Custom-built DVR PC & IR Cameras

ARPA has designed a PC-based DVR system that is used as a connection point for infrared surveillance cameras, audio devices, and anything else we decide to connect to it!  The system utilizes a dual-core processor, 2GB+ memory, 2 seperate HDD's with plenty of storage, and a GeoVision GV800 DVR Card. These 0 lux infrared cameras will be placed at various hot spots on an investigation. The DVR system provides a way of monitoring these cameras live, while also recording and storing them on an internal storage device (HDD). ARPA always runs each camera at roughly 30FPS... and each camera has its own designated microphone that is also fed into the system.

Camcorders

Camcorders are a great way to capture apparitions, as well as EVP?'s... most handheld cameras come with audio capabilities. Now, of course, most microphones that are built into a camcorder are not the highest quality of microphones. You always have the option of adding an external microphone to most camcorders to improve results. Additionally, there are some theories out there that suggest camcorders can see things that the human eye may not be able to pickup. ARPA will sometimes setup these cameras on a tripod and use them as part of a surveillance setup.

IR Illuminators

These devices are used mainly as attachments on ARPA's camcorders. They offer additional infrared lighting for night vision cameras. Most of the standard night vision or "Nightshot" cameras do not have very good infrared illumination. These attachments are an essential tool when using night vision capabilities.

Electromagnetic Field? Detectors

These devices are used to detect changes in the electromagnetic field? of a particular environment. The theroy behind this is that entities will draw energy from the environment in order to manifest itself. In doing so, this causes spikes in electromagnetic field? readings. Proper use of this device requires a base reading be determined for each room and to be able to rule out man-made devices that can also cause spikes in electromagnetic fields. ARPA will assign EMF? detectors to particular investigators on an investigation.

Infrared Thermometer w/ Air Probe

ARPA uses this device to detect abnormal fluctuations of temperature in the air. Cold spots? are a common term among the paranomal world. The theory behind this is that when an entity attempts to draw energy from the environment, it causes a cold spot?. The air probe attachment with this device is essential to detecting free-floating cold spots?.

Audio Recorders

These essential devices are used for capturing Electronic Voice Phenomena? (EVPs). The microphone's that are built into the recorders can be useful, but we get better results when adding external microphones onto these recorders. You will also find that doing this eliminates noises that might be generated by the recorder itself. We will also use analog recorders on an investigation, the theory behind this is that an entity can imprint itself on the actual film of an analog recorder. Successful EVP?'s have been captured with both analog and digital recordings.

Microphones 

ARPA feels it is important to have additional microphones to be used with EVP? recording devices (discussed above). Most built-in microphones to devices that could potentially record EVP?'s are not that good. These microphones provide an easy method of eliminating a lot of background noises that may be picked up by the built-in microphones. ARPA will also set these microphones up on microphone stands and leave them recording at particular locations.

Communication Devices

ARPA utilizes 2-way radios on every investigation. These devices are essential for the communication between team members. Additionally, these devices provide an easy way for team members to call for help in the case of an injury or if someone gets lost. ARPA will also note any interference that may happen during an investigation... interference between these radios occompanied by other unexplainable events could potentially provide additional proof of paranormal activity.

Camcorder Tripods

ARPA generally utilizes camera tripods for our handheld camcorders. These camcorders can be setup as a surveillance device rather than just a handheld camcorder. Tripods are very handy to have during an investigation.