EVP Newsletter - No 26 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: EVP NEWS
Issue: No 26
Date: March 1981
Publisher: Alan Cleaver
Country: England
Price: £1.00 per year for six issues.

This special issue of EVP News, titled "THE EAVESDROPPER", focuses on a significant advancement in Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) research by Michael Vinter of Norfolk, England. The issue details Vinter's experimental method and findings, presenting them to the public for the first time.

The Eavesdropper Experiment

The main article details Michael Vinter's work, described as the biggest step in EVP research since Richard Sheargold's experiments. Vinter, an experienced EVP researcher, has focused on understanding how voices emerge and the types of noise required for modulation. His work culminated in a recording where he claims to have contacted two deceased friends.

The method, made public for the first time, involves a complex setup of three recorders and a radio set. One recorder plays pre-recorded noise, a second records live noise from a radio, and the third records the mixture of these two noises along with the experimenter's commentary. Despite being a difficult setup, the potential for worthwhile results is highlighted.

Vinter's findings suggest that ambient sounds can be transformed into voices as a result of piezoelectrical energy. He identified two target communicators: Vivienne Quarrington, a friend, and Dick Smith, who had recently passed away. Vinter notes that the voice on the tape closely resembles Dick Smith's living characteristics. He also mentions that Dick Smith, shortly before his death, had expressed fear and indicated he would be in touch.

To aid the contact, Vinter solicited the help of an intermediary entity named Christabel, who allegedly coordinated the contactees and brought in 'transmitter technicians' who used pseudo-technical terms.

Vinter acknowledges that the name Dick Smith is common, and some noises might superficially sound like his name. However, he emphasizes that this is the only case where a voice match has been provided. He also points out that the polysyllabic sounds attributed to Vivienne Quarrington and Sheargold are unlikely to occur randomly in radio emissions and are more distinct than general noise.

Referee Comments

The issue includes comments from two referees consulted by Richard Sheargold regarding Vinter's experiment: Peter Jones and Gilbert Bonner.

Peter Jones, a retired physicist and member of the Institute of Physics, describes himself as an inquisitive man with a suspicious mind. He notes that parts of the recording sound like someone rapidly tuning through radio stations, making it difficult to discern paranormal voices. He mentions hearing faint words like "BBC World Service" and is puzzled by musical chords interpreted as voices. Jones questions why entities would use such energy to produce words if they are paranormal. He recalls a children's program about a talking harmonica and mentions having to listen several times to discern the words "Dick Sheargold." He also raises the question of who James Millington is, suggesting his voice is of interest if he is deceased. Jones admits he cannot assess the voices of Dick Smith and Miss Quarrington as he never knew them.

Jones finds the interpretation of switching sounds difficult to accept, doubting that entities use conventional gear. He suggests that these entities might not be using electromagnetic means but some other form of energy, possibly with great effort. He expresses a desire to observe the experiment or have it described in detail, stating he is a learner. Jones finds the recording striking if even a fraction of the alleged paranormal voices are genuine, and he rules out radio breakthrough and telephone eavesdropping in some cases. He makes two assumptions: that paranormal voices exist and that the recording is not artificial.

Methodology Details

Michael Vinter outlines his methodology, which involved three separate machines:

1. An open reel "Phillips" machine (mentioned by entities at rev 102).
2. A Pye radio recorder with a cassette, which recorded live signals as Vinter tuned through various radio frequencies.
3. A machine that simultaneously played back pre-recorded noise, referred to as "Ancient Mush" (AM).

The AM recording was done on three separate occasions, covering medium wave, light wave, and VHF frequencies. Vinter selected two target communicators and his intermediary, Christabel, to coordinate proceedings.

He aimed to establish that the same voices, or at least similar ones, manifested clearly throughout the experiment. He believes this was achieved within narrow limits. A subsequent study of the AM and the live monitor allowed him to isolate three voices corresponding to the results on the first machine.

Vinter also notes the presence of general mutterings and musical fragments that transformed on the first machine. He mentions an influx of new "drop-in" voices that were unsolicited and commented on earlier results. He suggests that the sustained dialogue, often banal, might rule out natural radio sources. He theorizes that the live interfrequency emission from the Pye machine modifies the AM and contributes some effects.

Observations and Conclusions

An apparent example of what American researcher William Adams Welch might have called "intra-mural conversation" is described. This is discounted by skeptics as radio breakthrough but appears to be confirmed as paranormal because the speakers become suddenly aware of an eavesdropper, often making pointed observations about Vinter or his verbal outbursts, such as "He bloody heard that" and "Pray, Vinter!"

Peter Jones's notes also touch upon the interpretation of sounds. He finds it hard to accept the interpretation of switching sounds and doubts the entities use conventional gear. He suggests a different form of energy might be used. He was not entirely clear on how the recordings were made and would like to be present at such an experiment.

Jones concludes that if these voices are paranormal, some are astonishingly clear and loud compared to other EVP recordings he has heard. He notes that they appear to respond to requests, suggesting a communication channel can be established. He does not speculate on whether the voices are those of deceased persons. He finds the recording remarkable, even if only some voices are paranormal, and states that in some cases, radio breakthrough and telephone overhearing can be ruled out.

Future Steps

The next step proposed is for the experiment to be duplicated and improved upon. Vinter agrees that despite the experiment's significance, there is still much work to be done.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for the potential of amateur researchers in making breakthroughs in the field of Electronic Voice Phenomena. It promotes the idea that EVP is an accessible area for investigation and encourages readers to become involved. The editorial stance is one of excitement and encouragement for further research and experimentation in EVP, highlighting the significance of Vinter's work as a major step forward. The publication of Vinter's method signifies a commitment to transparency and collaboration within the EVP community.