20 replies to this topic

[Brandon]

      Well i have been using a EMF Detector in all of my investigations since i started investigating.  I have found out that most of the time i do get some sort of reading i am able to explain it i mean there are always underground power lines, Above ground Power lines, Transformers, and even a flash on a camera and a camcorder can set an emf detector off, now it just seems to me that emf detectors are not very useful to an investigation and not as accurate as they are made out to be.

[NocturnalCantaloupe]

I agree, as do many that I converse with on the subject.

[Bangin]

I was in a cemetery one night when my EMF meter began acting very strange.  I believe I said, "this thing isn't working right".  Oddly enough, after reviewing the tape recorder, a child's giggle is heard just before I made the above comment.  

I don't use an EMF meter much, so I am not as experienced with the device as others may be.  My EMF meter is probably of poor quality, but I'm sure there are better designed EMF meters available for the ghost hunter.  I choose to fill my hands with other equipment.  

[flyingorb]

I do not use an EMF detector, but our group sometimes does.  Problem is as you have already observed, that there are many mundane sources that will trigger the detector.  Perhaps the best use would be to leave the detector in one place so that any moving EM source will trigger it.  Realise though that if the sensitivity is set too high it will trigger even if a person enters the monitored area.  It is also capable of triggering if a person is in the next room, even through a wall!  Possible false positives (and trying to tinker with something that sensitive in the dark) are the reason I won't carry one.

[krcguns]

I used to use mine more often than I do now.  I kind of have my own emf meter in my back.  I get a chill that will run right down my spine when a spirit is near.  So far it has been way more accuarate and it is impossible to get a false positive.  I don't think I would throw it out though since they do serve a purpose but the are fairly difficult to use thus making them less practical. ;D

[Rockhauler2k1]

A compass makes for a great EMF detector but has most of  the same falibilities as an EMF device.

Used properly , they are a great tool but the problem is that most folks dont pay enough attention to outside sources while using them.


Just my take ,

Rockhauler2k1

[Brandon]

   Yeah I once got overly excited because my emf detector was getting high readings but later found out it was just an underground power line.

[MorgueChild]

I agree with Brandon on EMF detectors. But I think they are useful in cemeteries (at least most of them) since they don't have anything to trigger the electricity like powerlines etc. But I once got exicited too when my EMF went crazy and found out it was an underground powerline! We followed it about 50 yards with the same readings all the way down the ditch that supposedly was haunted! Talk about dissapointment!  :-/

[Brandon]

 yes morguechild its very dissapointing to find out an underground power line is your source of false readings.

[Selemat]

I would never consider conducting an investigation without my EMF detector.  The trick to using an EMF detector is to remember that you are not looking for the highest consistent reading.  That would indicate something like a fuse box.  You are looking for an unexpected blip, a sudden burst of energy detectable only in one confined space.  If you move the detector two feet in any direction, the energy reading drops dramatically.  Probably 95% of the time when the detector picks up energy, I can trace the energy back to the source, such as wiring in the wall or a fuse box.  When one of the other investigators in the group takes a picture because my EMF detector identifies a sudden unexplained burst of energy, we get a cool picture, usually orbs, about half the time.  The only tool I have used which is a more reliable orb/mist spotter is my dog.  Whenever he stares blankly into space, I always get a good photo.

Bangin alluded to the other reason I like using an EMF detector.  Many people tend to dismiss EVPs as background noise or radio interference and orbs as merely dust.  I would think that having multiple indicators--an abnormal EMF reading, a photograph, an EVP, or even a spine-tingling feeling--would serve to enhance the credibility of the evidence gathered.

[NocturnalCantaloupe]

Good info and points Selemat. I am trying to put together a set of experiments that entail using EVP with EMF readers.

[NocturnalCantaloupe]

No disrespect at all, Some great points for sure! In fact, smoe points everyone so really look at deeply.

I just watched a show last night, explaining how Earthquakes are accompanied by large electromagnitic activity.  This in turn can create what is called ball lightning.  The science part of the show was trying to explain how Paul (Saul) "saw" God while on the road, therefore changing his tune about Christianity.  

One of their tests involved placing a "EMF" helmet (can recreate the effects of heavy EMF activity like an earthquake).  80% of the teset subjects noted that they strongly felt a presence in the room with them.

I can easily see why you mention the fact that the evidence being presented is fueling the Skeptics.  Afterall, if it's proven that heavy Electromagnetic activity can indeed be proven to cuase hallucinations and feelings of "presence", then the EMF spikes and data collected at sites considered haunted would indeed hint to that haunted sites are nothing more than EMF "hotspots" thereby creating hallucinations and strange sensations.


Here's a question or two.

Do you think there is then indeed some solid evidence that then would support that some hauntings are indeed only high EMF active sites, thereby creating hallucinations and "artificial" sensations?

Do you think there may be some sort of connection between Electromagnatism and the human spirit?

[MoonChild]

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Again, I'm not trying to be a horses patoot, I'm just stating my opinion... No disrespect intended.

You are welcome buddy.

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One has to look at all reports on a "case-by-case" and base decisions on that. Are *ALL* cases high EMF Hallucinations? Not a chance. Should that possibility then be ignored? No.

This is something everyone should keep in mind. the possibility Just because once something is proved that may not be the case always, and vice versa. And this is exactly why it is called PARA NORMAL. If it could be easily manipulated as saying (a+², things would have been easy. But here, the activity really does depends on various factors that cannot just be put as constant.

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Since I have admitted that I have experienced what I consider to be "ghostly phenomena" first hand on several occasions, I won't say that each time was some sort of hallucination... but I won't discount that concept either.

I go with you on that.