Got an offer from a friend to take a “spectrum analyzer” out on our next investigation… and of course, I’m curious how we can implement it on the field. So, I googled it. And found David Roundtree and his SPIRIT groups.

Basically, the frequency analyzer can be used to eliminate “false positives” in the field.   Teams typically only do base readings on an EMF device, when there are several factors that can cause the device to read a false positive… From David Roundtree:

By far the most troublesome phenomenon we encounter in the paranormal investigation field isn’t paranormal at all, but is often misread as such. Radio Frequency Interference or RFI is often the cause of EVPs, and can in some circumstances be the cause of EMF spikes in the higher frequency spectrum.

Radio waves are everywhere. We are constantly being bombarded with Microwave from satellites in space and Communication towers, Ultra UHF from Cell phone towers and the phones themselves, Public Service Radio systems (Police, Fire, etc.) Wi-Fi networks for wireless internet, cordless phones, walkie talkies, you name it. RF is everywhere. So with all this noise out there, how can one separate the paranormal EVP and EMF wheat from the RFI chafe?

Electromagnetic interference (or EMI, also called radio frequency interference or RFI) is an undesirable disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source. The disturbance may interrupt, obstruct, or otherwise degrade or limit the effective performance of the circuit. The source may be any object, artificial or natural, that carries rapidly changing electrical currents, such as an electrical circuit, the Sun or the Northern Lights.

EMI can be induced intentionally for radio jamming, as in some forms of electronic warfare, or unintentionally, as a result of spurious emissions and responses, intermodulation products, and the like. It frequently affects the reception of AM radio in urban areas. It can also affect cell phone, FM radio and television reception, although to a lesser extent. It can also effect complex test instruments used in paranormal research.

I took a listen to the SPIRIT podcast, or “The Devil’s Advocate,” to hear how they use this technology in the field… and they discuss “data logging” the environment during the entire investigation for EMF, UV, RFI, and more… Additionally, how they use the technology to debunk and dismiss what the “tv ghostbusters” claim to be paranormal.  Click to listen to this podcast.

Also, with the data logging and hard scientific data – the group dismissed “frank’s box” or ghost boxes, K2 meters and the “ovulus” as “electronic Ouija boards.” I admit, I’ve gotten caught up in the excitement from the spudpickles ghost radar app when they start spitting out words… and the ghostbox when it gives you numbers and names… But, the more you do it… The more it seems to be just snippets of audio from AM radio stations.  Not paranormal.  Am I missing something?  What do you think?

This may not be safe for work (if phallus graffiti physically upsets you.)

Dick, Doug and I were investigating the basement of the 9th Street Pub, when I noticed this…

WATCH.  IT DOES NOT MOVE!

Not quite.  Heidi, my wife,  would be very upset with me… and you for even considering it!  There’s a lot more men in the paranormal field than women… and despite what my friends say… this barn door don’t swing that way.

Anyway, enough of that.  We’re getting close to the end of the Ghoststop.com DVR contest… and we need more likes.  I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to “vote” or “like” our video on the ghoststop facebook page.  The voting will actually take about 15-30 seconds of your time in addition to my 1 minute tutorial video.  So — I will have successfully wasted at least 5 minutes of your time.

BUT — for a good cause!

BTW — you can skip the commercial, just click the little red button that pops up after 5 seconds.

Pulled this from the “wire” today…

GHOSTS AT FAIRGROUND RECORDED: A group of San Diego ghost hunters claim to have amassed a collection of 130 audio recordings of ghosts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. South Coast Paranormal says they’ve been collecting these recordings since 2001 when a spokeswoman for the fairgrounds called them in. South Coast Paranormal investigator David Walters said, “We believe its voices from the disembodied.” CEO of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club said he has never seen any ghosts there, adding, “I have seen quite a few people who I thought had died. And, of course, a number of folks that looked as if they had died.” (UPI)

CHECK IT OUT

• South Coast Paranormal - http://www.scparanormal.com/index.html

FBI RELEASES ‘X-FILES’: The Federal Bureau of Investigation says they’ve posted previously classified information regarding UFO stories in their Vault online database. One of the files, titled Roswell, talks about a disc suspended from a balloon able. Another report talks about flying saucers. The account, written by FBI agent Guy Hottel, says, “They were described as being circular in shape with raised centers, approximately 50 feet in diameter. Each one was occupied by three bodies of human shape but only 3 feet tall, dressed in a metallic cloth of a very fine texture. Each body was bandaged in a manner very similar to the blackout suits used by speed flyers and test pilots.” (UPI)

CHECK IT OUT

• The Vault – http://vault.fbi.gov

“Why don’t you like me… Why don’t you like me…”

That Mika song is stuck in my head!

Cause we need more likes!

At this time we trail the leader in the Ghoststop.com video contest by 14 likes.

That’s it 14 likes.

So,  join in the fun… and like our video on Ghoststop.com.  Go here to get the directions on how to “like” us. And, you can like us TWICE.  Yeah, once on the ghoststop.com facebook page… and once on the video itself.   So, we really only need 7 more people to like us.  Are you gonna be one?

“I try be like Grace Kelly… MMmmm.”

Hope you like the new web home of Extreme Vision Paranormal… You can now follow us many ways, through facebook, twitter, youtube, and now subscribe to our feed with a reader and get all of our investigations as we post them.

I’m a fairly new member of the group, and love the passion and teamwork of this amazing group.  And, 2011 promises to be a very exciting year for EVP.  So, please subscribe by clicking the “rss” button on the menu… and hold on to your hat!  It’s gonna be a wild ride!

Thanks!   Oh, and plan for random musing from me and other investigators on this blog.

-JC Phillips