PPI uses an extensive array of environmental monitoring equipment during our investigations with hopes of capturing physical evidence of paranormal activity....
We are constantly researching new technologies and adding new tools to our arsenal. The following is a partial list of our most commonly used equipment.
Four Channel DVR and High Res Infrared Surveillance Cameras
PPI uses a 4 channel H.264 Pentaplex Network DVR surveillance system to monitor a location during the hours of our investigation. This video surveillance system allows us to monitor the site from a central command center. Connected this system by over 740 of video, PPI deploys seven high-resolution infrared surveillance cameras capable of capturing crystal clear images in total darkness. Our cameras have a variety of Fields Of View and a variety of infrared LED arrays, providing us the necessary flexibility to effectively monitor any location.
Digital Audio Recorders
PPI uses a variety of digital audio recorders during our investigations. These recorders allow us to record for hours without worrying about changing tapes. We use these recorders during our vigils and sometimes we leave them in a room to record when investigators are not present. We carefully analyze these recordings for audio anomalies that might be evidence of Electronic Voice Phenomena.
Digital Still Cameras
PPI uses a variety of digital still cameras, including models that are equipped with Sony’s patented “Night Shot” infrared mode, to document our investigations. We carefully examine every photo taken during our investigations, and we use sophisticated image software to analyze any anomalies.
Infrared Illuminators
PPI uses a variety of infrared illuminators to extend the range of our infrared video and digital still cameras. They provide us with the ability to capture the clearest possible infrared images in absolute darkness.
Infrared Video Cameras
PPI uses a variety of infrared analog and digital video cameras as walk around cameras to document the investigation from a first person point of view. We also use these cameras to augment our DVR surveillance system to monitor hot spots that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Digital Thermometers
PPI uses a variety of thermocouple thermometers to document ambient air temperatures during our investigations. Many paranormal researchers believe that cold spots occur in haunted locations, and ambient air temperature readings are the only reliable way to document such temperature anomalies. Unlike thermocouple thermometers, infrared non-contact thermometers only measure surface temperatures. PPI uses these sophisticated thermometers to check the surface temperatures of vents, doorways and windows during investigations.
Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermography and thermal imaging are used to observe variations in thermal radiation (i.e., heat). In paranormal investigating, thermal imaging devices such as FLIR and Seek Thermal Imaging attachments for smartphones allows investigators to "see" temperature variations in the environment of an investigation in real time, which helps them to corroborate data picked up by other instruments, or to find sources of heat or cold that could explain subjective experiences such as coldspots. These devices also hold out the tantalizing possibility of capturing unseen spirits and shadow forms.
Geiger Counters
PPI uses sophisticated hand held Geiger counters to monitor and record minute changes in the background radiation level of a location during our investigations. These levels are documented during our baseline sweeps and anomalous spikes or dips inconsistent with the background radiation pulse are later studied.
Carbon Monoxide Meters
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, and people who are exposed to it generally have no sense of the danger they are in. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause symptoms that could easily be misinterpreted as paranormal activity. The most common symptoms are headaches, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, amnesia, personality changes, weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, cramps, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and even death. Carbon Monoxide exposure is a serious health hazard, and PPI uses these sensitive handheld CO meters as part of the environmental baselines when conducting an investigation.
EMF Detectors
PPI uses a variety of digital and analog Electro Magnetic Field detectors during our investigations. High EMFs have been the subject of debate by health professionals world wide, and studies are ongoing that seem to indicate a link between exposure to EMF and reports of perceived paranormal activity by electro magnetically sensitive individuals.
K-II Meters
The K-II Safe Range meter was designed as a simple Electro Magnetic Field detector for laypersons to identify potentially hazardous EMFs in their homes or businesses. PPI uses them primarily as inexpensive broad spectrum EMF/RF detectors during our investigations.
MEL 8704 EMF Meters
The MEL-8704 was designed specifically for paranormal research. It combines two of the most commonly used environmental monitoring devices in one easy to use package -- a highly sensitive digital Electro Magnetic Field detector and an ambient air temperature thermocouple thermometer. PPI uses these devices during our environmental baseline sweeps. We also use them to document subtle changes in ambient air temperature and the EMF pulse of a location during the course of our investigations.
EDI Multi-meter
Like the MEL meter, the EDI meter is designed specifically for use in paranormal investigating. It integrates EMF detection, ambient temperature monitoring, and a geophone motion sensing into a data logging tool that helps investigators track anomalies in real time as well as collate and record data for further use.
AC Field Detectors
PPI uses these scanners as part of our environmental baseline sweeps and during the course of our investigations. These tools detect live AC wires behind walls and floors, and help us determine the source of strong electro-magnetic fields in homes and businesses.
Anemometers
PPI uses anemometers to document the movement of air during an investigation. These devices are extremely sensitive, and measure not only the strength of an air current, but the temperature. They are great for identifying cold drafts near windows and doors.
Software, Computers and Peripherals
The laptop computer is one of the most adaptable tools among our equipment, utilized during and after investigations. Diverse software applications assist us in recording, documenting and analyzing data, which proves indispensable in the peer review process for evidence that will eventually determine the outcome of an investigation.
Critical Thinking
As part of its commitment to the scientific method and skeptical inquiry, PPI adapts a range of environmental monitoring tools, tech, and other specialized equipment. However, we believe it's the tool users, not the tools, that are the most valuable equipment in our arsenal. Our mission is to find the truth, even if that means the truth turns out not to be of paranormal interest. Critical thinking, proven methodologies, fastidous data collection, and challenging peer review of our individual findings are among PPI's core values as a TAPS Family paranormal investigative group.
