In an attempt to educate the general public about Paranormal Investigation, we are presenting a list of the most commonly used research tools used by investigators. We will describe each tool, how not to use it, and how to use it correctly to obtain the best evidence. Contrary to what they all may say, most paranormal themed TV shows have it all wrong. Read on to learn more.

Mel 8704R EMF Meter w/Red Backlight
EMF Meter (a.k.a Gausmeter)
If ever there was a device that is most associated with modern day Paranormal
Researchers, it is this one. The EMF Meter or Gaussmeter, named after Carl Freidrick Gauss, is a device that detects varying intensities of EMF waves. This intensity, measured in Gauss, is generally a detected by measuring magnetic fields and sensing disturbances in those fields. High levels of EMF present have long been associated with “ghostly” activity.
HOW NOT TO USE IT
In our opinion, using an EMF meter indoors in a modern home is a mistake. There is too much possibility for false positives. Even the slightest bit of old wiring, modern electrical equipment, or even certain building materials can be mistaken for a paranormal presence. If indoors, it is generally acceptable to use a KII meter (see below), as this device detects extreme fluctuations only. However, any data obtained from an EMF device indoors should be taken “with a grain of salt.”
HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY
There are really only two major choices for use in paranormal studies; single-axis or triple-Axis. While a triple-axis meter such as the “Tri-Field Meter” is leaps ahead in terms of sensitivity and accuracy, it is this quality that makes it a bad choice for paranormal research. It recommended to use a simple single-axis EMF meter such as the CellSensor or the Extech Sper. Keeping the device firmly in your hand, make large, slow sweeping motions in both the horizontal and vertical axis. Not only does this technique allow you to generate accurate data, it also allows you to define a possible “shape” of the magnetic field.

Dual Pocket Thermometer
Ambient Thermometer
If we follow mainstream paranormal theories, then ghosts are beings made of energy. They do not have their own means of metabolizing energy from internal sources. Like a plant, they must draw energy from external sources to manifest. In some cases, the ghost may use the environment’s heat energy to make itself known, thereby reducing the temperature in the area by a noticeable amount. Oftentimes, this amount could be more than a 20 degree difference. Thermometers offer a paranormal researcher a tool to measure these temperature changes, and oftentimes pinpoint where the energy is being drawn from.
HOW NOT TO USE IT
Many, many paranormal groups today make a dire mistake when it comes to temperature recording and monitoring. Most groups use an IR Thermometer, which shoots a focused LASER beam at a specific object and records it’s surface temperature. Often, these devices are used for fun to measure the temperature of a car hood baking in the sun, or to detect hot-spots of various devices. The technology in use by the IR thermometer is wrong for paranormal research. A researcher does not wish to measure the temperature of the opposite wall, but rather the air between the wall and the researcher where the ghostly presence is assumed to be. Because IR thermometers shoot a LASER, that LASER passes right by the entity. What is needed is an ambient thermometer or a Thermometer/Data Logger. These devices measure not a surface, but an area.
HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY
Using the same sweeping technique as an EMF meter, one would be able to get an accurate reading and discern any possible shapes or forms the “cold spot” may take. In addition to the ambient thermometer, it is preferable to obtain a temperature data logger. This device records temperature and humidity change over a given period of time. It allows researchers to track the exact time that a cold spot occurs, and with what regularity.

Sony Digital ICD-PX312 Recorder
Digital Voice Recorder
Besides an EMF meter, the second device most identified with Paranormal Researchers is the digital voice recorder. The digital voice recorder is the digital equivalent of the old, reliable analog voice recorder we all used in school. Without the burden of tapes and the mechanical whurrs of the motor, a digital recorder is the preferred tool for capturing EVPs, or Electronic Voice Phenomena. A digital recorder allows for easier organization, clearer audio, and less false positives.
HOW NOT TO USE IT
As with all digital devices, there is some possibility of digital interference from other devices. There is also the possibility of interference from the devices own internal boards that could contaminate the recording and generate false positives. Also, the human mind is a very complex organic machine, but it is also very persuadable. In a hypothetical test, a Class C EVP can be heard by twenty different people. At the end of said test, you will receive twenty different versions of what was heard on the recording, as long as the test was kept closed. If one person is allowed to say what they thought they heard, I personally guarantee that everyone else will let go of their own interpretations and magically hear what the announcer says.
HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY
A digital voice recorder should always be used with an external microphone. It could be the most expensive microphone available, or it could be a simple stereo mic bought on eBay. Finally, a digital voice recorder should always be used in combination with an old fashioned analog recorder. This allows extra proof; if both recorders pick up the same sounds, then that is double the proof and double the credibility of the evidence. Want to make evidence credibility almost foolproof? In addition to a digital and analog recorder, buy another analog recorder and remove the internal microphone. Do not use any microphone with this device. Start recording on all three devices at the same time. If the same sound is recorded on all three devices, including the one with no mic, you have a bar of gold in your hands.

35mm Film Camera - Nikon SLR
Film Camera
I included film cameras in it’s own category because it has its own special place in a Paranormal Rsearchers arsenal. For decades, film cameras were the preferred method of capturing images of ghosts. At the turn of the century, they were used to create some of the most elaborate hoaxes known in the paranormal community. While they were used for years to fake ghost images, they have more often then not, been used to capture an actual ghost on film. By experimenting with different film speeds, types, and different camera settings, you can optimize your camera to capture paranormal imagery. Unfortunately, volumes can and have been written about the film camera, and how to work it. I will leave this section with just the advice that you go out and borrow as many books on the subject of photography as possible. Learn and research and expand your knowledge.

