Holiday gifts for ghost hunters

EMF METERS

EMF (electro-magnetic frequencies) levels tend to be higher at haunted sites. However, we also need to rule out EMF from normal sources such as electrical outlets, wires, metal, some cellphones, and so on. An accurate EMF meter can be tremendously useful.

The TriField Electromagnetic Field Meter is among the most popular EMF meters used by ghost hunters. As the manufacturer says, "The TriField Meter is the only EMF meter which offers magnetic, electric, and radio/microwave detection in one package." This enables you to filter out false EMF levels from normal sources.

If you want an inexpensive way to detect EMF levels, use a hand-held hiking compass (see below). But, if you want to measure exact levels of EMF anomalies, get a quality meter with a scale of measurement such as this.

WARNING: If your EMF meter doesn't have a lighted display--and most don't--check EMF levels close to your flashlight, in case it provides false anomalies.

THERMOMETERS

Thermometers are used to measure unusual hot and cold spots in haunted places. These are generally pockets of air or energy, not temperature variations on the surfaces of objects.

We're still testing thermometers, so we won't recommend specific brands yet. However, here are some vital features to consider:

• At least one thermometer should measure the air temperature, not the surface of an object. Be sure you understand which yours are.
• Lighted display is essential for research in unlit areas at night
• Any beeping sounds should be easily distinguished from other sounds, and should not startle researchers

STOCKING STUFFERS

These are some of our favorite smaller tools to carry when we're conducting ghost investigations. In addition to being useful tools, they're easy to keep in the car or backpack for unexpected encounters with the paranormal.

Hiking compass

We always carry an inexpensive compass or two for scheduled and impromptu ghost hunts. Any reliable hiking compass such as the Brunton Classic Compass is fine. Never pay more than $10 for this kind of compass.

When ghost hunting, we've noticed that high EMF levels seem to pull the needle away from magnetic North. A needle deviance of more than 30 degrees usually indicates a "hot" spot for other ghostly manifestations.

Disposable flash cameras
In our field tests, we've learned that disposable cameras can capture orbs and other anomalies very well. So, for unexpected ghost hunts, we keep at least one disposable camera in the car and another in our backpacks.

We've also learned that profoundly haunted settings can affect our fancier cameras. Sometimes, our disposable cameras are the only ones that will work when the ghosts are causing mischief.

Our first choice for disposable cameras is 400 ISO (or ASA); that's the film speed and it is ideal for ghost hunting at night in very dark locations. Our second choice is 200 ISO (or ASA), which isn't quite as sensitive, but it provides crisply outlined orbs if the orb energy is high enough.

Any brand of disposable camera is probably fine. We've had luck with budget brands at the grocery store. However, we can recommend Fujifilm disposable cameras without hesitation. At the other end of the spectrum, we'd probably avoid any "dollar store" disposable camera, because the plastic lens may not be adequate.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Buy flash cameras only. The energy from the flash seems to increase the visibility of the orbs.

Other items

We also recommend a basic First Aid Kit. We've used ours often, especially in dark, overgrown cemeteries where scrapes, scratches, and turned ankles are routine.

Because most ghost hunting equipment is battery powered, we rely on rechargeable batteries. We highly recommend any charger that works quickly, since we usually can't wait hours for our batteries. One reliable choice is the Duracell 30 Minute Charger with 4 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries However, be sure that it's okay to use rechargeable batteries in your cameras, voice recorders, EMF meters, and so on. (Many digital camera manufacturers recommend rechargeable batteries instead of the usual disposables.)

Also, every ghost hunter should have a supply of flashlights. We keep a couple in the car, and at least one small one in our backpack. Check them regularly for burned-out lights and batteries.

Funky, fun items for ghost hunters

We haven't tried this toy yet, but the Wild Planet Spy Night Writer could be useful for silent communication between teams. Basically, you enter a message that's up to 30 characters, wave the tool in a dark area, and someone else can read the message at a distance. I can see one team signaling another, "Listen," or, "Stairs ahead," and so on.

The Lomographic Pop 9 Camera is one of many cheap cameras that will take multiple photos, one right after the other, and print them all on one frame of film. We won't pretend that this is a high-quality camera. The individual images are also very small, and this plastic camera may last only until the first time that you drop it.

That said, if you think you're getting orbs (indicated by high EMF levels or "cold spots"), these sequential photos could demonstrate a moving orb. And, this model is one of the few that has a flash for night photography.

Considering the low price and the opportunities for fun, this camera could be a treat for any serious ghost hunter.