RPS Equipment
The Equipment Used by RPS
RPS is always trying to update and experiment with new equipment to help achieve results. Though we feel our vast array of equipment is far superior to most groups who have only been around as long as us, we know that there are still plenty of valuable tools to implement and examine.
All the current equipment used by RPS is used to scientifically prove that spirits do exist. We do not investigate with such things as dowsing rods, pendulums, or crystals. Most members of RPS agree that if used by the right people these tools could be useful; however, we rely on the more practical pieces of equipment listed below:
Digital Voice Recorders
All members of RPS believe that digital voice recorders are the group's most useful tools. Though they are not very impressive looking tools, they have given RPS their most impressive results. RPS believes that since so many voice recorders are used on an investigation (anywhere from 3-5 per investigation) that this is why the results are always so successful. The members of RPS have learned quickly that just running a recorder won't always provide results, but if outside disturbances are "tagged" properly and appropriate questions are asked during the investigation process, your chances of capturing an EVP increase tenfold. Also, data review is even more important than the investigation itself. Avoid distractions while reviewing evidence from your digital recorder. Avoid shortcuts: every second you don't pay attention could be a detriment to the whole investigation process by losing key evidence, which in turns hurts your client as well.
*** RPS posesses (6) Olympus and (1) RCA digital voice recorders
*** RPS posesses (6) Olympus and (1) RCA digital voice recorders
Digital Video Recorders
Spirits are heard, smelled, or felt much more than they are seen. Consider it a treat if you actually do see a spirit, because 99 chances out of 100, it won't happen. With this unlikely probability in mind, the use of digital video recorders by paranormal groups is of huge importance. By digital video recorders, RPS is also grouping hand-held camcorders in the same category. RPS favors using stationary video capturing. By using stationary cameras, it is easier to point out discrepancies in the normal environment of the camera's vantage point. Also, by using video capabilities on an investigation, the possiblity of witnessing a paranormal disturbance increases greatly depending on the quantity and quality of the video technology being used. Also, by implementing infrared technology on video equipment, you greatly enhance your chances of capturing evidence by turning complete darkness into more viewable shades of black and white. Recently, full spectrum and ultraviolet technology has been used by many other groups; however, RPS currently is not going that route and is trying to master the basics.
*** RPS posesses (1) Triplex 4 channel DVR system with 4 infrared cameras (hard-wired on every investigation) and (1) Sony HD Camcorder with Nightshot mode that increases infrared capabilities.
*** RPS also posesses (1) 8-LED infrared extender that attaches to the Sony Camcorder to enhance infrared viewing and a 96-LED illuminator that is usually placed in an area where extra infrared coverage could be needed, especially in spots where clients have strong claims of activity.
*** RPS posesses (1) Triplex 4 channel DVR system with 4 infrared cameras (hard-wired on every investigation) and (1) Sony HD Camcorder with Nightshot mode that increases infrared capabilities.
*** RPS also posesses (1) 8-LED infrared extender that attaches to the Sony Camcorder to enhance infrared viewing and a 96-LED illuminator that is usually placed in an area where extra infrared coverage could be needed, especially in spots where clients have strong claims of activity.
Digital & Full Spectrum Cameras
The camera has been one of the most useful tools to any paranormal investigator since the beginning. However, years ago they did not have the invention of the digital camera handy, but had to rely on Polaroid and film cameras, which proved to be quite costly to buy numerous rolls of film and to develop hundreds of thousands of pictures. The digital camera is probably one of the easiest tools to use to begin amateur investigations. There really is no rhyme or reason to where you snap a picture because a spirit could be anywhere. A good bit of advice is to always snap two pictures consecutively in the same spot to compare the environments of each picture to see if anything has changed. The best pieces of evidence to look for in pictures are mists or light anomalies. Orbs are also popular, but are a bit of a taboo subject in the paranormal community, due to the fact that passing insects and floating dust are commonly mistaken for orbs. Also since orbs are only free-flowing energy, which is a natural phenomenon of the world, there is no real concrete proof that this energy leads to any paranormal significance.
*** Each RPS investigator posesses at least (1) digital camera. RPS also posesses (1) full spectrum digital camera which snaps pictures in a source of light unseen by the human eye.
*** Each RPS investigator posesses at least (1) digital camera. RPS also posesses (1) full spectrum digital camera which snaps pictures in a source of light unseen by the human eye.
Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) Meters
EMF meters come in all shapes and sizes, but in the end, all basically provide the same sought result: measuring the electro-magnetic current in the area surrounding the meter. As the theory suggests, spirits need to draw energy from its surroundings to interact or manifest. As the spirit draws the necessary energy, theory suggests that energy will be more concentrated in a certain area. This is where an EMF meter comes in handy. The most common unit of measurement is a MIlliGauss (mG) and the usual rule of thumb is that most paranormal activity occurs in the range of 2-7 MilliGauss. One must be very careful with interpreting readings on an EMF meter. Some meters are so touchy that even tilting them the wrong way while holding them can give a false reading. Electrical conduits, curcuit breakers, old knob-and-tube wiring, copper pipes, and Romex cables are just a few things that can also give very high false readings. Cell phones are also infamous for causing EMF meters to fluctuate improperly, especially smartphones. Members of RPS have also found that K2 meters, another variation of an EMF meter with different color LED lights to measure increasing levels of energy, are very touchy at best. K2 meters can be set off by anything that is using the same energy frequency, such as a walkie-talkie. Also, high winds can also make a K2's readings go beserk.
The best word of advice is to know your surroundings when using an EMF meter. Also, before starting an investigation, complete a walkthrough with the meter to composit a list of base EMF readings. Once you know the area and know some of the items that may trigger odd EMF readings, you will not be thrown off by these strange readings during the investigation.
*** RPS posesses a wide range of EMF meters.
(1) CellSensor EMF meter
(1) K2 Meter
(1) Lutron EMF meter
(1) MEL Meter- EMF detector and thermometer combo-- this is our most advanced meter due to the fact that this meter can measure EMF spikes and cold spots at the same time, two things that spirits can manipulate in order to manifest.
The best word of advice is to know your surroundings when using an EMF meter. Also, before starting an investigation, complete a walkthrough with the meter to composit a list of base EMF readings. Once you know the area and know some of the items that may trigger odd EMF readings, you will not be thrown off by these strange readings during the investigation.
*** RPS posesses a wide range of EMF meters.
(1) CellSensor EMF meter
(1) K2 Meter
(1) Lutron EMF meter
(1) MEL Meter- EMF detector and thermometer combo-- this is our most advanced meter due to the fact that this meter can measure EMF spikes and cold spots at the same time, two things that spirits can manipulate in order to manifest.
This is our full spectrum camera. Note the bluish hue of the two pictures below. This aids our investigators in catching disturbances in the lighting more easily than the traditional point-and-flash digital camera. Also, the orb effect is nullified with full spectrum due to the lack of a bright flash. Catching an orb in full spectrum mode is much more applicable to finding real evidence.
Thermal Imaging Cameras and Infrared Thermometers
Paranormal theory suggests that when a spirit is present, it will try to draw energy from anything present to help itself manifest or communicate. A spirit will also try to draw energy from the air in such a way that the temperature of that air can fluctuate, usually to a point where a considerable 'cold spot' can be felt. This is why thermal imaging cameras and infrared thermometers are important tools for any paranormal group. An investigator can always rely on their own senses to feel a 'cold spot', but with these tools present, scientific proof can actually be upheld.
Most infrared thermometers institute a very standard point-and-shoot temperature reading. Most shoot a pinpoint laser so a investigator can receive a precise reading on a certain location. Though prices on these thermometers range anywhere from $30-$150, distance readings will cause termperature distortions.
Thermal imaging cameras take the capabilites of a infrared thermometer a few steps farther. The main job of a thermal imaging camera is to detect heat signatures. It is very easy to determine a living person through the viewing screen of a thermal camera. A person looks like this:
Other objects are hard to decipher especially when the whole investigation site is around the same termperature, like most heated buildings. Also, a site that has a lot of reflective surfaces can throw a thermal camera for a loop and give you false readings, so the most important thing is to be careful with your readings and double-check them to make sure they are accurate.
Thermal imaging cameras can be very useful tools, but very few groups can actually afford them. Models, like the Extech i5 FLIR Division, which RPS owns, costs around $2,000- $3,000. This model does not record thermal video, but will take still thermal photos. Other models, which costs upward of $10,000- $15,000 will record thermal video.
Most infrared thermometers institute a very standard point-and-shoot temperature reading. Most shoot a pinpoint laser so a investigator can receive a precise reading on a certain location. Though prices on these thermometers range anywhere from $30-$150, distance readings will cause termperature distortions.
Thermal imaging cameras take the capabilites of a infrared thermometer a few steps farther. The main job of a thermal imaging camera is to detect heat signatures. It is very easy to determine a living person through the viewing screen of a thermal camera. A person looks like this:
Other objects are hard to decipher especially when the whole investigation site is around the same termperature, like most heated buildings. Also, a site that has a lot of reflective surfaces can throw a thermal camera for a loop and give you false readings, so the most important thing is to be careful with your readings and double-check them to make sure they are accurate.
