Hi folks
I just got to wondering something, thought I'd seek feedback. Several of you have mentioned doing some PN investigating...so I was wondering what (if any) equipment you use. I'm going to list my personal stuff, and see what else anyone has to offer- also, if you hanker to do a little ghost hunting, this might be a nice list for you to start with when creating your own "Ghost Kit".
Ok, first and foremost, a camera and EMF detector. I use multiple cameras- digital, 35mm point-and-shoot, and 35mm SLR's with many lenses and filters- this also allows me to use IR film. For EMF detectors, I much prefer the Cell Sensor for it's sensitivity, ease of use, and low cost.
I also use color wireless cameras, often called "Nanny Cams", which are great and generally inexpensive- although I have some night vision models that are somewhat pricey.
I also use motion detectors- available at Radio Shack for about $15, these are battery powered and beep when they detect motion- I have some more expensive ones that turn on a switch when they detect motion, great for starting equipment or turning on an IR light, etc.
I use a Sony Camcorder with Nightshot, as well. That about wraps up cameras and accessories, I think.
Then the all-important recorders- I use a digital recorder for EVP's, generally, although I use a microcassette for notetaking and have picked up EVP's on that, as well. Voice activation is a MUST, here!
I've found Night Vision scope to be invaluable- particularly Generation II scopes. They not only allow you to work in the dark, but they see into the infrared- which sometimes allows you to see things your eyes alone cannot see.
I also have a geiger counter- while some researchers claim that certain bands of radioactivity are present in PN situations, I use it mostly to rule out possible causes- or to prove them.
I carry a handheld GPS, as well- they are accurate enough to take you back to a location, particularly an outdoor one.
2-way radios are a must- I prefer the family band radios because of their range- up to 8 miles- and clarity.
A cell phone is important in case of emergency.
Flashlights are of course very important- I like green tinted lenses to keep from ruining my night vision.LED lights use very little battery power.
I carry several noise amplifiers- you can listen through them directly via headphones, or connect them to a recorder. I use both handheld and in-ear types.
A non-contact thermometer is almost a necessity to locate hot and cold spots- if you take a picture or an EVP in a strong cold spot, you are almost assured of an orb, or EVP evidence.
I have a small color television, for hooking up to the wireless cameras and reviewing data, as well as a VCR.
I carry a laptop, which can also be hooked to the cameras, or convert files, or- using programs I have purchased- examine data on-site.
I find a PDA (I use an IPAQ) to be very handy, for notetaking, reference, or even controlling devices via bluetooth.
I carry a Craftsman multimeter for checking wiring, etc- I want to know if voltage is present in some cases. (This can be easier to use than the EMF detector in some instances)
I carry a 2x-40x macro telescope to view far-off scenes- comes in very handy.
Compasses will read eratically when near PN phenomenon- I have several.
I carry a brass pendulum for asking entities questions.
I carry the much-controversial ouija board, as well (I know, I know)
Although I have had no success to date, I carry divining rods, and usually give 'em a try.
A pad and pencil are a great idea- document EVERYTHING.
Spare batteries for everything- often battery life is chopped considerably in a haunted locale.

Well, there, believe it or not, are the basics. I carry other things, like an anemometer- to measure "phantom" breezes, and even more...but these are my main tools. I wear a vest, similar to a fishing vest, and wear military BDU pants- lots of pockets- but we'll set up a sort of command center when we first arrive- most of these items are stationary on-site, not lugged around. Plus, many investigations are small-scale... this represents a large investment of time, an ongoing investigation.
I'd be happy to answer question about these items, if anyone is curions why I carry them...but what I really want to know is what ELSE folks are using, and what results they have gotten with them.
I realize this sounds like alot- but remember, nobody in this business knows what he's doing. We're all guessing, and trying to learn what works and why- you never know what might work.
Some of you are probably asking "what about mediums, or psychics?" Well, I want to PROVE the existence of entities...how can I do that using a phenomenon that, itself, is unproven? I'm not talking about what I believe or don't believe...I'm talking about what is scientifically proven. It's quite an undertaking, actually...and often very, very frustrating. It's alot like what I experienced in my 8 years as a police officer. Often I KNEW something...but I could not prove it beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. It will give you ulcers, believe me.
Ok, guys and girls...tell me your experiences!

Thanks For Listenin',

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. I'm no professional paranormal investigator by any means, heck I'd barely qualify as an amateur, though I have attempted to get photos and EVPs at a friend's house in the past.

Right now my "arsenal" consists of a Sony Handycam miniDV camcorder with the Nightshot feature, which can also take still photos, and an Aiwa portable minidisc recorder w/stereo microphone, which I've used in an attempt to pick up EVPs. This Christmas I'm getting myself a Sony DSC-V1 digital camera, which I'm sure I'll also use if the opportunity presents itself. This camera also has a night shot mode. I also own a 35mm SLR, but I haven't used it in ages. If the opportunity presents itself I suppose I should bring it along too.

I have other things around the house that I could possibly use as well, including home stereo recording equipment, microphones, a mixer, digital multi-meter, cell phone, yadda yadda.

Have you picked up anything convincing with all your gear?

Hmm, have to look into that camera...thanks, wasn't aware of a night-capable digital. (I can hook my night vision scope to my camera, but it is unweildy)
Well, as for "convincing" data..hard to answer. Certainly alot of orbs, a few fogs- perhaps ectoplasm..no entities, although I did see one- taught me a valuable lesson about arriving on-site ready to go!
Quite a few EVP's, but like the majority, they are open to interpretation. No clear-as-a-bell voices, just grumbles that SEEM to say certain things. We were just getting going, really getting our "groove" on, when I moved to Alaska. I've done some PN investigating here on my own, with some intertesting- but not amazing- results...but I'm unable, so far, to get a team together here. (I started this in my home state of Texas,btw) Alaska has quite a number of supposedly haunted places, but a lack of people willing to explore them. I'm still trying..I get alot of responses, people who are fascinated- but too frightened to actually DO anything.
The most interesting photo I've taken is one in a graveyard- with a thermal imaging camera. One grave had high EMF readings (the graves were covered with snow, and it was minus 15, so I have no idea if there were cold spots!) The thermal
camera showed a very warm spot within the grave, about 5 feet long by 2 wide. In the midst of an icy graveyard, there was an eliptical shape registering red on the camera! Very weird. The image will not scan, so I'm having it converted to digital- when I get it back, I'll post it here.
The grave was over 70 years old, and besides a death certificate I can find no data on the individual. Alaska is extremely underdeveloped, the the cemetary is out of town on a large hill- no water pipes or any other sort of man-made lines exist there. Nothing showed up on the geiger counter, either. What would you make of that? Sure confounds me...

Thanks for the reply!