Ghost Hunting Gadgets 101
1. EMF Meters: Detecting Energy Shifts
What it Does: An Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meter detects fluctuations in electromagnetic energy, which some believe is a sign of paranormal activity. Many investigators use these devices to identify unexplainable spikes in EMF levels, as spirits are thought to manipulate energy fields when they manifest.
How to Use It: Walk through the investigation site, establishing a baseline reading. If an unexplained spike occurs—especially in an area with no known electrical sources—it may indicate a supernatural presence. Some popular models include the K-II Meter and the TriField EMF Meter.
2. Digital Voice Recorders: Capturing EVPs
What it Does: A digital voice recorder is one of the most essential tools for paranormal investigators. It captures Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs)—sounds or voices not heard by the human ear at the time of recording but detected upon playback.
How to Use It: Ask clear questions, leaving space for responses. Later, review the recording for any unexplained voices, whispers, or sounds that could be spirit communication. Some investigators use white noise in the background to amplify spirit responses.
3. Spirit Boxes & Ghost Hunting Apps
What it Does: A spirit box (or ghost box) rapidly scans through radio frequencies, creating a field of white noise that spirits may manipulate to form words or phrases. The SB7 Spirit Box and SB11 Spirit Box are popular choices among investigators.
How to Use It: Turn on the spirit box and listen for intelligent, relevant responses to your questions. Some paranormal investigators believe these devices allow real-time spirit communication. While there are also ghost-hunting apps available, it’s important to research their credibility before using them as serious tools.
4. Thermal & Infrared Cameras: Seeing the Unseen
What it Does: Paranormal investigators use thermal imaging cameras and infrared (IR) cameras to detect temperature changes and capture visual anomalies. Spirits are often believed to create cold spots or heat signatures that cannot be explained by normal environmental factors.
How to Use It: Scan rooms and outdoor spaces in total darkness. Look for temperature fluctuations that do not match the environment and anomalies such as human-shaped heat signatures with no logical source. The FLIR thermal camera is a widely used model in the field.
5. Motion Sensors & REM Pods: Spirit Interaction Devices
What it Does: Motion sensors detect movement in empty spaces, while REM Pods create their own energy field and trigger alarms when something interacts with them. These tools are useful for documenting potential spirit activity.
How to Use It: Set up motion sensors in doorways, hallways, or high-activity areas. Place a REM Pod in a controlled environment and ask spirits to interact with it. If the lights or alarms activate without a logical explanation, you may be witnessing paranormal activity.
6. Dowsing Rods & Pendulums: Old-School Spirit Communication
What it Does: Used for centuries, dowsing rods and pendulums are simple yet effective tools for spirit communication. Investigators hold the rods or pendulum and ask spirits to manipulate them in response to yes-or-no questions.
How to Use It: Hold the rods loosely and establish responses (e.g., “Cross the rods for yes”). Ask questions and note any consistent, intelligent movements. While skeptics argue that subconscious movement may influence the rods, many investigators swear by their accuracy.
7. Full-Spectrum & Night Vision Cameras: Capturing Evidence in the Dark
What it Does: Full-spectrum cameras and night vision cameras capture light frequencies beyond what the human eye can see, potentially revealing spirit manifestations, shadows, or anomalies that go unnoticed in real time.
How to Use It: Set up stationary cameras in active locations or carry them while investigating. Review the footage carefully for anything unexplained, such as shadow figures or light anomalies.
8. Trigger Objects: Enticing Spirits to Interact
What it Does: Trigger objects are items that might attract a spirit’s attention, encouraging them to interact. These could be toys for child spirits, old relics, personal belongings, or objects tied to a location’s history.
How to Use It: Place the object in a high-activity area and monitor it using a camera or motion sensor. Ask spirits to move or manipulate the object as a form of communication.
How to Choose the Right Equipment for You
Every investigator has a different approach to ghost hunting. Some rely on technology, while others prefer intuitive methods. The key is finding the tools that work best for you. Begin with a digital recorder and an EMF meter, then expand your tools as you develop your investigative style and gain experience.
Most importantly, always keep an open but skeptical mind. Paranormal research aims to document and understand the unknown. Although no tool can provide definitive proof of the afterlife, some can capture compelling evidence.
What’s your go-to piece of paranormal equipment? Have you had any unexplained encounters using these tools? Let’s discuss in the comments!
