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To Part B in this Volume

Volume Two - Choosing Your Equipment Part B ( Details of Why or Why Not)

    In Part One we presented a "Shopping List of various devices and rated them according to their importance on an investigation. Below is a list of some of those that will provide details of how they earned their spot on the list. Some are good others are not so good and a few are actually an impediment to your efforts. How does YOUR favorite device stack up?

    The Topic Index Button on the left will take you to the Ratings List Chart (The Cheat Sheet)

    Volume Two Toolbox Index

    Going Old School






    Power Source & Inverter - This device provides a constant source of both 12 VDC and 120 VAC to run my equipment on an investigation. While it might be possible to simply plug into the commercial power while doing an investigation, it might also be possible that the commercial power has electrical noise or other issues that might be contributing to the alleged activity at the site. By providing my own source of power I have isolated myself from this source of contamination of any evidence obtained. Also, in the case of an investigation outside away from any power source, I do not have to be concerned with where to get power out in the woods. I bring it with me. A final advantage is I can keep a watchful eye on power being consumed. The Power Source shows the remaining battery power on a meter and allows me to know the state of charge and estimate battery life at any given time. It eliminates the old "The Spirits drained my battery" story we hear from time to time.

    The Flashlight - As stated on the chart, it is essential for all investigations and a good reliable one is required. It's not just for night use; sometimes you need to look into a dark area to examine things. But it is NEVER used, as some do, as a spirit communication device.

    Detecting Spirits with a Flashlight. Why not use a flashlight in this manner? Loosening a flashlight end cap simply removes pressure needed to assure a good connection with the batteries. There is a reason why solid contact is essential for a light to operate. Batteries and terminals by nature may get a small amount of dirt or oxidation on their surface. This can easily disrupt the flow of current, or at the least cause a poor connection which can result in heating where the surfaces meet. Thus any slight disturbance will cause the light to react. Tight contacts assure this problem does not happen.

    Two things can cause these disturbances. The first and most obvious is vibration. Even walking across a floor can result in slight vibrations passing to a flashlight laying nearby on the floor or a table. This can simply shake the battery enough to make or break contact blinking the light unless the battery is securely installed.

    But the second disturbance is even more likely the cause. A poor connection has increased resistance to electric current, thus a higher voltage drop. Ohms Law related to power states that "Wattage is equal to voltage times current." Power represents heat and for this reason a poor connection will create heat. Heat results in expansion of the metal at the connection itself. This expansion results in movement, thereby causing erratic operation. Of course since the conditions are constantly changing due to heat the connection may at times cool if contact becomes more stable or heat as it becomes more resistive.

    For this reason the light will alternately come on and go off. If you watch people use this method you will note that often the light also goes on and off when no questions are asked. Of course, since we are conditioned to only expect a response to a question these false positives are overlooked. But if a response coincides with a question we are expected to believe a spirit did it.

    Making Bad Science Good

    All is not lost however. There is a better way to attempt the same experiment. First consider the hypothesis itself. The theory is that a spirit can cause the light to turn on or off by applying pressure which controls the flow of current. If we follow that assumption, all which is really needed is a way to take the randomness out of the equation. For this we tighten up the poor connections and make a simple switch that, when pressure is applied, will turn on a light.

    I should state before going on that the science presented here is proven; the spirit interaction is not. No one has even proven spirits exist, let alone that they can blink lights or answer questions. What is presented here is a means of testing the hypothesis not a proven method of contact. It is your responsibility to do the experiments and analyze the results objectively. The methods I cover only serve to minimize false positives caused by bad science and thereby improve credibility of any results you may obtain.

    A basic switch assembly that anyone can put together is shown in figure 1. (Actual component values are not critical; I would recommend a single cell and a 1 1/2 volt flashlight bulb.) Here the poor connection has been replaced by a simple spring which acts as a switch. Just like the loose flashlight back it works by pressure closing the circuit causing a current flow and lighting the bulb. Only we have made sure there are no poor connections which cause false positives. The switch is closed by simply applying pressure to it, which is the same thing the spirit is supposed to do with the flashlight. An added advantage to this is that the switch could actually be placed some distance away from the observer thereby preventing accidental disturbances.

