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Camera: 35mm camera with black
and white film and/or infrared film. Video or camcorders are also very good and should be used. Use brand new tapes. Don't
use an old tape and tape over something. Have all the film developed by experts. Don't forget tri-pods!
Night Vision Equipment: Night Vision
scopes can be very useful. You can also get cheap adapters that will attach the scopes to video cameras for about $30. Night
Vision Equipment can be expensive but it is getting more price reasonable. Expect to pay between $250-$4000. You can get some
good scopes in the $300 range that work very good on video equipment.
Tape Recorder: A good tape recorder
and an external static free microphone should be in use at all times in the ghost hunt. Even if you don't hear anything during
the hunt rewind the tape and play it back. Spirit voices have been known to be heard on tape later after review. This is referred
to as, EVP, Electronic Voice Phenomena. Again, use brand new tapes when recording.
Flash Lights: Always have bright
flash lights (usually 3 or 4) and extra batteries. Sometimes candles may be used but don't count on them staying lit.
A Notebook and pens/pencils: Notebook
is a good way to keep notes, records of time or a journal of events.
EMF Detector: These are great!
EMF Detectors can pick up electronic fields over different frequencies. Where there are ghosts there are usually disruptions
in the electronic field. They are relatively cheap ranging from $24 to $130. You should try to get a hold of one or more of
these for all field work. As a guide line each person in your group should have one on hand.
Thermometer: A good thermometer
can detect changes in room temperature quickly. It's best to use the old fashion mercury filled, red line, thermometers. They
have electronic thermometers but in ghost cases where electromagnetic forces have been reported they might fail right when
you need them.
Compass: Great for navigation if
you know how to use one and also great for picking up those electromagnetic forces. A compass will react to any magnetic or
electrical stimulus that is out of the ordinary. Same rules apply here, try not to use the electronic compass's. Stick to
the simple boy scout, needle points North version.
Ghost Catcher: (also called, a
Spirit Wind Chime) The idea here is that the spirit will pass by and cause the ghost catcher to chime much like a wind chime
does in the wind. You can use the wind chime that you get in the stores, however, try to get the ones made of the lightest
material. You don't want the arms to be too heavy. For obvious reasons these will not be affective outside or in any area
where a breeze or wind is blowing.
You can make Ghost Catchers yourself. Take about 8 to 10 very
thin strips of metal (about one inch wide and about 6 to 8 inches long). Put a hole in one end of each strip. Tie seperate
strings to each strip. Leave about 6 inches of slack in the string and tie the other end of the strings to a pole or something
that keeps the strips hanging down. Tie them about one half inch apart on the pole. The strips shouldn't touch each other
but shouldn't be very far apart either. Hang the pole from the ceiling or in a doorway. I know that some people paint the
strips with glowing paint to make them easier to see at night or in the dark. Any variation on a wind chime will work. For
the best results make several ghost catchers and put them at different spots throughout a house.
Infrared Thermal Scanner: These
saves on infrared film and time by accurately pin pointing the cold spots. These scanners are excellent to use in outside
investigations. Price range is around $300 to $500. This is not something that you must have, but if you can afford, it give
it a try.
Air Ion Counter: Measures positive
and negative Ions in the air. This little add-on is a great instrument to have for use in the field. The price is high, around
$400 - $600.
Headset Communicators: When you
have a team of three or more people headset commincators are a great idea for staying in contact when spread out. You can
use the hand held walkie talkies but the headset frees up your hands for holding cameras etc. They will run in the price range
of $30 to $80 a piece. I've seen good sets that work up to a distance of 100 yards for 40 bucks.
Spot Lights: Small battery powered
spot lights really help at night when it comes to setting up and taking down cameras and other equipment. They can also be
used for safety and to get a better view of the surrounding terrain at night. Get the lights that sit on the ground but have
swivels on the lights to set them to different angles. Plan on getting between 2 and 6 spot lights depending on your needs.
Barometer: Some ghost
hunters believe that paranormal activity can affect barometric pressure.
Candles and Matches: These
are essential if your flashlights stop working. perhaps due to spirits!
Dowsing Rods: Some researchers
feel that the use of dowsing rods can help to pick up ghosts.
Hydrometer: This device
is useful for picking up any changes in air humidity.
Microphone: A good microphone
is essential for picking up electronic voice phenomena.
Motion Detectors: These devices
are good for sensing movement when there should be none. One sensor can easily monitor an entire hallway or room. it is an
ideal tool for indoor investigations.
Red Cellophane: This is a
useful material for covering the lenses of flashlights in order to preserve your eyes natural night vision.
Small Windchimes: Some researchers
claim that breezes sometimes accompany ghosts. Windchimes should be placed in areas where the ghost is thought most likely
to appear and of course out of the wind or drafts. This is a simple system that can alert investigators to photograph the
area.
Talcum Powder: This is a
useful substance for capturing footprints or handprints. Sprinkle it around on the ground around where the investigation is
taking place.
Thermal Imaging Scopes: This
device allows you to actually see what your thermal scanner detects. Should there be a cold spot, this infrared technology
makes it possible to see the shape and size of the cold pot.
Video Camera: Allows events to
be captured as they are happening.
Walkie-Talkies These devices
allow you to communicate with your ghost hunting party.
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