Paranormal Instrumentation – Part 3
With out a doubt, measuring EMF is probably the most revealing aspect of paranormal research. With our recent discovery of the relationship between EMF and EVP, accurately measuring all aspects of EMF across the frequency spectrum is paramount. Therefore, we have assembled an assortment of devices to monitor and measure this parameter, and the list is likely to grow larger as we move forward. The lap top is used to record findings from the antenna array using a free program called Right Mark Audio Analyzer. Hand held oscilloscopes are used to monitor the coil array and the MC-95 sensor. Video cameras record the instrument displays. We also use an Annis magnetometer to monitor any strong magnetic field. The K-II is used as a heads up display, since its lack of shielding and broadband response makes it light up with any present EMF. The flashing LEDs focus us on observing the other instruments to see if there are any significant deviations.
The MC 95 sensor operates from 25 Hz to 3000 Hz, which pretty well covers the human voice spectrum and below. The hand wound coils cover EMF down to 1 Hz. The antenna array covers from about 400 KHz to 2.4 GHz. We also use a frequency counter to identify any stable frequencies.
The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space and describes the electromagnetic interaction. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature (the others are gravitation, the weak interaction, and the strong interaction).
The field can be viewed as the combination of an electric field and a magnetic field. The electric field is produced by stationary charges, and the magnetic field by moving charges (currents); these two are often described as the sources of the field. The way in which charges and currents interact with the electromagnetic field is described by Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz Force Law.
From a classical point of view, the electromagnetic field can be regarded as a smooth, continuous field, propagated in a wavelike manner, whereas from a quantum mechanical point of view, the field can be viewed as being composed of photons.
One of the main characteristics which define an electromagnetic field (EMF) is its frequency or its corresponding wavelength. Fields of different frequencies interact with the body in different ways. One can imagine electromagnetic waves as series of very regular waves that travel at an enormous speed, the speed of light. The frequency simply describes the number of oscillations or cycles per second, while the term wavelength describes the distance between one wave and the next. Hence wavelength and frequency are inseparably intertwined: the higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength.
Wavelength and frequency determine another important characteristic of electromagnetic fields: Electromagnetic waves are carried by particles called quanta. Quanta of higher frequency (shorter wavelength) waves carry more energy than lower frequency (longer wavelength) fields. Some electromagnetic waves carry so much energy per quantum that they have the ability to break bonds between molecules. In the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma rays given off by radioactive materials, cosmic rays and X-rays carry this property and are called 'ionizing radiation'. Fields whose quanta are insufficient to break molecular bonds are called 'non-ionizing radiation'. Man-made sources of electromagnetic fields that form a major part of industrialized life - electricity, microwaves and radiofrequency fields – are found at the relatively long wavelength and low frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum and their quanta are unable to break chemical bonds.
Electric fields exist whenever a positive or negative electrical charge is present. They exert forces on other charges within the field. The strength of the electric field is measured in volts per meter (V/m). Any electrical wire that is charged will produce an associated electric field. This field exists even when there is no current flowing. The higher the voltage, the stronger the electric field at a given distance from the wire.
As previously noted, electric fields are strongest close to a charge or charged conductor, and their strength rapidly diminishes with distance from it. Conductors such as metal shield them very effectively. Other materials, such as building materials and trees, provide some shielding capability. Therefore, the electric fields from power lines outside the house are reduced by walls, buildings, and trees. When power lines are buried in the ground, the electric fields at the surface are hardly detectable.
Magnetic fields arise from the motion of electric charges. The strength of the magnetic field is measured in amperes per meter (A/m); more commonly in electromagnetic field research, scientists specify a related quantity, the flux density (in microtesla, µT) instead. In contrast to electric fields, a magnetic field is only produced once a device is switched on and current flows. Remember, the higher the current, the greater the strength of the magnetic field.
Like electric fields, magnetic fields are strongest close to their origin and rapidly decrease at greater distances from the source. Magnetic fields are not blocked by common materials such as the walls of buildings.
What are the main sources of low, intermediate and high frequency fields?
The time-varying electromagnetic fields produced by electrical appliances are an example of extremely low frequency (ELF) fields. ELF fields generally have frequencies up to 300 Hz. Other technologies produce intermediate frequency (IF) fields with frequencies from 300 Hz to 10 MHz and radiofrequency (RF) fields with frequencies of 10 MHz to 300 GHz. The effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body depend not only on their field level but on their frequency and energy. Our electricity power supply and all appliances using electricity are the main sources of ELF fields; computer screens, anti-theft devices and security systems are the main sources of IF fields; and radio, television, radar and cellular telephone antennas, and microwave ovens are the main sources of RF fields. These fields induce currents within the human body, which if sufficient can produce a range of effects such as heating and electrical shock, depending on their amplitude and frequency range. (However, to produce such effects, the fields outside the body would have to be very strong, far stronger than present in normal environments.)
