MasterPo

Toys! Toys! Toys!

June 16, 2008 |  1 comment
Image Credit: sxc.hu In the paranormal investigation field we love our toys! Gadgets, gizmos, meters, lights etc. And if it flashes, glows or beeps even better! And the more expensive the more prestige, with currently the thermal camera being the summit must-have device. Groups all around the country (maybe the world!) are trying to find ways to come up with the $15,000-$20,000 to buy a thermal camera. Or even just the $1,000 or so a month to lease one. The creative financing ideas groups are devising are enough to warm the heart of any Wall Street investment banker. But why? Why do we as investigators need so much gear?

As I pointed out in a previous article, there are no ghost detectors. Not to rehash that piece again here, but critics and skeptics are correct in that none of these devices can detect a ghost. Even the vaunted thermal camera can't see a ghost per se and is also very easily tricked. And there is more a move today for groups with the proper skill set to make their own devices based on their ideas and hypothesizes of the paranormal. In this case it's very possible a real "ghost detector" may yet be invented, though a healthy dose of skepticism still needs to be kept until well established. So why use all these devices?

Although many of these devices fall into the same category (EMF detectors, thermometers, etc.) each device is constructed a bit differently. EMF detectors for example measure EMF with in a range of frequencies. Different models and brands usually cover different frequencies (there may be some over lap but also some differences). It is therefore very likely to get a reading on one meter and not another. This doesn't necessarily mean it's paranormal but it can help narrow down potential paranormal frequencies if the same meter continuously gets a possible paranormal reading while others remain flat (presuming natural and artificial sources of EMF have been eliminated from the possibility).

When selecting a device for use in paranormal investigation one must be careful there is a reasonable hypothetical basis for using it and not just selecting it because it's "way kewl man!". And this is particularly important when attempting to design and construct a new device on your own.

It's very reasonable to ask:
"Why am I using this instead of something else?"
"What do I hope to accomplish with this that can't be done already?"
"How is this device an improvement over something else? (maybe already in use)"
"Where would I use this type of device? And where would I not want to use it?"And for creating a new device, "Who is the target user for this device?" (Does it require a special skill to operate? Is it for the casual investigator or the serious investigator? Are the readings easy to understand or require technical knowledge to interpret?, etc)

There is nothing wrong in a general curiosity – asking "I wonder what will happen if I do this-or-that". But as we see constantly in this field, the demand for solid proof of paranormal claims is always with us. If you buy or build a device you need to be able to give a coherent, logical and well thought out explanation of it's use, concept, readings, and yes even acknowledge it's draw backs and faults (every device has at least one).

For anything new being constructed full disclosure of the internals of the device (how it works specifically) and a detailed test plan also need to be provided. Otherwise at best any evidence collected will be greatly suspect, at worse you'll be simply performing "parlor tricks" and have no credibility.
The paranormal field is definitely one for people like gadgets. A person can't be technologically phobic and be in this field. But not all the flashes and beeps is golden. You can't substitute a machine for critical thinking and logical analysis.

But who knows – the real ghost detector may yet be under construction in someone's garage right now!

One can always hope.

Long Island Paranormal Investigators
http://www.Liparanormalinvestigators.com
Helping the living, the dead, and those in between. Comments (1)

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