NCGH

As paranormal investigators, we’re constantly looking for new techniques and, in particular, cost effective equipment solutions for detecting and recording paranormal activity. An idea prompted by an episode of Paranormal State involving laser pointers and automatic night lights that we tried recently works wonderfully for detecting motion and coming in at under ten dollars for initial setup, certainly qualifies in the cost effective department, too.

Take a light sensor-activated nightlight (found at Walmart for around $5 for a 4-pack) and plug it into an outlet or power source. We used the LED version because it takes less power to get the nightlight to illuminate. At some distance, take a simple laser pointer (the $3 magnetic-backed ones from Walmart work wonderfully) and securely mount it so the laser beam shines on the light sensor of the nightlight. The nightlight will stay dark as long as the laser shines on the sensor, but if anything passes through the beam, the nightlight will instantly light up. This gives a low-tech, very bright, and fast response alert without all of the hassle of motion sensors that require a security system controller and extensive setup.

This article was featured in the May, 2009 newsletter.