EMF Meters
Before reading this article on EMF meters you may want to read: EMF Overview
Now we want to talk about EMF meters and the correct way to use them in the field. The first thing I would like to make clear is that these meters measure fluctuations in the EM field surrounding the meter. It does not in any way detect ghosts that we are aware of.
Let's start with something that is the same with all meters you get. How far in feet from the source does a meter have to get before it detects it. The answer is zero feet. All EMF meters will only measure the strength of a field around the meter itself. The distance you start to pick up the field has to do more with the sensitivity of the meter.
Sensitivity is what determines the difference from one meter to the other. The meter with more sensitivity can successfully be used further from the source of the field itself. Even so, you are still measuring the field at the location of the meter at not necessarily at the source.
So if sensitivity is the key, how far can a meter with a certain sensitivity be useful? With the many possibilities that could make up a source for the field that is impossible to determine. The determining factors are the strength of the field at the source, the rate that field will decrease with distance and pattern of radiation from the source.
One of the things that will decide the sensitivity of the meter is whether it is a single axis or a triple axis. The reason the measuring axis is important to sensitivity is because magnetic fields are vector fields. The most important thing to remember about this is that magnetic fields have a strength AND a direction.
A single axis meter has only one sensor. The single sensor will detect a field in only one direction. It could be possible with this type of meter to be near a EM source and not get a reading. There are two ways you can find out which way your single axis meter is reading.
- Find an EM source (panel box in home for example) and slowly rotate the meter until you get the largest reading. This will be the correct reading and the direction it reads.
- Some will tell you the correct orientation in the manual.
With a single axis EMF meter, it gets complicated if you want to get an exact strength reading. To do so you need to get a reading in the horizontal position, then another at a right angle to that position and then another at the vertical position. Then do a little math by calculating the square root of the sum of all three readings squared. Simple huh? I am not certain that entire math process is necessary for paranormal research as long as you get an accurate base reading holding your meter the same way all the time.
You can avoid all that math and confusion however by using a 3 axis EMF meter. A three axis meter has three sensors. One sensor measures on the Y axis, one on the X axis and one on the Z axis. The Y axis is perpendicular to the X axis and the Z axis is perpendicular to both the X and Y axis. With this configuration regardless as to how the meter is facing, it will give an accurate reading.
So the final question, which is better for paranormal investigating. The obvious answer is the three axis meters but there is also the issue of cost. The single axis meters are much cheaper and in the end, if used correctly can get just as much data. Ultimately, no matter what EMF meter you use, remember you are detecting EMF spikes that maybe paranormal, not ghost or spirits.