The Society for Paranormal Research and Investigation

We are often asked, "Are you guys "Ghostbusters"?" Our answer to this is, "No, we are not ghost "busters" we are ghost "investigators"." The next question asked is usually, "Well, what do you do?" What do we do, indeed? We investigate the experiences and paranormal activities our clients have described to us and endeavor to record this activity our its byproducts on various media. Whoa, that was a mouthful, wasn’t it? In regular terms, we go to our clients’ house/business and set up cameras and microphones (along with some other equipment) and try to capture a ghost or its voice or the table moving across the room. What equipment do we use to do that? Just scroll down to find out.

Low Light Surveillance Camera System

This system consists of (4) 0 lux camera with mounting stands that can be placed throughout the building. They are usually placed in the "hot spots" of paranormal activity and act as our eyes in rooms where we are not present.

Digital Video Recorder

This recorder allows us to capture the video from the surveillance cameras for later review. The digital format makes it easy for us to record hours and hours of footage from all (4) cameras at the same time. It can then be played directly to a monitor (TV or computer) or transfered to DVD or video tape.

Camcorders

Most of you are familiar with video camcorders. We use these devices either as a hand held camera to be taken with the investigators as they tour the premises or as a staionary camera to be placed in remote locations that at far from the reach of our cabled camera system. Camcorders come in various formats including; 8mm, Hi8, DVC, DVD, digital and even VHS. We have the ability to convert all these formats to more easily viewed ones (such as converting all video to DVD or VHS).

Still Photography Cameras

Cameras come in many shapes sizes and formats, and all of our members have at least one camera of their own. We follow the "if you feel you want to take a picture, take one" philosophy, where investigators are encouraged to take photographs wher and when they feel the urge (while being couteous of the clients wishes and being careful not to disturb other investigators, of couse). We use both digital and film photography.

Audio Recorders
We employ several audio recorders, some digital, some analog (ie: cassette tape) to attempt to capture a spirits voice. Electronic Voice Phenomena (or EVP) is the term used when a spirit’s voice is captured on an audio recording device. Many times the voice is not heard during the investigation and is discovered while reviewing the audio recordings. While reviewing the audio from an investigation we employ headphones and digital audio computer programs to hear the EVP’s more clearly.

Electro-Magnetic Field Detectors
Most leaders in the field of paranormal investigation believe that spirits exist in an energy state. It is also believed that when a spirits gathers its energy in an attempt to contact the living, it can be measured. One of the devices we use to measure this "distubance of energy" is an Electro-Magnetic Field Detector. Electro-magnetic fields (or EMF) are given off by most electrical appliances and electrical services (ie: outlets, breaker box). So it is important to be aware of any normal causes of EMF’s and not to include them in our paranormal experiences.

Digital Thermometers

As mentioned above, we believe that as sprirts attempt to contact the living world they must gather energy. One of the phenomena that can happen during this gathering is a cold (or warm) spot. We can measure this with a thermometer. We use digital thermometers because they react quickly and give us an easily readable display. It is important to note that we are diligent in identifying all normal causes for cold spots before entertaining the thought of the paranormal cause.

And of course, what would we do without our trusty; flashlights, cables, extension cords, log book and personal computers.

Buddy System
Another important tool to us is the Buddy System. At no time should any investigator be alone. This serves a two-fold purpose. First for safety, since much of our investigating is done in darkness or low light areas, it is important have a buddy watching out for you and/or to render aid in case of an accident or injury. Secondly, often a paranormal experience may have no measurable quantities, maybe you just feel like someone is watching you, or the hair raises on your arms or neck, or you feel that you need to leave this place NOW! Or maybe, as some in the paranormal field surmise, your equipment fails to work due to electrical disturbances. This is where a buddy is quite useful. Not only does having a partner enhance your resistance to fear of the unknown, but they also are there to share in the experience, giving us two accounts of the phenomena instead of one.