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We dont really use equipment like Proton Packs, Ecto Goggles, Ghost Traps and Slime Blowers. Real life investigators don't use anything like this. Most of the equipment we use is small and can fit in our pockets. We dont wear those fancy uniforms either, just dark colored clothing.
This is what South Jersey Ghost Research's ghosthunting equipment looks like.
Here are some things you can use on an investigation, but remember...the most important thing to have is an open mind!
- Notebook and pencil
The most important thing ghosthunters do on an investigation is keep records of everything. Record what you see, hear and feel and interview witnesses. Make sure you write down the times and placec of the events so you and your partner can compare notes after the investigation.
- Red Flashlight
Flashlights are important to have on a ghosthunt since most of the time it will be very dark. It is important to have a red lense to help keep your night vision. Night vision is the ability to see well in the dark without the help of any lights. The longer you are in the dark the better your night vision will be. Have you ever been in a dark room when someone suddenly flipped on the light switch? What happens to your eyes? The same thing would happen to ghosthunters if their partners shined a white flashlight on them. They would lose their night vision and not be able to see again when the flashlight is turned off. This does not happen when red flashlights are used. If you dont have a red flashlight, you can color in the lens with permanent marker of red nail polish.
- Camera with Flash
You can use almost any camera to capture ghosts in photos as long as it has a flash. It is a good idea to take a photo when:
1) You or your partner suddenly feel cold.
2) You smell something. It could be a good smell (like flowers or perfume) or it could stink (like cigar or pipe smoke)
3) You think you see a person or a shadow.
4) You feel like someone is watching you.
If tiny sparkles appear when the flash goes off, you should write that down in your notes. Sometimes that means the photo will be positive. It is a good idea to write down the picturs number and the reason for taking it if there is one. Don't forget to record the time!
- Tape Recorder
Tape recorderd can record ghost voices. Sometimes you will not hear anything while you are recording, but when you play it back you will hear a word or a sentence that you or your friends didn't say. Ghosthunters use a computer to check and see if the voice on the tape was the voice of a live person or not. You can also use your tape recorder during an investigation and use it to record your notes.
- Infrared Thermal Scanner
Ghosthunters use thermal scanners to measure temperatures in the air and to look for cold spots. (Cold spots are explained on the Q&A page.) A thermal scanner sends out an infrared beam that will detect a change in temperature. This diagram will help you understand that.
Ghosthunters look for a drop in temperature of at least ten degrees. Digital thermometers can also be used. You don't really need an infrared beam to take temperatures. Whatever type of thermometer is used needs to be one that can take a temperature reading within a few seconds.
- EMF Detector
There are particles in the air called electrons. When these particles move around they create an electromagnetic field. We can measure this field in units called milligauss. The natural electromagnetic field is usually less than 2 milligauss. The electromagnetic field near electrical appliances or high power lines is much much higher than that. It can be as high as 30 or 40 milligauss. Sometimes when a ghost is present the natural electromagnetic field changes. It will be higher than 2 milligauss but not usually higher than 7 milligauss. Ghosthunters use EMF meters to measure this field and look for changes. Remember: if you get a really high reading on an EMF meter, look around for some cause other than a ghost!
- Compass
A compass works just like an EMF detector. When the magnetic field increases or decreases rapidly, the needle on the compass will spin around (just like it does in movies about the Bermuda Triangle). It is a good idea to take a picture if the compass needle spins.
- Infrared Motion Detectors
You can put a motion detector in a room where the ghost has been seen. If the ghost enters the room and nobody else is in there moving around, the alarm will sound. This is a good time to take pictures in that room. It's important to record in your notes the time that the motion detector alarm went off and the time you took the pictures.
- Dowsing Rods
Dowsing is an art that has been around for hundreds of years. People use two metal rods to find what they are looking for. The most common thing that people dowse for is water, but some people try to find things they lost around the house or even money! Ghosthunters sometimes use dowsing rods to find ghosts. This is very simple to do. A copper rod shaped like an "L" is held in each hand. Both rods should be pointing straight ahead of you. Follow the rods. If they turn to the right, walk to the right. If they turn to the left, walk to the left. If the rods stop pointing straight ahead and form an "X", you may have found what you are looking for.
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