EQUIPMENT WE USE
Digital Voice Recorder
For gathering EVP evidence paranormal investigators typically use digital voice recorders. One of the recorders that T.O.R.C.H. uses is the recorder pictured on the left, which is the Olympus Digital Voice Recorder VN-8100PC. This device is very sensitive and recordings that come from this digital voice recorder come in extremely clear. Its main purpose is to record audio evidence that the investigators may or may not have heard during the investigation.
HD Camcorder
The hand-held camcorder that we use is the Isignia NS-DV111080F, the same as the camcorder pictured on the right. It is a full HD 1920x1080p camcorder. It produces high quality and a very sharp and detailed picture. Its main purpose is to record video evidence that the camcorder may have caught around the area of the investigator.
HD Full Spectrum (IR&UV) Video Camera
This is another camcorder that we use. However, unlike the Isignia NS-DV111080F, this camera is equipped to be able to take video and pictures deep within both the infrared and ultraviolet light spectrum. This allows us to record video and take pictures in complete darkness. Whereas our other camcorder will need a higher-powered light source (like the light that is already on the camera or a flashlight) to be able to see anything in the dark.
Infrared Surveillance Video Cameras
These pieces of equipment are vital in any investigation because of the fact that each individual camera records video throughout the entirety of the investigation in one location. Having four of these cameras, we are able record video any room or area of interest without having to physically be in that particular location. These cameras have great infrared capabilities, giving them night vision technology.
Digital Camera
Another (extremely) important piece of equipment that paranormal investigators like to use is a digital camera. We take, literally, hundreds of pictures every investigation. And we're basically taking random pictures of nothing, hoping that the camera is able to catch something that we're not able to see with the naked eye. Our HD camcorder is also able to take digital photographs. However, a quality digital camera is much more preferred in taking photographs simply because digital cameras specialize in taking pictures, where as camcorders specialize in taking video.
Our team camera is the Cannon Powershot SD900. A high quality camera that is great for any ghost hunting team or individual investigator.
Our team camera is the Cannon Powershot SD900. A high quality camera that is great for any ghost hunting team or individual investigator.
KII EMF Meter
This is the KII EMF Meter. You may recognize this device from the TV show "Ghost Hunters." This is a very helpful tool in finding electromagnetic fields. It is thought that spirits can communicate with us through this device as well. Evidence shows that spiritual energy can give off electromagnetic fields. So if evidence and theory is correct, spirits should be able to communicate with us by simply moving close to and away from the device as a way of answering questions. If this EMF meter detects an electromagnetic field in the area the bulbs on top will light. The stronger the field, the more bulbs will light. The red bulb indicates the strongest EMF detectable by this device.
EMF-822A EMF Detector
This is another EMF detector that we use. This device can detect an electromagnetic field and, unlike the KII, can give a precise measurement of how strong the field is. The KII can only tell us if an EMF is present and how strong it is. The EMF-822A can do that, plus give us precise reading... So why need both? Well, because the KII seems to be a better communicating tool than the EMF-822A. But the 822A is a better measurement tool. EMFs may not shed constant numbers to these devices. But natural EMFs should be pretty stationary around appliances or wiring that give off EMFs. The reason why we use either of these is because EMFs shouldn't be able to travel around a room or a building without anything carrying it. So when we turn on these devices and find an EMF traveling around a room, both devices may possibly be detecting electrical-spiritual energy... On the other hand, strong natural EMFs can give a person the feeling of being watched, nausea, a feeling of panic, etc. (Everybody is effected uniquely by heavy doses of EMFs). Both devices can let us know that our client may be experiencing the feeling of being watched simply because the wiring in her kitchen is bad. Both EMF detectors are very important in the ways of proving the existence of a spirit and also coming up with an alternative explanation to something a client may be experiencing.
Non-Contact IR Thermometer
This piece of equipment is important when it comes to measuring temperature, debunking cold spots, and finding cold spots that do not make sense in the relation of the environment. It is thought that spirits produce a radiating temperature around themselves. And, if pointing in the right direction, this device can read the radiating temperature of a spiritual entity. It can also very easily debunk cold or warm spots as being natural in relation to the environment, and not supernatural.
IR & UV Illuminators
Our full spectrum video camera is useless in the dark without this. The IR LEDs produce a very dim light that is invisible to the human eye. But it gives off enough light for cameras (cameras that are equipped and modified to sense IR light) to be able to record video and take pictures in complete darkness... On the other end of the light spectrum is what we call ultraviolet light (the LEDs that are bright). Paranormal investigators have been starting to use UV light as another means to be able to actually see spirits. Basically, if spirits make themselves visible anywhere within the light spectrum, this illuminator should allow our full spectrum video camera to see and record them.
P-SB7 Ghost Box
The P-SB7 Ghost Box is a great device that can be used to directly communicate with a spirit. It's basically the computer age's Ouija Board. It flips through all the radio stations at such a speed that no full words can be picked up. It may be possible for spirits to talk to us through this device through the combination of white noise and radio-generated sounds that can help them form words and phrases.
Ovilus X
If you watch Ghost Adventures, you know what this thing is. It's probably one of the most exciting tools to use while on a ghost hunt. The Ovilus X basically feeds off of energy that surrounds it, and is able to spit out words that relates to the information that it gathers from the surrounding energy. It is believed that spirits are able to talk clearly through this device.