Typical Equipment Used
in Field Investigations
"Man is nothing, without his tools....."
The following is a brief list of equipment often used in the ASUP in field
investigations all over the country. It is not however, a definitive list!
Bound Notebook: The most important part of the “Ghost Hunters” kit is a bound notebook
and two writing instruments (one for backup). This is a must have item.
Illumination: Starting with basics first, a good flashlight is important and a red lens for it is
sometimes helpful. A “mini-mag” is good for indoor use. Some members have lights that fit on
their heads, for hands free operation.
Audio Recording Devices: The most common today is the digital recorder, it is small, light
weight and easy to use, but there are still cassette devices in use in the field. The most
important issue is that the unit has to be able to download to a computer with audio
enhancement software and that it can be used with a remote microphone or lapel mic.
Camera: Several types are common.
1. Digital still camera – minimum 3.5 MP – Kodak Easy Share or HP is the most common.
Keep it simple, easy to operate, not too many options… you will not have time to play with
complicated settings in many cases.
2. Digital still camera – 35 mm type – For more detailed work when lens anomalies are not an
option. If you have one, great, but be prepared to also have a good tripod and cable release
of some sort to cut down on camera movement in long exposure shots.
3. 35 mm Film Camera – The old standby when you want a film record of what you shot.
4. Mini-cam video – There are usually three of these on a case, a tripod is also needed, the
choices are, Mini-cam with HD memory, Mini-cam with tape memory, then direct to DVD, etc.
The more memory and recording time you can produce the better. Typically, these units are
left running in a set place for several hours. Low light adaptable a must.
5. Thermal Imaging Camera (FLEUR) Everyone’s dream, very few investigators reality!
Heat sensors, thermometers: Most common is the hand held “pistol grip” IR non-contact
thermometer. Others include dual models, modular thermo-coupled devises, etc. In all cases,
know how to use them before you get into the field.
Portable weather station - handheld weather instrumentation. Really nifty for outdoor
investigations where you are looking at possible environmental causes of a phenomenon.
Again, pricey, but worth it.
Measuring equipment: You will learn a lot about triangle placement and location techniques,
most often used in crime scene investigations, for which you will need a good, relatively long
tape measure, as well as several smaller rulers used when photographing objects to show its
relative size. An “L” square is useful in such settings.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS): You will use this for a lot of things, every case has a GPS
coordinate recorded, along with height above sea level, and distance to other points of
reference, too far to measure with a tape, so one person on a team has to have a GPS. Most
important, the GPS helps you get to where you want to go (many times we travel to remote
locations) and of course it eliminates the possibility of “Blair Witch Syndrome.”
Night scopes, etc.: The more you see, the better of you will be. Some members have night
vision scopes, etc. They are pricey, but if you can afford them, they are great!
Radios: Everyone is encouraged to have a cell phone.
We also suggest a GMRS personal two way radio set to channel 13, PL 22 for
intercommunications between members. The teams have several extras, but like everything
else, it is usually desirable to have your own.
Finally, several investigators now have or are in the process of getting an FCC Amateur
Radio License (HAM) so that we can use the extensive HAM repeater system. This system is
tied to both Homeland Security and Civil Defense and never goes down, so when you are in
the field and the cell system quits this method of communications is still up and running, and
will give you an average of 100 miles talk around links.
EMF Field Tester: The theory is that electromagnetic field radiation is peaked in the presence
of some anomalous environments, due to their either emitting or attracting electrical energy.
There are several different types, the most common being the Sperry EMF-200, which is a
relatively high accuracy, narrow banded unit. Others are currently under testing by the ASUP’
s Director of Technical Operations (GIZMO), Allen Slaughter, including wide beam EMF units
and others that are thought to be useful when “interviewing” a “ghost.” A personal unit, like
the Sperry is useful, all the rest are available to the teams as needed or when our GIZMO
wants to test them.
Tri-Field Meters. Similar to the basic EMF detector, the tri-field adds radio/magnetic and
electrical monitoring to the package. Double the price, but has some advantages.
The K-II Meter. Basically a very loose Tri-Field unit, which we have found works exceptionally
well in situations with psychic-mediums in a haunted environment. The "Sensitive" holds the
meter while investigators ask questions (yes or no) of the reported entities. It works very well,
although we are pressed to give a full explanation of why it works better for some than others.
Metal Detector, We don't need a lot of these, but they have been useful over the years. The
best example was the use of one in New Jersey, in a dirt floor cellar, where we found chains
and shackles in a space that was reportedly emitting the sounds of groans and screams.
Spare Batteries: Historically, batteries die in electronic devices of every kind when on an
investigation. That is an anomaly all to itself and currently being investigate by our tech
support team. Be sure you are carrying spare batteries for every device you have with you in
the size you will need. Even new batteries tend to die long before their time.
