Category: Paranormal 101

What are Thermometer’s used for in the paranormal?  They are used to find and detect temperature variations (cold spots) that are being caused/used by paranormal entities.

Infrared thermometers (IR) infer temperature using a portion of the thermal radiation emitted by the object of measurement. They are sometimes called laser thermometers if a laser is used to help aim the thermometer, or non-contact thermometers to describe the device’s ability to measure temperature from a distance.

Pro’s:

Can read temperature from a distance, Back lit display for easy reading, Laser sights for accuracy of what is giving off temp,

Con’s:

Can read temperature from a distance although accuracy is sacrificed.

Data loggers connect to a computer to download the temperature data collected during an investigation and can be used to make graphs or compare readings from other loggers used, to detect cold spots and temperature deviations throughout the night.

Pro’s:

Easy to track data on temps in a location over a period of time, probe type has more accurate readings.

Con’s:

You have to download the data before you know what is found – no instant gratification, No range as its a probe type.

In addition to detecting AC/DC EMF & Temperature changes in the environment, it also uses a mini telescopic antenna to radiate its own independent magnetic Field around the instrument. This EM field can be easily influenced by materials and objects that conduct electricity with 4 lights that show source proximity, strength and EM field distortion.

Pro’s:

All in one for Temperature and EMF reader, Back lit display, better for detecting cold spots as it uses a probe, can record hi/lo temperature readings.

Con’s:

No ranged readings, as probe is centralized.

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First off let’s clarify what E.M.F. is:  it is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. Therefore an E.M.F. (Electro Magnetic Field) Detector is: an instrument for measuring the magnitude of a magnetic field typically used by paranormal researchers to detect a ghost’s magnetic energy to localize where “it” is.

Now that that is out of the way we will give a quick overview of our meter’s pros, cons & functionality as we have seen used in the field:

A low cost meter that has a visual red light and audible alarm (with volume switch if you only want the visual) when it goes above 2.0(milliGauss) to about 2.5(mG) in high 20(mG) to about 25(mG) in normal mode.

Pro’s:

Visual Red light, Audible Alarm, 2 scale system High/Normal modes.

Con’s:

Picks up RF signals, needs probe to work.

A low cost meter that has a visual red light and audible alarm on “Pro” version which features “communication” modes.

Pro’s:

Visual Red light, Low cost.

Con’s:

Picks up RF signals (Cell phones, walkie talkies, etc.)

A very low cost visual E.M.F. meter, similar to a K-II with lights for visual range of safe – green light (0-2.5MG), caution – yellow light (2.5-7mG), and danger – red light (8mG and up).

Pro’s:

Easily readable light system.

Con’s:

Picks up RF signals, No way to know actual readings of EMF.

A staple in the field for investigations with lights for visual range of 1st Light (GREEN) indicates unit is on and a normal background EMF field which we always have around us between 0 to 1.5 (mG).
2nd Light (GREEN) indicates a Low Level EMF 1.5 to 2.5 (mG).
3rd Light (YELLOW) indicates a Mid Level EMF in the range between 2.5 to 10 (mG).
4th Light (ORANGE) indicates a High Level EMF field in the range between 10 to 20 (mG).
5th Light (RED) indicates an Extremely High EMF of 20+ (mG).

Pro’s:

Easily readable light system.

Con’s:

Picks up RF signals, No way to know actual readings of EMF.

A simple easy to use E.M.F. Reader with a digital read out displaying  a reading of Tesla or Gauss numbers.

Pro’s:

NO RF interference – strictly reads EMF signals, Gives a numerical value.

Con’s:

If meter is moved too quickly ranges jump, No backlit display.

In addition to detecting AC/DC EMF & Temperature changes in the environment, it also uses a mini telescopic antenna to radiate its own independent magnetic Field around the instrument. This EM field can be easily influenced by materials and objects that conduct electricity with 4 lights that show source proximity, strength and EM field distortion.

Pro’s:

All in one for Temperature and EMF reader, Back lit display, better for detecting cold spots as it uses a probe, can record hi/lo temperature readings.

Con’s:

As per use the REM field has produced no paranormal hits.

