Technology

Electromagnetic Field Detectors

An electromagnetic field detector (EMF detector) detects and measures the strength of an electromagnetic field. An EMF detector might be used by an engineer or electrician to detect energy leaks in equipment or energy levels around power lines. An EMF detector can also detect the presence of a paranormal electromagnetic field. Anomalous fields are often found in places that are haunted. A normal reading for an area with no electromagnetic fields would be .1 to .3 milligauss. A typical reading for a television set would be between 20 and 25 milligauss. Held one foot away from a television set, a typical reading would be about 10 milligauss. I have found paranormal fields in places where there was no electronic device, motor, or wiring present that would generate a normal electromagnetic field. These fields have ranged anywhere from 1.3 milligauss to 14 milligauss and are usually in the shape of a sphere (hence the term "orb"). One important limitation of an EMF detector is that it must pass through the field to detect it. It will not point to where the field is.

Shown below is a TriField Meter from Alpha Labs. This is the most popular EMF detector among paranormal investigators. A TriField Meter is very sensitive and must be used carefully to prevent getting false positive readings. It must be moved very slowly or will give false spikes. It is so sensitive that passing a hand over it will result in the meter registering the presence of a person's own electromagnetic field. It is best used by sitting it down on a flat surface and taking the reading. The advantage of using the TriField meter is in it's design. It screens out anything operating at 60 megahertz, which is standard household current. If you get a reading on the Trifield meter, you know it isn't from an appliance or wiring.

The EMF detector below is by A.W. Sperry. This one is less sensitive than the TriField Meter but has the advantage of a digital read out. When doing a sweep of a house, I am more likely to use the A.W. Sperry for convenience and when I find something significant, switch over to the TriField Meter for greater accuracy and to screen out anything run on household current.

Thermal Scanner or Non-Contact Thermometer

When electricity is in the air, negative ions shoot off of the molecules within the electromagnetic field. This causes the scent that you will usually detect when a lightening storm is going to happen. When those negative ions shoot out of the energy field caused by the presence of a ghost, the temperature drops within that field. This is the classic cold spot or blast of air that is experienced during hauntings. Fortunately, a thermal scanner can detect the presence of a cold spot. Simply stand in place, squeeze the trigger, and slowly sweep the area. The scanner uses a laser to measure the surface temperature of whatever it is aimed at. A cold temperature of 10 degrees or more below the temperature of the rest of the room can be evidence of the presence of a paranormal electromagnetic field.

Cameras

I've had success in taking photographs which show paranormal activity when the film was developed. I've used a variety of different cameras over the years, including a Polaroid, a Canon Sure Shot, Canon Rebel, and Kodak disposables. The best results were obtained with a 35 millimeter camera using 800 speed film. My best photos have been obtained outdoors at night using a flash. I recommend using a point and shoot camera, such as the Canon Sure Shot when taking photos in near-total darkness. An automatic camera looks for something to focus on or you have to manually focus. Tough to do in the dark!

Dowsing Rods

Where do dowsing rods fit into a section on technology? They are a low-tech method producing excellent results. Whether a Friendly Visitor or an Earthbound Spirit, we are dealing with energy. The unconscious mind detects far more information than it ever sends to the conscious mind. Dowsing rods operate on the theory that the unconscious mind can detect the subtle energy presence. It communicates where the energy is through moving the dowsing rods. I've used this technique to locate places in cemeteries and haunted houses where paranormal activity occurs. Photos taken in those locations are more likely to show misty forms or orbs.

Any dowsing rods will work. A wire coat hanger cut and bent into the "L" shape can be used effectively. My dowsing rods were made for me by a good friend, Carol Miller. Carol has participated in several investigations in Iowa. She is a jewelry artist and a master Reiki practitioner (an oriental energy-based healing discipline). Carol constructed the dowsing rods with quartz tips. The quartz was dipped in aqua aura (a solution containing gold) and bound to the rods with copper wire. Quartz is an excellent conductor of electricity. Using quartz as a tip for dowsing rods makes them even more effective for detecting the electromagnetic files associated with haunting activity.