Equipment we use
Nitemax Infrared Viewer
Filtering down from their development for military and security forces there is a readily available range of see-in-the-dark equipment. Generally the equipment available achieve this function by two different methods and these are firstly by using a special chemical agent applied to a cathode tube to amplify existing light and secondly by using the same system we mentioned in the camcorder section, that is they employ an infra red light source and have the ability to view in this spectrum. The first type using the agent to amplify existing light are usually found under the heading 'night vision' and they are graded in generations with generation 4 being the current champion, albeit with a hefty price to match! Use of this type of light-enhancing night vision equipment will generally be fine in most conditions and where true 0 lux conditions ( pitch black ) prevail the units sometimes have their own IR illuminators though the strength and range of these illuminators varies. Nearly all of these type of devices require holding up to your eyes though and as a rule they magnify the field of view so if you intend to use such equipment seek out the lowest magnification possible because as paranormal investigators we tend to want to have as wide a field of vision as possible. One device we find particularly useful and use several of is known as the Night Max Digital Night Vision Viewer. This handy piece of equipment uses a bank of infra red l.e.d's to illuminate an area and the image captured is displayed on a 2.5" lcd screen on the rear of the unit. It negates the need to hold the device up to your eyes, its lens can be focused and the unit itself can be link to a Media storage device or Camcorder for recording.