Ghost Hunting Equipment

TORCH

Unless you are carrying out a daytime investigation, the one piece of equipment you can’t leave home without is a torch! I’ve made the mistake of trying to use the light on my phone in an emergency, it just doesn’t come close. Obviously, there are a huge number of options and strengths of torch available, battery operated, wind-up, rechargeable. Each option is down to personal preference. Infraready have come up with an invaluable design, a glove with a torch built in, giving you the use of an extra hand!

NOTEPAD & PEN

Depending on how serious you are taking your investigating, you may want to consider having a pen and paper in your kit. They are great for jotting down times and locations of experiences you have, and this can come in incredibly handy when you want to look back over footage you may have recorded. Obviously, pen and paper all work the same, but these notebooks are designed specifically for investigating, with spaces to note times and encounters.

WALKIE TALKIES

Walkie talkies are great for keeping in touch with fellow investigators when on location, especially if you are separating to investigate individually. Safety must always come first when investigating. There are a whole choice of products available on the market. Here are a few options to get you started.

MOBILE PHONE

Mobile phone is a must on investigations, alongside the trusty torch. You can use them as a camera, you can use them for a voice recorder and you can use them to jot down notes. It is not advised that you conduct any investigations alone in case of accidents or emergencies. However, ensuring you have a mobile phone with you could be a life saver! Be aware that signal from a mobile phone can affect the readings of several gadgets you may be using. 

VOICE RECORDER

Voice recorders are very often used by investigators to try and catch EVPs – Electronic Voice Phenomena. This is the belief that voices can be captured on recorders at a different frequency than we can hear with the naked ear. I personally am a big fan of this method of investigating, and have had some very interesting results. You can pick up voice recorders from many places, and there is a bigger selection here too

EVP MICROPHONE

Microphones can be used during EVP experiments to improve the quality of your recordings and reduce interference. This is an external wireless stereo microphone that plugs directly into a voice recorder with a 3.5mm microphone socket. There are other styles of microphones you can use, larger ones, wired ones. You can find other examples here

EVP SPEAKER

Trying to listen back to any recorded EVPs on site can be tricky. It is always best to use headphones when reviewing recordings. However, you may wish to listen to any possible captures real time to progress your investigation. That’s where a speaker comes in handy. It helps to boost the volume of playback to help you hear those subtle voices you may have captured. There are more options here

SPIRIT BOX

Spirit boxes or ‘portals’ come in all different shapes and sizes. Some look like simple radios, whilst others are a lot more decorative. They work with different principles, but the majority that you will come across work by sweeping radio frequencies at high speeds, often with a reverse sweep. The idea behind these is that spirits can use the radio waves as a voice to communicate. You can find a variety of styles and designs here

CAMERA

Cameras have been used since Victorian times in an attempt to capture evidence of the spirit world. Granted, many of those old photos were fakes, as are many today. There is a lot to be wary of when using a camera during investigations. Cameras can cause a host of anomalies in photos, such as bugs, dust or snow and rain reflecting the flash and being mistaken for ‘orbs – the early manifestation of a spirit’ according to popular belief. Motion blur or slow shutter speed can cause ‘ghosting’ – a blurry image or even a see-through person. These are only a few examples, and there are the modern day ghost apps to watch out for too!

FULL SPECTRUM CAMERA

Full spectrum cameras have the capacity to allow all wavelengths in the spectrum to be captured on film, much more than we can see with the naked eye. This includes infrared and ultraviolet lights. Please be aware when choosing a camera that some have an inbuilt flash, others don’t. Infrared (IR) illuminators or flashes will always improve the quality of your image and are sometimes essential. A full selection of cameras can be found here 

FULL SPECTRUM CAMCORDERS

These camcorders work on the same principle as the full spectrum cameras but record live footage instead of stills. For a larger choice of designs and brands, visit  

IR ILLUMINATOR

IR (infrared) illuminators work on the same basis as a torch. However, they emit infrared light which we can’t see with our naked eye. This light helps full spectrum cameras and camcorders to record better quality images and footage when working on the dark, with no need for extra light sources. You can find a full selection here

TRIGGER OBJECTS

Trigger objects are items used to trigger an emotive reaction with the spirit you are trying to make contact with. They can be things such as war memorabilia, or when communicating with child spirits, toys and dolls can be used. These trigger objects are designed with motion sensors built in to alert the user to any movement of the object, suggesting contact has been made, depending on variables. For more examples of trigger objects, visit

LASER GRID

The laser grid is designed to show you any movement that may be occurring in your surroundings. It can be pointed at a flat surface like a wall or the floor. Any disturbance in the beam can be detected by the projected dots moving, or blacking out. Other colours and accessories can be found here Care must be taken when using the laser grids not to shine it into eyes. 

XPOD MOTION SENSOR

This one is pretty self explanatory. As with other motion detectors, the XPOD Radar Detector alerts you to any movement that takes place within its proximity. However, this device goes even further. It has a 360 degrees sensor and can detect movement behind closed doors and even walls! Cover all areas, even those you can’t access yourself. You can find a choice of other motion sensors here  

SHADOW TRACKER

The shadow tracker is set up with 4 pairs of LED lights, each of which is set up with a motion sensor. If anything passes over the top of the sensor, the LEDs light up, according to which have been triggered. 

GENUINE KII EMF METER

The KII Meter measures electromagnetic fields. The LED lights rise, fall or remain steady depending on the strength of electromagnetic field present.

DIGITAL EMF METER

This device gives you a digital reading of the levels of electromagnetic field present.

TRIFIELD METER

You may have seen this device used on many ghost hunting shows. The needle on the dial moves when the device comes into contact with an EM field. This is the newer, digital model complete with backlit screen and sound option. Described as the most accurate EMF meter available. You can set the device to detect electric, magnetic or radio frequencies. 

