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| What is Oceanic Ghost Research About? |
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The OGR was formed
in an attempt to undertake a monumental task of investigating ghost and
other paranormal phenomena in as scientific manner as is possible.
How are we different to the plethora of other valid ghost research groups?
Like most other ghost research
groups, we too are interested in seeking the "holy grail" of ghost
hauntings by capturing a full bodied apparition. However, from a
scientific perspective, such data on its own is rarely sufficient or
conclusive evidence. Just take a look on YouTube for ghost videos and
you will find a multitude of videos, most of questionable credibility,
although a small percentage could be perceived as unexplainable.
We believe that the best way to make inroads into paranormal
investigations is by acquiring a wealth of data over many
investigations and collating this data to provide greater insight into
the underlying conditions. By understanding the variables which may
affect the generation of such events we can develop more insightful
theories. Theories which can be tested can start to chip away at this
enigmatic phenomenon. |
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| The Core Team Members |
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Michael Watson - Co Founder/Lead Investigator
Michael has had several years experience investigating hauntings in the
UK, his native homeland. His experiences in the UK and his core
motivation to continue his research was the driving factor in
partnering with Vinc to establish the OGR on his arrival down under in
2006. Michael is an openmided investigator and is open to all possible
theories, may it be a natural 'skeptical' explanation or a 'paranormal'
one. Michael
is the Head Rep for Australia for IPI (International Paranormal
Investigators) and also OGR representative for TAPS Family
International.
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Vladimir Dubaj (BSc, PhD) - Co Founder/Lead Investigator
Vlad comes from a science background with a BSc in neurophysiology and
a PhD in biomedical imaging. Vlads interest in haunt phenomena and
paranormal events is founded in two main areas:
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The instrumentation &
Equipment used to detect potentially paranormal events; particularly
interpreting the significance of the spectrum in which the event is
detected. |
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The theoretical aspects of ghosts & paranormal events with emphasis on the conditions under which they occur. |
This interest in the tools of the trade has lead to a fortuitous chance
meeting with Michael and the subsequent formation of the OGR. Vlad is
also our resident equipment maker and has successfully designed our
temperature/humidity data logging software/sensors and a negative Ion
Detector. |
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Eric Jones (BEng, PhD) - Senior Team Member/Technical
A true skeptic, Eric is a partner investigator recruited to assist with
technical aspects of the investigations, lending computer and hardware
support. He possesses extensive knowledge in sound and image analysis,
and with a keen eye for detail, always manages to ask the right
questions about acquired data. His skeptical view helps to keep the
team grounded.
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Steve V - Investigator/Audio Analysis
Steve
has always had a keen interest in the subject of the paranormal and
brings with him over 10 years experience as a sound engineer/music
producer. Steve's motivation, Technical experience and
openmindness has become the key factors in him joining the Group.
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| New Team Member |
Joel - Trainee Investigator/Technical
Joel is the youngest member of our
group and his enthusiasm and his already acquired knowledge were
beneficial in him joining the group. Joel is interested in learning
more about what factors may be interperated to common perceptions of the
paranormal. Joel is also keen to understand the technical aspects of the
equipment we use.
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| New Team Member |
Jess - Trainee Investigator/Location Research
Jess is also a new team member and
is currently studying Australian History and Research at the Australian
Catholic University. With those skills and her self belief, she had the
required
abilities to join the group. Jess will undertake any factual research
into any of the locations we investigate and her unique sense of humor
certainly keeps an overnight investigation very interesting.
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| New Team Member |
Alla - Trainee Investigator/Case Manager/PR
Alla has had a long interest in the
paranormal and was keen to join an established group to contribute her
already acquired knowledge and skills,and also keen to develop more.
Alla has also undertaken study of Australian History and along
with Jess she will also undertake factual research of locations when
needed.
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| Equipment Used in Our Investigations and analysis |
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Oceanic Ghost
Research uses a wide range of
'technical' equipment on our investigations, to collect visual/audio
data and to measure the natural environmental conditions of the
particular location we are investigating. The use of a controlled
environment and logging of data is an essential factor of a paranormal
investigation.
The use of Data Logging equipment -
OGR believes that data logging equipment and software is extremely
beneficial and objective in understanding the variables of the
'natural' environment over a longer period of time. By understanding
the 'normal'' and by eliminating spurious factors thought to contribute
to reports of the paranormal, evidence of potential paranormal
phenomena may in fact be strengthened. The more possibilities
eliminated, the fewer the conclusions.
