Posts Tagged ‘ITC’
David Rountree Interview about the Probe, Part 2 ITC device for Paranormal Investigations?
David Rountree interview about The Probe Part 2
by
Martha Hazzard-Decker
Author’s note – This author made several attempts to contact Andy Coppock to obtain his view regarding his modifications on the inductive probe. Coppock did not respond.
Dav Rountree interview about The Probe, Part 2, ITC device for paranormal investigations?. Just what is the Probe? Does it fall under the realm of Instrumental Transcommunication devices (EVP & ITC)? This is a question that can be debated probably all day long between ITC paranormal users and those investigating paranormal possibilities but in a more definitive and scientific manner. Part one of this interview was with author and ITC researcher April Slaughter. She believes the Probe works and contact can be made with the other side. In Part two one of the four Probe testers, David Rountree explains his thoughts about working with the Probe and if he thinks it works.
Slaughter had stated that there are other inductive probes out there and she didn’t want individuals to see photos of the Probe Andy Coppock gave her for fear that it could be mistaken with the common inductive probe. If you google Andy Coppock a vast array of information can be found about him and his device. However, there are not as many videos found showing Coppock using his Probe. It seems, according to quite a few comments on websites, that there used to be quite a few videos posted. There are numerous skeptics posting comments about how voice is coming from the device on these websites along with a few believers.
David Rountree has researched paranormal phenomena for about 25 years using a scientific point of view and is the director of Scientific Paranormal Investigative Research Information and Technology (S.P.I.R.I.T). Roundtree is also the co-director of New Jersey Paranormal Research Group along with several other groups, including those involving engineering. His primary research is studying electronic voice phenomena (EVP), environmental alterations present during possible paranormal activity and searching for the source. He has former law enforcement background and approaches paranormal investigations using his forensic training in conducting a search for possible reasons causing activity.
Rountree stated, “there isn’t a shred of evidence and no scientific explanation,” for voices coming through on the Probe. He explained that if an individual understands how the inductive probe works then they would understand how, “far fetched,” obtaining any EVP sounds. There are numerous inductive probes listed for sale on eBay. They come in a variety of sizes and prices. They are designed to work with tone test sets to identify and trace wires within a group with out damaging insulation. Using the inductive Probe is similar to using RF band radio and expecting it to, “magically pick up scanning words,” according to Rountree. He did say that using proper methods, “communication may be possible.”
Rountree said that EVP is possible, especially when using a dynamic microphone, but they are rare. In about 25 years of research Roundtree said he has about 25 recordings he would classify as an EVP. He described the use of Shack Hacks, ghost boxes and the Ovilus as entertainment and not actual professional, scientific tools. The Shack Hack is a radio which randomly scans AM and FM stations. Their speed of scanning can be adjusted by the user or maker of the modifications. The Franks Box operates with an AM chip and works the same as the Shack Hack, going up and down the AM band. According to Rountree, without an RF spectrum analysis three is no way to figure where the words are coming from using the Shack Hack or a ghost box.
“The Ovilus is a hoot and is sold for entertainment and not scientific.” Tools like the Ovilus have a large amount of words programmed into their controls and when listening to it phonetically often words will make sense to the listener. There are 10,000 words programmed into a word memory chip that is triggered by environmental changes decided by the builder, according to Rountree. When it comes to individuals claiming they heard their name mentions, Rountree stated there are over 1,100 common names programmed into the vocabulary. This would stand to reason that should one be in a large group with the Ovilus running someone in the group might hear their name called out. “Any item sold as a phone app for $1.99 is designed to use when you get together with friends and you want to spook someone. It’s designed like an oracle.” Remember the old eightball nearly everyone had as a child? You would ask it a question then turn it over to reveal the answer to your question with a response of yes or no.
The Probe used by Coppock has been used by Rountree and others for years, but as a tool for work and not the paranormal. It’s used to trace out wiring. It’s used by moving down pins till you find the wire you’re looking for and it does pick up EMF, but the quality of the speaker is very poor said Rountree. He explained they have a cheap speaker and it would not be possible to hear a human quality voice coming from it. Roundtree stated he has seen videos of it in use and the voices allegedly coming from the Probe do fall into the human harmonic spectral range. Rountree said it is hard to ask him to believe it is coming from the Probe and to “buy into the myth.” Rountree said, “the voice is not coming from the wand (Probe) because of the quality.” Rountree does not know how Coppock is doing the voice with the Probe. He explained that anyone can do the sound analysis using files such as Audacity. These programs can take apart the acoustic quality and will show that the voice Coppock said is coming from the Probe is definitely human and is “coming from somewhere.” Rountree said, “The Probe is getting interesting files but there is no scientific value to claim.” The “ITC community has it wrong and there is fraud,” according to Rountree. He said the key is in knowing EMF and EVP, how it works and how sounds are broadcast and received back. You can’t take one or two pieces of equipment to decide if it’s communication because that should take 10-12 pieces of equipment, according to Rountree.
Rountree believes one has a better chance of getting a good EVP by using a good quality recorder and a headset. One that he recommends is the ZOOM. He said a dynamic microphone and good headset should be used with recorders so one can hear in real time. “There is no button on them that says normal or paranormal.” What does Rountree do before he classifies a sound as an EVP? He will send the sound clip to five random people he knows without telling them what he thinks it says and let them decide. If they say they hear what he heard, then he classifies it as an EVP.
Rountree is the author of “Paranormal Technology: Understanding the Science of Ghost Hunting.” You can find a link for his book and additional information on his website Spin Investigations. This is Rountree’s first book to provide a scientific method to ghost hunting. It includes in-depth explanations, techniques, experiments and answers.
