There is a lot of controversy about the K-II meter that we experiment with on our investigations. The K-II is the small meter with multi-colored lights that we use to detect magnetic fields and frequency.

We use this in two ways. The first, is as it was originally intended, to detect magnetic fields. If we find a high field, that field could be the cause of a false sense of paranormal activity.

The second way is to try and communicate with entities. It would seem, and we still aren't firm believers yet (if ever), that you can instruct an entity to approach the device and the device will respond to an entity which is in close proximity to the device. If this is true, then one could, in theory, have the entity approach the device and make the lights illuminate to indicate an affirmative answer to a question.

So, now that you know how we use it, here are the shortcomings of the device that we know of so far. We feel you should know these shortcomings so that you can not be fooled by it, and also that you all know that WE know these shortcomings.

1. The Power Button - The power button on the device requires the user to hold it down in order for the device to function. The problem with this is that, no matter how strong you are, after a while of holding the button, your thumb will start to fatigue. When this happens, the lights on the device will illuminate, giving a false reading.

We bypass this problem easily and inexpensively by shoving a coin in the switch, effectively wedging the power button on. We have also had some K-II's modified with a hard-wired toggle switch, this is great but some people don't trust a K-II that has been opened up and modified. So, we use both.

2. Cell Phones & Walkies - A little known fact about the K-II is that is also detects frequencies. A cell phone, or a walkie/two-way radio can set off the K-II as far as 20 feet away. This can easily fool people into thinking they are communicating with an entity when actually, their cell phone is looking for signal, or another investigator is trying to reach them on their walkie.

We avoid this by shutting off our cell phones and walkies during K-II sessions. Plus, with a little bit of experience, it is VERY easy to identify when the readings are caused by a cell phone or walkie. The device will continually flash very quickly when it is detecting a cell phone. It will spike similarly but not as intensely when it is a walkie. A small two-way radio can give false readings that are almost EXACTLY like those that are believed to be paranormal. So, PLEASE, be careful.

Added - 11/15/08: Also, if the K-II is placed near our wireless audio transmitters it will go off. Naturally, we avoid placing it near our packs. Usually, Arms length at pack level is enough. Once you venture above or below it, it doesn't set the K-II off.

3. The Green Light - When using the K-II, you find yourself staring at the green light waiting for some response. The problem here is that you spend the whole session staring at the light while potentially missing other paranormal activity.

Friends of ours have hard-wired a tiny speaker in the device that will emit a beep that repeats more frequently the higher the reading is. This is great because, your ears are able to pick up any reading, leaving your eyes to be more vigilant. It also allows you to record the whole event with just a digital recorder.

So, as of right now, we know that the device has its flaws as do ALL the devices we use. But we will continue to experiment and determine the best fit for this device in the field. I just wanted you all to know what we know, and that we are going to great lengths to ensure that we are NOT being fooled by the device.