Welcome To PI-Team Website
News From The PI News DeskWelcome To The PI-Team Website
Welcome to the PI-Team Website -- The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah.
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah has been undergoing some major behind-the-scene changes over the past year and a half, with the goal of making us one of the best paranormal research teams in the nation -- bar none. We’ve added new members; redesigned our website to emphasize research over random captures; developed (and continue to develop) our own software and databases to file, track, and analyze evidence and equipment; and we’ve added some of the latest in high-tech gear to cover the paranormal spectrum.
In an effort to help you better understand the paranormal world, we’ve added a feature called PI Pal. Every time you see a word or phrase that is Technical or Paranormal in nature, scroll over it with your pointer and you’ll also see a question mark (?) appear. By clicking on the word, the PI Pal Term Definition window will open beneath our sitemap, defining the term without you losing your place in the article. A PI Pal Staff Member window functions the same way. If you see a PI-Team member identified by name in an article, click on the name to see a picture of that person and their role in the PI-Team. Additional PI Pal resources will be available soon.
In June of 2007, we were honored to become a member of the TAPS Family of paranormal researchers, an international coalition of some of the best teams in the business. We are also the first and only TAPS Family Member in Utah.
As a team, we’ve committed ourselves to ever higher levels of excellence, while still maintaining our commitment to free assistance for anyone needing help with unwanted paranormal activity, education for individuals and groups seeking better understanding of paranormal phenomena, and furthering the study of that unknown plane between this world and the next.
We’re growing, and intend to continue to grow. So stop back often and see what’s new.
Thank you.
Michael
Director
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
News: World Horror Convention 2008
22 Feb 2008: We're going to be speaking at the World Horror Convention 2008!
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah will be speaking at the upcomming World Horror Convention 2008, in Salt Lake City, Uath!
Click on the banner below to get the latest itenerary, as it is published!
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
News: New Year, New Look
20 Feb 2008: New Year, New Look.
With the start of the new year, the Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah got a new look too!
The primary focus was to get everything on to a single webpage, for faster loading, and easier navigation.
The next feature we focused on, was that of being a valuable resource to the paranormal community, so we incorporated many new resources. For example, we now have a standard definition feature called 'PI Pal'. Every time you see a word which is Technical or Paranormal in nature, you will see a ? pointer (when the mouse cursor is placed over the term). By clicking on the word, the 'PI Pal' Term Definition window will open up beneath the sitemap (out of the way without interrupting your reading), and define that word for you! It's a nifty little feature that helps you to understand the definitions by which we follow. Try it now! Place your cursor over any of these technical terms, and click: Active Infrared, Blackbody, or Codec. As you can see, clicking on these terms doesn't take you away from where you're at, it opens the 'PI Pal' Term Definition window out of your way, and posts the definition there. There is also a 'PI Pal' Staff Member window, that functions the exact same way. If you see a PI member identified by name in an article, click on their name to see a picture of them and the roll they play in the PI-Team. Additional 'PI Pal' resources will be available soon!
Another example of how we are striving to be a valuable resource to the paranormal community, is that we now have several 'Paranormal Theories' and 'Technical Tips' articles to serve as reference and background information for anyone just starting out in the paranormal investigations arena. The 'Paranormal Theories' articles discuss the current theories regarding various subjects within the paranormal arena, while the 'Technical Tips' articles discuss the many technical aspects of the equipment most commonly used in paranormal investigations. It's important to understand your equipment. If you don't know its technical limitations, you may very well be expecting something from your equipment which it cannot deliver.
Many other new features are in the works for our redesigned site, so come back often!
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
News: We're In The TAPS Family
07 Jun 2007: We're Now An Official TAPS Family Member!
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah is now an official TAPS Family Member!
We're the First, and Only TAPS Family Member in the State of Utah, and we're darn proud of that fact!
A lot of hard work went into getting approved to be a TAPS Family Member, and the entire Paranormal Investigation Team of Utah would like to thank our Director, Michael, for his diligence in accomplishing this task. Being a TAPS Family Member is a distinctive honor among the paranormal community. It is a testament to our professionalism and integrity, and we wear the badge with honor.
You may have seen the TAPS crew in action on their television show Ghost Hunters on the SciFi Channel!
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: Mission Statement
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah is here to help those who need assistance in the arena of suspected paranormal activity.
Paranormal activity can cause stress, discomfort, and obviously fear, especially when it is occuring in your own home! Our mission is to identify, document, and provide assistance by any means possible for those people having paranormal activity. We do so with a minimum of disruption to our client's normal lives, and a maximum amount of professionalism, sincerity, and pride.
We're here to help our clients, first and foremost, while at the same time attempting to document the paranormal occurances for further scientific study.