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updated on 8/20/2013

A lot of people ask: “What kind of equipment do you need to do an investigation?” The simple response is not much… There are all kinds of tools that can be used but here are the basics:

• First aid kit – Safety always comes first.
• Flashlight – Again safety comes first & how else are you going to see clearly in the dark if you do a lights out investigation or an outside night one? Tip: A Red lens doesn’t blind or overpower night vision on cameras.
• Camera – To take photos or video of the area and catch (hopefully) a paranormal event.  I don’t think it matters personally whether its digital or film camera, while digital offers instant viewing of photos, it also because of the angle of the flash causes  “orbs/moisture/dust” to show up in pictures.
• Audio Recorder – Helps to record the investigations events, notes, and E.V.P. sessions simply.
• Batteries – Extra batteries for your flashlight, recorder and camera are extremely important! You wouldn’t want to miss a picture or a piece of audio because you ran out of batteries or get hurt with a non working flashlight!

Those are all you really need to do an investigation.  As for these next items they will require a little more working knowledge of what they’re designed for and how they fit into the world of paranormal investigation.

• EMF Meter (Electro Magnetic Field Meter) – Detects the field from wiring, appliances, electrical stuff, etc.  How it applies to the paranormal:  Spirits or ghosts supposedly generate an EMF field when they appear or move something. Also useful in determining if improper wiring is causing high EMF Fields which can cause someone to have among other things paranoia, nausea, headaches, feelings of being watched, and hallucinations.
• K2 Meter – Similar to an EMF Meter, but with lights.  It’s a safe range meter designed for telling someone what the “Safe” distance is from an EMF source.  How it applies to the paranormal:  In theory spirits can use the device to communicate. Or we can “track” them like with an EMF Meter.  One huge downfall of a K2 vs. an EMF Meter is that the K2 will pick up on RF frequencies, like from a cell phone or walkie talkie.
• Thermometer – Used to detect cold spots that spirits allegedly produce as they try to manifest (show themselves), fairly straight forward design of most point and click digital ones.  Only downfalls is if one isn’t paying attention to where they are pointing at and register a cold spot that’s really a window or another normally colder part of the room/house.

That covers the basics and some of the advanced equipment that I’ve used on cases. Just remember like anything else anyone can use or buy these, but only those willing to explore and respect the limits of the equipment will get the best results.  Field testing always works, but until you understand what and how a piece of equipment reacts in any given environment, keep an open mind about the results or be doomed by them.

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I’d like to take a few moments to touch on the myths and realities of a paranormal investigation.  As the paranormal reality shows have shown their massive fan base over the last few years, review from any given case is easily reviewed, Evidence appears on every case they do, etc.  Let’s start here with a few bullet points:

Myth:  Review takes little time to do.
Fact:  Review that is done in real time takes patience & diligence to finish.  If you’re at a place investigating for 6 hours, have 2 video cameras and 3 audio recorders equals 36 hours of real time review. That’s a full time job!

Myth: Every case yields results (E.V.P.’s, Unusual Video Footage, personal experiences, knocks, etc.)
Fact: Not every case yields results, some cases are quite boring and uneventful.

Myth: Ghosts respond on demand to questions…. Immediately!
Fact: Spirits that have free will, can choose to respond when they want and to whom they, not when we as investigators want! And of course if its a residual haunting, they won’t respond at all!

Myth:  Every case/investigation has a personal experience.
Fact: Again, some cases are quite boring and uneventful.

Myth:  Orbs are ghosts/spirits/energy.
Fact: Highly debatable subject to some, yet truth is its been proven time and time again, that Orbs are just dust/moisture in the air.

Myth:  Activity only happens at night.
Fact: Activity can happen at any time of day or night.

Myth:  You can only ghost hunt at night.
Fact: A hunt can go on at anytime, since can activity can happen whenever. Though it is more thrill seeking to do it in the dark.

Myth:  Every Paranormal Group is out to help you.
Fact: While most are here to help, learn more about the world around us and educate. A few are only in it for monetary or ego reasons.

Myth: Ghost hunting is scary.
Fact: While at times it has its heart racing moments, I’d estimate 95% of the time is calm and uneventful.

Myth: Just because one has a TV Show means they know everything about Paranormal!
Fact: Some people tend to believe anything they see on TV.

Don’t worry I’m sure I’ll have the need after hearing or reading something stupid online for a part 2.

Peace,
Cedric
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