Recently, I joined a paranormal group, and was asked to research two pieces of equipment: a Thermographic Camera and a Geiger Counter. While I posted it on my paranormal blog, I wanted to cross post here!
Geiger Counter
What is your device and what is it used for in ghost hunting?
A Geiger Counter is a device used to measure radioactive particles. Most measure beta particles and gamma rays, but some also measure alpha particles. Alpha particles positively charged and are composed of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles are negatively charged, as they are fast moving electrons. Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation and are neutral.
A Geiger Counter is made up of a gas filled tube that briefly conducts electricity when it comes into contact with a radioactive particle as described above. The tube conducts a brief current and this will cause the device to click, move a needle, or light up (depending on the type of device one uses).
Geiger Counters are used in the paranormal community to measure paranormal activity, much the same as an EMF meter. Many investigators will take a baseline reading, and then during the investigation, keep an eye on the Geiger Counter for any strange readings. Obviously, it would also help if one wasn’t sure if dangerous radiation was present.
How do you use it?
Typically, there is a “read” button that one depresses to get the reading. A normal reading is 0 to 1, and a possible paranormal reading could be anywhere from 1 to 20, or strange needle movement.
How do you maintain it?
Check the battery- in many devices, the “test” button will test the battery. In older models, calibration might be necessary.
What kind of paranormal activity does it detect?
The theory is that the Geiger Counter may detect possible spirit manifestations, that might also be caught on video or audio devices.
Do I need any accessories for it? If so, what?
Extra batteries, dependant on the model. Some are available with remote sensors.
What are the drawbacks or controversies of using this device?
There are really old devices floating around that may need calibration. There have been people selling other types of radiation detectors as Geiger Counters. The devices can be expensive. They start around $30 for the old cold war versions (that may need calibration) and the newer ones range from $200- $2,000+.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger_counter
http://www.getghostgear.com/KnowledgeCenter/GeigerCounter.htm
http://www.liparanormalinvestigators.com/equipment.shtml#im179
-----
Thermographic Camera
What is your device and what is it used for in ghost hunting?
The thermographic camera (sometimes referred to as FLIR- Forward Looking InfraRed- device) senses infrared radiation and uses this information to create an image where colors refer to temperatures. All objects emit a bit of radiation due to their temperatures, and this radiation shows up on the screen as colors within the objects shape. White is the warmest, black is the coolest.
In paranormal investigating, it’s used to sense cold spots (like a thermometer), but because one can get an image of a wide amount of space, it allows the investigator to get a bigger picture of the environment. This include natural cold/hot spots- for debunking purposes, and of course non-natural temperature shifts that may be paranormal. This can include human shaped cold (or hot) spots. It’s also helpful to see small animals that might be active within the walls, making sounds that others might think is paranormal.
How do you use it?
The model I was looking at- the FLIR i5- one pushes a button and is able to scan an area.
How do you maintain it?
Check the battery, replace it if it’s low or not working. This depends on the model- most that I looked at were ‘field replaceable.’
What kind of paranormal activity does it detect?
It detects hot and cold spots. A theory is that in order for a spirit to manifest, it might need to use the energy from the air, generating a cold spot.
Do I need any accessories for it? If so, what?
Extra batteries.
What are the drawbacks or controversies of using this device?
One of the drawbacks is that, while it will show the investigator the temperatures of an area, the heat can reflect off of shiny objects.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermographic_camera
http://www.flir.com/thermography/eurasia/en/content/?id=24076
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment
If for some reason, this won't let you comment, try commenting as Anonymous? Blogger isn't working out for me.