Paranormal activity can cause stress, discomfort, and obviously fear, especially when it is occuring in your own home! Our mission is to identify, document, and provide assistance by any means possible for those people having paranormal activity. We do so with a minimum of disruption to our client's normal lives, and a maximum amount of professionalism, sincerity, and pride.
We're here to help our clients, first and foremost, while at the same time attempting to document the paranormal occurances for further scientific study.
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: Absolutely Free Service!
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah never charges our clients for our services, and will accept no donations from our clients!
Donations from other sources are accepted and greatly appreciated since the cost of performing this free service can be quite extensive. We perform fundraisers at least yearly; however, basic day-to-day operating expenses generaly come out of our own Team Member's pockets.
If you are not one of our clients, but would like to help us out in some way, please contact our Director, Michael, and let him know.
Donations from other sources are accepted and greatly appreciated since the cost of performing this free service can be quite extensive. We perform fundraisers at least yearly; however, basic day-to-day operating expenses generaly come out of our own Team Member's pockets.
If you are not one of our clients, but would like to help us out in some way, please contact our Director, Michael, and let him know.
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: Our Service Area!
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah serves Northern Utah, Southern Idaho, Southwestern Wyoming, and Eastern Nevada. For emergency situations or unique opportunities, we will occasionally travel outside our normal service area. If in doubt, submit a "Request An Investigation" application, and we’ll let you know if we can help. If necessary, we can refer you to a TAPS Family Member closer to you.
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: Outside Our Service Area!
For service outside our service area, please contact TAPS by clicking on the graphic below.
TAPS will forward your case to the appropriate TAPS Family Organization!
TAPS will forward your case to the appropriate TAPS Family Organization!
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: The PI-Team Privacy Policy!
All evidence-based information displayed on these Web pages is with the expressed permission of the individuals who have been kind enough to allow us onto their property.
The PI-Team of Utah has been investigating the paranormal since 2000, and understands the importance of discretion. We know our clients may wish to keep certain locations undisclosed and off the record, and we pledge to respect your privacy. Any information you share with us will never be repeated outside of our team without your permission.
The PI-Team of Utah has been investigating the paranormal since 2000, and understands the importance of discretion. We know our clients may wish to keep certain locations undisclosed and off the record, and we pledge to respect your privacy. Any information you share with us will never be repeated outside of our team without your permission.
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: The Investigation - What To Expect
Every investigation is different, and will need to be tailored to your specific needs.
As a rule, your investigation will begin as soon as you submit a "Request An Investigation" application. You will be contacted by our case manager within 48 hours (if you aren’t, please resubmit, or e-mail the director). You may be asked for more information, after which a decision will be made between the case manager and the director about how we might best help you. Sometimes a problem can be solved via e-mails or a phone call. At other times, a face-to-face interview might be best. If we feel we may be able to help you, we’ll set up a time for a preliminary investigation.
Investigations are usually conducted at night for numerous reasons. An investigation normally lasts from two to three hours. Afterwards, we will evaluate the collected data. Sometimes data may go through two or three different levels of examination, and can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete.
As soon as we’re satisfied with our analysis of the evidence, we will contact you with the results. Often, several investigations will be necessary before we begin to get a clear picture of what is going on. You are free to cancel an investigation, or the entire project, at any time. As always, there is absolutely no charge to you, no matter what decision you make during the process.
Our expectations of you.
Because there can be several causes for activity that may at first seem paranormal in nature, we will expect cooperation from you in eliminating as many of these factors as possible. One common example is old or substandard wiring which can create above average electromagnetic fields (EMF). High EMF levels can extend throughout a building, or be contained within one room. This is just one of many things that can be mistaken for paranormal activity.
Continuing an investigation without solving these naturally occurring causes are usually exercises in futility, as we are normally unable to reach a conclusive decision with these stimuli present.
Fixing household problems is the responsibility of the building’s owner. Collected evidence, although never posted or published without permission, is the property of The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah.
As a rule, your investigation will begin as soon as you submit a "Request An Investigation" application. You will be contacted by our case manager within 48 hours (if you aren’t, please resubmit, or e-mail the director). You may be asked for more information, after which a decision will be made between the case manager and the director about how we might best help you. Sometimes a problem can be solved via e-mails or a phone call. At other times, a face-to-face interview might be best. If we feel we may be able to help you, we’ll set up a time for a preliminary investigation.
Investigations are usually conducted at night for numerous reasons. An investigation normally lasts from two to three hours. Afterwards, we will evaluate the collected data. Sometimes data may go through two or three different levels of examination, and can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete.
As soon as we’re satisfied with our analysis of the evidence, we will contact you with the results. Often, several investigations will be necessary before we begin to get a clear picture of what is going on. You are free to cancel an investigation, or the entire project, at any time. As always, there is absolutely no charge to you, no matter what decision you make during the process.
Our expectations of you.
