The cost of the equipment used by paranormal investigators can run from "relatively inexpensive" to "OMG THAT'S MORE THAN I MAKE IN A YEAR"!! I could probably devote a ton of time and energy to showing you a buncha stuff you **could** buy, but instead I'm just gonna show you what **we** have. I am not some kind of authority by any means, but I have enjoyed educating myself somewhat through reading some well researched web sites and books.

     There are a minimum of 3 senses that can be quantified and recorded and used as "evidence" later on. Sadly, they depend on the 2 of the most notoriously undependable of the senses. Sight & Sound. Of course, none are 100% as there are always a$$hole$ that will try to manipulate the system. The 3rd sense is the only one that can be depended upon, the sense of pride in one's work. However, with a little integrity, these tools can be used, (along with the integrity of the user), to help affirm the claims of the investigator.

     ELECTRO MAGNETIC FIELD (EMF) Meter:

     The most basic of which is known by a completely different name: A Compass. Typically, a compass is a very dependable tool since magnetic north doesn't move, therefore the only way to get a false reading is if another magnetic field interrupts the field being read by the compass. If you've seen the old films when a plane flies over the Bermuda Triangle, you've seen the compass spinning wildly... think for a second what could have caused that.... A Magnetic Field!!

     This tool is used to read magnetic fields that a re created whenever energy is present. Under certain circumstances, they will be rendered inoperative, like doing a reading under large power lines, or in the presence of appliances that consume large amounts of electricity. Microwave ovens, televisions, computers and other common household electronics will all create an EMF signature. Experiment around your own home so that you have a good idea of when you're getting false positive in the field.

     Of course, if you're in a long abandoned building where there is no obvious power consumption, and you get a reading, you may want to consider the fact that you may have a presence in your vicinity. Some investigators have been known to use the EMF meter as a tool to communicate with the other side. A simple "One for No - Two for Yes" scheme might be all that stands between you and the mysteries of the afterlife.

     AUDIO CAPTURE DEVICE (EVP - Electronic Voice Phenomenon):

     Messages from beyond the grave to some, the worst type of science to others. The use of EVP capture has gained momentum over the last few decades. Originally attempted in the early 1940's using vinyl records, at 78 RPM, Attila von Szalay finally was met with success in 1956 when he switched to reel to reel tape. (wikipedia) Deciphering EVP is an art form. Being relatively inexpensive, and, in some cases, incontrovertible evidence of something being recorded. Whether it is fraud or not, both sides of the war have voiced their cases quite plainly. Believers have faith that the sounds are voices from beyond the grave, skeptics have their belief that EVP is simply Pareidolia. Wikipedia defines Pareidolia as "a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant". Such cases include, but not limited to: Seeing a Face in your grilled cheese sandwich, the terrible photos released after 9/11 and even in Spilled Soup!! Of course, the obvious difference is, in the "ear of the beholder". Many EVP's are heard differently by people even when hearing it together. Many people do not hear anything cohesive at all.

     Like all other avenues of research, there is entry level equipment, (like I have) or you can spent thousands of dollars on microphones, cables, mixing equipment and recording devices.

     VIDEO CAPTURE DEVICE

     Sometimes regarded as the "Most Important" of the forms of evidence, Photographs and Videos are also the easiest to fake. Also thought to be the hardest to confirm or refute, photographic evidence has ranged from modern myth to old school mysteries to blatant fakes. Of course, modern culture places the greatest importance on the sense of sight. Otherwise the radio would replace the TV.

     Photography, (wikipedia), in it's earliest forms, was first attempted in the 10th century. Progress was made during the next 200 years with the discovery of chemicals like Silver Nitrate and Silver Chloride. Photography in it's current form (non digital) began with the invention of chemical photography by french Inventor Nicéphore Niépce in 1826.

     Now people have the leisure of Digital Photography & Home publishing. Of course, this puts an even worse boon on the Spectral Photography, as people have simple software that makes faking easier than ever before. The old photo, the Monk of Newby Church was widely dismissed as a "Double Exposure", although later on, the negatives and proofs were examined by experts and accepted as being legitimate. While they could not speak to the other ways of faking the photograph, the experts have deemed this photo, "NOT A DOUBLE EXPOSURE".

     INTEGRITY

     Not available at any cost, and equally hard to replace once lost. Integrity is a MUST HAVE for anyone seeking a reputation in the fields of Paranormal research. One faked photo, One exaggerated prognosis after an investigation or One bogus Video of Bigfoot. This is all it would take to ruin your credibility.

K-II Enterprises - EMF Meter

I bought mine through E-Bay from ghoST Augustine (e-mail them) 45$ US

The simple controls combined with the LED readout makes this a "can't be without it" tool. Other meters are equally useful, but with the lit readout this meter can be seen at night clearly. Strangely, this meter has the opposite problem to other meters as it is not as easy to read in the daytime! Still, with all things being equal, this durable, handy and easy to operate device is a must have for any or all paranormal investigators.

I N T E G R I T Y

Integrity comes when character is tested; keep true and never be ashamed of doing what is right.

     Integrity is possibly the only thing in the world that cannot be taken by force, cannot be devalued by vandals and cannot be sold without the permission of the owner. Sadly, there is no store to buy it. There is no vendor who can score it for you on the black market.

     Even worse than all that, integrity is easy to lose. One single bad decision could lead to ruin. Luckily, Integrity comes from a bank that never denies your credit. One warning at this bank though...

     Every loan gets harder and harder to get after you let them down the first time.