Q: What are the best ways to overcome electrical noise problems?

A: Use low-noise, shielded leads, connectors, and probes. Use instruments and connectors that suppress EMI and RF radiation. Consider using analog signal transmitters, especially current transmitters. Finally, evaluate the possibility of using digitized signals.

Q: If a part is moving, can I still measure temperature?

A: Yes. Use infrared devices or direct contacting sensors plus a slip ring assembly.

Information courtesy of Omega Engineering Inc., www.omega.com

Data loggers track paranormal activity

HOBO data loggers from Onset Computer Corp. measure and record ambient temperature.

In recent years, interest in ghost hunting has increased. Television shows such as Ghost Hunters, Most Haunted, and Paranormal State have intrigued many viewers, and curiosity about the equipment used in these programs has grown. Confidential Paranormal Investigators (CPI), a Wisconsin-based team of ghost hunters, is just one example of paranormal researchers using modern-day technology to document and debunk paranormal activity. To ensure the integrity of their research, the CPI team relies on a variety of tools including temperature data loggers, which are used to monitor temperature fluctuations during an investigation.

Walt Baker is the technical manager and founder of CPI: “When it comes to paranormal investigations, we don't know what we're seeking, so we use a range of tools to provide background environmental data. We use technology to provide us with evidence that can support or demystify any paranormal experiences.”

During investigations, Baker and his team employ HOBO data loggers from Onset Computer Corp., Bourne, Mass. The loggers are mounted at different heights to detect any fluctuations in temperature.

“Non-contact IR thermometers are used to find the base temperatures, along with natural explanations for temperature differences, like a drafty window,” says Baker. “However, the thermometers are useless for locating columns of varying temperature, like a cold spot. For that, we use data loggers to measure and record the ambient temperature.”

During an investigation, each logger takes temperature measurements every second. “The loggers give us a date and time stamp,” explains Baker. “If someone on our team has a personal experience, or if there is a spike on the Electromagnetic Field (EMF) meter, we go back and check the dataset at that specific time to see if there was indeed a temperature change during the event, and then decide whether or not there is a correlation.”

After an investigation, collected data is downloaded onto a PC and analyzed using Onset's HOBOware Pro graphing and analysis software. The software features easy logger launch and readout functions, powerful data plotting capabilities, and an intuitive graphical user interface.

Baker emphasizes the importance of substantiating paranormal activity with environmental data. “First, we look at the data we've collected to see if anything significant sticks out,” he states. “For example, during one investigation, we caught an object on video; later, we examined concurrent EMF spikes and temperature changes.”

According to Baker, the video footage determined that the speed of one object captured on film was traveling at 60 miles per hour. “After reviewing the video, we were able to dismiss objects like bugs and dust,” he says. “The finding was even more interesting because the EMF field spike was not accompanied by temperature fluctuation.”

Baker concludes, “There is no ghost meter. We are using this equipment to correlate logged information with other techniques.”

Information courtesy of Onset Computer Corp., www.onsetcomp.com.