Because there can be several causes for activity that may at first seem paranormal in nature, we will expect cooperation from you in eliminating as many of these factors as possible. One common example is old or substandard wiring which can create above average electromagnetic fields (EMF). High EMF levels can extend throughout a building, or be contained within one room. This is just one of many things that can be mistaken for paranormal activity.
Continuing an investigation without solving these naturally occurring causes are usually exercises in futility, as we are normally unable to reach a conclusive decision with these stimuli present.
Fixing household problems is the responsibility of the building’s owner. Collected evidence, although never posted or published without permission, is the property of The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah.
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
About The PI-Team: The People of the PI-Team!
The Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah is comprised of the following exceptional personnel:
 Michael Director/Lead Investigator | Michael is the Director of the Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah. An Indiana native, he's lived in Utah since 1985. Michael began researching the paranormal in 2000, and has shifted ever so slightly over the years from a curious skeptic to a cautious believer. He is a writer, researcher and author of five historical novels. michael@piteamofutah.com |
 Robin Lead Investigator | Robin has been a member of The paranormal Investigations Team since 2004, but has enjoyed a lifelong interest in the paranormal, no doubt influenced by a love of Stephen King novels and her association with a local theater -- one that has been rumored for decades to be haunted -- since she was fourteen. Robin works as a casting director, actor, jewelry designer, mother of three and grandmother of four of the ''smartest, most beautiful kids in the world.'' ----- Not that she’s biased or anything. robin@piteamofutah.com |
 Carrie Investigator | Carrie was reared in Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a proud military wife and mother of three. She became interested in the paranormal after having several experiences as a child, then on into her adult life. She has done investigations in Charleston, SC, Ohio, Kentucky, England and Ireland. Her investigations at Waverly Hills Sanitarium in Kentucky -- before her move to Utah -- led her to contact The Paranormal Investigation Team. A PI-Team member since 2006, she continues to search for answers to the unknown. carrie@piteamofutah.com |
 Max Historical & Investigator | Max became interested in the paranormal after several experiences as a kid left him wondering what had happened. He began looking into area hauntings, and broadened his knowledge with online research, newspaper archives at local libraries, and property records at nearby city and county offices. Max brings a strong passion for paranormal study to PI, along with a growing interest in Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). He’s a life-long resident of Utah. max@piteamofutah.com |
 Lisa Case Manager & Investigator | Lisa was born and raised in Massachusetts, but she’s lived all over the world. Although basically a skeptic, she’s had enough personal experiences to want to learn more. While growing up, she pursued all the information she could find on the paranormal, and brings that, as well as her office management skills, to PI. She’s lived in Utah for ten years, and is pictured here with one of her two ''ratties'' Dusty. lisa@piteamofutah.com |
 Cordell Tech Team & Investigator | Cordell has been in the computer field for 25 years. He’s worked as an administrator for the state’s computer systems and has owned and operated his own Web Hosting business. He maintains a home recording studio and was the audio tech for the History Channel’s History of the Green Berets. Cordell developed/wrote and maintains the security systems in all of Utah’s DMV State Offices. He lived in a haunted house for three years. cord@piteamofutah.com |
 Lance Tech Team & Investigator | Lance was born in Grand Island, Nebraska where he had many paranormal experiences as a child. He found his way to Utah following a 12 year career with the Air Force where he gained his technical experience working with infrared and night vision systems. He joined the PI Team of Utah in December 2007, and looks forward to helping document proof of the paranormal. lance@piteamofutah.com |
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
The PI-Team Equipment
We're in the process of cataloging all of our equipment, some owned directly by the PI-Team, and some owned by our Team Members. All equipment used in our persuits will, at some point, get cataloged, and assigned a PI-Team Identification Number. As equipment gets cataloged and given an identification number, it will be listed here as well. We're doing this so that we may better understand what works well, and what does not. All evidence of interest recorded on our equipment is entered into a database containing all the specifics of the evidence, as well as the operating characteristics of the equipment in which it was captured. In other words, we're hoping to find trends regarding the equipment which works best, and why, for capturing paranormal evidence. Paranormal Investigations aren't always done in the field, you know!