    Making Good Science Better

    One problem however is that we can never be sure that a spirit activated the switch. Maybe a strong air current pushed the spring down, completing the circuit. Or some other external force managed to disturb it. However it is a widely accepted theory that spirits or ghosts can pass through solid matter. So the obvious solution would be to place the above described switch in an enclosure. To improve the switch assembly simply place it inside a glass jar with a lid. Drill a small hole in the lid for the wires to come out and screw it on the jar. If in fact our spirit can pass through solid objects it should have no trouble reaching through the glass to activate the switch.

    Making Better Still Better Yet

    For this one we go high tech. A bulb does draw a bit of current and there is another theory that spirits don't actually close the switch. Rather they somehow allow current to flow through them. This is supposedly how spirits are supposed to interact with EMF meters or directly impress audio on recorders with no one actually hearing them. While this is also unproven, the method shown here could definitely put it to the test. The problem is that a weak spirit may not be able to allow sufficient current flow to light the bulb. We might compensate for that as well.

    Figure 2 shows a simple solid state switch that will light an LED or bulb with minimal current through the switch. It uses a small current (microamperes) on the base of the transistor to control a larger current which lights the bulb. There are two metal screens positioned near, but not touching each other mounted on an insulating block of wood or plastic. This serves as the switch. It is so sensitive it may even be activated by a charge of static electricity in the air! Of course this could also present a problem with false activation, but it is a trade-off. You can minimize this possibility by placing the switch in the target area then leaving the immediate area. Any activation while in close proximity to anyone should be disregarded and considered false.

    And to take it to the limits, consider placing the solid state switch inside the jar as stated above.!

    These are just a few suggestions of simple experiments one may try to test this hypothesis. They make no assumptions spirits exist or can do any of these things. If you have any success to report from trying any of these ideas drop me an e-mail!

    EMF Meter and Monitor The Theory behind EMF is covered in depth in Volume 3. Several types of meters and monitors can be used to locate EMF fields Here I will outline the methods each type can perform on an investigation. Beginning with the basic dynamic EMF Meter, assuming you are using a tri-axial meter , it is employed on the pre-investigation phase to isolate any potential source of EMF that may cause issues on the main investigation. The first step is to determine where you will be setting up. Is it a single room or an entire building? If it is a single room you will do a scan of that room and all adjoining rooms. Include rooms above and below if they exist as well. If it is an entire building then you will need to do scans in all rooms.

    Each room is scanned in the following manner. First while walking back and forth across the room and holding your dynamic EMF meter or monitor near the floor, make several passes across the room. Then do the same holding the EMF meter near the ceiling. Note any area where activity is detected. On a meter it would be areas where the lights show a field. If you are using a monitor it would be points where the field is heard louder than other points. Do the same on each wall by passing the meter back and forth across each wall first near the floor then near the ceiling. Make note of any active spots you encounter. It helps to do a simple sketch of each room and mark the sketch where activity is found. It may be helpful to turn off power in the area if a particular room or rooms is troublesome with extreme EMF. (Not always possible, but worth it if you can do so.)

    Once you have identified points where EMF is present you can set up the room for your investigation. Avoid placing any equipment in those locations. Then position a static EMF monitor sensor near the center of the area you are investigating. Turn on the monitor and wait a few minutes for the monitor to establish its baseline level. The Static field monitor may alarm when first activated until it establishes its baseline. Next adjust the monitor so the meter is centered. Set the field window to determine the degree of EM Field you want. A narrow window is a more sensitive setting; wider is less sensitive to EMF changes. The audible alarm should be silent, and remain so as long as the EMF level remains constant. If a field changes intensity or polarity the meter will reflect the change and the audible alarm will activate to alert you to this change in background EMF.

    Audio Recorders for EVP / AVP Work. This is a complex issue and important for anyone interested in doing such research. For this reason I have devoted an entire topic to this where the details and operation of such recorders is outlined in Volume 3. The only thing I will touch on here is that cheap voice recorders do not meet minimum requirements for collecting any evidence. They are only suitable for doing witness interviews or keeping a running log of your investigation. Volume Three will explain why this is true.. Read that topic before spending money on something that will not do the job properly.

