EQUIPMENT

(*Note: Not all listed equipment is used by INsight Paranormal on every investigation. This page is for educational information only and is provided to help you identify some of the equipment that INsight Paranormal may use on an investigation at your location as well as to help you understand why and how it is used.)

For information about what equipment is currently being used by INsight, please see the following chart. Please also note that models shown may not be identical to what is used by INsight:

Current Not Used
Retired Developed

 

EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT

RAZR-iR

This is the world's absolute best mini infrared thermography imaging camera system and it is only the size of a small cell phone. It has a full  screen, robust radiometric temperature measurement capability, integrated visible CCTV camera (take thermal and regular images simultaneously) with digital zoom (with advanced DSP technology), voice recording for annotating images in the field and a  laser target pointer.

More Photos From The RAZR-iR Unit:

Super Gauss EMF Meter

In response to the negative issues that affect the Gauss Master EMF Meter, INsight's Tech Crew designed and built the Super Gauss EMF Meter. This meter is much more reliable and is less likely to give false readings caused by movement. It is designed to give a simple audible alert when triggered and has a targeting light on top to indicate the direction of the EMF field.

K-III Meter

Due to faulty design issues in the K-II Meter, INsight Paranormal's Tech Crew designed and built the K-III ELF Meter. This meter is actually a modified K-II but has several new features that the K-II does not have. One major issue with the K-II is a impedance issue that at times causes it to misfire. This was eliminated by replacing the factory enclosure. The K-III has a simple push button switch to turn it on and off unlike the K-II which requires forcing down a momentary switch. Another feature of the K-III is that it has two settings. Setting one is used if the device is needed as a Stationary EMF Array. Setting two is a less sensitive setting that allows the investigator to hold the device and move it around with no false readings.

CDV-700

This Geiger Counter detects gamma radiation. In theory when a spirit/ghost manifests it may give off some kind of radiation. The range on the Geiger Counter is 0 to 5r/hr. The range from the meter to the active field is 0 to 10 feet. The unit of measure for this Geiger Counter is r/hr, rads per hour. Normal readings occur between 0 to 1.5. Paranormal readings occur between 1.5 to 3.5, and/or erratic movement of the needle.

P.A.V.D.-1

The P.A.V.D.-1 (Paranormal Audio Visual Device) is an experimental remote investigations platform designed to provide investigative data to investigators who may have to be absent for long periods of time from a site that is currently being investigated as well as play the role of  remote sentry for possible activity that may not occur at regular intervals. The machine was designed by INsight Paranormal's Corey Martin and W.O.S.P.R. Founder Ian McCallum and is scalable in the event that newer types of technology need to be added. The first obvious feature is that the device is build from a satellite dish. The dish itself serves as a natural EVP trap that bounces back sounds into the rear facing omni directional microphone. It is also equip with a laser tracking system, forward looking IR camera, motion detector, forward listening digital recorder and a flashing beckon that is activated when possible activity is detected. It can be used with either a hard line connection or a remote transmitter to send data to any hard drive or DVR system.

Ion Generator

One major theory in modern paranormal investigations is that negative ions appear to play a role in entity manifestation. It has been documented in many cases that just prior and during a paranormal event, negative ions in the local atmosphere will raise to that equal or greater then if a thunderstorm had suddenly arrived. By using an Ion Generator, it is believed that an investigator will increase the chances of witnessing paranormal activity.

(Note: Ion Generators are very dangerous! They can cause electric shock and burn you badly if they are not used properly and can cause death if touched when in operation. DO NOT USE ONE UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING!)

I.I.A.V.S. Wireless System

I.I.A.V.S. (INsight Infrared Audio Visual Sentry) Wireless System: This system developed by INsight Paranormal's Corey Martin and named by PAARS founder Mikeal Marelli, was designed to serve multiple needs while used on investigations. The camera system is an infrared audio and visual transmitter which operates on 2.4 GHz and built by Wisecomm. These models were a special build and are not available to the general public.

 

To help guard against possible cross modulation, this camera system is designed to disable other wireless transmission systems such as wireless internet routers and cards by transmitting over them and overriding their signal to any unit with in 100 yards. 

Lastly, the units were also designed to function as stationary infrared emitters to assist other IR cameras in seeing in the dark. This particular model is equip with 8 high output industrial IR light emitting diodes that are sequenced in such a way that they do not cause what is called an IR spot on the internal camera's feed. These cameras can be used with (or compliment) any DVR system and can also be mounted on the P.A.V.D. unit.

F.L.I.R. Thermal Imager

A thermographic camera, sometimes called a FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed), or an infrared camera less specifically, is a device that forms an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light. Instead of the 450–750 nanometer range of the visible light camera, infrared cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm (14 µm).

F.L.I.R. Infracam SD

The new and improved SD model of the InfraCAM gives investigators more image storage, more image quality and more post-processing capabilities. Some features include: Stores 1,000 Radiometric JPEG Images, Razor-Sharp, Thermal Image Quality, Long, 7 Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Portable, Weighs Just 1.2 lbs., Built-in Laser LocatIR™ and a Removable SD Memory Card

 

EMF Meters:

In the paranormal field, it is believed that when an entity attempts to manifest itself it may cause a shift in the ambient electromagnetic field in the general area of manifestation. EMF Meters are very useful in finding every day natural causes for claims in paranormal activity and in the event of true activity, can be very helpful in verifying shifts in the EMF field where (In theory) a spirit may be attempting to manifest itself.