Computers |
 Dell® Inspiron 1521 Notebook Computer |
The Dell® Inspiron 1521 is used in combination with our Home Heartbeat® Monitoring Station for data logging purposes. It's also used for collection of various data sources like our Hobo® Temperature/Humidity Recorders, and Digital Audio Recorders. PI ID: PCL-001  Dell® Website
|
Audio Recording Equipment |
 Yamaha® AW1600 Digital Audio Workstation |
The Yamaha® AW1600 Digital Audio Workstation records up to eight simultaneous uncompressed high quality audio inputs directly to its own 40Gb internal hard drive, with direct USB transfer capabilities! PI ID: DAW-001 Yamaha® AW1600 Digital Audio Workstation Website |
 AKG® C 1000 S Condenser Microphones |
The AKG® C 1000 S Condenser Microphones, used in conjunction with the Yamaha® AW1600 records uncompressed high quality audio for superior EVP Capturing! PI ID: MEC-001 thru MEC-004 AKG® C 1000 S Website |
 MXL® V63M Condenser Microphone |
The MXL® V63M Condenser Microphone, used in conjunction with the Yamaha® AW1600 records uncompressed high quality audio for superior EVP Capturing! PI ID: MEC-005 MXL® V63M Website |
 Live Wire® Advantage 16-Channel/4-Return Snake |
The Live Wire® Advantage 16-Channel/4-Return Snake, used in conjunction with the Yamaha® AW1600 keeps our microphone cords organized and protected. PI ID: MEAC-001 |
 CoreX2® XLR Microphone Cable - 25' |
The CoreX2® XLR Microphone Cable - 25', used in conjunction with the Yamaha® AW1600 and Condenser Microphones MEC-001 thru MEC-005 for EVP Recording PI ID: MEAC-002 |
CoreX2® XLR Microphone Cable - 50' |
The CoreX2® XLR Microphone Cable - 50', used in conjunction with the Yamaha® AW1600 and Condenser Microphones MEC-001 thru MEC-005 for EVP Recording PI ID: MEAC-003 thru MEAC-005 |
 AKG® M-80 Headphones |
The AKG® M-80 Headphones, used in conjunction with the Yamaha® AW1600 for real-time review of audio captures! PI ID: HUD-001 |
 Panasonic® RR-US470 Digital Audio Recorder |
These digital audio recorders employ a very good quality codec in the HQ mode, allowing us to capture 39 hours of continuous recording, and USB transfer the data files to our Dell® Inspiron 1521 for analysis. PI ID: DAR-001 thru DAR-010 Panasonic® RR-US470 Website |
 Olympus® ME-52W Unidirectional External Microphone |
Excellent for EVP Work PI ID: MEU-001 thru MEU-002 Olympus® ME-52W Website |
 Radio Shack® 33-3013 Omnidirectional External Microphone |
Excellent for EVP Work PI ID: MEO-001 Radio Shack® 33-3013 Website |
 Hercules MS540B Low-Profile Tripod Microphone Boom Stands |
For use with MEC-001 thru MEC-005 PI ID: MEAS-001 thru MEAS-002 |
 On-Stage Tripod Microphone Stands |
For use with MEC-001 thru MEC-005 PI ID: MEAS-003 thru MEAS-004 |
Video Recording Equipment |
 Sony® DCR-SR82 60GB Handycam® Camcorder |
The Sony® DCR-SR82 60GB Handycam® Camcorder records directly to a built in hard-drive, so no more digital tapes to buy. It includes the Sony Super Nightshot Plus, and has an excellent picture quality. PI ID: DCC-001 Sony® DCR-SR82 Website
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Sensors And Sensor Systems |
 Home Heartbeat® Monitoring Station |
The Home Heartbeat® Monitoring Station, constantly monitors signals from various Home Heartbeat® sensors, and reports sensor status directly to us, immediately. PI ID: HH-001 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Alert Keys |
Carried by investigators, the Home Heartbeat® Alert Keys give us an immediate alert to activity reported by any one of the sensors in the system. PI ID: HHK-001 thru HHK-003 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Broadband Gateway |
Connected directly to our Dell® Laptop, and connecting to the internet via a cellular wireless high speed internet connection, the Home Heartbeat® system logs all sensor activity, and can be monitored in real-time by other Team Members from their home, giving us more eyes and ears about what's happening on the investigation. PI ID: HHBG-001 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Range Extender |
Extends the range of the Home Heartbeat® sensors PI ID: HHRE-001 thru HHRE-004 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Power Sensor |
Attached between a power source, and an electric device (e.g., table lamp, television, etc.) which reportedly turns on and/or off by itself. The status of the power use is reported to the Home Heartbeat® System, and alerts us to changes. PI ID: HHPS-001 thru HHPS-002 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Motion Sensor |
Placed in an area which reportedly has items which move on their own, the Home Heartbeat® Motion Sensors report movement back to the Home Heartbeat® Monitoring System, and alerts us immediately. PI ID: HHMS-001 thru HHMS-006 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Open/Closed Sensor |
Placed on doors/cabinets which reportedly open/close on their own, the Home Heartbeat® Open/Closed Sensors report the sensor status back to the Home Heartbeat® Monitoring System, and alerts us immediately to changes. PI ID: HHOC-001 thru HHOC-004 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Water Sensor |
Placed in sinks, showers, etc., which reportedly turn on or off on their own, the Home Heartbeat® Water Sensors report the sensor status back to the Home Heartbeat® Monitoring System, and alerts us immediately to changes. PI ID: HHWS-001 thru HHWS-002 Home Heartbeat® Website