    Phones, Including various Apps This covers a wide variety of things so it becomes difficult to say which are good and which are bad. But they have one thing in common, they all require the use of a phone. And a phone, when it is turned on, is a source of EMF interference. So that provides the obvious solution. The phone cannot be used while any evidence gathering is going on. That rules out the use of any phone apps intended to gather evidence. That includes cameras, recorders, spirit detectors or anything that uses the phone while investigating. It even means the phone itself cannot be used as a phone or a source of a livestream. In short, leave the phone in your car and turned off while investigating.

    The Geophone and Ultra Sound / Infra Sound Sensors These are specialized devices which may be useful in certain instances and a waste of time in others. It all depends on the nature of your case. Both are susceptible to low frequency interference but that can be an advantage. if you need a way to detect such activity. One of the types of unexplained activity lately has been reports of loud booms being reported. An infra Sound sensor and high gain amplifier can be used to detect these if one should occur. I should also point out that due to the low frequencies involved most recorders cannot properly capture them. This is done using a data logger and the results viewed on an oscilloscope.


    The Geophone and Details of its construction

    The geophone is a device which conducts low frequency waves directly from the ground to its sensor. These are more of a device used for the study of earthquakes or other geological activity than paranormal studies. But some are using them in this manner so I include it here. Refer to the above illustration. The geophone works in accordance with the law of Physics that states a stationary mass will resist a change in motion. In other words it will try to remain stationary when force is applied. The mass in the geophone is suspended by springs from the housing. The housing is directly connected to the sense probe which is placed in the ground. Therefore, when the ground moves by vibration or any low frequency wave the mass will tend to remain fixed as the springs allow for movement without affecting the mass. The magnet is attached firmly to the housing and located within the coil which is held stationary by the mass. The movement of the coil with respect to the magnet creates an electric current in the coil, This current is sent from the geophone to an external device such as a seismic monitor where the activity is observed or recorded.

    In the case of an infrasound sensor the same principle is applied, only instead of being placed in the ground the probe is tied directly to a large diaphragm similar to a microphone. Air movement moves the diaphragm and creates the voltage. Ultrasound is detected in the same manner only using a smaller diaphragm which has less mass. That allows for faster response time required by the shorter wavelength of higher frequencies.

    High Gain Amplifier and Microphones This is a general purpose device that can be used in several applications. I use it as a dynamic EMF monitor by replacing the microphone with an inductive sensor. It can also be used for doing EVP / AVP work. The advantage here is to allow for direct real time monitoring of the session instead of having to wait till later to review a recording. Most amplifiers also have some means of tone or equalization that can be helpful to bring out certain frequencies and attenuate others. This can lower the background noise which can interfere with an EVP recording.

    Thermometer, Hygrometer, Anemometer, Barometer These are related and provide environmental information related to conditions present at the investigation site. Having this data is valuable when debunking activity. For example knowing the humidity and temperature is vital if there is a possibility what is being reported could be water vapor forming a visible mist. This could account for a sighting of a "ghost" Barometric pressure affects the probability of cloud cover or approaching weather systems. And of course knowing the wind speed helps to determine if something is a physical object being blown around. While not essential, having these devices available can improve your analysis of any other data you may obtain by identifying conditions that may influence outside forces may have on it.

    Binoculars and a Telescope These are valuable if your case involves UFOs or other outdoor locations but not so much so if you are dealing with a haunting. Binoculars would be a help to see details of a UFO and might even allow you to observe a wide open field where a cryptid might be lurking. The downside of a telescope is its size. A good telescope would certainly provide a clear view but is also large and hard to handle. Plus the probability of having it available just when the UFO makes its appearance is rather remote. Another factor is the field of view. While the telescope is capable of bringing things into close view, that benefit comes at the expense of the amount of the sky you can observe at a time. If a UFO was moving it would be very difficult to keep it in the field of view. Still in the process of debunking a sighting it would be a help to be able to identify certain astronomical objects like comets, planets, or stars. For this reason having a telescope on one of these cases could be quite useful.

