Equipment

I will be discussing certain pieces of ghost hunting equipment here, those which have given us the most consistent results in our investigations. In a field where very few pieces of equipment do most of the work for investigators, I feel we all should share what instruments are the best for us.

First, a good field investigation kit should consist of the following:  

1. quality electromagnetic frequency meters, or emf meters.  This type of meter has numerous brands, with numerous functions.  Some investigators like a meter with sound, and some investigators do not want sound at all.  Reasoning here is that a meter that makes sound will at times interfere with a low volume disembodied voice.  I personally like an emf meter with sound outside, in cemeteries, and general outdoor situations.  In a house or building, I like to use a lighted emf meter, with no sound, as there are less noises to distract an investigator.  The meter shown here is the Advanced K2, from www.paranormalsystems.com.  It is aluminum molded, RF proof, and water resistant.  This k2 has sound, and a flashing lighted sequence bar to show electromagnetic activity.  It also has a much larger area of coverage than a standard k2 meter.  I personally don't need to know the specific amount of activity by a number, I just want to be alerted to a ghost or presence quickly, so I can be proactive with communication.  If you see my Video Clip page here at our site, I have loaded some video to show you how this meter actually works in the field.  For sensitivity, and quick response time, I highly recommend this Advanced K2 Meter.

2. Digital voice recorders are a must as any investigator will want to capture EVP's.  Again here, there are numerous brands that all do well in the field.  I like to set static recorders in all locations, to try and collect random or roaming ghost voices.  I also like to carry a recorder most of the time, in hopes of getting a ghost to respond to my questions.  Of course, sound will be available on any camcorder you use also.  Some investigators state that the quality of their EVP's is better if you set your voice recorder on slow speed to record.  I have not seen the difference, but this may not take effect unless you have the more expensive brands of recorder.  (Personal preference here, but I attach a regular stage microphone to my voice recorders, as it will capture sound from every angle when it is mounted on microphone stands.)

3.  Cameras   I personally like to use digital cameras.  They are much easier to transfer data, and you can immediately review your photo after you take it.  This gives you immediate ability to capture readings in an area where you might capture a dramatic image.  Other investigators will want to use a standard camera with a roll of film in it.  This would be so that later proof could be reviewed on the negative, to prove that no tampering was done.  (I have to state here that I trust the photos I see on investigation sites from others until I am proven wrong in that trust).  Yes I know there are fakes out there, but there are so many ghosts to communicate with, there seems no reason to fake a result.

4.  Video Recorders   Video recorders are absolutely necessary to capture real time evidence.  This is the most valued evidence an investigator can collect, as it is real time, and can be the most convincing evidence to show people.  You will see almost every investigator using a video recorder, in every investigation, on every television show.  Once again here, there are many brands of video recorders available.  One thing to remember is to look for  recorders with a 0 lux capability, to recorder video in dark or semidark comditions.  Ghosts do not act on command most of the time, so we have to keep the cameras rolling continuously during investigations.  There can never be enough cameras.  Remember that  we always want to get verification of any sighting or recording.  That means we want results on more than one capturing device, to verify authenticity.  If two video recorders capture the same shadow figure, we can get a timeline from this, and also get any direct or dedicated motion of the entity.  We would also want to capture any noise or voice on both audio and video, to again verify results.  The ultimate result for an investigator is a moving shadow figure or apparition on video, and/or a crytal clear disembodied voice.

5.  I have had success with a device called The Minibox, once again produced and marketed by www.paranormalsystems.com.  This is a technologically advanced version of the original Frank's Box.  It specifically scans frequencies repeatedly OVER and UNDER normal radio wavebands, in ranges that spirits or ghosts may use.  There are 15 scan modes available on this piece of equipment, and it is startling when it actually responds to questions posed to it.  On several occasions I have used it in paranormal house situations, and in one conversation where the family was talking about moving out of the house,  I asked the minibox a series of questions concerning the family leaving.  One of the questions I asked was what would you do if the family moved out?  The response I got was   "kick back".    So when I felt I had a person talking with me, I asked them what they would eat after the family was gone and no one was cooking in the house anymore.  The response I got was "Wendy's"!  So as I can tell you, the responses are not always that specific, but they do occur when ghosts trust you enough to talk to you.  Please go to the Video Clip page to see a clip of this meter in action also.  This is one of the devices I always take to investigations.  I will use ANY device that makes it easier for a ghost or spirit to communicate, and this is a superb device for that purpose.

6.  Portable Lights  Flashlights, just about any type, are necessary, as we investigate in the dark most of the time.  Some meters have lights built into them, and that is a great tool.  But there are all types of smaller flashlights that are great for night investigations.

7.  Notepads  You will want to take extensive notes on event occurrence times, to verify with any recording devices.  You will also want to  compare notes with team members.

8.  First Aid Kit   Should be on every investigation.  We are always in the dark, and can trip, or fall, or run into something.  Practice safety at all times, talk about it before you start the investigation. And try to stay in teams of a minimum of two.  Stay safe at all times.

9.  These items should be highly considered on every investigation, but are not absolutely necessary.  Cell phone (muted), noise monitoring devices, geiger counters, ion generators, a compass for out  door investigations, two way radios for communication, digital thermometers, to measure hot or cold spots. EXTRA BATTERIES!!!  Ghosts love to use any available energy they can find to manifest, or communicate.  You will find yourself with NO equipment at times if you do not take extra batteries to your investigations.  And a personal need of mine is microphone stands, and  camera tripods. 

Wear comfortable clothing.  Whatever will not distract you in any way from investigating is best.  Dress for the weather conditions, and have on the most comfortable shoes you own.  An insect repellent is also advisable when you are investigating in muggy conditions.  Ghost hunting vests are becoming more popular now, and at times are a great asset for batteries, camera film, extra meters, and much more.