DUAL FIELD EMF DETECTOR

This electronic device separates magnetic and electric detection giving you two accurate readings at the same time. It also features an LED and audible sensor to alert you to changes in conditions. 

HOT & COLD SPOT DETECTOR

When the device is first powered on, the potentiometer should be adjusted clockwise to the point where both the blue and red lights are on.  If the temperature then drops, or a cold spot is sensed, the red LED will turn off.  If the temperature then rises, or a hot spot is sensed, the red LED will then illuminate once again.

IR TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER GUN

Simply and easy to use. Just aim the device and pull the trigger to take a contact free temperature reading in a choice of Celsius or Fahrenheit from the large backlit LCD display.

Also has a built in laser dot pointer to help aim the device with accuracy. This can be turned off if required.

IR CONTACTLESS HANDHELD THERMOMETER

The Pod is easy to use and utilises an Infrared beam to read temperature without contact. Just aim the device and pull the trigger to take an instant contact free temperature reading from the large backlit LCD display. The device also has a built in LED light to help aim the device with accuracy.

TEMPERATURE COMPARATOR DEVICE

The three LEDs on the top of the device illuminate Blue (cold), Green (ambient) and Red (hot). If the temperature then drops, or a cold spot is sensed, the Blue will light. If the temperature then rises, or a hot spot is sensed, the Red LED will then illuminate. When the temperature returns to the ambient setting the Green LED will light once again.

REM POD GHOST DETECTOR

The REM Pod has 4 visible LEDs. The green LED indicates ‘Power On’, the 3 red LED’s rise in sequence as an increase of field disruption occurs. An audible tone illuminates when the top LED is illuminated, signalling a high level of disturbance in the radiated field.

REM POD LASER GRID MATRIX

The REM Pod has been combined with a red laser matrix. You can leave the projected grid unattended. The loud audible alarm from the REM and its flashing LED will then draw your attention to the grid when the REM is triggered. The REM Pod laser grid matrix emits a field around the antenna, which if broken will trigger the alarm.

REM POD TEDDY BEAR

Proximity sensing bear based on the principle of a REM-POD. Sophie has four large LEDS located in the arms and legs and a 2 mode audible tone. The modes can be toggled by the push switch at the rear of the bear.

REM POD DOLL

This model contains a REM Proximity Sensing Pod. The REM radiate a field around the doll, which if broken will sound an audible alert and illuminate the LEDs located in the doll’s eyes.

NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

Love to be able to see in the dark? Well night vision goggles allow you to do just that, with no need for an extra light source. Imagine sitting in a haunted house, graveyard, where ever you fancy, and being able to see what lurks in the dark, real time, with (almost) your very own eyes! Some of these devices are even able to record what you’re seeing. For options, visit 

THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA

Thermal imaging cameras detect heat sources, as well as cold spots. The results are displayed on the screen of the device, or on your phone screen if you are using a mobile plug in. They can be used in the dark, with no other light source required, and work just as well in a fully lit room. These have been used to capture interesting figure forms that can’t be seen by the naked eye, but are producing a different temperature to their surroundings. Some also have the ability to take still shots or footage.

SLS CAMERA

Originally designed to map figures playing computer consoles, the SLS camera swiftly became a favoured tool of many investigators. There is a great divide between those who have this as a staple part of their kit, and those who have dismissed its credibility entirely. However, as I said, the device is designed to capture figures in a room, and it maps them out of screen as a stick figure. It also seems to have the ability to map figures that we cannot see ourselves! You can find out a whole lot more here

SOUND AMPLIFIER

This is a great device when investigating alone, or in quiet surroundings. The small box, along with the use of headphones, amplifies the sound around you, in a similar way that a hearing aid would. I have one of these, and I love using it. All those little knocks, whispers etc that you’re just not sure you heard, will become a lot clearer when using this device. It can also be hooked up to your voice recorder and used as a microphone, amplifying the sound of your recording (additional wiring needs to be purchased to enable this).

SPIRIT BOARD

The spirit board, more commonly referred to as the trademarked brand name ‘Ouija Board’, is a Victorian tool used to contact the dead. The investigators place their fingers upon the planchette, and the spirits are meant to move it around the board to spell out messages using the letters and numbers printed there. Due to Hollywood films, the spirit board has got itself a bad reputation, but in my opinion, it is no different to any other piece of investigation equipment.

DOWSING RODS

Dowsing rods were traditionally used to find water sources, and still are today. Originally, they consisted of a forked branch from a tree, Hazel, Willow, Ash or Rowan were preferred. They have since become a trusted tool for many investigators trying to contact the spirit world, who believe the spirits manipulate the rods to give ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers, depending on the direction the rods move in, to answer questions from the investigator. The good news is, you can now buy longer lasting brass rods from many outlets.

PENDULUMS

Pendulums are a tool used in the art of divination. In a similar way to the dowsing rods, pendulums are believed to be controlled by spirits to give ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to questions asked by the user, depending on the motion of the swing. They are often criticised as being easily manipulated, all-be-it subconsciously, by the user. They are certainly interesting to use, I’d say you have to give them a try to make your own mind up. They come in an array of natural stones, and sometimes metals, with lots of beautiful designs. It was tricky to pick one to use as a feature photo!

SINGING BOWL

Singing bowls are a beautiful tool, or instrument, often used in meditation and self healing. They have been used by Buddhist monks for centuries and the soothing tones are said to have healing properties. They have been used by investigators to allow communication with spirits to become more accessible. They are said to alter the frequencies in the atmosphere which in turn heightens spiritual activity.