The Field Investigator's Tool Box
Welcome to the first installment of "The Field Investigator's Tool Box"! Here we are way beyond the question of "what if" and deal with the issues of "how to". I will be covering a variety of topics, all of which will have to do with the practical applications of equipment and techniques used in the field. In time I will hope to include articles from other contributors in the field who have their own tips and ideas that can benefit all of us in our investigations of UFOs and related subjects.
To kick off the first installment, I'll be covering the "basics" we all should have with us when out in the field. Of course the first item that every Field Investigator should have on them at all times is a compass. More valuable than determining direction, it can be a first indicator of the presence of a magnetic field. If you are at the site of a suspected landing, one of the first things one should do is check for any kind of residual field before approaching the area in question, and the easiest way to quickly check is to pull out your compass and see if it is behaving in an erratic fashion. Do not assume that because your compass is acting normal, there is no cause for concern...a compass will only detect a magnetic field, not radiation! The compass is a good first indicator, but keep in mind that more sensitive readings will be necessary. That brings me to the next two items that I feel are mandatory in everyones field bag; a Geiger Counter and a TriField Meter.
After reviewing many accounts of crash retrievals and trace landing cases, it has become apparent, to me at least, that the hazards of radiation associated with some cases is cause enough to warrant a specific radiation protocol whenever approaching questionable material. Since it can not be assumed that all events will occur in a location that is easily accessible, I find it more practical to prepare for the more likely scenario; that one will have to carry equipment a considerable distance over unknown terrain. For this reason my philosophy in the field is: Don't bring a thoroughbred, bring a mule. I have chosen the Sper Scientific Model #840026 Geiger Counter. It measures both Gamma (including X-Ray) and Beta radiation, and is sensitive from 0 to 100mR/hr. I consider this piece of equipment one of the most valuable as it just might save your life. Whenever approaching ANY crash or suspected landing site, ALWAYS do a radiation survey as you approach! Remember, the object doesn't need to be broken to emit radiation! Radiation will naturally cling to anything that is travelling through space without shielding. If a reading over 3 mR/hr is read, I would strongly consider stopping right there, taping off the area, and immediately call your SSD to confer on a safe way to proceed from that point.
The next item I would recommend is a good TriField Meter. My personal choice is the TriField Meter Model 100XE. It does an outstanding job of measuring magnetic fields from 0 - 100 milligauss, electric fields up to 1,000 volts/meter, and radio/microwave fields (mW/cm squared - into front of box). Make sure to always write down not only how strong the field is, but also how far the measurement was taken from either object or area. You also want to be sure to make the proper notations on your diagrams of the scene. Determining where the differences in field strength are will help to map out the site.
To kick off the first installment, I'll be covering the "basics" we all should have with us when out in the field. Of course the first item that every Field Investigator should have on them at all times is a compass. More valuable than determining direction, it can be a first indicator of the presence of a magnetic field. If you are at the site of a suspected landing, one of the first things one should do is check for any kind of residual field before approaching the area in question, and the easiest way to quickly check is to pull out your compass and see if it is behaving in an erratic fashion. Do not assume that because your compass is acting normal, there is no cause for concern...a compass will only detect a magnetic field, not radiation! The compass is a good first indicator, but keep in mind that more sensitive readings will be necessary. That brings me to the next two items that I feel are mandatory in everyones field bag; a Geiger Counter and a TriField Meter.
After reviewing many accounts of crash retrievals and trace landing cases, it has become apparent, to me at least, that the hazards of radiation associated with some cases is cause enough to warrant a specific radiation protocol whenever approaching questionable material. Since it can not be assumed that all events will occur in a location that is easily accessible, I find it more practical to prepare for the more likely scenario; that one will have to carry equipment a considerable distance over unknown terrain. For this reason my philosophy in the field is: Don't bring a thoroughbred, bring a mule. I have chosen the Sper Scientific Model #840026 Geiger Counter. It measures both Gamma (including X-Ray) and Beta radiation, and is sensitive from 0 to 100mR/hr. I consider this piece of equipment one of the most valuable as it just might save your life. Whenever approaching ANY crash or suspected landing site, ALWAYS do a radiation survey as you approach! Remember, the object doesn't need to be broken to emit radiation! Radiation will naturally cling to anything that is travelling through space without shielding. If a reading over 3 mR/hr is read, I would strongly consider stopping right there, taping off the area, and immediately call your SSD to confer on a safe way to proceed from that point.
The next item I would recommend is a good TriField Meter. My personal choice is the TriField Meter Model 100XE. It does an outstanding job of measuring magnetic fields from 0 - 100 milligauss, electric fields up to 1,000 volts/meter, and radio/microwave fields (mW/cm squared - into front of box). Make sure to always write down not only how strong the field is, but also how far the measurement was taken from either object or area. You also want to be sure to make the proper notations on your diagrams of the scene. Determining where the differences in field strength are will help to map out the site.
TriField Meter Model 100XE
Sper Scientific Model #840026 Geiger Counter
http://www.amazon.com/Trifield-100XE-EMF-Meter/dp/B00050WQ1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395251188&sr=8-1&keywords=TriField+Meter+Model+100XE
http://www.amazon.com/Radiation-Detector-Geiger-Counter-Scientific/dp/B003VWLEXQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395251228&sr=8-1&keywords=Sper+Scientific+Model+%23840026+Geiger+Counter
Both instruments are easily available on amazon.com (see above links - might have to cut and paste in browser) and are medium priced, but deliver just as well as the pricier models. I especially like the fact that a replacement GM tube is only $50! That is the one element in the Geiger counter that is most likely to break as they are extremely fragile. Always pack your Geiger counter with care!
With the proper training all three of these instruments can be your first line of inquiry in an on-site investigation. What the data from these instruments provide to YOU the Field Investigator can determine how you proceed in the first moments on the scene. Remember: Whenever in doubt about any situation NEVER hesitate to call your SSD or even your SD if you have questions!
I hope you all enjoy this first issue of "The Field Investigator's Tool Box"! Please leave any comments or ideas for things you would like to hear about in the future. It is my hope to make this a great resource for all who enjoy the investigation of UFOs and other related topics!
Great blog, Jeff. I hike a lot in our forest here and always carry a compass. I have one on my phone but I carry a real one as well.
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