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 Home Heartbeat® Attention Sensor |
Placed anywhere we'd like to make a general alert regarding activity, the Home Heartbeat® Alert Sensors report back to the Home Heartbeat® Monitoring System, and alerts us immediately through the Keys. PI ID: HHAS-001 Home Heartbeat® Website
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Thermometers, Humidity Detectors, And Environmental Recorders |
 Extech® IR301 Infrared /Probe Thermometer |
The Extech IR301 accurately indicates temperature readings from both IR Measurements and Ambient Air. PI ID: TIR-001 Extech® IR301 Website |
 Onset Hobo® U10-003 Temperature Humidity Recorder |
The Hobo Temperature and Humidity recorders accurately document the humidity and temperature of the room every second, and record the information for comparison with recorded evidence. PI ID: THR-001 thru THR-008 Onset Hobo® U10-003 Website |
Visible Light Illumination |
 Mini Maglite® Flashlights |
General Use PI ID: LPVS-001 thru LPVS-006 Maglite® Mini Maglite® Website |
Infrared Illumination |
 Leaf River® IR-X |
We have modified these units from a 'singe-pulse' to a 'constant on' external infrared illuminator. Since they are battery operated, they can be placed anywhere where additional infrared illumination is needed. PI ID: LPIR-001 thru LPIR-002 Leaf River® IR-X Website |
Power Related Equipment |
 Huskey® HSK065HD 750 Watt DC to AC Power Inverter |
Provides 120 Volt power when we're at a location where electricity isn't available. PI ID: PGI-001 Huskey® HSK065HD Website |
 Huskey® HSK409 150 Watt Cup Inverter |
Provides 120 Volt power when we're at a location where electricity isn't available. PI ID: PGI-002 Huskey® HSK409 Website |
 Bayco® Rite-Lite 25' Quad Plug Cord Reel |
General Use PI ID: PEC-001 thru PEC-006 Bayco® Website Unavailable |
Safety |
 Johnson & Johnson® 170 Piece First Aid Kit |
Safety is paramount with us. At every investigation, we carry an 'Emergency List' containing instructions to the nearest hospital, phone numbers for the local police, fire department, and hospitals, and of course we always have a First Aid Kit for those minor injuries. Think Safety First! PI ID: FAK-001 |
Software |
 Arcosoft Inc. TeVeStream FrameSeeker |
The Arcosoft Inc. TeVeStream FrameSeeker software is a great way to find those subtle changes in your lock-off camera video--it pauses when it sees something has changed! PI ID: SOFT-001 Arcosoft Inc. TeVeStream FrameSeeker Website |
 Arcosoft Inc. TeVeStream OctoMediaPlayer |
The Arcosoft Inc. TeVeStream OctoMediaPlayer software is a great way to see exactly what else was going on (e.g., who was where) when evidence was captured on video. With the OctoMediaPlayer, up to 8 video files can be viewed simultaneously! PI ID: SOFT-002 Arcosoft Inc. TeVeStream OctoMediaPlayer Website |
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: Battery Drains
Second to none, the theory behind inexplicable battery drains during an investigation, is reported to be that of a spirit or entity absorbing the power from batteries, to accumulate enough energy for it to manifest. Nearly everywhere I go, this seems to be the most widely held theory behind battery drains.
While I'm not saying this is wrong, I personally have a different theory regarding battery drains. When I watch videos of investigations where inexplicable battery drains occur, I'm never surprised to see that a manifestation does not occur immediately after the battery drain. In fact, in my experience, and from conversations with others, I believe a decrease in activity occurs following a battery drain, thus leading me to my theory.
I believe that the energy found in a battery, and the energy of roaming spirits are two distinctly different types of energy. When the energy of a spirit passes through a battery, the incompatibility of the two energy sources conflict with each other and actually drain both the batteries, and the spirit or entity of power, thus reducing the spirit activity from that point forward.
There is a way we can test both theories simultaneously. By introducing a larger battery (e.g., a car battery), connected to a volt-meter at all times, we can monitor the battery for a substantial energy drain at an investigation site. If the predominant theory is true, then the entity should have more power available in which to draw for it to manifest. If, however, a large drain on the battery occurs, and all activity ceases, we'll have collected further evidence that the incompatibilty theory may be true. In either case, the introduction of a large power source to an investigation could reveal a greater understanding of spirits and battery drains.
-Lance, Technical Department
While I'm not saying this is wrong, I personally have a different theory regarding battery drains. When I watch videos of investigations where inexplicable battery drains occur, I'm never surprised to see that a manifestation does not occur immediately after the battery drain. In fact, in my experience, and from conversations with others, I believe a decrease in activity occurs following a battery drain, thus leading me to my theory.
