The Ghosts of Ohio - Services - Education - Tools of the Trade

Services - Education - Tools of the Trade - Electromagnetic Field (EMF) meters

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.

The electromagnetic field is all around us and is created by any electronic device. Appliances such as microwaves, televisions, stereos, computers, and stereo speakers are all primary contributors to this field. We even contribute to the field with electronic fields generated by our own bodies. Since it is believed that a paranormal event is preceded by an increase in this field, we can try to predict where something might happen by tracking changes in it. In order to do this we use several types of meters that were originally designed for use in other occupations.

Just like with temperature data, we begin by doing a sweep of the room to establish some base readings. Once we have these base readings we are ready to begin. Throughout the investigation we will monitor the EMF readings and if we notice any significant increases from the readings we got earlier, we will concentrate our attention in that area, in hopes of something happening there.

The meter we use most is called a single-axis EMF meter. It takes readings from the top of the unit and measures those readings in either milligaus (mG) or micro Teslas (micro T). We prefer to take readings in mG and this unit will register anything from 0.1–199.9 mG. Since this unit only takes readings from the top it is called a single-axis meter. It is sensitive enough to pick up readings from its own battery so you must be careful while taking readings. Readings in a usual setting can range anywhere from 0.1 to 9 or 10 mG so there is no set measurement to look for. It all depends on what the base readings were and what changes there are from those readings. This meter is very useful, but the display is not backlit so if you are in the dark, you are out of luck.

Another meter we use is called an ELF meter. It is also a single-axis meter, but instead of giving a numerical reading on a digital display, it has three LED lights that register the range the reading is in. A green light means that the reading is between 0.1 and 2.5 mG. The yellow light indicates and reading between 2.5 to 7 mG. Anything higher and the red light will go on. It is helpful since you can use it in the dark, but you can’t really use it to get an exact numerical reading, just a range. It also is sensitive enough to get readings off of the battery if you move it around too quickly.

The last meter that we use is called a tri-field natural EMF meter. It is a very sensitive piece of equipment. It takes readings from the top and sides of the unit so it is rather difficult to use while you are moving around. It is designed to read static or natural EMF fields and not manmade fields generated by electrical equipment. This meter can also be set to detect radio and microwaves. It can be placed in a room and have the squelch set to a level where any significant increase will set it off. This way you do not have to continuously monitor it. Due to its sensitivity and ability to detect changes from the top and sides, this meter can cover a decent-sized room. This way the investigators can focus on other areas and leave the tri-field alone unless they hear the alarm go off.

As with all the other equipment we use, the findings we get from EMF meters are more valid if other equipment shows similar fluctuations. This helps verify whether something paranormal might be happening. A spike on the EMF meter could be easily explained away, but if we also have a drop in temperature in the same spot, we have a better scientific basis to say that something paranormal is happening. As always, the best equipment we bring to an investigation is our own minds and common sense.