Investigation Equipment
Camcorders
This model is a Sony Digital 8 DCR-TRV270E camcorder with Nightshot Plus. This is the camcorder that we use on all investigations and has the ability to see in the dark using a built-in Infra Red light source. We have fitted this model with a protective "skylight" filter which stops liquid and other "nasties" from damaging and scratching the front lens.
We've recently purchased another Sony camcorder, this time a DCR-HC23E MiniDV one - again with Nightshot Plus. One of the camcorders will be used for "lock-off" for monitoring a specific area during the duration of the investigation and the other could be used either for following the team around or as another "lock-off" depending on the requirements of the locations.
DVR Systems
We've recently purchased 2 DVR systems. The first one is a 4 channel system based around a standalone unit with a built-in 200GB hard drive, allowing us to record many hundreds of hours of video footage. We also recently purchased a PC based system utilising a DVR card, which allows us to run another 4 channels of video if need be.
CCTV Cameras
The 6 CCTV "bullet type" cameras we use are black & white zero lux (low light) IR cameras, each fitted with a CCD which is more sensitive and higher quality than the cheaper CMOS units. There is no real advantage of having colour IR cameras as they default to black & white as soon as the light level drops below 1 lux. They have their own IR lighting built-in (12 IR LEDs) which allows a range of about 8 metres (25 feet) in total darkness. They are supplied with 18 metres (60 feet) of cable, which allows us to cover most eventualities. Click here for the specifications of our cameras.
Recently, we've added 2 larger CCTV cameras to our repertoire. These cameras have 92 IR LEDs thereby covering larger areas such as large halls, long corridors, etc. without the need for an external IR illuminator. These cameras can also be mounted on a tripod, if required. Click here for the specifications of these cameras.
Wireless CCTV Camera Convertor
This 2.4GHz transmitter/receiver kit allows us to convert a wired CCTV camera into a wireless one. It has the facility to transmit/receive on 4 separate channels. This kit has a theoretical range of 100metres (330feet), however the real world distance is more likely to be 60-70metres or less (200-230feet) due to other factors.
15 inch LCD Monitor
This is used in conjunction with the DVR system to giving razor sharp video images from the 4 CCTV cameras. It is also less heavy and bulky than a traditional 14 inch "portable" TV set, a real space saver!
EMF Meter
We use our EMF meter for detecting manmade electrical fields. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT a ghost detector or radar and such devices are fiction. It has been asserted by Dr Michael Persinger that high levels of EMF can effect the human brain causing visual, auditory and olfactory hallucinations. This could also be termed Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity. We believe that sources of high EMF can effect the brain causing these hallucinations and that is why we use the meter, purely to find the sources as a possibly cause of the hallucinations.
Audio Recorders
We use a mixture of analogue and digital audio recorders placed next to the CCTV cameras or "locked-off" camcorders, to provide a record of any audio that may contain anomalous sounds, noise, etc. This is usually in the form of possible EVP's.
Compact Digital Camera
This 6.1 megapixel compact digital camera only has one function - to record location shots throughout the duration of the investigation. We don't use it for finding "apparitions", "vortexes", "ectoplasm" or "orbs" as these tend to be a side-show and not real evidence. In our opinion, "orbs" are either dust, insects (bugs), moisture and the like and totally non paranormal. This is why you won't find any "orb" photographs on either the WOSPR© website or forum!
4 in 1 Environmental Meter
This particular meter measures four different statistics - lux (light), temperature, humidity and sound levels. We are interested in the temperature and humidity functions of this meter. Unlike most meters that are used in the paranormal field which measure surface temperature, this meter has a hand held thermocouple probe which allows us to measure the ambient air temperature - the one your after to check for alleged "cold spots"!
Two Way Radios
These are simple and easy to use two way radios with a realistic range of about 400-500 yards in open ground and considerably less in built-up environments. They primary use is as a safety device when we split into group and can keep in contact. This helps use co-ordinate the investigation and also for use in an emergency too.
Infra Red Illuminators
Unfortunately, the built-in Infra Red (IR) light source in the camcorder is only useful up to about 7-8 feet max. As a result we need an extra source of light for distances further than this. We use several types including proprietary bought one and kit built one. The kit built ones have the greater range. The two on the left are the Sony HVL-IRM with a realistic range of about 30-35 feet max. The two on the right are both built from kits and put into project boxes. They're range is untested at this point, but certainly a lot further than the Sony ones. Of the two one the right, the left one has a narrow 20° field of view and the right one has a wider 50° field of view.
This IR illuminator pictured below is designed for fitting onto the existing Sony flash bracket that comes with the Sony HVL-IRM. It consists of 36 IR LED kit (50° field of view) built into a plastic project box, then a coldshoe attachment fitted to the bottom of that. At this stage we have still to use it in "anger", but the tests show that it is probably useful for up to about 10 metres (33 ft) or more. It again provides more light than the Sony one and also provides greater wide angle coverage.
Torch (flashlight)
A torch is essential as we're working in a dark or pitch black environment. Going on an investigation without one is highly dangerous and could result in serious injury. There are many different types out there range from the older type one with a bulb to the newer type LED versions. The one that I use myself in a Japanese 10 white LED version made from aluminium. It has 2 switch modes on it, 3 LED's giving 80 hours of light and 10 LED's giving 25 hours of light from a set of 4 AA alkaline batteries.
Spotlight
This piece of equipment is useful when approaching a large bark building that isn't lit but public lighting or in very large and dark environs. It can be used to check if distant movement was caused by someone physical or otherwise. This spotlight is fitted with an extra socket to power 12 Volt accessories such as the larger IR Illuminators. There is also the obvious use as a safety device.
Infrared Motion Sensor
Handy for guarding an area when trigger object experiments are located to protect them from outside interference. It may also be used for covering unattended equipment left in a room when members of the general public maybe around. There is a theory that it could also be used to detect the movement of ghosts, but this unproven at this point.
Aluminium Equipment Cases
These cases are essential for transporting delicate and expensive pieces of equipment to and from locations. Without them, it would be so easy to have our equipment damaged. They come with a large foam inset that can be cut to fit the shape of the equipment to be housed. There is a further option of fitting a shoulder strap.
