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.

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