    Cameras This is a rather broad topic. Volume Two discussed the various types of cameras and their advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing here is know your particular camera and its features. There is nothing worse than having a camera and needing to fumble around trying to get it to do what you need while something is happening and failing to get the picture. A point and shoot automatic setting usually fails because of the low light conditions often present on an investigation. So learn how to manually set your camera and don't rely on an automatic setting which usually comes out overexposed or underexposed.

    Infra Red Cameras Previously we looked at cameras in detail but the infrared camera was just mentioned. There is another way these can be used. If you pair the camera with an infrared light source or illuminator you can make pictures in total darkness. One application where I have used such a set up was covered back in Volume One where I did a private case. This allowed me to do a video of a subject sleeping without having to place a lot of light around and disturbing their sleep patterns. Another issue must be dealt with when doing such projects. Infrared behaves slightly different from visible light. Certain materials reflect light more intensely, others are not reflective at all. This can lead to an unusual looking image. This is not really a problem as long as you are aware of how it will affect your image.

    Full Spectrum Cameras This is one to stay clear of. There is no such thing as a "Full Spectrum Camera". As we have seen elsewhere, the spectrum is continuous from Infrared through visible light into the region of ultraviolet. The problem when covering such a wide range the refraction index of glass becomes an issue.

    What is Refraction Index? Why is it Important?

    The refractive factor of glass has to do with the speed of light. That speed is not constant. The well known speed of light (186,000 miles per second) only applies to its speed in a vacuum. That speed is somewhat slower through glass or other materials. You can demonstrate this yourself by simply placing a pencil or other object in a glass of water then observing how it "bends" at the point it enters the water. The speed of light through water is also slower than through air. When we take into account these two values we arrive at the refractive index. The wavelength (color) of the light is also a factor in determining how the light will be focused in a glass lens. Most cameras equipped with zoom lenses intended to use infrared have designated marks on their lens to allow the user to compensate for this. Removing the IR Filter from a camera does not make it "Full Spectrum" It only makes it so the camera cannot properly focus all colors and you wind up with purple or green pictures!

    Spirit Boxes Spirit Boxes of all types are simply a means of getting bad evidence. They create false positives by sowing the seeds needed for your mind to experience pareidolia. This is such an obvious fraud that an entire section of Volume Three is dedicated to pointing out how this happens. Today hardly a day goes by somebody doesn't haul out the next greatest Spirit Box and start hawking it online. Save your money, buy something that works!

    The SLS Camera as a Spirit Detector This one is yet another fraud. To arrive at that conclusion we need to first understand what it is and what it was designed to do. An abbreviated bit of history will begin our discussion. The SLS camera itself is an outgrowth of the Kinect System developed for the X-Box video gaming crowd. It is designed to "read" points on the player and flesh out the player allowing him to become a character in the game. The SLS Camera, as sold for paranormal investigation is a variation of the same technology fitted to display the figure of a spirit on a tablet or video screen.



    The SLS Camera

    Some technical specs related to the Kinect System give you an idea of its capabilities. Kinect's various sensors output video at a frame rate of 9 Hz to 30 Hz depending on resolution. The default RGB video stream uses 8-bit VGA resolution (640 480 pixels) with a Bayer color filter, but the hardware is capable of resolutions up to 1280x1024 (at a lower frame rate) and other color formats such as UYVY. The monochrome depth sensing video stream is in VGA resolution (640 480 pixels) with 11-bit depth, which provides 2,048 levels of sensitivity. The Kinect can also stream the view from its IR camera directly (i.e.: before it has been converted into a depth map) as 640x480 video, or 1280x1024 at a lower frame rate. The Kinect sensor has a practical ranging limit of 1.2 3.5 m (3.9 11.5 ft) distance when used with the Xbox software. The sensor can maintain tracking through an extended range of approximately 0.7 6 m (2.3 19.7 ft). The sensor has an angular field of view of 57 degrees horizontally and 43 degrees vertically. The horizontal field of the Kinect sensor at the minimum viewing distance of 0.8 m (2.6 ft) is therefore 87 cm (34 in), and the vertical field is 63 cm (25 in), resulting in a resolution of just over 1.3 mm (0.051 in) per pixel. The microphone array features four microphone capsules and operates with each channel processing 16-bit audio at a sampling rate of 16 kHz. All this relates to the design of the basic system but for our purposes, I will just cover the use of the SLS camera as a ghost hunting tool.

