What to get, what to get???Trifield

For anyone with the desire to study (or investigate) paranormal phenomena, the acquisition of equipment is often a first move. But, what should you get? There are so many devices and products being used in the field, that sometimes choosing the best ‘bang for the buck’ can be a difficult proposition. So, how do you go about beginning to decide what will be useful?

Define your goals

The first step in any endeavor is to decide exactly what you expect to achieve. Many times we have not spent sufficient time getting to know our own objectives, and therefore do not know the next best steps to take. How do you define your goals with respect to paranormal phenomena?

Zoom H4A good first step might be to look at the reasons for your interest in the field. Are you searching for proof of life after death? Did the death of a loved one prompt you to wonder about their fate? Whatever the reason, we all have our own agenda. The important point is that you understand why you are interested in these strange and wonderful events.

Once you have determined your reason for getting into this field of study, the next decision to make is your particular path with respect to paranormal phenomena. Are you an investigator or a researcher? Your goals and desires will dictate the path, and it is imperative that you follow your inner pull: do not be swayed by the paths of others. If your interest in the supernatural is relatively superficial (not a bad thing) and you are looking for an exciting hobby, then you will most likely follow the path of an investigator. On the other hand, if you have a desire to ‘figure out’ the inner workings of the nature of existence and the universe, then only the path of a researcher will suffice.

Equipment for the ‘Investigator’

If you decide that your primary goals lead you to the path of an investigator, likely you are searching for an exciting hobby. You enjoy researching the historical aspects of sites and getting into the story. The adrenaline rush of having a personal experience likely gets you going, and you love the thrill of the ‘chase’. You are not so interested in being truly scientific, as the subjective experiences are more meaningful to you. Does this description sound like you? If so, the equipment you will find useful is relatively inexpensive and easy to procure.

  • Digital or film cameraTRV70
    • A good camera will be useful for you to document your escapades at ‘haunted’ locations. You most probably already have a good digital or film camera, so go ahead and use it. If you don’t yet have a digital  cam, there are many choices on the market that can be had for as little as $100. Most people tend to go with digital due to the convenience and ‘instant’ results. Be sure to get something with as many megapixels (MP) as you can afford, and choose a model that is comfortable and easy to use. If you already have a camera, be sure to get to know its features and operation, as you will be using it mostly in the dark. Always make sure to have plenty of storage space (memory cards), too. You could also replace a digital camera with a camcorder capable of still image capture and low-light mode (Sony Handycam), or even use both. Just remember, the more ’stuff’ you record, the more you have to review.
  • Audio recorderVoice Recorder
    • Working with ‘EVP’ has become very popular in recent years, and the equipment needed to experiment in this area is inexpensive and easy to get. Most people prefer to go with small hand-held ‘voice recorders’. These devices are geared primarily for recording meetings, lectures, classes, etc. and can be purchased for less than $50 in some cases. Although the recording quality of these devices is less than optimal (click HEREto read my article on recording audio), they are usually fine for the investigator. When looking for these devices, be sure to find one that either uses removable storage in the form of memory cards or has a USB port for easy connection to a PC. Also, try to get a unit that records to a portable format such as ‘.wav, .mp3′, etc. If a digital recorder isn’t your bag, then you can use a tape recorder. The evolution of EVP occurred on magnetic tape, and it is still a fine format for recording audio. Be sure to use a good quality recorder and good tapes, and you’ll be fine. The primary downside to tape, though, is the lack of convenience. It is much more work to capture the recorded audio, but there may be benefits to using legacy magnetic media. The science of EVP is still unclear.
  • Flashlight(s)
    • This should be an obvious one. As you will most likely be working in the dark, portable light is a must. New LED technologies also make flashlights brighter, more efficient, and more reliable than ever. Always carry a main light and backup… just in case.

That’s really it for the investigator’s toolbox. These simple items (along with some Internet search time) can yield some exciting and meaningful outings. You can always use more, of course, but everything aside from these items is really optional.

 

Equipment for the ‘Researcher’

The toolbox requirements for the researcher do not fit into such a neat package, unfortunately. The primary concerns of the researcher are gathering meaningful data, exploration of the phenomena, and postulating possible mechanics in an effort to devise new experiments to test theories (among other concerns). This means that the researcher is a scientist. A researcher follows protocols for data collection, control of experimental situations, and analysis of findings in accordance with the scientific method. To a researcher, the goal is one of exploration and understanding of the processes that are involved in creating the events we classify as ‘paranormal’.

Earnestly following the path of scientific exploration requires one to be focused, determined, persistent, and thoughtful. Much time is spent reading and devising new methods of experimentation based upon previously observed conditions. This path also means being opened to much more scrutiny, as one false move during data collection can lead to entire excursions being invalidated.

The path of a researcher isn’t always fun, but it allows us to explore a deeper meaning to the underlying mechanics of the universe and of our own nature. Discoveries are often ridiculed, scorned, or otherwise denigrated. However, the honest scientist, in the spirit of past pioneers of physical understanding, knows that there is no failure. There are only opportunities to learn.

The pages that follow will outline many pieces of equipment, both commercial and designed by myself. I will endeavor to include a wide variety of devices and show their value to my goal of discovery. The list will by no means be complete, but I welcome ideas and comments.

Only together will we evolve.

 

Next: Recording Audio

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