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April Slaughter interview about The Probe an ITC device from Andy Coppock
April Slaughter interview about The Probe
by
Martha Hazzard-Decker
Have you been probed yet? Do you know what the Probe, created by Andy Coppock, even looks like? April Slaughter is one of four individuals, in addition to Coppock, who are testing the Probe for its possible ability to assist in communicating with those who are no longer living. Slaughter has spent years in the paranormal community as a researcher, investigator and writer. It was only natural for her to talk to Coppock about his latest paranormal Instrumental Transcommunication device (EVP & ITC). Slaughter calls it “The Probe.”
Slaughter said the device, while similar to other devices on the market is not the same thing. She said that Coppock has modified the internal working of the device. He started using the device while investigating a paranormal case involving an autistic child, according to Slaughter. Then after getting unexpected results, Coppock began testing the device in other ways. He reached out to Slaughter because she has a daughter with epilepsy and there may be a way to help her with the device when she has seizures.
She said Coppock had the device present for a gathering at the Black Swan Inn and she initially went to strictly observe the participation and results. What occurred “changed her life.” This was her first experience with the device. There is a video one can view on YouTube to see how the Probe works, according to Slaughter. She doesn’t like to share any photographs of the device without permission from Coppock. Slaughter has only showed a picture of it once, and that was at the Haunted America Conference in IL and put together by Troy Taylor. She will be back again next summer to talk about how her research has been going with the Probe.
While she was at the Black Swan Inn, Slaughter had an unexpected and unplanned connection with her grandfather through the Probe. She asked to speak with her grandfather. It lasted 11 minutes and has profoundly changed her life. Slaughter said they talked about many family matters, including her daughter and her health. She asked a question everyone wants an answer too – what is it like over there. Her grandfather, commenting on their religious beliefs, told her, “It’s not like we thought.” Slaughter said, “it put me in a state of shock. It seemed like this was the Holy Grail of the paranormal world.” She would have liked it if everyone could have this experience. She said the experience with the Probe has validated her doubts and her beliefs. She feels her grandfather is around often and things he discussed with her were things she has told no one. It was the validation she needed to know that she was speaking with her grandfather. Slaughter said the experience has changed her life, called the event incredible and was able to witness 20 additional conversations held by other participants.
Saughter has researched and investigated the paranormal for 15 years. She now leans toward ITC research more than going on investigation. Slaughter said there are plenty of investigators in the field to conduct paranormal investigations. EVP work is important to Slaughter. She said that she has seen ITC devices used with successful results. She tries to consistently collect research and has a variety of devices to choose from. Slaughter said she has been fortunate to be able to acquire different devices from several different investors. She has Frank’s boxes that were built for her use by Frank Sumption. She has several different types of mini boxes, ovilus and what is commonly referred to as Radio Shack hacks. You can listen to some of her EVP sessions on paranormalsource.com, where she is a cofounder along with her husband.
Where does Slaughter use the Probe and her other devices? According to Slaughter she conducts most of her sessions at her home. She also visits locations that have given off “good energy.” She feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to work with the Probe and is “very protective” of the device. She explained that she has not allowed anyone to hold the Probe and believes that she is imprinting with the Probe. Slaughter said that there are ITC devices that don’t seem to work as well when they are used by many different individuals.
Slaughter explained she received the Probe in Feb 2011 and has worked with it on a set schedule ever since it arrived. She said that it took Coppock a while before he was successful in using the device and she is still working on getting it to work well with her. Her routine includes set days and times. It’s important to Slaughter that she does not become obsessed with ITC devices and maintains an even keel with the rest of the world. She knows of individuals who have become consumed with ITC and EVP work. There are paranormal investigations which have come about due to an individual’s obsession with EVP work and what can happen when there are disturbing results. Slaughter believes individuals working with ITC devices should have a specific type of personality and have the ability to turn it off and out it down. She works with the Probe 2-3 days a week for about an hour at a time. She will set in the same place during her sessions and knows something is coming through when fluctuations begin with the Probe. She said it gets louder and louder as it’s approached. She said that a very distinct voice will come through the Probe, which is different than most ITC devices.
Slaughter described the experiences with the Probe and what often happens when it’s in use and interesting. She said the whole environment in her home changes. Knocks are quite common as are hot and cold spots. Slaughter said she has to pay attention and can often hear voices coming from other parts of her home. Now after several months of working with the Probe in her home, Slaughter said she often hears a variety of things occurring even when the Probe is not in use. Slaughter said, “It works,” but is still working on the connections.
Slaughter said it has taken her a while to get results with the Probe, but is a long way off from having it work as well for her as it does for Coppock. She now gets several words at a time for responses and is still trying to establish connection with someone from the other side to help her with the Probe. Slaughter said Coppock told her that she would get help from Don Carson and believes she has only just established a connection with him; she said her grandfather has also told her that he would help her make connections. In fact, Slaughter thinks that some of the information she was given during the session at the Black Swan Inn is now beginning to make sense.
She said that individuals have contacted her and asked her to try and contact family members, but she does not feel comfortable enough with the Probe to do this, but may do so in the future. She said there a device out there that looks like the Probe but it is not the Probe and hopes no one purchases it with the idea it is the same as the one created by Coppock.
Slaughter is the author of “Ghosthunting Texas,” a travel guide to haunted places in Texas. She can be contacted through her website aprilslaughter.com for additional information about her research or her book. She is in the process of producing two new books. One will be on ITC devices and the other on capital punishment.
This is part one of this article. Part two will go into more detail on the Probe. The Induction Probe in this video shows Coppock using it with a group of people.
If you wonder what to do if YOUR house is haunted there are some good tips in this article by Troy Taylor. In the meantime feel free to contact us if you have questions or need help. East Texas Paranormal is also on FB. Stop by and Like us. You can view David Rountree and Part 2 of this interview also on this site.
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