    The camera actually is a series of camera inputs and sensors that capture a field in a 3 dimensional format. It uses both infrared and ultrasound to do so. The information it receives is run through several algorithms looking for patterns that resemble a human figure based on both the location in the frame and movement patterns. "Points" are assigned that represent the joints of a human skeletal figure based on this data. The data is compared to literally millions of figures stored in the camera's memory which represent people of various sizes and shapes in different positions. When the points match one of these images, the SLS camera draws a stick figure representing the person's body. Algorithms in the program can then extrapolate where the person's next position should be and compare that to what it receives from the camera inputs and sensors. The longer the points match, the more reliable the data becomes and the camera is able to "learn" as it goes to become more sensitive to the target and its relative size. As a gaming device it is an innovation, but as a spirit detector it has many issues. In this area much of the concept of the SLS Kinect camera's operation is based on unproven theories and false pretense. This article will look at just a few of them.

    Let's begin with the first problem. As designed, the Kinect system was intended to be positioned in a fixed location. It requires multiple samplings of its viewed area to build its reference table of "points". It does this by comparing fixed points with those it develops by the movement in its field of view. The fixed points such as a door frame, table, couch, etc. are noted, and since they never change positions, are used as fixed reference points. Other points which change position are noted too; these are the ones the camera looks at to form the figures. The problem is the investigator's camera comes fitted with a handle to carry it around. As such all points are constantly moving. Ask yourself, How can a reference be built if all points are constantly changing as the camera is carried around?

    Related to this, the Kinect System is intended to operate in a specified area. This is where the player is supposed to be while the Kinect monitors his actions. Per specifications by the designer, the area should be at least 6 feet wide and no longer than 12 feet. The player should be about 6 feet from the Kinect for proper operation. There should be no other objects inside this area as this is reserved for the player to do what is required of the game. How many ghost hunters adhere to this requirement? They walk around compromising this area as they near walls and furniture in the room. This is why many of these videos have stick figures bouncing off of furniture and door frames! False alarm.

    Next consider the ranging feature of the Kinect. This uses ultrasound to bounce the sound from objects it is mapping. Ultrasound requires a solid object be present in order to reflect back. (Wall, person, furniture, etc.) But what evidence do we have that a spirit is a solid object? Does a spirit bump into walls or pass through them? How can a range be determined when nothing solid exists to base it on?

    Moving along to the IR light beam. This is a series of dots that the camera sends out in a grid pattern. Each dot is precisely timed, and the time it takes the beam to reach a target and bounce back is measured. From this data the camera determines how far the beam traveled and what it encountered along the way. If it struck a solid object it is bounced back earlier than if it went to a distant wall, etc. This is similar to effect seen in IR pictures where bright orbs sometimes appear. Think of it as a camera that has the ability to photograph multiple orbs invisible under normal light. Sounds like a potential paranormal tool, right?

    Not necessarily. One of the biggest issues with IR is most people do not understand how light behaves outside of the visible spectrum. One example is iridescence. Many materials look dull under normal light but can shine brightly under IR light. Consider some of the logos on T-Shirts, we have all seen how they can glow under black light. Now think what happens when lint from one of these becomes airborne in front of a camera. Same thing happens when one of these points from the Kinect strikes a lint particle. A moving target, inside the range of motion of the Kinect can equal a point. Put a few points together and a stick figure pops up. Which just goes to show that SLS Cameras also are subject to dust orbs. Only here the orb is concealed as a point on a stick figure, not as easily seen as in a conventional photograph. But just like in a conventional picture, dust creates orbs.

    One more argument some have, what about when the stick figure interacts with people in the frame? Consider the ranging feature for this. Suppose the camera has positioned a stick figure and the person is at about the same distance away as the points assigned to the figure. The person is now providing the camera with additional points that fall within the range of the stick figure. If a few happen to match another pattern in the camera's memory they can become a part of the stick figure and it will deform to include those as well. The spirit is reaching out to you, they say.



