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mel-8704 review
The Mel-8704 combines two devices that most paranormal investigators believe to be essential tools on any investigation. Those being an electromagnetic field radiation tester and digital ambient thermometer. The package contains: the device, a Type K thermocouple, and documentation. The Mel-8704 is comparable in length and width to a standard digital EMF tester but much thicker. The added girth doesn't effect the device's weight. It's lighter weight then I expected at only ~0.50lbs. The case appears to be rugged and sturdy to avoid breaking during the inevitable bouncing off a floor or being slammed into a wall. The back of the Mel-8704 features a pullout stand and threaded hole for mounting the device to a tripod. It also has a 9v DC power adapter plug (adapter not included) so you can plug it into a wall for stationary readings. mel-8704
One of the key features of the Mel-8704 is the backlit LCD display which is very bright and easy to read in the dark. The backlit display has a 5 minute timer to avoid battery drain or can be turned on and off with the touch of a button. The device has a total of 6 buttons on the front that allow the user to navigate through the various setting. Each button's function is clearly shown on the front of the device to remind the user what each particular button does. However, navigating through the menus will be a confusing task until you get familiar with them.

The Mel-8704 starts off measuring both micro Tesla and ambient Fahrenheit. In this mode the CPU's processing power is divided between the two measurements and results in a lower response time. The response time is about 1 second in this mode. The device can be set to measure only EMF which increases the response time to nearly instantaneous readings. However, there isn't a setting to measure only temperature at the increased response time.

There is a total of six EMF resolutions you can choose from: 20, 200, 2000 micro Tesla and 200, 2000, 20000 mili-Gauss. Most investigators will set the device to the 200 mili-Gauss setting since this is the resolution most people are familiar with. It is also possible to measure temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. Changing the EMF range is as simple as pressing a single button but changing the thermometric scale requires navigating through a menu.

The Mel-8704's next two features are great additions. The first feature is the Data Hold feature. This allows you to lock the device on a particular reading with the touch of a button. Once you have recorded your finding it's as easy as pressing the button again to unlock the device. The next feature is Data Record which allows the investigator to record the max/min reading during any given session. This allows you to sweep an area and then go back and see what the maximum or minimum reading the device recorded. No matter what setting you currently have active: Data Hold, Data Record, resolution, or thermometric scale everything is displayed on the LCD screen. This feature is a welcome addition to avoid confusion about what settings are active. mel-8704
The Mel-8704 is a powerful investigation tool and will be a useful addition to any investigator's equipment case. It's packed with well thought out features that are very useful in the field. The device's learning curve is higher then any other EMF or digital thermometer I've ever used, but once you play with it for a while it becomes easy to remember how to activate all the features. The backlit LCD is bright, clear, and easy to read in a bright room or complete darkness. This is one investigating tool you won't regret purchasing.
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