Tools We Use
Before we perform any investigation, we want to ensure our clients understand and are completely comfortable with our process. Below, we have outlined some common tools we use and their typical applications. We may bring additional tools tailored to a specific investigation’s needs. We encourage our clients to ask questions if they are curious about any of the items we are using.
Audio Recorder
An audio recorder is the most important tool in a paranormal investigator’s toolkit. From gathering information about a location to conducting EVP sessions, we are recording audio at most points during an investigation.
We use both digital and analog (tape) recorders as both have different capabilities. One of the most valuable things about recording audio is that it gives the ability to easily switch between capturing auditory phenomena and replaying it, allowing us to adjust our investigative approach as needed.
Infrared Camera
Infrared cameras use the same technology as '“night vision” systems - these cameras are equipped with infrared LED lights, which project light that is not visible to the human eye, but can be picked up on camera. This allows us to film our investigations while still conducting them in complete darkness.
The video and audio feed from these cameras is wired to a location away from the investigation site, where a member of our team monitors for auditory and visual phenomena. These can range from moving objects to shadows, orbs and light anomalies as well as sounds that may or may not be heard in person. These are also recorded on a hard drive for later review.
Maglite
More than just a light source to help us in the dark, we use Maglites as a method to interact with paranormal entities. Using the Maglite’s twist-on function, we turn the bezel to just before the light turns on. It is believed that spirits can bridge that final minuscule gap using the energy of the batteries and turn on the light.
With a series of these Maglites, we can confirm the presence of a spirit by using one or more of the lights as reference points and the others as controls. Using this method, we have been able to obtain substantial evidence, such as recognition of names and answers to questions.
Spirit Box
A spirit box, also known as a “ghost box”, is a device that cycles through radio frequencies at a rapid rate. It is believed that entities can harness the energy of this cycling and manifest as sounds, single words, and occasionally a string of words or a sentence. These manifestations can often be heard in person, but sometimes they are unintelligible or are not even perceived, so we often use audio recorders to capture and review spirit box sessions.
A spirit box is highly effective when interacting with intelligent entities, as it can be used to conduct question-and-answer sessions in which the entity responds via the box.
EMF Meters
EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meters operate on the presumption that paranormal phenomena carry properties that affect electromagnetic fields around them. Two types we often use are the K-II meter, which measures the strength of an EMF fluctuation, and the REM pod, which can measure the strength of the fluctuation as well as other information like temperature changes (another property of paranormal interactions) and convey this info through indicating sounds.
When using EMF meters, we have special concerns regarding the location, as things like wiring in walls, electronics, and interference from other outside communications (like walkie talkies) as these can interfere or cause false positives (although some meters adjust for this).
We often leave these meters sitting in rooms throughout the entirety of an investigation. Occasionally, they will go off even with no one in the room. We can also incorporate them into interactions with entities by saying phrases like, “Can you touch that” or “Can you make that light up blue?”.
Handheld EMF meters are a great way to register chills/the feeling of being touched as an actual measurement. If a person is being affected by an entity that causes them to feel cold, EMF meters often also show high readings.
SLS Camera
An SLS (Structured Light Sensor) camera is a specialized type of camera that works by projecting over a million points of infrared light, and measuring the distance between these points to digitally map the camera’s field of view. When recording with this type of camera, special software is used that recognizes human-shaped forms and maps them with a digital ‘skeleton’. Therefore, if an entity chooses to manifest in a way that can be seen by this camera, we will see it using the software.
Surprisingly, the most widely-available and accessible version of the SLS is the Xbox Kinect camera. The technology that allows families to play Just Dance also gives paranormal investigators access to a powerful cutting-edge investigative method.