I believe that the energy found in a battery, and the energy of roaming spirits are two distinctly different types of energy. When the energy of a spirit passes through a battery, the incompatibility of the two energy sources conflict with each other and actually drain both the batteries, and the spirit or entity of power, thus reducing the spirit activity from that point forward.
There is a way we can test both theories simultaneously. By introducing a larger battery (e.g., a car battery), connected to a volt-meter at all times, we can monitor the battery for a substantial energy drain at an investigation site. If the predominant theory is true, then the entity should have more power available in which to draw for it to manifest. If, however, a large drain on the battery occurs, and all activity ceases, we'll have collected further evidence that the incompatibilty theory may be true. In either case, the introduction of a large power source to an investigation could reveal a greater understanding of spirits and battery drains.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: Cold and Hot Spots
One of the most predominant theories regarding cold/hot spots is that a spirit gathers energy in the form of heat until it can generate enough energy to begin the process of manifesting. This results in cold spots where the energy has be removed. These cold spots are noticeable by both physical contact and by measuring equipment. Hot spots, conversely, are the result of a spirit using all of the energy it has gathered to complete the process of manifestation.
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: Disembodied Voices
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: EVPs
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: ELFs
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: Orbs
Like most paranormal investigators, I was thrilled with my first orb. Here, I felt, was irrefutable proof that ''something'' was out there.
My opinions have changed quite a bit over the years, and what I once considered irrefutable, I now view with a good deal of skepticism.
In video experiments, The PI-Team has been able to re-create many types of orbs, including sparkling orbs, blinking orbs, orbs with unusual movements, etc. It's reached a point where, if there is any question of authenticity at all, I'll likely dismiss it. Still photography, with its lack of movement, is even worse. In fact, the The PI-Team has essentially quit using still cameras in its investigations, as an orb's similarity to dust makes them nearly impossible to identify. In my opinion, if you take a hundred photos and get one legitimate orb, you've had a very successful investigation. If you take a hundred photos and get dozens of orbs, you're looking at dust, rain, pollen, etc.
That said, I do believe that orbs exist. I just don't believe they automatically equate a spiritual entity. My speculation is that whatever produces a bona-fide orb may also be the same component needed for a spiritual entity to manifest itself, either visually or audibly -- and that makes orbs a very good thing to find.
-Michael, Director & Lead Investigator
My opinions have changed quite a bit over the years, and what I once considered irrefutable, I now view with a good deal of skepticism.
In video experiments, The PI-Team has been able to re-create many types of orbs, including sparkling orbs, blinking orbs, orbs with unusual movements, etc. It's reached a point where, if there is any question of authenticity at all, I'll likely dismiss it. Still photography, with its lack of movement, is even worse. In fact, the The PI-Team has essentially quit using still cameras in its investigations, as an orb's similarity to dust makes them nearly impossible to identify. In my opinion, if you take a hundred photos and get one legitimate orb, you've had a very successful investigation. If you take a hundred photos and get dozens of orbs, you're looking at dust, rain, pollen, etc.
That said, I do believe that orbs exist. I just don't believe they automatically equate a spiritual entity. My speculation is that whatever produces a bona-fide orb may also be the same component needed for a spiritual entity to manifest itself, either visually or audibly -- and that makes orbs a very good thing to find.
-Michael, Director & Lead Investigator
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Paranormal Theories: Shadow People
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Audio Recorders
When purchasing an Audio Recorder for EVP work, be mindful of the capabilities and restrictions of the specific recorder you are looking to purchase. A recorder capable of recording for hundreds of hours most likely uses a Codec which compresses the recording so much that background noises (such as EVPs) will be lost in the compression. Some recorders actually filter out the background noises, while others will record everything. It's important that you do your research regarding a recorder's capabilities and limitations. A good rule of thumb to follow when purchasing a digital audio recorder is to look for one that on the highest quality recording mode, will record approximately the number of hours you would use it for a single investigation (e.g., 12 hour maximum record time). If it can record substantially more, then a very Lossy or Dictation type Codec may be used, and you may be wasting your time attempting to capture EVPs.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Be Equipment Savvy
What do I mean by saying 'Be Equipment Savvy'? Keep in mind two things!
First, almost none of the equipment used for paranormal investigations was actually designed for that purpose. Most of the equipment we use was designed for another or a more general purpose, and you need to understand about the limitations of the equipment you are using. Secondly, if you want to learn from your mistakes, you need to understand what your equipment is capable of, and how it works. This way, if you find that a certain piece of equipment is working better than another similar piece of equipment, you can compare the different capabilities of the equipment and make a hypothesis as to 'why' one piece of equipment works better than another.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Audio Review
Listening for EVPs huh? Well, you could sit there quietly in the dark with your headphones and listen to your recording, struggling to determine if the voice you just heard was another investigator, or if it was a valid EVP...OR...you could review your audio the way I do.