    I guess spirits come in all shapes!

    One more consideration; what is the shape of a spirit? The Kinect system was originally programmed with humans in various sizes and positions to use as a reference. The only way the camera can relate is to find a pattern that matches what it is receiving through its sensors. When it gets such a pattern it locks on to it. But suppose a spirit takes some other shape? Suppose it is a gaseous mist or vapor? Or even an orb? (Some make these claims!) Unless the Kinect has such a pattern in memory how would it know to lock on to it?

    In reference to the shape, some SLS images have figures that are not stick figures. These however start out as known shapes. once points are assigned by the camera they remain active for some time. They can deform into unrecognizable masses. But all must begin as a pattern recognized by the camera and saved to memory. This feature was designed so that gamers could assume different postures (stooping, falling, bending, stretching, etc.) and still be recognized. The camera just keeps drawing the lines between the points originally established. Ever notice how at time the figures get arms or legs in twisted or contorted locations? This is why that happens.

    So in conclusion we can see there are numerous problems with the concept of using such a device to detect spirits. First of all, we cannot say conclusively what constitutes a spirit or its ability to interact with the physical world. Without knowing this, we can't say what results the Kinect ultrasound ranging will be if it encounters a spirit. How dependable is a device in which we have no idea how it reacts with its target?

    Next, the idea of carrying such a device around runs contrary to what its designers recommend and how they develop the database with regards to fixed points. The Kinect protocol is not intended to be mobile; the designers even say as much. The device is forced to compensate and make guesses as it tries to account for repositioning. But that is great for false triggering.

    This device used as a ghost hunting toy is just that; a fun thing to play with, but as a detector it is useless unless you like a lot of flashing lights and watching stick figures jump around on the screen. $400.00 (msrp) is a lot to spend on something unproven and unreliable. Save your money!


    Note to readers: I realize this is a controversial subject. So in fairness, if you are a manufacturer or user and disagree with my assessment, you can have your say. Simply make one of these available for testing and be willing to demonstrate where my comments are in error. If you can prove me wrong, I will post a retraction and correct my evaluation.

    Motion Sensor Alarm These may serve in some way but are not known to be affected by spirits or even Bigfoot. They could serve to catch someone who may by sneaking around trying to hoax something. And if you are out trying to capture a cryptid they probably would be useful at informing you of another wild animal that may be lurking in the area you are investigating.

    Electrostatic Field Monitor - (The "Puck") We covered the EMF monitors in Volume Two. Similar to those are Electrostatic Field Monitors. These simply detect the presence of static buildup. They have been shown to actually work when it comes to something approaching one, but the range is very limited. Likewise their value on an investigation is limited.

    The Laser Grid System - This is another one of those gadgets that seem to be a part of many team's toolkit. The interesting thing with it is no two people seem to agree on how it should be used. What is its theory of operation? It is claimed that a spirit walking or floating through the pattern would reflect the dots and make itself visible. But how is that possible? If we consider the source of the dots is simply pulses of light sent out then why wouldn't the spirit be seen just under regular light? Just turn on a light in the room and it should be there, right? It seems to be a variation on the old "Infrared illuminator" from several years ago. It didn't work back then either.

    Old School Methods

    Now let's look at a few methods and tools of years past. Did they work back then and do they still work today? How many of these have you used or are still using?

    Notepad and Pencil Probably something all of us have and still use. Perhaps you ask yourself, "Why a pencil and not a pen?" The answer to that is simplicity. There is probably nothing as reliable as a paper and pencil. Pens can leak. Sometimes in cold weather they fail to always write. So while we depend on tech at times, why complicate things? The old story (unproven of course, it may just be an urban legend ) was that back at the height of the space race that NASA spent almost $1,000,000 developing a pen for our astronauts that would write in a zero gravity environment. They got it working and used it. The Russians faced the same problem. They gave their cosmonauts pencils....

    Level or a Square - These common carpentry tools are essential if you are faced with doors opening or closing by themselves or other similar problems that might be signs the place is haunted. If you have examined the door and find it is not square or the floor is not level or is otherwise compromised you may have just found your ghost when the bubble is doesn't center. I should add that in addition to these tools a small tape measure is also helpful at measuring various points around the place or even if you encounter a track in the woods while searching for Bigfoot.

