PSI of Oregon

Equipment is a subject that continues to grow, just like a Paranormal Team's equipment bag. PSI of Oregon started out with simply the basics, which is all anyone really need to get a jump on their investigative techniques.

DIGITAL CAMERAS: This is a staple that we at PSI would never be without. Much of our evidence has been captured on a Digital Camera. And it is one piece of equipment that most people already own. It doesn't have to be an expensive and elaborate set-up. Any Digital Camera will do, and you may be surprised at what you find when looking closely at the output of photographs! If your Digital Camera doesn't have night shot capabilities, adjusting the ISO speed helps with night time shots. Experiment with what you have, and chances are it will be a while before you find the need to upgrade.

FLASHLIGHTS: Flashlights are just as much for your safety as they are for anything else, and relatively inexpensive. PSI recommends using LED flashlights, as well as a few flashlights with red lenses to enhance your night vision. These are also inexpensive. You can purchase flashlights with extra colored lenses for less than $5! You can never have enough flashlights!

BATTERIES: An absolute MUST! There is nothing worse than the batteries in your camera going dead just as you are ready to take a picture! And being without a working flashlight in a large dark area is not a good feeling either. ALWAYS carry extra batteries in every size your equipment requires. Keep in mind, also, that elevated paranormal activity can drain your batteries very quickly - another good reason to stock up before an investigation!

VIDEO CAMERAS: Video Cameras are an important tool for any investigation. Basically, everything you need in one small box; video, audio, and, if you choose, still images. Video cameras equiped with Night Vision enable investigators to record video footage in complete darkness, and eventually see what your eyes could not see. An Infared Light Extender (Illuminator) will also help your camera capture better video in even the darkest of areas, and give the video a better quality in the end. The IR Illuminator is simply a small light that can be attached to the top or side of your video camera. Investing in a Tripod is also a good idea if you plan to record in one area for any length of time. Many Tripods can be purchased for less than $50.

DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER: PSI has found these essential! We have captured many great EVP's with our DVR's. These recorders can range anywhere in price from $30 - $200. We have found that we capture as many audible EVP's on a $30 DVR as we do on a $150 DVR. Software to listen to your captures usually comes with the recorder itself. However, if it doesn't, there are many great, and FREE, programs out there that will assist you with playback, isolation, and clipping of your EVP's. (Please see our DOWNLOADS section for many free software downloads!)

EMF DETECTOR: An Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as EMF, is a staple in almost all Paranormal Investigative Team's equipment bag. The EMF will locate and track energy sources, and detect fluctuations in the electromagnetic field around you. The theory is that paranormal activity can disrupt the electromagnetic field, and this is refelct on the EMF with higher readings. Before beginning any investigation, PSI takes "base reading" of the entire area, including readings on such items as light poles, computers, electrical outlets, etc. When implementing an EMF Detector, look for readings between 2.0 and 6.0, as this reading can indicate paranormal activity. Any reading higher than 6.0 generally indicate a man-made electrical source. EMF Detectors range in price from $30-$300. As with anything, PSI suggest starting small, and increasing your equipment "arsenal" as your team grows.

INFARED THERMOMETER: PSI uses a "gun-shaped" Non-Contact IR Thermometer, as well as simple Digital Thermometers. Both can be purchased very inexpensively. Simple, but very useful, digital thermometers can range anywhere from $5 to $30, and many also display the humidity and barometric pressure as well at the temperature. IR Thermometers are actually inexpensive as well, ranging in price from approximately $30-$500. Personally, PSI would rather have FIVE $30 IR Thermometers as opposed to ONE $500 IR Thermometer, because, in the end, the results are almost identical. Rapid temperature drops can indicate paranormal activity, so the Thermometer is a very useful tool to the Paranormal Investigator.

WALKIE-TALKIES: Yes, Walkie Talkies! The PSI Team always works in groups of two or more, (NEVER investigate alone!), and these handheld radios allow us to be in constant contact with each other, and are very useful in pinpointing Team Member's locations when investigating a large area!

DOWSING RODS: Dowsing Rods can be used to locate paranormal activity, whether indoors or outdoors. However, using Dowsing Rods does require the utmost concentration and practice on the part of the Investigator. Dowsing Rods are L-shaped metal (we use copper) rods that are held either in the palms of your hands or between your fingers. Always keep your elbows at your side and your lower arms extended in front of you. Walk slowly! The crossing of the Dowsing Rods can indicate paranormal activity in that area. Dowsing Rods have been used for various reasons (most importantly, searching for water), they have been tried and true for thousands of years. However, PSI does recommend following up a positive read from the Dowsing Rods with your EMF Detector, as well as an EVP Sweep. Dowsing Rods are also an inexpensive tool, usually between $10-$40.

KII METER: A KII Meter is similar to an EMF Detector in that it detects electromagnetic fields. However, it is said that A KII Meter can be used to acquire direct responses from spirits. As a spirit is "taught" to move closer or further away, the KII Meter can indicate a positive or negative reaction to questions asked by Paranormal Investigator. If you are just starting out, PSI would suggest becomming familiar with the EMF Detector before purchasing a KII Meter. KII Meters are also relatively inexpensive, starting at approximately $50. The more expensive KIII meter is the one single meter that PSI will not do without, due to its extremely high sensitivity. The KIII can literally detect EMF in another room!

FRANK'S BOX or GHOST BOX: Since its use on the A&E series, Paranormal State, Frank's Box or the Ghost Box is being used by more and more Paranormal Investigators. Developed by Frank Sumption, Frank's Box uses white noise combined with raw audio to produce real time responses to questions asked in EVP sessions. With a simple Y-Splitter, you can use headphone to listen as well as use your Digital Voice Recorder to record these sessions and responses. Please check out out Downloads section for video instructions to transform a simple AM/FM Radio into a fully functional Frank's Box! PSI also used something similar to the Ghost Box - an audible EMF detector, which is a small paortabnle amplifier with an attachable EMF sensor. This works better than most single-axis meters, and allows the audible sounds of EMF to be recorded as well. This has also captured some real-time EVP's, due to the "white noise" and "raw audio" aspect of the audible EMF sensor through the amplifier.