At every investigation, I place several stationary Digital Audio Recorders throughout the investigation location. After the investigation is complete, I collect all of the recorders, and upload them into our laptop. When it's time for review, I use Audacity, and import each and every audio recording into a new file, then synchronize them. This way, when I listen to a single track (i.e., the audio recorded on one recorder), I can be watching the recorded waveforms of the other recorders at the same time. When I discover something which sounds like an EVP, I can quickly, and easily, compare (even listen to) the other recordings to determine if the noise is a valid EVP or if it is explainable by other means. This saves a ton of time, and as an added bonus, you can easily triangulate where the sounds originated from based on the volume of the recorded sound in each of the recorders!
Below is a screen capture of my audio review from an investigation we did in January.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Infrared Principles
Understanding Infrared (IR) Principles is an important part of being equipment savvy. If you use Infrared cameras, it's important for you to research what Infrared is, and how it works. We have a little test for you. If you know what the Infrared terms below mean (remember you can click on all of them to compare your answer to that of our 'PI Pal' definitions), then you're pretty well versed in Infrared Principles. If you can't define them, then I highly suggest you research the subject.
Test yourself by defining these terms: Blackbody, Near Infrared Sub-Region, Thermal Crossover.
So, how'd you do? Not so good, eh? Well, don't feel bad. Most people go out and buy a TV, hook it up, and as long as it works, they're happy. For most things in life, why should we worry about How something works? As long as it works, right? But, we're in this field to try and find evidence of, for lack of a better term, life-after-death. So, we have to approach our research scientifically, don't we? Do you think a Genome Scientist would simply accept that his equipment works, and does what he expects of it? Most definitely not! And for those of us in this field, we should know how our equipment works, and why.
For the purposes of this article, I won't get into all of the specifics of Infrared Principles...It's far to extensive to be covered in a single document. Rather, I'm going to use this time to enlighten you on just a few key points.
Many people consider Infrared to be nearly the same as Visible Light, and I suppose that's true to an extent; but, I wouldn't consider Gamma Radiation to be the same thing as UV Radiation (not unless I didn't care how my tanning session turned out). I illustrate this point using Gamma Radiation and UV Radiation because they, and many more common electromagnetic waves (e.g., Visible Light, Infrared, Microwave Radiation) are all a part of the same family...The Electromagnetic Spectrum. [Hopefully, you're using the 'PI Pal' definition feature on this website!] As I said, MOST people generally think of how Infrared works in terms of how Visible Light works, and to some degree I suppose that works if it helps you to understand.
By the way...let me interject a little pet-peeve of mine here. Thermal (heat), is NOT a part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Infrared and Heat are not the same thing, and the terms shouldn't be considered interchangeable. Infrared has unfortunately adopted this unofficial title for several reasons (misunderstanding being most predominant). All Electromagnetic Wavelengths have 'some' amount of temperature associated to them, so labeling Infrared as the same thing as Heat is not accurate. Since, I'm on the subject, and rambling already, I might as well illustrate that point.
Infrared was, quite accidentally, discovered by a man named Sir William Herschel. Sir William Herschel passed sunlight through a prism (which due to the characteristics of optics, split the sunlight into individual beams of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Violet light). Using a thermometer, Sir William Herschel identified that each of these individual beams of color held a slightly different temperature. As a means of control, he placed the thermometer just beneath red (presumably to measure the ambient room temperature), and discovered that 'something' read even hotter than red, something which could not be seen by the human eye! Long story short, that something was Infrared. Did you catch that? He was measuring the temperature of the Visible Light when he discovered Infrared. As I said, all wavelengths within the Electromagnetic Spectrum have varying degrees of heat associated with them.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox on that, and get back to the discussion at hand. If thinking about how Infrared works by associating it with how Visible Light works, then let me explain it briefly as such.
Active Infrared Cameras (nearly all Infrared cameras on the market today are 'Active'), require some sort of external illumination in order to 'light up' the room in which they are used. Based on cost, and heat generation, Light-Emitting-Diodes (LEDs) are predominantly used to 'light up' a room for an Infrared Camera. LEDs have an extremely narrow frequency range. In other words, a green LED produces a very specific color of green--no blues, no reds. With Infrared LEDs this is true as well. Imagine you wanted to video record your sister's wedding. Now, to light up the room for your camera, you installed several very bright blue lights. Only blue, no other colors. If you think your sister would look like a smurf on video, you'd be right. In order to get the best visual representation of the room, you would want to flood the room with white light (which has all the visible light colors in it). Get where I'm going with this?
