Basic Equipment For The Modern Ghost Hunter

Basic Equipment For The Modern Ghost Hunter

There is an ever increasing amount of equipment on the market that is now being used on investigations. Unlike the early ghost hunters of the early part 20th century we live in an age of technology and we are fortunate enough to be able to use digital recorders and night vision cameras etc but bear in mind that these are not ghost detectors by any means. Their purpose is to simply record data of the natural environment at the location of a reputed haunting. A record of the temperature, electromagnetic fields etc all helps to build a picture of what is taking place in the environment around a haunting.

The list below is a recommendation of basic tools that are worth taking with you on an investigation.

Note book and pen: Probably the most essential piece of equipment in any paranormal kit. You will need to make a note of your observations during a vigil. Sketch out floor plans etc.

A personal recorder: This is another good way to record personal observations, be sure to record the date, time and location on the device so you can locate your entry at a later date. It can also be used for experiments with EVP or to catch random noises as they occur. For E.V.P work it best to use an external microphone to eliminate internal machine noise.

Digital camera: The digital camera is very useful on an investigation. Its main useful purpose is to take snap shots for a record of the location that you are investigating. Its obvious benefit is that it allows you to take hundreds of shots without costly film processing. If by chance you catch a ghost on camera please remember to keep the image on the original memory card and of course post in a copy to Ghosts Central.

Camcorder with Night Vision: Digital camcorders with night vision are great for recording in low light areas and capturing any strange events. Ideally your camcorder should have night vision or super night vision, a built in light and a microphone. Always carry a spare battery and plenty of tapes for your camcorder when out on an investigation. A tripod is also recommended. If possible, to avoid dust orbs, cover the built in light with some tape and use an external infra red light.

EMF Meter: EMF meters detect the electro-magnetic fields. There is a lot of speculation that this may be associated with the energy of ghosts as well as natural phenomena. Conduct baseline checks with your EMF meter on arrival to check for appliances giving off a lot of natural EMF. When checking for EMF anomalies scan the area slowly in all directions. When conducting a vigil leave the EMF meter running as this may also give a random reading.

Digital and Analogue Voice recorder: Digital recorders will give less motor noise than analogue recorders they will also tend to have a longer recording time than analogue recorders and obviously no tapes. I still prefer to use an external microphone with digital recorders. When possible place any recording device in an area when no one is present. During the vigil when recording set up all quiet periods for 5 to 10 minutes while recording.

Thermometer: Take base line readings of not only the inside temperature of a building but also the outside environment. Note weather conditions also in your records, Very often you will find that what may seem like an extremely cold spot has no or only very slight temperature variations.

Torch: An obvious choice when working any where in the dark but it also can come in very handy to write up notes on location. Another tip is to hold the beam up so you can notice the extent of dust in a building to evaluate the possibility of dust orbs on your photos.

Compass: A compass is inexpensive and can be used as a cheap substitute to an EMF meter. It also can be used to record the layout and direction of a location.

Infra Red Motion Sensor: These come in handy for detecting the living rather than the dead it allows you to help secure a locked off area from human or animal interference.

Trigger Objects: You can use trigger objects in an area that has been reported that items are moved. Where possible try to use objects that are associated with the reported ghost in some way. You can use a wooden cross in a disused place of worship. A toy if a child ghost is expected. Glass or coins in a pub etc. Place the object on a sheet of paper and draw around it. Make sure it is well out of the way from the main investigation preferably in a secure room. (Use motion detectors to detect human intrusions) Always make sure that you photograph the object in full light and from above before you leave it. Check on return and photograph again. It’s even better if you can lock a video camera on it, but make sure that the camera angle covers all angles.

Two Way Radios: These are recommended if you are splitting into small teams. This enables you to communicate with the other team when you need to. Keep the two way communication down to a minimum. It’s the best way, if for example you hear a noise, to check in with the other team to see if they made the noise.

Batteries: Take plenty of charged batteries with you; the rechargeable ones are the best as batteries can have a mysterious way of losing their charge on an investigation. A point to note is that if you are using rechargeable batteries you will need to totally discharge them every now and again and then do a total recharge.