Canon EOS Rebel DSLR
Digital Camera
Digital cameras have the same complexity, and the same amount of relevant literature surrounding it as film cameras. The major difference between the two are their inner workings and their output method. One advantage of a digital camera is that they can be modified to detect only specific wavelengths of light. One very popular modification is turning a normal camera into a UV camera, thus detecting only UV light. This makes for interesting photographs and could have some potential for paranormal photography. When used in combination with film cameras, digital cameras are a very useful tool to capture an image of the paranormal.

Sony Handicam
DV Camcorder
Regardless of what you might see on popular paranormal reality shows, the camcorder is not and should not be the primary source of evidence. While capturing an entity on ‘tape’ could be used as evidence in combination with other data such as temperature, EMF readings, humidity, and dust levels, simply seeing a formless mist and attributing it to a ghost is akin to feeling rain and attributing it to God’s emotional state.
HOW TO USE IT
It is widely accepted that you should opt for a camera that offers night vision. In addition to that, it is recommended you purchase an IR illuminator. The IR illuminator is a small flash-light device that attaches to your camera by means of a special bracket. Instead of normal, visible light, it sports IR bulbs that bathe the environment in Infrared light. This allows your night vision to be much clearer and your evidence more discernible. It is best to your camera as an extension of your own eyes. Don’t move it as though you are filming a documentary. If you come to an area that is known for its activity, be sure to get every crazy angle possible. You never know what you might catch while laying on the floor. Remember, the nature of video cameras makes them very difficult to use as scientific instruments. But when used in combination with other data gathering devices and techniques, it can be a vital component in your arsenal.

DVR
Generally, the same concepts and techniques mentioned about DV Camcorders applies with Digital Video Recorders as well. The only real difference between the two is that DVR cameras are stationary. They allow researchers to monitor several areas at once from a central location that is usually outside of the active area. It is important to remember, when using a DVR, to set up the cameras strategically, so that you can make good use of your hundred feet or so of cabling. Also, remember that a DVR requires a power outlet, and may not be practicle for environments devoid of electricity. Otherwise, follow the same rules for a DVR as those for the DV Camcorder.

KII Meter
A KII Meter is really just an EMF meter with easy to read lights. They are more useful than standard EMF readers indoors thanks to their ability to only pick out the strongest EMF readings. Using a combination of colored lights and sometimes beeps, it is very easy to see in pitch black and very easy to use. Many newer models are built with an on/off switch which allows their use during EVP sessions or on stationary objects such as tables or ledges. One great test is to start an EVP session and try to carry on a conversation with a ‘spirit’ Ask the entity to interact with the KII to answer the questions. If you are able to get meaningful responses to the questions you asked, you may be on to something big. The same standards and techniques used for traditional EMF meters apply to KII meters.

Laser Grid Pen
The LASER grid pen is a relative newcomer to the arsenal of paranormal researchers. While not a necessary tool, it is convenient and easy to use. It rules out the possibilities of mistaken identity of things such as dust clouds and humidity. Not much more can be said about it. It’s use is fairly self-explanatory. Aim at a wall, click the on button, aim your video camera and begin recording. If something disturbs the grid, it will be easier to see on a camera lacking IR Illuminators.

Geo Device
A Geo Device is a structural vibration device that picks up the smallest vibrations made to the object the device is sitting on. It lets out an audible alarm whenever the device is triggered.
HOW NOT TO USE IT
DO NOT use the Geo Device on or near any object that is going to be anywhere near a human being. Human beings are generally big, lumbering creatures with the tendency to shake or shift objects around them. Because the Geo Device is so sensitive, it can give false positives for the slightest misplaced footstep.
HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY
Always place the Geo Device on a stationary object, away from sources of vibration and humans. If possible, sprinkle baby powder around the device to use as a trap. If a person tries to tamper with the device, they will disturb the powder and leave a mark of their presence. Do not leave the device on the floor. The earth naturally vibrates sometimes, as do old houses and other structures. Again, this could cause false positives.

Johnson's
Baby Powder
For such a low-tech, inexpensive tool, baby powder is often overlooked by research groups. IN reality, it is an invaluable tool when used on investigations where ghosts may be interacting with objects in our reality. A light sprinkle of powder around an object that is the center of attention to the ghost can sometimes nab a prankster, or end up creating more questions than answers. Regardless, if anyone or anything tries to make its way through the powder, it’s mark will be left and the researcher will know about it. If the object is interacted with, but the powder is not disturbed, it is still not time to sign autographs. There is the very real possibility that a natural occurance such as wind, building shifting, or home automation (lol) could cause the object to move on its own.

The Compass Store
Compass
The compass has been used for many different things for hundreds of years. Only recently has it been used to detect the presence of ghosts. Using the same methods as an EMF meter, a compass detects the Earth’s powerful magnetic field.
HOW NOT TO USE IT
Be very sure to do your research before bringing a compass, or any EMF device to an investigation. You may very well be bringing it to an area that is known for natural magnetic field disturbances. Besides creating false positives that can sometimes mimic the behaviors of ghosts, high magnetic field fluctuations can cause hallucinations and uneasy feelings in sensitive people. You may find that your ‘ghost’ is nothing more than a naturally occurring phenomena.
HOW TO USE IT CORRECTLY
It is best to leave the compass on a table or flat, sturdy surface that will not be moved or shook. Take a baseline reading by ensuring that the compass is pointing to true north. After conducting whatever tests you feel are necessary, see if the compass is acting strangely. If the pointer is spinning or drastically moved, you may have some evidence on your hands.