Lab, evidence, specimen storage: Everyone should be carrying several zip-lock storage bags
and if possible a couple of seal-able test tubes to hold evidence secured at the scene, as well
as a waterproof Sharpie marker to note contents, location found, date, time, etc.
Computers, etc.: Many investigators have lap tops that they take on some investigations.
Obviously, the home computer is a must along with the software to deal with downloaded
photos, audio files, etc. For audio we suggest AUDACITY, which can be downloaded free of
charge from the Internet. For photos, you can use Kodak Easy Share or any other basic
photo prep. Programs. You will also find MS Word helpful in writing your reports.
All members must have an e-mail address and we suggest having a Yahoo IM account. E-mail
and IMs are constantly in use between team members and Directors, as well as between the
Directors themselves, so you don’t want to miss out on those memos/discussions.
Basic Uniform: The ASUP does not require members to purchase ASUP shirts, hats, etc. but
common sense suggests that it is important to present ourselves in a neat, uniform manner.
Members are expected to wear a black shirt (Tee, golf shirt, etc) and jeans when on an
investigations, along with sensible shoes (sorry no flip flops) This is for your protection as
well as the uniform look. We tend to get into some rather “rough” places, woods, overgrown
fields, house attics and must, dirty places, so the overall word on this is wear something
“durable” that will give you some level of protection. If you do want to have ASUP shirts, etc.
you can ask the membership chairman. We only charge what the items cost us, we don’t
profit from these sales.
Safety Gear: You may have noticed that we have several EMTs, Paramedics and Nurses on
staff and there is usually someone on hand with an emergency “jump bag” but it is still a good
idea to have a small first aid kit with you, along with some “OFF” bug spray, some bit
medication, etc.
This is a partial list and if you talk to the more experienced investigators you will learn about a
whole range of other nifty tools that could be helpful in the field. But a word of warning, you
can spend a fortune! And remember gasoline is probably going to be your biggest single
expense.
As noted earlier, we do have a Quartermaster for ASUP and we have, or can get for you, all
of the above equipment at the best prices we can find. We stock some of these items and of
course our signature line of shirts, hats, bumper stickers for members. These are sold to you
at our cost. We are a non-profit corporation in the truest sense of the word!
For more information, you can e-mail your GIZMO!
in Field Investigations
"Man is nothing, without his tools....."
The following is a brief list of equipment often used in the ASUP in field
investigations all over the country. It is not however, a definitive list!
Bound Notebook: The most important part of the “Ghost Hunters” kit is a bound notebook
and two writing instruments (one for backup). This is a must have item.
Illumination: Starting with basics first, a good flashlight is important and a red lens for it is
sometimes helpful. A “mini-mag” is good for indoor use. Some members have lights that fit on
their heads, for hands free operation.
Audio Recording Devices: The most common today is the digital recorder, it is small, light
weight and easy to use, but there are still cassette devices in use in the field. The most
important issue is that the unit has to be able to download to a computer with audio
enhancement software and that it can be used with a remote microphone or lapel mic.
Camera: Several types are common.
1. Digital still camera – minimum 3.5 MP – Kodak Easy Share or HP is the most common.
Keep it simple, easy to operate, not too many options… you will not have time to play with
complicated settings in many cases.
2. Digital still camera – 35 mm type – For more detailed work when lens anomalies are not an
option. If you have one, great, but be prepared to also have a good tripod and cable release
of some sort to cut down on camera movement in long exposure shots.
3. 35 mm Film Camera – The old standby when you want a film record of what you shot.
4. Mini-cam video – There are usually three of these on a case, a tripod is also needed, the
choices are, Mini-cam with HD memory, Mini-cam with tape memory, then direct to DVD, etc.
The more memory and recording time you can produce the better. Typically, these units are
left running in a set place for several hours. Low light adaptable a must.
5. Thermal Imaging Camera (FLEUR) Everyone’s dream, very few investigators reality!
Heat sensors, thermometers: Most common is the hand held “pistol grip” IR non-contact
thermometer. Others include dual models, modular thermo-coupled devises, etc. In all cases,
know how to use them before you get into the field.
Portable weather station - handheld weather instrumentation. Really nifty for outdoor
investigations where you are looking at possible environmental causes of a phenomenon.
Again, pricey, but worth it.
Measuring equipment: You will learn a lot about triangle placement and location techniques,
most often used in crime scene investigations, for which you will need a good, relatively long
tape measure, as well as several smaller rulers used when photographing objects to show its
relative size. An “L” square is useful in such settings.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS): You will use this for a lot of things, every case has a GPS
coordinate recorded, along with height above sea level, and distance to other points of
reference, too far to measure with a tape, so one person on a team has to have a GPS. Most
important, the GPS helps you get to where you want to go (many times we travel to remote
locations) and of course it eliminates the possibility of “Blair Witch Syndrome.”