Thermal imaging cameras can be very useful tools, but very few groups can actually afford them. Models, like the Extech i5 FLIR Division, which RPS owns, costs around $2,000- $3,000. This model does not record thermal video, but will take still thermal photos. Other models, which costs upward of $10,000- $15,000 will record thermal video.
Laser Technology
In 2010, a few new useful technologies were adopted by the paranormal world. One of the more widely used new pieces of equipment is a simple laser pointer. However, these are not the same laser pointers that you would buy on the boardwalk for $10. These paranormal prototypes are much stronger (the laser can stretch anywhere from 8-10 miles), usually have a green laser, and come with detachable headpieces that allow for a strangely intriguing 'grid effect'. The purpose of the laser grid system is to enhance the possibility of seeing crossing shadows, either with the naked eye or through the vantage point of video cameras. The laser sets up somewhat of a booby trap. If a whole room is blanketed with small green dots, theory suggests that if a dark mass passes in front of one of these dots, that it will indeed be blocked out.
Though these laser systems are pieces of rookie technology, they are quite inexpensive. The 30 milliwatt laser pointer typically sells for $30, and the slightly stronger 50 milliwatt prototype sells for around $50.
***** RPS posesses a 30 milliwatt laser grid system with a custom-made laser tripod from http://shannonsylvia.com
Though these laser systems are pieces of rookie technology, they are quite inexpensive. The 30 milliwatt laser pointer typically sells for $30, and the slightly stronger 50 milliwatt prototype sells for around $50.
***** RPS posesses a 30 milliwatt laser grid system with a custom-made laser tripod from http://shannonsylvia.com
The Other "Essentials"
There are other tools that paranormal investigators use that are 'essential' other than just the equipment listed above. Ultimately, the investigator can be the best tool used in the field. A good investigator will trust his senses and instincts to lead the way through a investigation. Also, having a wide knowledge base of everyday practical things can help an investigator debunk claims that a client may have. Something like pipes rattling, creaky stairways, and other odd noises can throw homeowners for a loop and may make them feel their house has spirit activity, when in fact some of these things can have a rather simple explanation. An investigator that shows the patience and resolve to find the answer to such questions is a very valuable tool.
Communication is also a huge key to a successful investigation. If an investigation site is large enough where 2-3 groups are investigating at once, a good set of walkie-talkies is essential, especially when tracking down errant noises or if a group needs assistance from another group. It is not smart to carry around cell phones, due to the fact that most modern smart phones can give false EMF readings because of the phones' networks constantly updating. A good set of walkie-talkies are rather inexpensive, usually around $30-$50.
Other essentials: Lots of batteries (9V, AA, AAA)- Always have a spare
reserve and always replace batteries after every investigation. Also charge
every tool that containsa rechargeable battery to the max before every
investigation. Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries can be a good
investment for groups that are very active year round.
Flashlights or Headlamps: Even in 'lights out' situations, an investigator
needs to seewhere they are going. Any flashlight will do; however, the
stronger and sturdier the flashlight, the longer you may be able to make it
last. Headlamps, though a little more expensive, gives an investigator more freedom to carry more tools around with themwithout having to worry about using a hand for lighting.
First Aid Kit: When walking around in dark and old historic buildings, things can
happen, so think safety first. Prepare for the unexpected because it could save a
life.
Communication is also a huge key to a successful investigation. If an investigation site is large enough where 2-3 groups are investigating at once, a good set of walkie-talkies is essential, especially when tracking down errant noises or if a group needs assistance from another group. It is not smart to carry around cell phones, due to the fact that most modern smart phones can give false EMF readings because of the phones' networks constantly updating. A good set of walkie-talkies are rather inexpensive, usually around $30-$50.
Other essentials: Lots of batteries (9V, AA, AAA)- Always have a spare
reserve and always replace batteries after every investigation. Also charge
every tool that containsa rechargeable battery to the max before every
investigation. Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries can be a good
investment for groups that are very active year round.
Flashlights or Headlamps: Even in 'lights out' situations, an investigator
needs to seewhere they are going. Any flashlight will do; however, the
stronger and sturdier the flashlight, the longer you may be able to make it
last. Headlamps, though a little more expensive, gives an investigator more freedom to carry more tools around with themwithout having to worry about using a hand for lighting.
First Aid Kit: When walking around in dark and old historic buildings, things can
happen, so think safety first. Prepare for the unexpected because it could save a
life.
