Ghost Hunting 101: what is a K-II meter and how do I use it?

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Ghost Hunting 101: what is a K-II meter and how do I use it?
August 19, 2009
Patricia Marin
Examiner.com

K-II meters have become all the rage since the guys from “TAPS” started using them to supposedly communicate with entities. It’s basically an EMF (electromagnetic field) meter and, like all EMF meters, it has its own frequency range. The various sensitivities and differences between EMF meters highlight the importance of “characterizing” all paranormal investigation equipment that will be used. It’s essential to know the frequencies each device will measure, as well as its range. If you “characterize” your equipment - and the equipment of the entire team - prior to investigating, you’ll understand what constitutes a “normal” response and what may be an “anomalous” reading.
The K-II meter has several vulnerabilities:
First, the power has to either be held down manually - or you can have it modified so that a toggle switch is installed. Of course, an effective and inexpensive option is to insert a coin or a rolled up dollar bill to keep it in the “on” position. Hard to believe, but some paranormal investigators (who shall remain nameless to protect the guilty) still conduct lengthy K-II sessions using only someone’s thumb to keep the device in the “on” position. The investigators insist that they’re not manipulating the responses and they are probably not consciously releasing the pressure. But it takes a lot of strength to hold it down – and to apply steady pressure - and it’s really not possible to do so effectively for more than a few minutes at a time. The unconscious motor responses of the investigator’s body will cause fluctuations and “false positives.” Any reactions received from a K-II meter that is being manually held in the “on” position should be discounted.
Next, the K-II also responds to cell phones, walkie-talkies, and other common frequencies. Most ghost hunters know better than to investigate with a “live” cell phone. One paranormal investigator was required by her job to carry two cell phones that were “on” at all times. Therefore, any “evidence” she obtained was suspect. Once, at Fort Mifflin, an investigator inadvertently left his cell phone turned on and in his pocket. He received several hits from the K-II meter and it took a while to figure out the source. He eventually realized that the short spikes he was getting were caused either by his cell phone or by transmissions from incoming and outgoing aircraft. Fort Mifflin is next to Philadelphia International Airport and the traffic is nearly continuous, something that must be considered when evaluating any audio or other evidence obtained at that site.
The K-II can also respond to wireless mics, but it must be in direct proximity to the microphone in order to do so. R.I.P.has tested this theory extensively during filmed investigations and the response range is very limited. However, groups that film their investigations need to be aware of the possibility. Again, correct equipment characterization is vital.
But, can an entity communicate by causing the buttons to light up? Well, possibly. There are no definitive answers yet, but – as with so many devices being used for paranormal investigations – research remains ongoing. R.I.P. and other groups – including TAPS - have experienced several instances in which they seemed to be receiving intelligent responses to questions and even appropriate responses to sidebar conversations amongst the investigators. The K-II is another arsenal in the ghost hunter’s tool kit, but it is only one of many.
The best approach is to use the K-II meter with caution and, most importantly, know and understand your equipment.