With Infrared LEDs, the same thing is going to be true for your Infrared Camera. But, for the majority of the world, illuminating the room with only one 'color' of Infrared light is perfectly acceptable. The needs of the rest of the world, and our needs are two distinct things. The rest of the world is attempting to see the solid objects of the room, and 'blue', 'green', 'red'...makes no difference to them...they can 'see' the room. But, we're trying to capture something which is not solid. We need to take every possible step, take every advantage, to assist us in seeing mists, shadows, etc., so shouldn't we flood the room with 'white' Infrared light (all the Infrared wavelengths the camera can see)? Consider reading up on your Infrared Cameras with external illuminators, find out what wavelength the LEDs produce, then find some means of illuminating the room with the other wavelengths of the Infrared region.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Video Footage Review
Reviewing video evidence can be a real strain on your eyes. Given that most of the video a paranormal investigator reviews is monochrome (black/white, black/green), some evidence could be missed if the reviewer isn't very careful.
Let's discuss 'White-hot' and 'Black-hot'. Some cameras give the operator the option of switching between 'White-hot' and 'Black-hot' Infrared video. Simply put, this means that if your camera is switched to 'White-hot', warmer objects will appear whiter than the surrounding environment. In 'Black-hot' the converse is true--warmer objects will appear blacker than the surrounding environment. SO who cares? Let's see for ourselves. Below are two images (yes, you've probably seen this before, but it really explains my point well), in which image does the vase stand out more to you, and in which image do the two faces stand out more?
Did you see the faces better in one version than you did in the other? Maybe so, maybe no! In truth, it's simply another way to look at it! For some people an inverse image can result in better definition of the scene they are observing. Let's take a look at another set of images:
Notice how some of the parts that seem obscured in the first image appear more visible in the second, and vice versa? Good! Now, what I want you to consider is this...If you're a paranormal investigator, and you have some video footage to review, consider running through it twice: once in 'White-hot' and once in 'Black-hot'. Even if your equipment doesn't have this capability, there are plenty of freeware programs available that will create a 'negative' of your video for you. If that sounds like you're doubling your review time, you'd be right, but you may be surprised what you see! and even more surprised in what you didn't!
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Quality First
I know it has been said about everything; but, it's true! The most important part about doing any job is to think Quality First! If you're not working hard to ensure the quality of your evidence is high, it won't matter if you do catch a full bodied apparition on film, because you've left room for someone to dispute the evidence. Think hard about ways you can 'prove' that nobody on your team was the source of the evidence (e.g., they didn't speak at the same time an EVP was captured), etc. Challenge yourselves to find ways to prove that all possible means of evidence contamination have been covered to protect your evidence, and your reputation.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Tech Tips: Thermometers
Thermometers are a great tool in documenting the environment when paranormal activities occur. Alone, a thermometer's reading can not be considered 'evidence' of paranormal activity; however, temperature readings can be a great indicator that paranormal activity has/will/or may presently be occurring! Using Temperature Data-loggers is a great way to exploit a thermometer's value! When reviewing our Temperature Data-logger's recording, if we see a spike or a dip in temperature, we'll go back to the audio and video recordings for that specific timeframe and give it closer scrutiny!
Likewise, using a handheld thermometer during an investigation can give an investigator an idea of what is going on around him/her 'real-time'.
But, as great a tool as a thermometer is, it's important you realize the limitations of the thermometers you use. Standard thermometers measure the temperature of the air immediately around them, while laser thermometers measure the surface temperature of an object (not the air around it). If you're not trying to record a surface temperature, a laser thermometer isn't your best option, and vice versa. Also, keep in mind when using laser thermometers, that the emissivity of the objects in our environment are different, and hold and release their energy (in this case heat) at different rates. As a very general rule of thumb, darker objects will retain heat longer than lighter colored objects; however, the material making up the object plays a factor in the emissivity factor as well.
-Lance, Technical Department
© 2008, Paranormal Investigations Team of Utah
Investigations
We understand that a lack of case evidence on a Web site can give the impression that a group isn’t very active. However, for the PI-Team, nothing could be further from the truth.
Since not every investigation produces valid evidence, and because we have such a strict privacy policy, not as much evidence makes it to our Web site as many of you would like to see. But we want to assure you that we are a very active organization.
Below, you’ll find a color-coded calendar. Red blocks designate professional locations, such as businesses or public building. Green blocks indicate residential investigations. Since we sometimes do multiple investigations simultaneously, we’ve included the number of events in these blocks, as well.
When you consider the amount of physical evidence that we review in 'real-time' for every piece of equipment and every investigation, the PI-Team is a highly active organization. We hope this reassures you that we’re out there extensively, working hard to find the irrefutable proof which we’d all like to see.
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
When you consider the amount of physical evidence that we review in 'real-time' for every piece of equipment and every investigation, the PI-Team is a highly active organization. We hope this reassures you that we’re out there extensively, working hard to find the irrefutable proof which we’d all like to see.
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008