Cell Sensor

The CellSensor measures the emissions from cellular phones and can be used to select low emission units from other sources.  It is OK to be in a hot spot over 2 milligauss for a short time, but not for a long time, such as during 8 hours of sleep. 

10 to 20% of the typical home is covered in hot spots, and the meter will show you where not to place beds and furniture, in order to avoid long term exposure over readings of 2.

Mannix EMF, Triaxial w/Data Logger

This Triaxial EMF Meter features a data logger and uses three internal sensors to test a wide range of EMF magnetic fields, independent of measurement angle. It is designed to provide you with a quick, reliable and easy way to measure magnetic field radiation levels around power lines, appliances and industrial devices. This cost effective, handheld instrument is designed and calibrated to measure magnetic field radiation at different bandwidths from 30Hz to 2000Hz.

K-II Enterprises ELF/EMF Meter

The K-II Meter was designed to pick up ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) shifts in an electromagnetic field. Originally designed to test electrical cords for EMF leakage, the K-II has also been found to be useful in determining safe distances from EMF fields. Health concerns about the negative effects of ELECTRO MAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF) from appliances, power lines, and home wiring have caused the U.S. Government to issue a warning to use "Prudent Avoidance" to help reduce exposure to this risk.

High level EMF fields have been shown to have adverse effects on people who are sensitive to electronic/electric fields and have been proven to interfere with how the brain processes chemicals causing depression, hysteria, anxiety, feelings of being watched and even falsely seeing figures out of the corner of the eyes. Even more serious, is evidence that shows constant exposure to high EMF fields can cause brain and blood cancer.

This meter is best used when stationary because movement can cause false readings.

Gauss Master: EMF Meter

The Gauss Master EMF Meter measures the level of ELF magnetic field radiation from power lines, computers, kitchen appliances, and more just like the K-II Meter. However, unlike the K-II meter, this EMF meter can be used while moving but moving too fast can cause false readings.

Hand-held, lightweight and durable, with two easy to read scales (0-1 mG, & 0-10 mG), and dramatic audio signal.

Trifield Meter

Depending on where the knob is set, the meter detects either frequency- weighted magnetic fields (two separate scales), or frequency-weighted electric fields in the ELF and VLF range. It has significant sensitivity at 100,000 Hz, well past the 17,000 Hz horizontal scan of video displays. The radio/microwave setting can detect up to three billion Hz (3 GHz), which lets you gauge radio- wave power, CB and cellular phone equipment, and many types of radars.

This meter is the only one which combines magnetic, electric, and radio/microwave detectors in one package, so that the entire nonionizing electromagnetic spectrum is covered. In addition, the magnetic setting and the electric setting measure true magnitude, a feature found elsewhere only in more expensive meters. If you hold the meter in the center of a room and tip it to various angles, the magnetic reading will stay approximately the same regardless of which way you tip or rotate it. The electric reading is similar, although the presence of your body alters the actual electric field, so readings will vary more. The radio/microwave setting reads the full power of radio waves when the meter is pointed toward the source.

Electro Sensor, Stationary Array

Working identically to the K-II meter, this tiny array is best used stationary and with multiple meters arranged around a large area.  This meter's button has to be modified to accommodate stand alone use however the meter is highly effective.

It can quickly and accurately measure the level of EMFs emitted by all common electrical appliances and equipment. The LED light bar scale measures from 1.5 to 30 milliGauss. The pick-up coil is located in the tip of the unit which can be rotated for increased directionality.

 

Video Equipment

A relatively common question asked about paranormal investigators is: "Why do you always film in the dark?". The simple answer is that complete darkness allows for the other senses of the body to operate at full capacity. We rely on our eyesight as the major means of receiving data from the world around us. Investigating in the dark allows our other senses to notice things such as smells or sounds that normally we would not pay attention to and this is where the night vision cameras come into play.

While investigating in the dark, we more easily notice if paranormal activity is occurring and to remain in complete darkness, investigators employ infrared video cameras to record and observe the area under investigation while still remaining in complete darkness. These devices are very helpful in capturing and recording verifiable evidence. Below you will find some of the special equipment we use to help us gather evidence in total darkness.

Most of the video cameras used by INsight Paranormal are manufactured by Sony Corp. Sony is the only company to sale or build 100% true night vision products outside of the United States Military Complex. While not as powerful as Russian or American Military night vision cameras, they are more then adequate for paranormal research.

Sony Digital Infrared Cams

Sony Super HD Z1 Camera: One of the best Sony cameras to ever be built, the HVR-Z1U features three Super HAD 1/3" CCDs. These new 16:9 native CCDs, combined with a high quality 12X Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens and Sony's  14 bit A/D and DXP Digital Extended Processor, result in precise image acquisition with superb detail and clarity. The advanced CCD design allows more light to reach the pixel imager, reducing video noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The HVR-Z1U records this exceptional imagery using the recently adopted HDV 1080i format onto a DVCAM or DV mini cassette.