Electromagnetic fields at high frequencies
Mobile telephones, television and radio transmitters and radar produce RF fields. These fields are used to transmit information over long distances and form the basis of telecommunications as well as radio and television broadcasting all over the world. Microwaves are RF fields at high frequencies in the GHz range. In microwaves ovens, we use them to quickly heat food.
t radio frequencies, electric and magnetic fields are closely interrelated and we typically measure their levels as power densities in watts per square metre (W/m2).
lectric and magnetic fields are invisible fields of force created by electric voltage (electric fields) and by electric current (magnetic fields). Wherever there is a flow of electricity, both electric and magnetic fields are present. Electric fields exist when appliances are plugged in. Magnetic fields exist when appliances are turned on
EMFs are higher the closer they are measured to their source. In fact, EMF levels are greater next to an appliance and almost disappear at distances of 3-5 feet. This is one reason why home appliances may produce higher levels of EMFs in a house as opposed to a power line that may be nearby.
Measuring magnetic field strength
The strength or intensity of magnetic fields is commonly measured in a unit called a Gauss or Tesla by magnetic field meters called “gauss meters.” A milligauss (mG) is a thousandth of a gauss, and a microtesla (uT) is a millionth of a tesla (one milligauss is the same as 0.1 microtesla).
The magnetic field strength in the middle of a typical living room measures about 0.7 milligauss or 0.07 microtesla. As noted above, the strength of the magnetic field is only one component of the mixture that characterizes the field in a particular area. Measuring only magnetic field strength may not capture all the relevant information any more than the decibel volume of the music you are playing captures the music’s full impact. The main health studies to date have only measured magnetic field strength directly or indirectly and assessed its association with disease.
Some scientists wonder if the weak association between measured magnetic fields and cancer in these studies might appear stronger if we knew which aspect of the EMF mixture to measure. Other scientists wonder if any such aspect exists.
Common as dirt - 60 Hz EMF
There are “power frequency” electric and magnetic fields almost everywhere we go because 60 Hz electric power is so widely used. Exposure to magnetic fields comes from many sources, like high voltage “transmission” lines (usually on metal towers) carrying electricity from generating plants to communities and “distribution” lines (usually on wooden poles) bringing electricity to our homes, schools, and work places. Other sources of exposure are internal wiring in buildings, currents in grounding paths (where low voltage electricity returns to the system in plumbing pipes), and electric appliances such as TV monitors, radios, hair dryers and electric blankets. Sources with high voltage produce strong electric fields, while sources with strong currents produce strong magnetic fields. The strength of both electric and magnetic fields weakens with increasing distance from the source (table 1). Magnetic field strength falls off more rapidly with distance from “point” sources such as appliances than from “line” sources (power lines). The magnetic field is down to “background” level (supposed to be no greater than that found in nature)
-4 feet from an appliance, while it reaches background level around 60-200 feet from a distribution line and 300-1000 feet from a transmission line. Fields and currents that occur at the same place can interact to strengthen or weaken the total effect. Hence, the strength of the fields depends not only on the distance of the source but also the distance and location of other nearby sources.
Identifying sources of elevated magnetic fields
Sometimes fairly simple measurements can identify the external or internal sources creating elevated magnetic fields. For example, turning off the main power switch of the house can rule out sources from use of power indoors.
Magnetic field measurements made at different distances from power lines can help pinpoint them as sources of elevated residential magnetic fields. Often, however, it takes some detective work to find the major sources of elevated magnetic fields in or near a home. Currents in grounding paths (where low voltage electricity returns to the system in plumbing pipes) and some common wiring errors can lead to situations in which source identification is difficult and requires a trained technician. It is almost always possible to find and correct the sources of elevated magnetic fields when they are due to faulty electrical wiring, grounding problems, or appliances such as lighting fixtures.
As stated, measuring EMF and doing it correctly is most likely the single most important measurement when investigating the paranormal. Rooms should be worked in a grid pattern with hand held devices to identify natural sources of EMF. Any spikes occurring during the course of the investigation should be checked immediately for a source.
Pictures posted on Blog at www.spinvestigations.org
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