| The old school house-The Vulture Mine Wickenburg, Arizona. |
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| The Arizona Paranormal Research Society |
| Basic Investigation Equipment |
| Just the Basics Common Sense: Use your grey matter and act accordingly. Learn and know the correct operation and usage of all of your equipment. Relax and be confident in your abilities. Flashlight(s) and Batteries: Chances are, you may be in total darkness from time to time. Flashlights come in all sizes and bulb configurations. LED flashlights are becoming very common because of all the different types of light being offered. The choice of which kind to acquire is entirely up to the investigator. Make sure you have the correct size replacement batteries for change out. Notebook/Journal along with writing implements: This is a common piece of equipment for the investigator. It is used for documenting any immediate or desired information that may be of some importance as the investigation progresses. Most any type will suffice. A Decent Watch: For logging the times of anything of interest into the notebook. A Decent Compass: You will be able to see fluctuations in magnetic fields with a good compass. Still Cameras: There are many different types, costs and preferences. Some investigators rely on the digital camera with a medium pixel range and additional memory card option because of the ease of downloading the pictures into a photo analysis program on a computer. Some investigators prefer the common 35mm film camera with 400-800 speed film because of the additional advantage of acquiring the negatives for further analysis. Preferences will be personally determined by the investigator as experience progresses. Audio Recorders: There are different types of audio recorders available. Analog recorders which imprints sound on a high bias magnetic tape is still used widely in the paranormal investigative field. Analog recorders are offered in many configurations, styles and sizes. The magnetic tapes come in mini cassettes, standard cassettes and reel to reel sizes. It is preferred to utilize external microphones (Omni Directional or Unidirectional) instead of the internal microphones while using the analog recorders as not to record the sound of the recorder's interior electric motor and gears. Digital recorders are used more frequently in the paranormal investigative field. There are no tapes to change and current advancements allow these recorders to record hours upon hours of uninterrupted audio. Downloading the files into an audio analysis program is relatively easy as is saving selections as WAV files for publishing or further analysis. Most investigators use the non voice activation and High Quality settings. The internal microphones in digital recorders are very sensitive and the recorder should be left in a stationary position while recording. Some investigators prefer to use an external microphone in conjunction with the digital recorder if there is a lot of walking or movement required during an investigation. Hand Held Video Cameras: This is becoming a standard in basic investigation equipment. There are different types of hand held video cameras with audio capabilities and various accessories. The older VHS cameras are somewhat cumbersome. The Sony Handi cam is a popular video camera that has IR night shot and utilizes the Hi-8 tapes that are compatible with digital analysis. Other popular video cams have a hard drive and optional memory card for recording hours upon hours of uninterrupted video and audio along with IR night shot and super night shot and can download video footage into a computer for analysis with ease. Communication Device: Two way radios are an excellent way to keep in communication with other members of your team. Just coordinate the correct channel to be on and you can contact other team members if needed. Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: No explanation needed. Supplies and Accessories: Make sure you have all necessary supplies and equipment accessories with you. Think of what you may need. Preparation will insure you having fresh batteries for a dead flashlight, camera or recorder and a check list may help you not to forget something at home. (subject to future updates) © Copyright 2006-2009 "The Arizona Paranormal Research Society" |
| "The Arizona Paranormal Society" (T.Az.P.S.) and/or "The Arizona Paranormal Research Society" (T.Az.P.R.S.) name and all things contained within this site are the property of "The Arizona Paranormal Society". Reproduction or unauthorized use of any material without expressed written consent is a violation of the copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. © 2006-2010 "The Arizona Paranormal Society" |
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