Sony HDR-HC1 HDV 1080i Handycam: The HDR-HC1 records in 1080i definition on a standard MiniDV tape. Other features includes a 1/3" CMOS sensor with the Enhanced Imaging Processor, Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens with 10x optical and 120x digital zoom , 2.7" wide (16:9) hybrid touch panel Swivelscreen LCD display1 Super Steadyshot Stabilization.

Sony MiniDV Handycam: The most common video camera used in the paranormal industry, it's powerful capture and versatile use make the Sony MiniDV Handycam the ideal camcorder for any investigation. No matter where you are, the 40x optical/2000x digital zoom always lets you be right in the middle of the action. Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens and Super Steadyshot built-in image stabilization make every frame perfect. And the 2.5” touch panel LCD monitor makes sure you see it all, no matter what environment you’re in. For dimly lit areas, the NightShot Plus feature keeps your video bright and clear as day.

 

SW241-UD4

The USB 2.0 DVR Guardian 4 Channel USB Surveillance System is a great safety system for your home, office, shop or retail premises. It is a cost-effective solution to replace a commercial VCR tape recorder; it also provides a digitized video image which can be viewed on your computer and manages the recorded data with an index of date and time stamping.

Digital Video Recorder

DVRs are a high quality stand alone digital video recording surveillance system generally with 400 GB drives offering up to 1 month or more recording time. They display 4 to 8 channels onscreen and can record and search at same time.

Digital Video IR Camera

The Waterproof Infrared Illumination Camera (380 TV Lines). heavy duty outdoor day/night water resistant IP66 1/4" sharp super HAD CCD with Infrared LED's and IR project distance of up to 100 meters.

I.R. Extenders

The Sony HVL-IRM Infrared Emission system is for shooting in total darkness is has an adjustable light output and has shooting ranges of 3 to 20 meters. Basically, the system is designed to add more infrared light to the existing nightshot/night vision cameras and attaches to the bottom of the camera via the tripod dock.

 

Personal Investigation Equipment

Digital Cameras

A digital camera is an device used to capture and store photographs electronically in a digital format, instead of using photographic film like conventional cameras, or recording images in an analog format to magnetic tape like many video cameras. Modern compact digital cameras are typically multifunctional, with some devices capable of recording sound and/or video as well as photographs.

Digital Audio Recorders

Digital audio recorders are a pocket-sized recorder that is sleek in style and powerful in performance. The units used by INsight generally (Made Both By Sony and Olympus) come with over 144 hours of continuous recording capability. The easy-to-use thumb pad makes for quick and convenient operation of functions like file management, choosing playback and recording modes and more. Timer recoding and voice activation provide excellent versatility.

Temp Probe/Gun

Standard Temp Gun: Probably the most misused piece of equipment, this devices is capable of only reading temperature on flat surfaces only and is not capable of detecting cold spots unless it is equip with an external temperature probe to measure the ambient air temp around the unit.  Cold spots have been associated with paranormal activity since before people were ghost hunting. This pistol-grip meter (with laser pointer for pinpoint accuracy) will measure temperatures from -4º all the way up to 500ºF at a safe distance. Offers an amazing 3% accuracy and a resolution of 1ºF. Backlit LCD readout is easy to see, even in dim lighting. It Can be used to instantly measure the IR temperature of walkways, hallways, doorknobs and even mirrors.

 

Gun With Type-K Temp Probe: 13:1 target ratio, 0.1° resolution, laser pointer, and adjustable emissivity (from 0.10 to 1.00) make this unit very adept at measuring the temperature of a surface at a distance. Add to that a 20 data memory, MAX/MIN/AVG/DIF feature, backlight, and adjustable high/low alarm which alerts user when temperature exceeds programmed limits. Plus, it has a Type K probe which can be used to measure the temperature of air within a few feet of the unit. Displays in ºF or ºC.

Storm Cases

Storm cases are the most solid protective cases in the industry. More than just a protective shell, they're integrated protection systems. Manufactured with Hardigg's HPX high performance resin, easy Press & Pull latches and durable soft-grip handles, they're the most comfortable, toughest transport cases available. If you've got sensitive, expensive or vital equipment to move, you need the power of a Storm behind you. They even guarantee them for life.

Vehicles

Chevrolet Trailblazer

INsight Paranormal employees two of these vehicles. The Chevrolet Trailblazer is equipped with the Vortec 4200 6-cylinder engine and is designed with comprehensive list of collision avoidance and occupant protection. It is also equipped with a four-wheel antilock disc brakes for steering control when braking at slippery surfaces. Also included features are the Electronic Traction Assist, turn signal exterior mirrors, and side-impact door beams.

Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

Used mainly as a technical equipment transport, this vehicle can also be used as a mobile command unit when a location does not support setting up of equipment by either dilapidation or design. The stout power train and high tow capacities are some of the Express' chief assets. The 3500 Model has a 6.0-liter V8 (300 hp and 360 lb-ft). The 3500 features stability control  with all-wheel drive.

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