Our Equipment
Milwaukee Area Paranormal Investigations
"Follow me into the shadows..."
- Pentax Optio 30 digital Camera
- Minolta Maxxum 3000i 35mm camera
- Disposable 35mm cameras (standard & waterproof)
- Non-digital camcorder
- Sony digital camcorder with audio & nightshot
- Cell Sensor emf meter
- Gauss Master emf meter
- Trifield Natural EM meter
- Craftsman infrared non-contact thermometer
- Midland 2 way walkie talkies (8 mile range)
Why we use these instruments
35mm camera: This is very important tools for paranormal investigators, since it gives you visual evidence. Any 35mm camera with a flash will work. The best film to use is a high speed designed for fast action and low light levels. The higher the film speed the better, such as 800. We use disposables in addition to our standard film camera. More advanced persons may want to try using infrared film, various night vision lenses, or even infrared flashes. Make sure to put the camera strap away from the camera lens at all times or remove it, when possible. Also be sure than your lens is clear of all dust and debris, and keep loose hair tied back, so as not to create false positives (photos that look like anomalies but are actually created by things getting in the way such as hair, smoke, straps, dust particles, etc.) Also remember to tell your film developer that you want ALL pictures and negatives, even the bad ones. The bad ones are usually going to be your best pictures.
Digital camera: Digital cameras are nice because you can immediately check to see if you captured anything, and depending on the size of your memory card, you can store many pictures.
Camcorder: We use a video camera for the same reasons as the 35mm camera. Plus you get the added bonus of seeing "live" footage of anything that appears, and you can then study the recorded tape further. Most camcorders come equipped with "night shot" so you get a better quality picture in low light levels. If using a non-digital, be sure to use a high quality tape, and never record over any tape seeing as how old recording may not be fully erased and could possibly bleed into your current recording causing false positives or "ghost" images. As with the cameras, keep all straps and objects away from the lens.
Electromagnetic Field detectors: EMF meters are a popular tool for paranormal investigators and researchers. They are used to detect disruptions in the electromagnetic field which is sometimes associated with paranormal events. With these meters, it is possible to locate and track energy sources, giving you a better shot of knowing where to take pictures. There are many models to choose from and they all do about the some thing. Some have more bells and whistles than others. Whichever model you choose, avoid the ones that merely give you a reading via colored led lights. Get a model that will give you a reading via a needle gauge. You will be able to better record accurate measurements.
Trifield Natural EM meter: The TriField Natural EM meter is an advanced piece of equipment. It detects changes in extremely weak static (DC or "natural") electric and magnetic fields. This meter is so sensitive that it can detect geomagnetic storms caused by unusual solar activity interacting with the ionosphere (which results in rapid changes of up to 10% in the Earth's magnetic field), as well as the electrical activity of ordinary thunderstorms. A radio and microwave detector is also included, which reads radio power directly. Because man-made AC electric and magnetic fields are very common and could interfere with readings of static fields, the meter has been designed to ignore AC fields. Plus you can adjust the volume level, which is a very nice feature to have, especially when using audio recorders.
Thermometer: These are used for obviously detecting changes in temperature. A sudden drop or rise in the temperature could signal paranormal activity. It is a matter of preference if you use a mercury based, an electric, or an infrared non-contact instrument. The electric ones may fail if the batteries run low or if something interferes with its electrical systems. And mercury based may give slower readings.
Walkie talkies: If you are investigating a residence with several rooms, or are doing a study of a large outdoor area, you want to be able to quickly communicate with your other team members. These are not necessary, but they are nice to have around.
Compass: Not only does it help prevent you from getting lost, but a compass can detect changes in the magnetic fields. Your needle will always point to north. If it starts moving more than to be expected (if you are walking) then there is a good chance that something is going on and warrants further investigation.
Flashlight: Pretty obvious. You want to be able to see your surroundings, especially if you are walking through a heavily wooded area at night, or are in a building that has no power. Safety should always be your first concern and priority. The brighter the better. Plus many brands have colored lenses for better visibility in fog, smoke, or night-like conditions.
The infrared flashlight gives us greater illumination and visibility when used with nightshot on our camcorder. When buying one of these, look for the models that have little or no visible light. Depending on the brand , they can be quite expensive. We found ours on Ebay for a very reasonable price.
GPS system: Once again, this is not a necessity, but it is nice to have around. If you have the coordinates (and almost any online mapping site can supply that) you can easily get directions to an otherwise hard to locate destination. Or if you get really lost or are in need of emergency services (providing you have a working cell phone) help can quickly find you.
- Infrared flashlight
- Maglite (4 D-Cell)
- Compass
- Handheld blacklight
- UV ink marker (detects tampering of equipment)
- Eagle Expedition II handheld GPS
- Vintage EMF meter
(Wheelco Instruments Div., Barber Colman Company)
- And a partridge in a pear tree
Partridge: The partridge in a pear tree is by far the most valuable object a paranormal investigator can have. When any unusual activity is present, much like the old miners use of canaries, the partridge picks up the "scent" and quickly alerts the researchers by screaming shrilly and plucking pears, which it then drops at the source of its turmoil. Use of partridges is a dying art, and one that not many are aware of. (JUST KIDDING!!!!)
There are many other tools that can be used. We have listed in detail only what we currently have.
