Ohio Paranormal Exploration Society
The Official Site
Equipment Used to Investigate Paranormal Activity
While the best tools an investigator can have is their eyes and ears, when documenting activity you must use technology. All OPES equipment goes through testing via our Equipment Manager, Glenn, before it is approved for investigation usage.
Camcorders
OPES investigators prefer to use Sony Camcorders because of the "nightshot" feature, this makes the camera function even in total darkness. Add an IR Illuminator or two and you can light up a room as if the lights were on.
Cameras
OPES uses both 35mm and digital Cameras on investigations. However, we will not post pictures as evidence unless it is clearly identified as paranormal.Digital Voice Recorders
Digital Voice Recorders are a must to capture EVPs. Some investigators like to use Cassette Analog Recorders as well. These can also be used to make personal notes during an investigation.
IR Illuminators
IR Illuminators are combined with Camcorders used in darkness to light up a room without actually lighting up the room. The light generated by the Illuminators can not be see with the naked eye but it increases the view of your camcorder, thus increasing the chance of capturing paranormal evidence.EMF Detector / K II Meter
EMF Detectors and KII Meters (pictured) measure changes in the Electromagnetic Field. Many investigators believe changes in the EMF is caused by or causes paranormal activity. These pieces of equipment can also be used to find logical explainations for paranormal activity claims as some people have Electromagnetic sensitivty.
Non-contact Thermometers
These devices are used to detect changes in the temperature in a specific area. These thermometers are different because they do not measure air temperature, they measure only black body radiation. Some investigators believe cold spots and/or hot spots are indictions of paranormal activity and they can be detected through this device.
Portable Weather Stations
Portable, Hand-held Weather Stations work well for investigating because not only can they measure wind, some show the barometric pressure and other useful information.
Two way radios are a must when investigating large locations with a large group. With these OPES can keep in touch and call in investigators to certain areas to document evidence or simply to pass messages from one group to another.
An important tool for any investigator. Laptops can be used to record directly from a camcorder, can be loaded with audio and visual software for evidence review, and can be transported easily to present evidence within the group or to a client.