We have also successfully devised and built our own equipment to suit our
needs and to fit in with our protocols. Vlad Dubaj is our resident
equipment maker and is continually devising new equipment for our
investigations.
Our goal is to record any anomalous fluctuations in the electromagnetic
field, temperature, humidity and other environmental readings that may
not pertain to natural sources. Strength and credibility of unusual
phenomena can be greatly increased when unusual readings are obtained
synchronously across multiple devices.
Below is a description of our primary equipment: -
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| CCTV Surveillance Cameras, DVR System |
| OGR has 10 surveillance cameras which we use in
our investigations, they range from 1/3 inch SONYCCD 54 LED Cameras
with an amazing 100M range in InfraRed Mode to smaller surveillance
cameras, which we use in a more enclosed environment or to record a
specific object at short range. As part of the surveillance camera set
up we use 2 Digital Video Recorder/Hard Drive and our personally
modified recording software. We also have a range of cable lengths from
100M to 10M, depending on location, power points can be a problem.
These type of cameras are set up and run through the entire
investigation usually around reported 'Hot Spots'. or 'Active' areas. |
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| 54 LED IR Camera |
Cameras and Tripods |
Small Camera Used for
Trigger Objects |
Digital Video Recorder
and Monitor |
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| Temperature and Data Logging Monitoring Equipment |
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Our primary data logger equipment and software to
record temperature and humidity was devised by Vinc. The sensors are
linked to the software and gives a continuous recording of required
data throughout the investigation. The software produces a graph
showing analysis of each locations temperature. We also use a range of
standard hand held digital temperature reading devices.
OGR also uses digital temp and humidity loggers, Light (Lux) Data
Loggers, EMF Data Loggers and Spectrum Analysers (and Software).
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| Data Loggers |
Analysis Software |
Digital Thermometers |
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| Spectrum Analyser |
Temp Data Logger |
EMF Meter Data Logger |
Light Meter Data Logger |
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| Oceanic
Ghost
Research's specifically designed temperature Standard Temp/Humidity
Data Loggers, EMF Data Loggers Spectrum Analysers, Analysis Software and
Digital Thermometers |
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| EMF Detectors |
| Oceanic Ghost Research currently has around eight handheld
Electromagnetic Field Detectors in its equipment portfolio. We use a
variety of EMF meters from Tri-Field to standard single axis metes with a bandwidth from 30Hz to 200Hz .
Although this type of equipment has specifically been designed for the
obvious, to read ElectroMagnetic Field readings from natural/man-made
sources. There is to date no known evidence that an an EMF meter can be
used to detect paranormal activity. However if used correctly and by
eliminating natural sources, occasionally positive results can be
obtained. |
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| Standard Single Axis EMF Detectors |
Tri Field Meter |
Mel Meter 8704 |
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| Other Environmental Monitoring Equipment |
| As with EMF meters, the other environmental
monitoring equipment we use has been specifically designed for its
primary purpose of monitoring natural variables. We use the equipment
for this purpose, but it is beneficial to monitor unusual patterns in
readings that do not run consistent with the natural environment of the
location. From EMF activity and infrasound to elevated carbon monoxide
levels, |
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| Infra sound Detection and Experimental Equipment |
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resident equipment maker Vlad is currently building a infrasound
detector to record sound below 20Hz. Infra sound and the paranormal is
still in its infancy, although many studies have been carried out in
this area, most notably by the late Vic Tandy of Coventry University. Infra sound Explained.
It may have an effect on the human brain in terms of feelings of
unease, but there is no evidence to suggest that all paranormal
accurances are attributed to infrasound, like Vic Tandy suggested.
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| Audio Recording Devices |
| OGR uses digital voice recorders during
investigations and other specialized audio recording equipment.
It has been stated that audio recording devices can pick up certain
sounds such as voices, footsteps, music, even animal noises that are
not normally heard by the human ear. As with Infrasound, much
research has been carried out on this phenomena, most commonly known as
EVP -Electronic Voice Phenomena. Although it has been prove that
natural interference can be recorded onto either digital or analogue
recording devices such as radio waves or solar wind, many EVPs' have
been recorded of clear voices seemingly interacting with the person
asking questions. To date much more research into this phenonima is needed to
determine if there is a true paranormal aspect. |
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| Typical Digital Voice Recorders |
Equipment set up of a live/real time audio recording Interface and Condenser Microphones |
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| Digital Video and Still Cameras |
| We use a wide range of video and still camera
during our investigations and carefully analyze each photo and all
video footage for any anomalous activity. Certain protocols and controls need to be adapted when using such equipment. |
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