Illuminators

Infrared Illuminators

by Arthur Matos | E-Mail

An Infrared Illuminator is a device that is used in the aid of night vision. They can range in many different sizes and shapes, with the most common looking similar to surveillance cameras.

They consist of several infrared light emitting diodes, (LEDs) and a central power source, preferably an AC adapter. They may be encased in metal or plastic.

    Their main purpose in paranormal investigations is to add more invisible light to the night vision devices, such as night vision camcorders or additional lighting for low LED IR camera's.

    Normally, a 36 LED Illuminator is capable of illuminating a 40 foot long room. The amount of LED's depict the amount of Infrared light that will be emitted by the device. Many of the more scientific and technical paranormal investigators like the EPIC team use high resolution cameras that have great distance in the picture that is received, however this is a trade off, since these type of high resolution cameras do not have many LEDs. That's where the IR Illuminators come into play.

    Most illuminators are quite inexpensive and may be purchased in some camera stores or over the Internet. As the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for." And this is true to a certain degree. Most of the high-end illuminators do not emit a reddish glow when turned on; this is to hide their obviousness but unless your doing Top Secret covert Federal investigations, a little glow won't hurt. After all, it's ghost hunting, not quantum physics.