Services - Education - Tools of the Trade - Non-contact Digital IR Thermometer

Introduction
The Ghosts of Ohio uses various pieces of equipment during the investigations it conducts. We would like to explain what types of equipment we use, how each works, how and why we use it, and the pros and cons.

• Analog and Digital Audio Recorders
• Ambient Temperature Devices
• Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
• Electromagnetic Field (EMF) meters
• Low-Tech Equipment
• Non-contact Digital IR Thermometer
• Vernier LabPro
• Video Cameras

One thing to keep in mind is that none of these tools were specifically designed as ghost-hunting equipment, and therefore the readings can be interpreted in many ways. The evidence we collect from all of these pieces of equipment must be compiled and interpreted as a whole. Individual pieces of evidence can often be dismissed as naturally-occurring phenomena, but when the various pieces of data are put together, the result may be compelling support for a paranormal explanation. The most important pieces of equipment that we bring to the investigation are an open mind and our own five senses.

non-contact digital IR thermometer is used to take surface temperature readings from across open spaces. It works by aiming the thermometer at an object and squeezing the trigger. A red beam, like a laser pointer, shoots out of the thermometer and stops at the first solid object it makes contact with. The beam functions as a guide to let you know the general surface area the thermometer is taking a temperature reading from. Once the beam hits a solid object, the back of the thermometer lights up and will let you know the approximate surface temperature of that area. It will provide continuous readings as long as you hold the trigger, meaning that you can scan entire areas without having to get up and move around.

Typically, each group has a non-contact digital IR thermometer with them so that they can take temperature readings while observing an area for any potential paranormal activity. We use the thermometer to take base readings and then, as the investigation progresses, we take note of any substantial changes from those base readings. After the investigation is over, we look at all the readings we have gathered from all the equipment, along with the observation notes, and compare hem to see if any other anomalies occurred at the same time as the temperature change. If any significant temperature changes coincide with unusual readings from any of the other equipment, it could help to substantiate a possible paranormal event. Having these readings correspond with an investigator’s experiences can provide an emotional or human link for all the evidence; otherwise they are just numbers on paper.

As an example, suppose we recorded a twenty-degree temperature drop at the bottom of a stairwell at 11:48 PM, and at the same time we got a very high EMF reading. The two pieces of information put together could support the theory of a paranormal event. If, while reviewing the infrared video tapes, we also notice a bright flash of light occurring at the same time and place, we have further validation that a paranormal event may have taken place. The feelings of the investigator should also be taken into account, as well as his or her perceptions of what was going on at the time. If the investigator noted at this time that they had a strange feeling of being watched or of uneasiness, we have potentially more support for a paranormal explanation. Taken separately, each of these things could be easily explained away as normal phenomenon, but together they strengthen the case for a paranormal event.

One of the problems with the non-contact digital IR thermometer is that it takes surface temperature readings, not ambient room temperature readings. The Ghosts of Ohio has, however, observed an instance wherein the surface reading that was taken was from a cold spot in the middle of a hallway. We cannot yet explain what could have been dense enough to make the IR and laser beams stop in mid-air. It was also clear that the cold spot was moving, because the laser point could be seen traveling down the hall towards the investigator. Because of occurrences like this, we feel that the device still merits use during an investigation.