and have had great results with them.
EMF (Electro Magnetic Field Meters)
Use these to find changes in magnetic fields. Magnetic fields are
found in everything living or man-made. We use these devices to rule
out man-made sources before determining anything paranormal.
These can be expensive and difficult to understand if you don't have
the experience of operating one and knowing what to look for. Proper
operation is the key, and I suggest starting with an affordable and
simple meter. Practice does make perfect. We have been
experimenting with the K11 Meter and have used a paper clip to hold
the button down, otherwise your thumb gets tired and it is possible to
have false positives. We currently have added a toggle switch to our
K11 and it has been painted with non-reflective black paint to cut
down on the glare when filming. The best thing to do is set it down on
a stationary surface. The new MEL meter is a EMF meter and
thermometer. We love this device.
Thermometer
Changes in temperature are possible indications of cold spots that are
associated with paranormal activity. It is believed that spirits manifest
themselves buy soaking up the energy around them, thus causing a cold spot.
A good infrared thermometer with or without a laser can help you find these
cold spots. We are currently using an IR with a probe. A humidity gauge and
ambient temperature device is also good to have on hand.
Still Cameras and Video Camcorders
3 types of cameras should be used. A point and shoot film camera, a digital
camera, and a video camera. We use a 7.1 and 8.1 megapixel digital
camera, this way the digital photos can be authenticated. We have found
digital cameras are excellent for capturing  images immediately during an
investigation. Example: if you get an EMF spike, snapping a picture with a
digital may show some activity at that moment. Video cameras are your
best tool for collecting evidence, a good camera  like a Sony Night Shot will
allow you to film in complete darkness. Adding an external IR light will
greatly improve the distance of the internal "Night Shot" system.
Remember if using equipment with batteries always bring plenty of extras. It is believed
that when ghost manifest themselves they have been know to drain batteries.
Here a some examples of equipment we use in our investigations, these are only
suggestions. You don't need fancy equipment to hunt ghost. Although having
the right equipment allows you to document evidence as proof of a haunting.  
Equipment Storage
Last but not least, you will want to protect your expensive equipment.
My suggestion would be using a hard case with padding. You can
carry your equipment safely and securely
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Camera and Camcorder Accessories
Tripods are a must when filming. We have also fabricated our own
Camcorder harness to help elevate fatigue when video taping large
areas for extended periods of time ( Waverly Hills Sanatorium for
example). You should also have plenty of camera and Camcorder
batteries.
Motion Detection Devices
We use motion detection devices as a means of controlling access to
areas as well as documenting movement. By using a device on a door
for example, we are able to audibly hear by an alarm or tone if the door
opens (great when there a claims of this type of activity.
ITC (Instrumental TransCommunication) Devices
Unlike EVP which occurs when voices are recorded on recording devices.
ITC is an instantaneous form of communication. These devices are also
known as spirit boxes. They have several versions of these boxes. "Franks
Box" and the "Mini Box" are both popular with investigators. The "Mini Box"
is offered for sale by "ParanormalSystems.com" You can find a link for
them on our
Investigation Gear Store page. Currently we are
experimenting with what is referred to as the "Radio Shack Hack" The hack
is a normal digital radio that we modified to scan the airwaves continuously
instead of stopping on a station. Entities use the bits and pieces of radio
signals to speak in real time.
Caution, as with any form of spirit
communication there are possible dangers. We do not recommend
using these devices in a clients home.
Night Vision Cameras and DVR System
We use these cameras along with a DVR. This system along with a LCD
monitor allows us to monitor and record hours of video. Also eleminating
the need for tapes. When you are self funded this helps a great deal.
With use of an external IR light an entire room is eluminated. We use the
external IR light with our camcorders as well.