GHT EQUIPMENT
CAMERA`S
This latest Sony Handycam comes complete
with editing software, USB cable connection to PC, AC power adapter, carry strap, Scart connecting leads to TV/VIDEO input
and has a LCD screen with touch-screen controls. The camera uses the small size DVD-R discs for recording 1.4GB`s (30 mins)
of footage, although the long-play feature can extend this. It also has a still-photo feature that lets you use it like a
normal Digital camera. This camera also comes with "Night-Vision" which is an absoulute MUST for ghosthunting!
This camera
was first tried out on our PLUCKLEY 2 vigil (see VIGIL REPORTS) to great effect.
Our Hellfire Caves and Reculver vigils
have been shot almost entirely in Night-vision and this had yielded results, especially at the caves where we captured on
film our first moving orb!
NB: You cannot just place the recorded disc in your player and view it like it claims on the
advert, the disc must be finalised first via the camera - but once done it will play in any DVD player except slot-loading
ones, it must have a loading tray.
Fuji`s A330 Digital camera is a really
easy pick-up and use type camera. The pack contains the camera software and USB lead to connect to your PC, although the FinePix
viewer software is a bit basic. This little camera also features a zoom lens and is Pictbridge enabled, allowing you to print
off your pictures from any Pictbridge supporting printer.
This little camera has given us remarkable results. Its a sturdy thing, and does
not seem to mind a little rough treatment or any type of weather condition for picture taking. Simple point & shot technology
with backscreen to show immediate results. We have got some stunning orb pictures from this camera, like Studland and Salisbury
- plus the blue orbs at Athelhampton and Pluckley. The team also uses Kodak and
Pentax Digital cameras, and an Olympus 35MM APS camera.
WALKIE - TALKIES
We use a pair of cheap Techniks walkie-talkies
which we purchased from Tesco for £19.99!!
These are very reliable, and do not seem to leech battery life all over the
place. Up to 8 channels with a monitor function included, which seems to be just enough for us. We also have four extra Techniks
walkie-talkies plus another four Binatone walkie-talkies which all work with each
other fine.
We do not use mobile phones, although at least one mobile phone is always taken
along simply for safety reasons. We believe that there might be some element of truth in the idea that mobile phone signals
disrupt ghost activity, so we hardly wish to destroy that which we`ve come to observe...
E.M.F. METERS
An almost essential bit of kit is the EMF Meter.
These gadgets detect the electromagnetic currents and are said to be able to highlight ghostly activity. Jason Karl in his
book "Great Ghost Hunt" defines the readings to look out for as being 0.1 to 0.3 milligauss as typical EMF frequencies, with
anything over 0.3 milligauss as being a possible ghostly presence!
With these meters it is VERY IMPORTANT that the area
being used for a vigil is sweeped first for any standard electrical output that may give rise to false readings. The EMF Meter
we have selected cost £27.99 (excluding delivery) and is a fairly basic model. It has however proven itself on the hit TV
show "MOST HAUNTED" and is one of the most accurate meters available. A back-lit version is also available. Our meter was
purchased online from TOM`S GADGETS, who can be found at:
http://tomsgadgets.co.ukAlong with other useful ghosthunting items and equipment.
GHT has also recently purchased another EMF Meter from the same outlet, this one
actually has a red L.E.D. display which will be useful for after dark, since the traditional meter has no back-light. The
new meter also has a multi-directional contact which will help us narrow down EMF emissions better.
TN2 IR THERMOMETER
WITH LASER
GHT has also now purchased this item to help with getting an accurate temperture
measurement on locations. This identifies cold-spots in rooms and can track variable changes in temperture within a certain
area. We will also be using this to help in our baseline tests prior to commencing an investigation. Again, each team member
will have to have a brief training session on how to use it mainly because it contains a laser pointer which could be harmful
if shone directly into someone`s eyes. Full safety will be observed at ALL times whilst using this item. Again, this was another
Ghost-hunting tool purchased online at: http://tomsgadgets.co.uk
DIGITAL
VOICE RECORDER
Also adding to our range of gadgets is this nifty little item. Its hoped that it
will enable us to record EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) which some paranormal investigators attribute to spirits actually
making contact with us verbally. Although our camcorder is equiped with a microphone, its not subtle enough for recording
EVP, thus this new recorder should help rectify this.
MOTION DETECTORS
We also recently purchased a pair of MOTION DETECTORS,
also via the excellent TOMS GADGETS site (go to: http://tomsgadgets.com for more paranormal gear). These detectors can be set up to 20 metres apart and set
off an alarm chime if the beam is broken. Ideal for interior or exterior use. We even used it to protect our Trigger Object
experiment at Reculver.
LAPTOP COMPUTER
Although not an essential purchase, GHT have noticed how handy it would be to have
access to files and records on the Internet via a laptop whilst onsite at an investigation. At the time of writing, we have
just acquired an Advent Laptop PC which will be used at first just to store additional
notes made on the vigil. These notes will be stored on file on the laptop and then uploaded to our main home PC to add to
this site. As with all computer technology, because of the fastness of advancing innovations and gadgets, we suggest that
if you intend to buy one, try to get the best one with the most features on it that you can afford. A little bit of extra
cost at the start will hopefully future-proof you from having to upgrade only a year or so after buying. Our Laptop has an
80GB hard drive, is WI-FI enabled, has 3 USB ports, a card reader, DVD RW re-writer drive and internal 56kb voice fax modem,
although the latter is not going to be used as we can connect the laptop directly toa Speedtouch USB Broadband modem. Check
out the larger stores like PC World, Comet,
Currys, Staples and Dixons for various makes, models and prices.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
The group also use Recording Sheets
to keep a written account. These sheets have the group members names for each vigil, date, time and equipment in use. They
are split into two sections, one to record what actions the group are performing at each location eg: setting a trigger object
etc... and the other section is for the reporting of ANYTHING paranormal or unexplainable.
Written accounts like this are
useful as camera and recording equipment can`t always be in the right place at the right time, so this way we can get a record
of nearly everything that transpires on a GHOST HUNT TEAM vigil.
Our written vigils are stored in an A4 binder, plus they
are written up online on this website for viewing.
We invested in some pretty good torches
too, since alot of our vigils appear to be outdoor ones and mostly in graveyards at nearly 2am, it was thought a good idea
to be able to see where we are going. We have standard torches plus two handlamps which comprise of a flashlight, a floresant
light and a red warning light. These units also carry a personal alarm too.
