| THERMO-METERS IR Thermometer Thermo-meters or Thermal Scanner - Thermo-meters are an instrument that’s very useful. There are two types used, regular digital thermo-meters and infrared non-contact thermo-meters. When used on an investigation this will aid as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drops of 10 degrees or more could indicate spirit presence. To state it simply, they pick up “cold spots” (unexplained temperature variances) that are believed to signal that a ghost is present. It is thought that a ghost uses the energy in a particular spot to manifest its self and by doing so, creates a cold mass. The IR thermo-meter is an excellent tool and they are very accurate when used as intended. The devices were designed so that they can measure the surface temperature of an object. The problem comes however, when they are used to try and measure the ambient temperature of a location. Many ghost hunters have been guilty of trying to do this, believing that the devices could sample the air temperature. The type of temperatures that we are looking for changes in during an investigation is the ambient (surrounding area) temperature of the location and this is one of the most important areas to monitor. Because of this, we may be wasting a lot of our time with unnecessary work caused by the use of IR probes. For example if you wanted to take your temperature would you set the thermometer on your skin or in your ear? With an IR thermo-meter you measure the skin or surface area, not the inside. Also remember that if your unit has excessive dust or fingerprints on it this will cause the reading to be inaccurate. I suggest before beginning an investigation to clean all your equipment to help insure a quality hunt. This isn’t the only thing that will affect your readings. Pointing the instrument at a shiny object such as a mirror will cause your thermo- meter to read the unit itself. The infrared light the unit sends out bounces off shiny objects and goes back to the unit where it will take it’s reading. There are special glass coverings to help prevent this but don’t expect to get them on a cheap unit. Ambient temperature (which cannot be picked up with an IR Thermo-meter) is basically the temperature of the surrounding air. We are aware of this in our daily lives, from the heat or cold outside and even from the weather forecast on the evening news. When a witness or researcher speaks of feeling a “cold spot” in a reportedly haunted place, it is in the ambient temperature of the location. This is where we need to focus our efforts when looking for temperature changes and abnormalities. The best device to measure rapid changes in the ambient temperature is a thermocouple-based temperature measurement device. These devices are affordable and can be purchased from many electronic supply companies. Most of them have a measuring unit of less than three centimeters, which is capable of measuring the rapid changes to the temperature needed when looking for cold spots. It is also feasible that a moving cold spot could be tracked with such a tool since it can react so quickly. Thermometer/pyrometer Another unit that is nice is the thermo-meter/ pyrometer (DTP), which is a thermo-coupler unit that’s like digital units, but are much advanced, accurate and faster. With a pyrometer you’re able to measure the temperature of the air (ambient), surface of an object, or immerse it in liquid, simple change out the coupler and your set. This unit can cost $100 and up depending on where it’s purchased. Now, should you stop using the IR thermo-meter, No. This instrument is still a key to any investigation, but I would hope that any who considers themselves a serious ghost hunter would want the facts. Spirits have been seen going through walls and other objects and it would come in handy to measure the surface temperature of an object. Many objects are also moved and being able to track the temperature of objects in what is believed to be “hot spots” is crucial to any investigation. In closing I simply suggest expanding your knowledge in your equipment. Knowing exactly what your unit is capable of and what its intended use is. Donnie Shepherd |
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