Equipment
| EL-USB-1 Temperature Data Logger This data logger measures and stores temperature readings over a -25 to +80°C range. It is very easy to set up the logging rate and start-time, and download the stored data by plugging straight into my laptops USB port and recording the data saved using the purpose designed software. The information collected can then be put into a graph, printed and exported to other applications. The logger’s function is indicated by a flashing red, green and orange LEDs, so you can easily tell without disturbing the unit if the high/low limits that you set have been exceeded.  Temperature Data Logger Used during an investigation, can be a useful tool. As the recording can be over the entire length of the investigation, so logs any temperature change and the time, it therefore makes it easy to tell if there were any strange sudden rises or drops in temperature. Also good to compare with any video footage, if a séance is held, and people report feeling warm or cold, as long as the time on the video camera is checked to be accurate before recording begins, it can then be checked against the log to see if any reported change was picked up. That doesn’t mean to say if the log didn’t see a change there wasn’t one, it could have be a localised cold/hot spot. Placement of the loggers is very important, it may sound obvious, but placing on a window ledge is not the best location! It maybe a handy place, but once the night sets in, the outside temperature will drop affecting the logger, doors that are open frequently also create drafts etc, so careful thought as to location should be given before placement. On the plus side, they can be set up in advance of the investigation beginning and then not touched again until the end when they can be collected up and the data analysed. |
Motion Detectors
The type as pictured are sometimes referred to as ‘break-beam’ style. Basically does what it sounds like it should, the alarm sounds when the ‘invisible’ beam between the transmitter and receiver is broken. For use during paranormal investigations, great for setting up around trigger objects (objects, which are placed in the hope that the spirit will take an interest in them and move them, e.g. old coins, children’s toys etc). But should be used in conjunction with ‘locked-off’ camera (a camcorder or camera set up to record an area of interest or trigger object). After all its nice to know something has moved a trigger object, but even nicer to try and rule out natural causes for the movement! |
