Basic Kit - Low Cost 

These are tested to be well enough to investigate a case on a small scale. The heavy equiptment is nice, but it really doesn't take all that.

Very basic Necessary Equipment:
These items are cheap, easy to obtain, and can fill a small case.

Business Cards: Include your name and contact information.
Notebook and Pens/Pencils: Notebooks are used to keep case notes, log records of events, and personal journal information.
Flashlights/Candles: Have at least two flashlights with extra batteries.
Tape Recorder and Blank Tapes: Use a good full size tape recorder and a separate external, static free microphone. Always use brand new blank tapes. Never record over old tapes.
Tape Measure: 10 to 50 feet.
Wristwatch.
Thermometer: A thermometer can detect changes in room temperature. It's good to carry an old fashion, red line thermometer. There are electronic (digital) thermometers on the market that are good, but in some cases where electromagnetic forces have been reported they fail.
Compass: Great for navigation, and also used for picking up those electromagnetic forces. A compass will react to any magnetic or electrical stimuli that are reported in haunting cases.
Chalk: White or colored chalk. Used to mark areas and cleans off easy.
Area Maps: If possible.
Cotton balls for putting by window and under door to determine movement.
Talcum powder: To put on the floors to detect movement.
Liquid Level Ruler: Used to determine slanted areas.
First Aid Kit: Always have a first aid kit ready.
Personal ID and some Spare Cash: Never leave home without them.

Batteries

Yeah, bet you didn't see that one coming. but if you have all this equipment and it all discharges from one apparition, you are down till you can get them recharged or replaced.

I highly suggest a mass of batteries, at least two or three changes available for every device that is in use. Don't forget the EMF, Electronic Thermometers, most all cameras, and just about everything else you are carrying requires a specific battery to operate.

In instance of the security systems and DVR systems as well as any laptop computers or other monitoring devices utilized for investigation that runs on 110 volt AC should be plugged into a battery back up unit (i.e. an APC). This will allow you at least time to save everything before the power is completely gone.

There are a lot of flash lights out there. However, for the money, they army surplus "L" light is probably the best option. These are tough flashlights and include filter lenses so as not to interfere with the capture of encounters.

Flashlights

I certainly do not suggest running around without a flash light at all. I also would suggest each member have a dependable personal light (i.e. mini-mag light) for in the event of emergencies and total loss of power. The better shielded the casing the better it will protect the batteries.

Logbook 

The logbook can be used to keep track of time of experiences as well as where, who it was, and the action that occured. There really is no limit though, you can make the form as large as you need, just make sure you have the forms in the logbook so the activity can be documented.

Digital Video Recorder

This recorder allows us to capture the video from the surveillance cameras for later review. The digital format makes it easy for us to record hours and hours of footage from all (4) cameras at the same time. It can then be played directly to a monitor (TV or computer) or transfered to DVD or video tape.

Low Light Surveillance Camera System


This system should consists of (4) 0 lux camera with mounting stands that can be placed throughout the building. They are usually placed in the "hot spots" of paranormal activity and act as our eyes in rooms where we are not present.

Remember, placement is key with these cameras. Setup prior to begining of the investigation will determin what they do for you. So make sure you have them where you need them when you go lights out.

Camcorders

Most of you are familiar with video camcorders. We use these devices either as a hand held camera to be taken with the investigators as they tour the premises or as a staionary camera to be placed in remote locations that at far from the reach of our cabled camera system. Camcorders come in various formats including; 8mm, Hi8, DVC, DVD, digital and even VHS. We have the ability to convert all these formats to more easily viewed ones (such as converting all video to DVD or VHS).

Because of the low light conditions that filming is usually taking place, an equipped night shot or low lux (0 lux) option should be available. This will allow you to capture more footage without disturbing the environment for need of light as well.

Still Photography Cameras

Cameras come in many shapes sizes and formats, and all of our members should have at least one camera of their own. We follow the "if you feel you want to take a picture, take one" philosophy, where investigators are encouraged to take photographs where and when they feel the urge (while being courteous of the clients wishes and being careful not to disturb other investigators, of course). We use both digital and film photography. Digital however is the primary method of image capture.

Remember, reviewing the images is really the hard part of the whole picture taking process, it is vitally important that all frames are reviewed. If there is a discovery in any images, it should be able to hold up to scrutiny, always inspect the flash patterns and note any reflective objects. This in combination with moisture and dust can make a house look like it is a party house for ghost. Just remember, if you can't believe what you are looking at, a septic will rip it to shreds. Never delete pictures off the camera, all photos should be backed up and at least reviewed before disposal all together.

I highly suggest the use of negative to view any images along with the regular photo. Any changes to be made to an image should be made to a copy only. Once an image has been altered in anyway, it is useless as evidence.

Audio Recorders

The deployment of several audio recorders, some digital, some analog (IE: cassette tape) is to attempt to capture a spirits voice. Electronic Voice Phenomena (or EVP) is the term used when a spirit’s voice is captured on an audio recording device. Many times the voice is not heard during the investigation and is discovered while reviewing the audio recordings. While reviewing the audio from an investigation we employ headphones and digital audio computer programs to hear the EVP’s more clearly.

When planting a recorder of any kind, especially an analog recorder use of an omni-directional microphone helps isolate the raw audio you wish to collect from the noise of the gears inside the recorder.

The best of course is the digital audio recorder because of the lack of moving parts and the variety of ways the can be used for EVP.

Use of a White Noise generator has been said to enhance the reception of EVPs.

Electro-Magnetic Field Detectors

Most leaders in the field of paranormal investigation believe that spirits exist in an energy state. It is also believed that when a spirits gathers its energy in an attempt to contact the living, it can be measured. One of the devices we use to measure this "distubance of energy" is an Electro-Magnetic Field Detector. Electro-magnetic fields (or EMF) are given off by most electrical appliances and electrical services (ie: outlets, breaker box). So it is important to be aware of any normal causes of EMF’s and not to include them in our paranormal experiences. In general, most normal EMF's are constant and occupy the same space as the device generating them, so they are pretty easy to run down.

A EMF from a spirit however would move around, but not always the case. This is where a thourough walk through and documented natural hot spots of EMF are located.

The over exposure to EMF man made, natural, or paranormal, can cause health conditions as well as an altered state of consious.

Digital Thermometers


It is widely believed in the field of paranormal research, that as a spirit attempts to contact the living world it must gather energy. One of the phenomena that can happen during this gathering is a cold (or warm) spot. We can measure this with a thermometer. We use digital thermometers because they react quickly and give us an easily readable display. It is important to seek out any natural or man made causes for cold spots before entertaining the thought of the paranormal cause. Even a small draft into a room may cause temperature fluctuations.

The best digital thermometer uses an infrared beam to read a spot and also has an air temp probe mounted to the unit with dual read outs. This way you can use the spot probe and at the same time monitor the air temp. The air probe alone is a little bit easier to use and will give excellent results. The only down fall of the infrared beam thermometers is the need to point it to a location and get a reading. However temperature fluctuations can be read fairly well off of a non dense object that occupies the same space as the temperature fluctuation.

No matter the choice in equipment, you should carry the device with you at all times during an investigation so you can document the changes with an instrumental reading as evidence.

Afterword

Remember, all of what is here is for reference.  As always, the field is learning and experimenting with new equipment widely, and finding new uses for various equipment.  Equipment can become expensive, always remember to get what you need to conduct investigations at the level you need them for.  Over use of equipment when unnecessary is waste and not only for the money it takes to purchase it, but also manpower and resources it consumes, so choose wisely.

Bookmark: