Prep Kitchen
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This tool review will cover what is probably the most important piece of “equipment” that any team can bring into the field. Regardless of your camera count, the range of your microphones, or even the sensitivity of your EMF detectors, the people who are actually using this equipment are what will either make or break your crew. As such, I’d like to make a few recommendations on what to look for when you are trying to staff your hunt team.
As any paranormal researcher can tell you, one of the most difficult things to get a handle on is your team’s membership. You need to have a team that is large enough to deal with the work load, but small enough to ensure that everyone has ample opportunity to develop into a top notch field investigator. Sadly, not everyone that will apply for membership with you is going to be a good fit.
When you do decide to interview a candidate, it is important to clearly establish their level of interest. When first meeting any potential member, try to get a feel for how they are currently satisfying their curiosity into the paranormal. If you get a candidate who happens to be a walking library on people like Hans Holzer or Harry Price, you might want to take them a little more seriously than someone whose interest developed at around the same time that “America’s Most Haunted” went on the air.
Now don’t get me wrong, a person can actually learn quite a bit about ghost hunting from such programs, but if TV shows are the only information resource that the interviewee can name, you might have a problem on your hands. The sad truth of the matter is that while programs like “Ghost Hunters” and “ParanormalState” are informative and entertaining, they also tend to excite paranormal thrill-seekers. Needless to say, thrill-seekers don’t usually have the kind of drive or interest that is necessary to becoming a serious researcher. Most will either quickly get bored, or leave the team as soon as they have their first paranormal experience.
When looking for a new member, availability and reliability are the two most basic things to establish. Strangely, many people who are interested in this field seem to overlook the fact that most of the work is done during the wee hours of the night. So, if they have a 3rd shift job, or need to be home before 10 pm to tuck the kids in, they’re probably not going to have the kind of availability that you’re looking for. Additionally, if you have a prospect that has rescheduled their first interview a few times, don’t expect them to magically become more reliable once they become an active member.
Another thing to keep in mind when trolling for prospects is their “fear factor”. Before taking any new member on a “cliented” hunt, take them out for some field training first. Luckily, we here at the Illinois Ghost Hunters have access to a paranormally active training location. In addition to providing some hands-on training, we can also observe the candidate in a controlled, yet active environment. From sending them into dark and creepy areas as bait, to teaching them how to reload cameras in zero light, an active training location can not only help screen potential candidates, but it can also be the best place in which to help someone develop their investigative chops.
By far, the most important thing for any team to have is a handbook. As our own team eventually discovered, you can’t easily keep a team in line if there aren’t any established ground rules. Whether you’re talking about the number of hunts a person needs to attend in order to remain active, or all of the “no no’s” that must be avoided during an investigation, you can’t expect a new member to observe your team’s code of conduct if they have never been given a copy of it. And just to keep everything fair, you might even want to draw up a written agreement to be signed by each member once they have read and understand your team’s rules and expectations.
If a candidate doesn’t seem to match up with what you are looking for in a member, be sure to inform them professionally and honestly. Let the applicant know where they stand and offer them a few pointers on how to improve their paranormal resume. Better yet, acquaint yourself with the other paranormal groups in your area and see if this person might be a good candidate for another organization. After all, not all paranormal groups are the same. Some are more akin to paranormally interested social clubs, while others are wholly focused on hard core field work.
In any case, growing your hunt team’s membership can be every bit as important as the gear you bring to a hunt. Not only does increasing your membership mean that you have more eyes and ears reviewing collected data, but it can also provide you with a solid mix of talents and skill sets that your team might be lacking. Just be careful when making your selection, a residential hunt is no place to find out that your new member is afraid of the dark, or worse yet, a kleptomaniac. Remember, people will be inviting you into their homes and businesses based solely on their faith in your abilities. And whether you like it or not, every member you bring along will help shape your team’s reputation.
As any paranormal researcher can tell you, one of the most difficult things to get a handle on is your team’s membership. You need to have a team that is large enough to deal with the work load, but small enough to ensure that everyone has ample opportunity to develop into a top notch field investigator. Sadly, not everyone that will apply for membership with you is going to be a good fit.
When you do decide to interview a candidate, it is important to clearly establish their level of interest. When first meeting any potential member, try to get a feel for how they are currently satisfying their curiosity into the paranormal. If you get a candidate who happens to be a walking library on people like Hans Holzer or Harry Price, you might want to take them a little more seriously than someone whose interest developed at around the same time that “America’s Most Haunted” went on the air.
Now don’t get me wrong, a person can actually learn quite a bit about ghost hunting from such programs, but if TV shows are the only information resource that the interviewee can name, you might have a problem on your hands. The sad truth of the matter is that while programs like “Ghost Hunters” and “ParanormalState” are informative and entertaining, they also tend to excite paranormal thrill-seekers. Needless to say, thrill-seekers don’t usually have the kind of drive or interest that is necessary to becoming a serious researcher. Most will either quickly get bored, or leave the team as soon as they have their first paranormal experience.
When looking for a new member, availability and reliability are the two most basic things to establish. Strangely, many people who are interested in this field seem to overlook the fact that most of the work is done during the wee hours of the night. So, if they have a 3rd shift job, or need to be home before 10 pm to tuck the kids in, they’re probably not going to have the kind of availability that you’re looking for. Additionally, if you have a prospect that has rescheduled their first interview a few times, don’t expect them to magically become more reliable once they become an active member.
Another thing to keep in mind when trolling for prospects is their “fear factor”. Before taking any new member on a “cliented” hunt, take them out for some field training first. Luckily, we here at the Illinois Ghost Hunters have access to a paranormally active training location. In addition to providing some hands-on training, we can also observe the candidate in a controlled, yet active environment. From sending them into dark and creepy areas as bait, to teaching them how to reload cameras in zero light, an active training location can not only help screen potential candidates, but it can also be the best place in which to help someone develop their investigative chops.
By far, the most important thing for any team to have is a handbook. As our own team eventually discovered, you can’t easily keep a team in line if there aren’t any established ground rules. Whether you’re talking about the number of hunts a person needs to attend in order to remain active, or all of the “no no’s” that must be avoided during an investigation, you can’t expect a new member to observe your team’s code of conduct if they have never been given a copy of it. And just to keep everything fair, you might even want to draw up a written agreement to be signed by each member once they have read and understand your team’s rules and expectations.
If a candidate doesn’t seem to match up with what you are looking for in a member, be sure to inform them professionally and honestly. Let the applicant know where they stand and offer them a few pointers on how to improve their paranormal resume. Better yet, acquaint yourself with the other paranormal groups in your area and see if this person might be a good candidate for another organization. After all, not all paranormal groups are the same. Some are more akin to paranormally interested social clubs, while others are wholly focused on hard core field work.
In any case, growing your hunt team’s membership can be every bit as important as the gear you bring to a hunt. Not only does increasing your membership mean that you have more eyes and ears reviewing collected data, but it can also provide you with a solid mix of talents and skill sets that your team might be lacking. Just be careful when making your selection, a residential hunt is no place to find out that your new member is afraid of the dark, or worse yet, a kleptomaniac. Remember, people will be inviting you into their homes and businesses based solely on their faith in your abilities. And whether you like it or not, every member you bring along will help shape your team’s reputation.
Team Membership
by Chef George Hawrylenko
Whether you’re part of an established research team with an arsenal of high-tech gear, or just starting out in the field with a few pieces of basic equipment, there is one component that can make or break your next hunt: your batteries. Oddly, while batteries are a standard part of every ghost hunter’s kit bag, most researchers couldn’t tell you a thing about what makes one brand of battery different from another. And let’s be honest here, all that most of us want to know about our batteries is whether they work or not.
Before stocking up on batteries, it’s important to know the kinds of demands that you are going to be placing on them. In most cases, it is far more economical to have a variety of rechargeables on hand for equipment that you’ll be regularly using in the field. Cam-corders, digital cameras and two-way radios really have a way of eating power. For economy’s sake, you’ll probably want to spend the $30-50 per unit and invest in a few sets of rechargeable batteries or battery packs. When purchasing rechargeable batteries, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. First off, I would recommend that you choose alkaline or lithium-based rechargeables. The highly-touted nickel metal hydride power sources don’t seem to hold a charge if left sitting idle. If an unexpected hunt comes up, you shouldn’t be surprised if those nickel hydrides are as dead as your prospective ghosts. Admittedly, alkalines and lithiums have also been known to have the same problem, but their rates of decay are far more forgiving than those displayed by nickel hydrides.
Now, when it comes to the proper care and feeding of those expensive rechargeable batteries, the rule of thumb is pretty simple. Never recharge a charged battery. Be sure to drain all rechargeables completely before juicing them back up to full power. This will properly “train” the batteries and keep them at their peak efficiency. Recharging batteries that are only partially depleted will eventually limit their storage capacity and necessitate the need for early replacement. Also, try to keep any lithium batteries away from excessive heat. Most manufacturers try to hide the fact that leaving your camera (or cell phone) in a hot, summer car drastically cuts down on the lifespan of your power source.
Once you’ve set yourself up with the appropriate rechargeable batteries, it would also be in your best interest to keep a supply of disposable batteries on hand. When purchasing disposables, you should again keep in mind the kinds of demands that you’ll be placing on those batteries. For example, if you are looking to power a camera, you should probably stick with lithiums. The high-current draws followed by low power cycles really takes a lot out of alkaline cells, so try to stay lithium-specific when looking to power any still cameras or cam-corders.
By contrast, some of your equipment functions at a low or medium power draw levels. Pieces like digital audio recorders, EMF detectors, and most IR thermometers draw power at these levels. Alkaline batteries are, by far, the best route to take when powering up these devices. Sure, the more expensive lithium brands will work here as well, but you’re just going to be throwing money out the window. Also, don’t be tempted by nickel oxy-hydroxide batteries. The only good thing about that particular power source is the advertising.
In any case, if you are looking to save money on batteries, a well-handled set of rechargeables is your best bet. In the case of disposables, I’d recommend that you hit a local dollar store and swap out your disposables before each and every hunt. Admittedly, the knock-off brands that you buy won’t have the lasting power of Duracells or Energizers, but if you can find them for a buck and are only asking them to work for one evening’s hunt, you probably won’t be disappointed.
And since we’re talking about ghost hunting here, it might also be a good idea to keep any extra batteries outside of your research site. As you may know, battery depletion is actually one of the most common side effects of paranormal activity. There’s nothing worse than opening a new pack of disposables only to find that they’ve been drained along with all of the other batteries that you have been using.
FUN FACT: When it comes to paranormally-related battery depletion, lithium seems to be their favorite flavor.
Before stocking up on batteries, it’s important to know the kinds of demands that you are going to be placing on them. In most cases, it is far more economical to have a variety of rechargeables on hand for equipment that you’ll be regularly using in the field. Cam-corders, digital cameras and two-way radios really have a way of eating power. For economy’s sake, you’ll probably want to spend the $30-50 per unit and invest in a few sets of rechargeable batteries or battery packs. When purchasing rechargeable batteries, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. First off, I would recommend that you choose alkaline or lithium-based rechargeables. The highly-touted nickel metal hydride power sources don’t seem to hold a charge if left sitting idle. If an unexpected hunt comes up, you shouldn’t be surprised if those nickel hydrides are as dead as your prospective ghosts. Admittedly, alkalines and lithiums have also been known to have the same problem, but their rates of decay are far more forgiving than those displayed by nickel hydrides.
Now, when it comes to the proper care and feeding of those expensive rechargeable batteries, the rule of thumb is pretty simple. Never recharge a charged battery. Be sure to drain all rechargeables completely before juicing them back up to full power. This will properly “train” the batteries and keep them at their peak efficiency. Recharging batteries that are only partially depleted will eventually limit their storage capacity and necessitate the need for early replacement. Also, try to keep any lithium batteries away from excessive heat. Most manufacturers try to hide the fact that leaving your camera (or cell phone) in a hot, summer car drastically cuts down on the lifespan of your power source.
Once you’ve set yourself up with the appropriate rechargeable batteries, it would also be in your best interest to keep a supply of disposable batteries on hand. When purchasing disposables, you should again keep in mind the kinds of demands that you’ll be placing on those batteries. For example, if you are looking to power a camera, you should probably stick with lithiums. The high-current draws followed by low power cycles really takes a lot out of alkaline cells, so try to stay lithium-specific when looking to power any still cameras or cam-corders.
By contrast, some of your equipment functions at a low or medium power draw levels. Pieces like digital audio recorders, EMF detectors, and most IR thermometers draw power at these levels. Alkaline batteries are, by far, the best route to take when powering up these devices. Sure, the more expensive lithium brands will work here as well, but you’re just going to be throwing money out the window. Also, don’t be tempted by nickel oxy-hydroxide batteries. The only good thing about that particular power source is the advertising.
In any case, if you are looking to save money on batteries, a well-handled set of rechargeables is your best bet. In the case of disposables, I’d recommend that you hit a local dollar store and swap out your disposables before each and every hunt. Admittedly, the knock-off brands that you buy won’t have the lasting power of Duracells or Energizers, but if you can find them for a buck and are only asking them to work for one evening’s hunt, you probably won’t be disappointed.
And since we’re talking about ghost hunting here, it might also be a good idea to keep any extra batteries outside of your research site. As you may know, battery depletion is actually one of the most common side effects of paranormal activity. There’s nothing worse than opening a new pack of disposables only to find that they’ve been drained along with all of the other batteries that you have been using.
FUN FACT: When it comes to paranormally-related battery depletion, lithium seems to be their favorite flavor.
FLASHLIGHT
by Chef George Hawrylenko
The most underrated piece of equipment in any paranormal researcher’s collection is the lowly flashlight. While it is hardly the “flashiest” piece of gear we own, it is, in fact, one of the most important. After all, every investigator carries one, and it can help us get out of dark situations almost as easily as we get into them. Strangely, it is also one of those items that we never even think about until something goes wrong.
When you’re looking for a good flashlight, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection. First off, it is probably the one piece of gear that you are always going to have with you. As such, it is important to pick a light source that is going to best suit your needs. Since the primary function here is to light your way, it would be best to stay with the LED style flashlights. LED’s provide greater illumination without draining your batteries the way incandescent bulbs can.
Once you have determined your preferred illumination source, you must now pick the size of light that you would be willing to carry around during extended investigations. The light must be comfortable in your hand without being a burden while in your pocket. The usual rule of thumb with flashlights is that size does matter. While larger lights do have the advantage of candlepower and battery efficiency, few field researchers are willing to carry around the immense bulk that accompanies a really good camp light. That being the case, most of us are willing to trade light intensity for weight.
The next thing to consider is the way in which you will be carrying your flashlight when it is not in use. Some folks are more than happy to use the handy wrist straps that are a part of most brands of flashlight. Unfortunately, our team’s experience has been that the metal or plastic ring that secures the strap to the housing is usually too fragile to use for any extended period of time. We’ve dropped more flashlights due to strap failure than for any other reason. A better idea would be to use a hip mounted carrying case. Fortunately, companies like Streamlight, Emissive and Inova provide cases with even their most basic models.
Another option that some investigators have chosen to take is the headlamp. Companies like Cyclops offer a few good models that can either be clipped to the bill of a baseball cap or attached to a headband. While these types of lights do offer a convenient “hands free” option, forgetful headlamp wearers have been known to damage night-vision cameras by simply looking into the camera lens. Additionally, headlamps are really only fashionable if you happen to work in a coal mine. If you’d like to save your night-vision cameras and keep all of your cool points, I would recommend avoiding them at all costs.
By far, the most convenient form of illumination to use while on an investigation is the ring-light. Most department stores or sporting goods retailers carry a stock of these finger-mounted LED flashlights. An adjustable Velcro strap connects these lights to your finger and can offer hands free operation without risking your image the way a headlamp can. At $2 a piece, it is actually cheaper to buy a supply of these handy gadgets rather than replacing the watch battery that powers them. Although made by a variety of manufacturers, I have yet to come across a finger-light that wasn’t worth the meager investment. If you like the idea of wearing a light on your finger, but simply want more illumination than the “cheapies” can provide, you can visit avshop.com and purchase aviator grade ring-lights.
When you’re looking for a good flashlight, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection. First off, it is probably the one piece of gear that you are always going to have with you. As such, it is important to pick a light source that is going to best suit your needs. Since the primary function here is to light your way, it would be best to stay with the LED style flashlights. LED’s provide greater illumination without draining your batteries the way incandescent bulbs can.
Once you have determined your preferred illumination source, you must now pick the size of light that you would be willing to carry around during extended investigations. The light must be comfortable in your hand without being a burden while in your pocket. The usual rule of thumb with flashlights is that size does matter. While larger lights do have the advantage of candlepower and battery efficiency, few field researchers are willing to carry around the immense bulk that accompanies a really good camp light. That being the case, most of us are willing to trade light intensity for weight.
The next thing to consider is the way in which you will be carrying your flashlight when it is not in use. Some folks are more than happy to use the handy wrist straps that are a part of most brands of flashlight. Unfortunately, our team’s experience has been that the metal or plastic ring that secures the strap to the housing is usually too fragile to use for any extended period of time. We’ve dropped more flashlights due to strap failure than for any other reason. A better idea would be to use a hip mounted carrying case. Fortunately, companies like Streamlight, Emissive and Inova provide cases with even their most basic models.
Another option that some investigators have chosen to take is the headlamp. Companies like Cyclops offer a few good models that can either be clipped to the bill of a baseball cap or attached to a headband. While these types of lights do offer a convenient “hands free” option, forgetful headlamp wearers have been known to damage night-vision cameras by simply looking into the camera lens. Additionally, headlamps are really only fashionable if you happen to work in a coal mine. If you’d like to save your night-vision cameras and keep all of your cool points, I would recommend avoiding them at all costs.
By far, the most convenient form of illumination to use while on an investigation is the ring-light. Most department stores or sporting goods retailers carry a stock of these finger-mounted LED flashlights. An adjustable Velcro strap connects these lights to your finger and can offer hands free operation without risking your image the way a headlamp can. At $2 a piece, it is actually cheaper to buy a supply of these handy gadgets rather than replacing the watch battery that powers them. Although made by a variety of manufacturers, I have yet to come across a finger-light that wasn’t worth the meager investment. If you like the idea of wearing a light on your finger, but simply want more illumination than the “cheapies” can provide, you can visit avshop.com and purchase aviator grade ring-lights.
THERMOMETERS
by Chef George Hawrylenko
One of the most important aspects of any paranormal investigation is the collection of hard data. While it is always exciting to feel a “cold spot” with your bare hand, it is of utmost importance to be able to apply some sort of measurement to what is being experienced in the field. Accurate temperature readings are just one of the pieces of data that help add credence to any investigation.
When it comes to infrared (IR) thermometers, there are a few companies out there that can offer some really top-shelf equipment. Companies like The Fluke Corporation, Extech Instruments, and OMEGA produce IR thermometers that can be used for a variety of scientific and industrial applications. Each of these companies has a wide line of thermometers to check out, so it should be easy to find the tool that best fits your hand and your pocketbook.
Before purchasing an IR thermometer, there are a few things that you’ll need to consider. First off, you will need to think about comfort. If possible, test the weight and shape of a variety of instruments before making your choice. Remember, you will be carrying this tool around with you most of the time, so be sure that it is comfortable to use. Be warned though, smaller does not always mean better when it comes to comfort.
Take, for example, the MANNIX MINI. Although it is one of the smallest IR thermometers on the market, its oval design and push button operation doesn’t quite compare to the comfort and ease of use that you can get from a trigger-style IR thermometer. Simply put, trigger-style thermometers are designed to keep your hand in a more natural position than the point-and-click models.
If you’re looking for a good entry level IR thermometer, Raytech offers a few nice models. Most of the thermometers that you see in use on those paranormal television shows are from Raytech. While the trigger-style design is comfortable, their products are also on the fragile side. If you happen to be something of a butter finger, you might want to consider stepping up to another brand.
The Fluke Corporation has long been known for the durability of their instruments. In addition to their comfortable design, Fluke packs each of their IR thermometers into a heavy-duty industrial housing that can survive even the worst handling. Unfortunately, such durability does come at a price.
If money is no object, then you need to go no further than OMEGA. Their line of scientific-quality meters can fulfill and even exceed the needs of any paranormal researcher. Granted, you can expect to pay a little more for something out of OMEGA’s catalog, but unexpected drops aside, it should be the last IR thermometer that you will ever need to buy.
Once you’ve considered basic design and durability, there are a few more things to think about before choosing an IR thermometer. If you are planning on using the meter in the dark, it would probably be to your benefit to find a model that has a backlit display. Sure, you can always use your flashlight, but, again, ease of use should be one of your primary concerns.
Another important thing to consider is the power source that runs your thermometer. Try to find one that runs on a battery size that is more common than A23. You should be able to locate quite a few models that run on AA, AAA, or even 9-volt batteries. It just makes good sense to have equipment on hand that doesn’t require a special trip to Radio Shack just to find the right battery.
You should also think about purchasing the appropriate holster when ordering your IR thermometer. It can help protect your investment and will give you easier access than you can get from a hip sack or pocket.
Regardless of the brand you choose or the style you prefer, the big thing to keep in mind is the product’s sample ratio. A 6-to-1 ration means that at six feet from the device, the sensor is sampling a one foot area of temperature. The bigger the ratio, the more accurate your measurement. For ghost hunting, a 12-to-1 ratio would be considered adequate, while 50-to-1 would be excessive. Remember, instrument sensitivity does come at a price.
In any case, IR thermometers are an important part of any ghost hunter’s utility belt. Choosing one that fits your needs can be time-consuming, but it will prevent you from getting stuck with a lemon. Check out the web, look at a few scientific supply catalogs, and ask anyone in the paranormal field for their opinion. Most would be more than glad to help you make your decision.
When it comes to infrared (IR) thermometers, there are a few companies out there that can offer some really top-shelf equipment. Companies like The Fluke Corporation, Extech Instruments, and OMEGA produce IR thermometers that can be used for a variety of scientific and industrial applications. Each of these companies has a wide line of thermometers to check out, so it should be easy to find the tool that best fits your hand and your pocketbook.
Before purchasing an IR thermometer, there are a few things that you’ll need to consider. First off, you will need to think about comfort. If possible, test the weight and shape of a variety of instruments before making your choice. Remember, you will be carrying this tool around with you most of the time, so be sure that it is comfortable to use. Be warned though, smaller does not always mean better when it comes to comfort.
Take, for example, the MANNIX MINI. Although it is one of the smallest IR thermometers on the market, its oval design and push button operation doesn’t quite compare to the comfort and ease of use that you can get from a trigger-style IR thermometer. Simply put, trigger-style thermometers are designed to keep your hand in a more natural position than the point-and-click models.
If you’re looking for a good entry level IR thermometer, Raytech offers a few nice models. Most of the thermometers that you see in use on those paranormal television shows are from Raytech. While the trigger-style design is comfortable, their products are also on the fragile side. If you happen to be something of a butter finger, you might want to consider stepping up to another brand.
The Fluke Corporation has long been known for the durability of their instruments. In addition to their comfortable design, Fluke packs each of their IR thermometers into a heavy-duty industrial housing that can survive even the worst handling. Unfortunately, such durability does come at a price.
If money is no object, then you need to go no further than OMEGA. Their line of scientific-quality meters can fulfill and even exceed the needs of any paranormal researcher. Granted, you can expect to pay a little more for something out of OMEGA’s catalog, but unexpected drops aside, it should be the last IR thermometer that you will ever need to buy.
Once you’ve considered basic design and durability, there are a few more things to think about before choosing an IR thermometer. If you are planning on using the meter in the dark, it would probably be to your benefit to find a model that has a backlit display. Sure, you can always use your flashlight, but, again, ease of use should be one of your primary concerns.
Another important thing to consider is the power source that runs your thermometer. Try to find one that runs on a battery size that is more common than A23. You should be able to locate quite a few models that run on AA, AAA, or even 9-volt batteries. It just makes good sense to have equipment on hand that doesn’t require a special trip to Radio Shack just to find the right battery.
You should also think about purchasing the appropriate holster when ordering your IR thermometer. It can help protect your investment and will give you easier access than you can get from a hip sack or pocket.
Regardless of the brand you choose or the style you prefer, the big thing to keep in mind is the product’s sample ratio. A 6-to-1 ration means that at six feet from the device, the sensor is sampling a one foot area of temperature. The bigger the ratio, the more accurate your measurement. For ghost hunting, a 12-to-1 ratio would be considered adequate, while 50-to-1 would be excessive. Remember, instrument sensitivity does come at a price.
In any case, IR thermometers are an important part of any ghost hunter’s utility belt. Choosing one that fits your needs can be time-consuming, but it will prevent you from getting stuck with a lemon. Check out the web, look at a few scientific supply catalogs, and ask anyone in the paranormal field for their opinion. Most would be more than glad to help you make your decision.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
by Chef George Hawrylenko
OK, so you’ve got your flashlight and camera. You’ve invested in an EMF detector and an IR thermometer. You have all of the gear that you’ll need to conduct a first-class ghost hunt, but have you really thought about the clothes that you are going to be wearing? Fashion sense aside, a pitch black room is never a good place to find out that you left your extra batteries out in the car.
Whenever you are heading out to conduct a ghost hunt, there are a few basic items of clothing that you might want to bring along with you. Admittedly, the clothes you wear aren’t really going to make a difference in whether your hunt location is active or not, but your outfit can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are and how readily you can access those all-important tools of the trade.
Let’s start with your head. It is always a good idea to keep a hat of some kind, or just a regular baseball cap in your gig bag. You never know when you are going to be working in a cobweb filled basement, or even squeezing along inside some musty cave. Having the appropriate head gear can really come in handy, especially if you don’t want to spend the night picking spiders out of your hair. It’s also not a bad idea to provide yourself with a bit of cushioning if low attic cross beams ever become an issue.
The next thing to keep in mind when conducting an investigation is the number of pockets that you’ll need. The rule of thumb here is overkill. Wear a shirt with breast and shoulder pockets, as well as, a good pair of cargo or carpenter’s pants. If possible, you might even want to make an investment in one of those vests that are all the rage with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC photo-journalists. You’ll never kick yourself for having too many pockets while hunting, so don’t be afraid of overdoing it.
Many times, beginning investigators try to get by with an assortment of equipment holsters and even the notorious fanny pack. Admittedly, such carrying cases do have their place when you are transporting your gear from one site to another, but they are a bit cumbersome if you have to quickly and repeatedly access anything inside. Having a designated pocket for every piece of equipment is the way to go if you are looking to improve your efficiency out in the field.
You will also need to put some serious consideration into the kind of footwear that you’ll be taking with you. While comfort is always important, you might also want to find a quiet pair of shoes that isn’t going to contaminate your team’s audio data. Sneakers are always a nice choice, but experience has shown that a good pair of slip-ons like VAN’s skateboard shoes are probably going to be your best bet. Slip-on’s are not only quiet and comfortable, but their ease of removal can also come in handy if you want to avoid tracking mud through a client’s home.
In any case, what you wear to a ghost hunt can be just as important as the equipment you bring. Be sure that your clothing is as comfortable as it is functional, and make sure that you have more than enough pockets to fit your needs. Since most paranormal events last for mere seconds, you don’t want to waste valuable time by rummaging through a hip sack or shoulder bag. Having quick access to your field equipment can make the difference between collecting some really solid evidence or simply having a story about the one that got away.
Whenever you are heading out to conduct a ghost hunt, there are a few basic items of clothing that you might want to bring along with you. Admittedly, the clothes you wear aren’t really going to make a difference in whether your hunt location is active or not, but your outfit can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are and how readily you can access those all-important tools of the trade.
Let’s start with your head. It is always a good idea to keep a hat of some kind, or just a regular baseball cap in your gig bag. You never know when you are going to be working in a cobweb filled basement, or even squeezing along inside some musty cave. Having the appropriate head gear can really come in handy, especially if you don’t want to spend the night picking spiders out of your hair. It’s also not a bad idea to provide yourself with a bit of cushioning if low attic cross beams ever become an issue.
The next thing to keep in mind when conducting an investigation is the number of pockets that you’ll need. The rule of thumb here is overkill. Wear a shirt with breast and shoulder pockets, as well as, a good pair of cargo or carpenter’s pants. If possible, you might even want to make an investment in one of those vests that are all the rage with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC photo-journalists. You’ll never kick yourself for having too many pockets while hunting, so don’t be afraid of overdoing it.
Many times, beginning investigators try to get by with an assortment of equipment holsters and even the notorious fanny pack. Admittedly, such carrying cases do have their place when you are transporting your gear from one site to another, but they are a bit cumbersome if you have to quickly and repeatedly access anything inside. Having a designated pocket for every piece of equipment is the way to go if you are looking to improve your efficiency out in the field.
You will also need to put some serious consideration into the kind of footwear that you’ll be taking with you. While comfort is always important, you might also want to find a quiet pair of shoes that isn’t going to contaminate your team’s audio data. Sneakers are always a nice choice, but experience has shown that a good pair of slip-ons like VAN’s skateboard shoes are probably going to be your best bet. Slip-on’s are not only quiet and comfortable, but their ease of removal can also come in handy if you want to avoid tracking mud through a client’s home.
In any case, what you wear to a ghost hunt can be just as important as the equipment you bring. Be sure that your clothing is as comfortable as it is functional, and make sure that you have more than enough pockets to fit your needs. Since most paranormal events last for mere seconds, you don’t want to waste valuable time by rummaging through a hip sack or shoulder bag. Having quick access to your field equipment can make the difference between collecting some really solid evidence or simply having a story about the one that got away.
WEATHER STATIONS
by Chef George Hawrylenko
One of the biggest stumbling blocks that most paranormal investigators come across deals with the lack of equipment that is designed for their specific needs. Most of the gear that we currently use has actually been developed with other applications in mind. Whether you are talking about the trusty EMF detector or the tried and true IR thermometer, borrowing technologies from other fields of research and adapting them for ghost hunting is just one of the many challenges that ghost hunters confront on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there that have realized that they can make a few extra bucks by catering to novice investigators. They’ll take outdated or even obsolete equipment, post it on a ghostly-looking website, and pick the pockets of unsuspecting paranormal researchers. Even worse are the television programs that promote specific items for use in the field. I have personally seen a cheap $12 EMF detector go up to $50 simply because it was used on a TV show.
Luckily, a lot of this mark up pricing can be avoided by simply doing a little bit of research. A few minutes of web work can save dozens, or even hundreds, of dollars. In many cases, the high-end/high priced gear that you find listed on a paranormal website is probably listed as the low-end/low priced equipment when you find it on a tech site. Personal experience has shown me that you can save about a hundred dollars when you buy a tri-field EMF meter from a scientific supply store instead of a ghost hunting site.
Another way in which you can save money on gear is by purchasing equipment before it becomes the new “hot item”. Admittedly, this can often be as much a function of luck as it is forethought. Nonetheless, coming up with practical solutions to impractical problems is also a big part of being a paranormal investigator. Buying that new piece of equipment before it shows up on prime-time is one of the many ways in which you can keep your equipment expenses to a minimum.
With that in mind, I’d like to discuss an old piece of technology that can be beneficial to any new ghost hunter. The wireless weather station is a clever piece of equipment that almost any hunt team can afford to add to their arsenal. In case you’re not familiar with what a wireless weather station is, think of one of those old, wood-grained barometers that your parents had hanging on the wall of their den. Then add about 70 years of technological improvements.
The modern wireless weather station can track time, temperature, relative humidity, and even air pressure all on one easy-to-read digital display. Some models can even support additional outboard sensors that link directly into the base unit. Conventional users of this product use those extra sensors to get accurate temperatures from inside their garage. Unconventional users can find even better applications for these systems while on a ghost hunt.
Think of these weather stations as an extension to your IR thermometer. While not as quick or as accurate as your handheld device, these weather stations can help focus your efforts by providing you with a way to track atmospheric changes throughout your research site. By setting up the base unit and placing extra “satellite” sensors in various “hot spots”, an investigator can watch for any changes in temperature or air pressure that might indicate the early stages of paranormal activity. Some wireless weather stations can even time stamp any changes in atmosphere, so that you can leave the equipment unattended and still benefit from the data collected.
There are quite a few companies that build these weather stations and a few of them can even be found in your local department store. In any case, there are a few things to keep in mind before finally selecting the one that is right for you.
Let’s start with range. Some models, like OREGON SCIENTIFIC’s “Weather Forecaster” are somewhat limited when it comes to how far you can set the sensors from the base unit. This system can support up to three sensors, but with a range of only 100 feet, it isn’t the best system to have if you need to cover a large area. In any case, you can get the base station for about $75, with each additional sensor costing about $17.
ACURITE also makes a wireless weather station that is comparable to the one just mentioned. Its range is a bit over 100 feet, so while you’re not getting much of an improvement there, the base unit is about $5 cheaper than the one from OREGON SCIENTIFIC. If you’re really pinching pennies though, you may want to consider the fact that while ACURITE’s base unit is less expensive, the additional sensors are about $20 each. So, that $5 savings will be spent outfitting the system with additional sensors. Since these two models compare so closely in price and performance, you might want to see which model has the features and digital display that you prefer.
If you are willing to double your investment, I’d recommend that you look at the “Wireless Wind and Weather Station” from LACROSSE TECHNOLOGY. Just like the others, the base unit can support up to three additional sensors, but they have a range of up to 330 feet. Admittedly, you’ll probably never have to set up sensors more than a football field away, but the added signal strength will make it easier for you to establish wireless contact through doors and walls. At about $140 for the base unit and $33 for each add on sensor, it isn’t the cheapest of the lot, but it is easily the best.
Regardless of which wireless weather station you choose, keep in mind that they are still no substitute for the good, old IR thermometer. For speed and accuracy, nothing beats the IR, but if you’d like to add another layer of data to what you are already collecting in the field, the wireless weather station is a pretty solid example of “out of the box” thinking when it comes to adopting a technology that isn’t usually associated with ghost hunting.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there that have realized that they can make a few extra bucks by catering to novice investigators. They’ll take outdated or even obsolete equipment, post it on a ghostly-looking website, and pick the pockets of unsuspecting paranormal researchers. Even worse are the television programs that promote specific items for use in the field. I have personally seen a cheap $12 EMF detector go up to $50 simply because it was used on a TV show.
Luckily, a lot of this mark up pricing can be avoided by simply doing a little bit of research. A few minutes of web work can save dozens, or even hundreds, of dollars. In many cases, the high-end/high priced gear that you find listed on a paranormal website is probably listed as the low-end/low priced equipment when you find it on a tech site. Personal experience has shown me that you can save about a hundred dollars when you buy a tri-field EMF meter from a scientific supply store instead of a ghost hunting site.
Another way in which you can save money on gear is by purchasing equipment before it becomes the new “hot item”. Admittedly, this can often be as much a function of luck as it is forethought. Nonetheless, coming up with practical solutions to impractical problems is also a big part of being a paranormal investigator. Buying that new piece of equipment before it shows up on prime-time is one of the many ways in which you can keep your equipment expenses to a minimum.
With that in mind, I’d like to discuss an old piece of technology that can be beneficial to any new ghost hunter. The wireless weather station is a clever piece of equipment that almost any hunt team can afford to add to their arsenal. In case you’re not familiar with what a wireless weather station is, think of one of those old, wood-grained barometers that your parents had hanging on the wall of their den. Then add about 70 years of technological improvements.
The modern wireless weather station can track time, temperature, relative humidity, and even air pressure all on one easy-to-read digital display. Some models can even support additional outboard sensors that link directly into the base unit. Conventional users of this product use those extra sensors to get accurate temperatures from inside their garage. Unconventional users can find even better applications for these systems while on a ghost hunt.
Think of these weather stations as an extension to your IR thermometer. While not as quick or as accurate as your handheld device, these weather stations can help focus your efforts by providing you with a way to track atmospheric changes throughout your research site. By setting up the base unit and placing extra “satellite” sensors in various “hot spots”, an investigator can watch for any changes in temperature or air pressure that might indicate the early stages of paranormal activity. Some wireless weather stations can even time stamp any changes in atmosphere, so that you can leave the equipment unattended and still benefit from the data collected.
There are quite a few companies that build these weather stations and a few of them can even be found in your local department store. In any case, there are a few things to keep in mind before finally selecting the one that is right for you.
Let’s start with range. Some models, like OREGON SCIENTIFIC’s “Weather Forecaster” are somewhat limited when it comes to how far you can set the sensors from the base unit. This system can support up to three sensors, but with a range of only 100 feet, it isn’t the best system to have if you need to cover a large area. In any case, you can get the base station for about $75, with each additional sensor costing about $17.
ACURITE also makes a wireless weather station that is comparable to the one just mentioned. Its range is a bit over 100 feet, so while you’re not getting much of an improvement there, the base unit is about $5 cheaper than the one from OREGON SCIENTIFIC. If you’re really pinching pennies though, you may want to consider the fact that while ACURITE’s base unit is less expensive, the additional sensors are about $20 each. So, that $5 savings will be spent outfitting the system with additional sensors. Since these two models compare so closely in price and performance, you might want to see which model has the features and digital display that you prefer.
If you are willing to double your investment, I’d recommend that you look at the “Wireless Wind and Weather Station” from LACROSSE TECHNOLOGY. Just like the others, the base unit can support up to three additional sensors, but they have a range of up to 330 feet. Admittedly, you’ll probably never have to set up sensors more than a football field away, but the added signal strength will make it easier for you to establish wireless contact through doors and walls. At about $140 for the base unit and $33 for each add on sensor, it isn’t the cheapest of the lot, but it is easily the best.
Regardless of which wireless weather station you choose, keep in mind that they are still no substitute for the good, old IR thermometer. For speed and accuracy, nothing beats the IR, but if you’d like to add another layer of data to what you are already collecting in the field, the wireless weather station is a pretty solid example of “out of the box” thinking when it comes to adopting a technology that isn’t usually associated with ghost hunting.