• First aid kit
• Cellular phone
• Food and water
• Baggies and/or clear containers for evidence
• Watch

While photographing at the site you should try to avoid any unnecessary focus points that might have lights, reflective surfaces, poles or any other obstruction that will interfere with evaluation or determination of the photograph and it's elements. All photographs should be cataloged with the corresponding negative for archival storage.

If you are more experienced photographer you may want to try infrared film. Infrared is not ASA speed rated, as standard color and black and white print film is (i.e. 400 ASA, 800 ASA). It should be shot at a relatively low setting, such as 80-100 ASA. I would recommend an f-stop setting of 1.5 to start and through experimentation you will find the right setting for your desired result. I would also highly recommend you shoot with a tripod at night to take the motion factor down on your shots.

When setting up a video camera place it in an area that has an unobstructed view of the whole area being investigated but not in the way of the investigators, an entrance, or an exit. When video taping state the location, time, investigators names, and weather conditions. It is extremely important to state any obstruction in the focus point of the video camera that may be perceived during review as an anomaly, such as a light source for example. When reviewing the tape, be sure to mark down all the times a phenomenon occurs.

Tape recorders are with out a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox. Tape recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation. Recorders are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts, and electronic voice phenomena (EVP).

When using tape recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators names. When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names, which will make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice activation mode should be deactivated during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases. If the recorder comes equipped with a tape counter record the locations on the tape where any audible phenomena is being heard during review.

The Electromagnetic Field Detector is a very important piece of equipment. When using the EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 8.0, this usually indicates a possible spirit presence. Anything higher or lower is normally has a natural source. Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the area and take readings around energy sources such as appliances, power lines or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the investigation. Most units come with a manual describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic readings. When you get your readings adjust accordingly and record your findings every 30 minuets to 1 hour on the investigation log. This will provide a monitoring source for paranormal track-ability, and will provide a valuable asset in writing your report at the end of the report.

Bionic microphones are an advantage to have when ghost hunting. These microphones amplify sounds that are a great distance away or below your range of hearing. When used with a tape recorder this will increase the chances of recording electronic voice phenomena, but a word of warning on this piece of equipment, when monitoring an area please make sure your not moving with this microphone, as your movements will be amplified as well and this will skew any data you are trying to collect!

Night vision scopes are a benefit when used on an investigation that is being conducted in low light conditions. They provide vision in darkness as if it was day can be adapted to 35 mm camera, which will provide a good visual source of paranormal phenomenon as well as a good lighting of the area when in total darkness.

Thermal-scanners are used as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drop will indicate spirit presence.

The compass is a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price. When used on an investigation this will indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves erratically. This is really good when on a stakeout.

Motion Detectors can be used to sense movements it has been reported the spiritual energy will fire these off by the mass and temperature of a moving cold spot.

2-way radios are a good communication system for an investigation team. These are a staple in our investigations now. I recommend Motorola fr40-fr60 for compatibility and ease of use. These are also good because no matter how many you buy the radios match frequencies. When splitting into buddy situations its good to have one operator as a home base to monitor any and all issues incase of emergency situations.

Flashlights are a must. In most investigations this will be the only light source you will have. When using the flashlight, if possible, the investigator should have a red filter fitted to the lens. Always have plenty of extras. The toolbox should include extra batteries, extra flashlight bulbs, extra tapes, extra film, etc. When on an investigation you want to be well prepared. You do not want to have that once in a lifetime opportunity such as a full body apparition to float on by because your batteries were drained or you did not have enough film. In this field there is never enough when it comes to equipment. Remember to bring spare batteries for everything. Due to spirit activity, batteries often run down very fast.  

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