Night scopes, etc.: The more you see, the better of you will be. Some members have night
vision scopes, etc. They are pricey, but if you can afford them, they are great!
Radios: Everyone is encouraged to have a cell phone.
We also suggest a GMRS personal two way radio set to channel 13, PL 22 for
intercommunications between members. The teams have several extras, but like everything
else, it is usually desirable to have your own.
Finally, several investigators now have or are in the process of getting an FCC Amateur
Radio License (HAM) so that we can use the extensive HAM repeater system. This system is
tied to both Homeland Security and Civil Defense and never goes down, so when you are in
the field and the cell system quits this method of communications is still up and running, and
will give you an average of 100 miles talk around links.
EMF Field Tester: The theory is that electromagnetic field radiation is peaked in the presence
of some anomalous environments, due to their either emitting or attracting electrical energy.
There are several different types, the most common being the Sperry EMF-200, which is a
relatively high accuracy, narrow banded unit. Others are currently under testing by the ASUP’
s Director of Technical Operations (GIZMO), Allen Slaughter, including wide beam EMF units
and others that are thought to be useful when “interviewing” a “ghost.” A personal unit, like
the Sperry is useful, all the rest are available to the teams as needed or when our GIZMO
wants to test them.
Tri-Field Meters. Similar to the basic EMF detector, the tri-field adds radio/magnetic and
electrical monitoring to the package. Double the price, but has some advantages.
The K-II Meter. Basically a very loose Tri-Field unit, which we have found works exceptionally
well in situations with psychic-mediums in a haunted environment. The "Sensitive" holds the
meter while investigators ask questions (yes or no) of the reported entities. It works very well,
although we are pressed to give a full explanation of why it works better for some than others.
Metal Detector, We don't need a lot of these, but they have been useful over the years. The
best example was the use of one in New Jersey, in a dirt floor cellar, where we found chains
and shackles in a space that was reportedly emitting the sounds of groans and screams.
Spare Batteries: Historically, batteries die in electronic devices of every kind when on an
investigation. That is an anomaly all to itself and currently being investigate by our tech
support team. Be sure you are carrying spare batteries for every device you have with you in
the size you will need. Even new batteries tend to die long before their time.
Lab, evidence, specimen storage: Everyone should be carrying several zip-lock storage bags
and if possible a couple of seal-able test tubes to hold evidence secured at the scene, as well
as a waterproof Sharpie marker to note contents, location found, date, time, etc.
Computers, etc.: Many investigators have lap tops that they take on some investigations.
Obviously, the home computer is a must along with the software to deal with downloaded
photos, audio files, etc. For audio we suggest AUDACITY, which can be downloaded free of
charge from the Internet. For photos, you can use Kodak Easy Share or any other basic
photo prep. Programs. You will also find MS Word helpful in writing your reports.
All members must have an e-mail address and we suggest having a Yahoo IM account. E-mail
and IMs are constantly in use between team members and Directors, as well as between the
Directors themselves, so you don’t want to miss out on those memos/discussions.
Basic Uniform: The ASUP does not require members to purchase ASUP shirts, hats, etc. but
common sense suggests that it is important to present ourselves in a neat, uniform manner.
Members are expected to wear a black shirt (Tee, golf shirt, etc) and jeans when on an
investigations, along with sensible shoes (sorry no flip flops) This is for your protection as
well as the uniform look. We tend to get into some rather “rough” places, woods, overgrown
fields, house attics and must, dirty places, so the overall word on this is wear something
“durable” that will give you some level of protection. If you do want to have ASUP shirts, etc.
you can ask the membership chairman. We only charge what the items cost us, we don’t
profit from these sales.
Safety Gear: You may have noticed that we have several EMTs, Paramedics and Nurses on
staff and there is usually someone on hand with an emergency “jump bag” but it is still a good
idea to have a small first aid kit with you, along with some “OFF” bug spray, some bit
medication, etc.
This is a partial list and if you talk to the more experienced investigators you will learn about a
whole range of other nifty tools that could be helpful in the field. But a word of warning, you
can spend a fortune! And remember gasoline is probably going to be your biggest single
expense.
As noted earlier, we do have a Quartermaster for ASUP and we have, or can get for you, all
of the above equipment at the best prices we can find. We stock some of these items and of
course our signature line of shirts, hats, bumper stickers for members. These are sold to you
at our cost. We are a non-profit corporation in the truest sense of the word!
For more information, you can e-mail your GIZMO!
