Ghost Hunting Equipment

Air Ion Counter
This device measures positive and negative ions in the air. Ghost theory states that ghosts can cause a lot of positive
ions because they give off high amounts of electromagnetic discharges. However the price can be high, around $400 -
$600
Plastic bags
These should preferably be special plastic ones with zips, used to contain any material (ectoplasmic residue)that is
found
Barometer
Some ghost hunters believe that paranormal activity can affect barometric pressure so it may be useful to take one.
Candles and Matches
These are essential items especially if your flashlight and equipment stop working. Some ghost hunters believe that
ghost energy can drain equipment energy and candles should be taken as back up
Camera
A 35mm camera with black and white film and/or infrared film is very useful for capturing any pictures. Ensure that you
have plenty of film. For best results use a film speed of no less than 200. A speed of 800 may produce better results
although it will be very grainy. It is also important that your camera has flash either its own or slave flash. Have all the
film developed by experts and don't forget a tripod to avoid camera shake.
Compass
A compass is not only very useful for navigation it is also great for picking up electromagnetic forces. A compass will
react to any magnetic or electrical stimulus that may be out of the ordinary.
Control Object
This is a small object such as a coin that is placed on a piece of white paper, which in turn is placed on a table or where
it will not be disturbed. A pencil circle is drawn around the coin so that its exact location is recorded. The coin and paper
are then left and then re-examined at the end of the investigation to see if the coin has been moved. If it has, then this
could indicate some strange activity. Ensure no-one can accidentally move the coin or you will obtain false results.
Digital Recorder
These are very useful and they are quickly becoming the item of choice for obtaining electronic voice phenomenon
results
Dowsing Rods
Some researchers feel that the use of dowsing rods can help to pick up paranormal activity
EMF Detector
These detectors can pick up electromagnetic field over different frequencies. According to Ghost theory, disruptions
(2-9 gauss readings) in these electromagnetic fields could possibly mean paranormal activity. Prices range from $24 to
$130
Extra Batteries
These are essential because according to Ghost theory, paranormal activity is thought to be electromagnetic and this
can cause batteries to run down quite quickly. Extra batteries will be essential for all of the ghost hunting equipment that
needs it.
Film
Electromagnetic discharges can affect film and it may need to be replaced. Therefore it is important to ensure that
plenty of spare rolls are accessible. Use 200 or 400 possibly 800 speed film, this will provide the best photographs.
Flash Lights
Always have bright flash lights (usually 3 or 4) and extra batteries.
First Aid Kit
It is always useful to have a first aid kit
Ghost Catcher (AKA Spirit Wind Chime)
These act in the same manner as a normal wind chime, but as long as they are strategically placed away from drafts
and wind, the theory is that it is a ghost that will make the chime work.
Headset Communications
When operating as a team of three or more people, headset communicators are useful for staying in contact when
spread out. Headset communicators, unlike their counterpart the walkie talkie allow the user to have their hands free to
use other equipment such as cameras. Price range from $30 to $80 each.
Hygrometer
This device is useful for picking up any changes in air humidity.
Infrared Thermal Scanner
These devices accurately pin point cold spots, thus saving time and infrared film. Excellent for use in outside
investigations. Prices range from $300 to $500. A non-essential but useful item.
Microphone
A good microphone is essential for picking up electronic voice phenomena.
Mobile Phone
These are useful in case of an emergency they can also be affected by the presence of strange activity.
Motion Detectors
These devices are good sensing movement when there should be none. One sensor can easily monitor an entire
hallway or room. It is an ideal tool for indoor investigations.
Night Vision Equipment
Night Vision scopes can be very useful. Cheap night vision adapters are available that will attach the scopes to video
cameras for about $30. However Night Vision Equipment can be expensive. Choose monocular or binocular equipment.
Binocular are a good choice because they add the benefit of depth perception. Prices range between $250 - $4000.
You can get some good scopes in the $300 range that work well on video equipment.
Night Vision Video Camera
This device is similar to combining a video camera with a night vision scope and allows the recording of light not
normally visible to the naked eye. A good investigative tool.
Notebook
Always keep record of times and events, this is very useful for documenting the investigation and especially if the study
is to be replicated. Pens and pencils are also essential.
Red Cellophane
This is a useful material for covering the lenses of flashlight in order to prevent the light from being too blinding.
Small Wind chimes
Some researchers claim that breezes sometimes accompany ghosts. Wind chimes should be placed in areas where the
ghost is thought most likely to appear and of course out of the wind or drafts. This is a simple system that can alert
investigators to photograph the area.
Spot Lights
These small battery powered spot lights help at night when setting up and taking down cameras and other equipment.
They can also be used for safety and to get a better view of the surrounding terrain at night. Some of the most useful
ones sit on the ground but have swivels on the lights enabling them to be set to different angles.
Talcum Powder
This is a useful substance for capturing footprints or hand prints. Sprinkle it around on the ground but have swivels on
the lights enabling them to be set to different angles.
Tape Recorder
A good tape recorder and an external static free microphone should be in use at all times during a ghost hunt. Although
nothing may be heard during the investigation there is a phenomenon called EVP (electronic voice phenomenon)
whereby spirit voices have been known to appear on tape later after being reviewed. Ensure the use of brand new
tapes when recording.
Thermal Imaging Scopes
This device allows you to actually see what your thermal scanner detects. Should there be a cold spot, this infrared
technology makes it possible to see the shape and size of the cold spot. Unfortunately this is still quite expensive
equipment.
Thermometer
Rapid drops in temperature has often been associated with the presence of paranormal activity. A good thermometer
can detect changes in room temperature quickly.
Video Camera
This piece of equipment allows events to be captured as they are happening.
Walkie-Talkies
These devices allow you to communicate with your ghost hunting party. If you are investigating a house and you have
people scattered all over, walkie-talkies allow you to keep in touch.
Watch
An essential piece of equipment for recording the time when the events happen.
Mark Stewart