    Magnetic Compass Besides its obvious use as a compass, these can also serve to detect residual magnetic fields. There have been instances where after a UFO encounter vehicles have exhibited residual magnet effects. It's one of those additional tests you can do that requires very little effort but might provide a valuable clue, You can even use the compass to determine the polarity of such a field if one is found. Remember opposite poles attract, like poles repel each other.

    Baby Powder - This is another old trick to check if an area is disturbed. Just sprinkle some around and if anything enters the area it will leave tracks. Or so they say... This one has been around since the late 19th century and still is being used. My question is if a spirit can walk through a wall why would it disturb some powder on the floor? Or for that matter even leave tracks? It still gets used though. and probably will until the last investigation is conducted. The downside is it is by nature messy and is subject to the effects that other investigators might cause if they come in contact with what you left for them to walk through.

    Trigger Objects - This one is a matter of personal belief. Some swear by it, others swear at it. I personally don't normally use them, but if you found it works for you then do it. The closest I come would be in EVP sessions when I base questions and comments on the area under investigation. I may refer to battle if at a battlefield, or medical comments if at a hospital. Come to think of it, I guess that's not much different than a trigger object.

    Dowsing Rods - I have used dowsing rods and actually have had some success at locating water or physical objects buried out of sight. Personally I believe the rods act as an indicator of reactions the user has to conditions outside his control. If you react to a buried water line might it be that the water line disturbs the magnetic field around it and you respond when your body enters this disturbed area? (My belief is that is what happens.) But as far as detecting spirits, aliens, or Bigfoot I don't subscribe to that belief.

    The Pendulum - The idea that a swinging pendulum can tell us anything raises doubt with me. For one, the pendulum is exposed to the air around it and as such might be affected by breezes that encounter it. For it to prove itself one would need to isolate it from any outside influence. If one wants to claim a spirit can directly influence a physical object, let's reconsider something we debunked earlier, the Flashlight Cap trick. There might be a way to take the randomness out of that and it is similar to what proponents of the pendulum claim.

    Ribbon Streamers for Air Flow Detection Simple, Easy to Use, and Effective is the best way to describe this. No batteries or other special requirements and the results are good. Usually the amount of airflow encountered is very low, often to the point an anemometer would not detect it. But the streamers if mounted in a doorway can often move with little or no noticeable breeze present.

    Ouija Board - What discussion on the paranormal would be complete without mention of this? These are little more than toys or a parlor game. I don't consider them dangerous or something to be feared. Nor do i consider them useful in an investigation. It's a hunk of wood and a planchette of glass or plastic, nothing more. The fear aspect goes back to your personal belief system. If you believe in them then to you they may be dangerous to the extent they manipulate your life. But to most of us they are just another way to pass the time if you're so inclined.

    Plaster Of Paris This one is good if you encounter tracks or something you want to make a cast of for future reference. The biggest issue here is what is needed when you need to mix it up and use it. You will need to be able to maintain access to the location long enough for the cast to set up. In many cases this rules out you being able to use it at a public location because of time constraints. Plus you will need to have water available and a container to mix it in. While it is useful, when time comes you actually need it doing so can be problematic at times.

    A Psychic on your Investigation As a science based investigator I don't ascribe any special reason to put a psychic's opinion higher than anyone else. On the other hand if a psychic was to recommend a certain course of action I would not discount it either. People, psychic or not, can have opinions based on their own preconceptions and sometimes they are right.

    Any Other Professional Consultants on the Team They would be considered based their area of expertise. Their recommendations would carry some weight and I would consider them when making determinations as to a course of action to take. You may be wondering why I would take their thoughts over that of a psychic I mentioned above. The reason is these professionals have through some formal education or experience that shows they are qualified. The psychic on the other hand has only their claims. There is no certification required to call yourself a psychic or sensitive. One may be fully qualified but with no formal training required, who has certified the psychic's claims to be valid? Have they ever submitted to testing to verify their claim?

    Hope this Volume Has given you some new thoughts on Investigating claims of paranormal activity