Paranormal Investigation/Ghost Hunting Gear: How to Use It Right and Avoid False Alarms
As previously discussed, the instrumentalist-engineer approach is one way to find the truth about the paranormal. Instruments can help reveal the unseen, providing data to support paranormal research.
However, commonly used tools are not 100% reliable. This guide shows how these tools are used, what can cause “false positives,” and practical tips to keep your investigations accurate and credible.
It’s designed to help you avoid being misled and to strengthen your position against skeptics and debunkers. I will continuously update this chart whenever I find new information or equipment.
Paranormal Equipment Guide (currently 33 items)
| Equipment | How It's Used | False Positives | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Quality Monitoring Equipment | Detects changes in air composition (CO₂, particulates, humidity, and other gases like CO, NO₂, O₃) that may coincide with reported paranormal activity. Can help rule out environmental causes of experiences. | Poor air quality can directly cause symptoms mistaken for paranormal encounters:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – from faulty heaters, gas stoves; can cause headaches, dizziness, hallucinations, feeling of presence. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – from poor ventilation; causes drowsiness, confusion, anxiety. Mold Spores – from damp walls/HVAC; cause cognitive issues, paranoia, respiratory irritation. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – from paint, carpets, cleaning agents; cause lightheadedness, mood changes. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) – from gas appliances; causes chest tightness, dizziness. Ozone (O₃) – from ozone generators/electrical equipment; causes throat irritation, chest discomfort. |
Record baseline readings before investigation; ensure good ventilation; investigate unusual readings before attributing events to paranormal causes; compare results to environmental control areas; if symptoms occur, leave immediately and check for environmental hazards |
| Analog Audio Recording | Captures audio, including potential EVPs, in an uncompressed analog format that some believe better preserves anomalies. | Background noise, tape hiss, or accidental handling noises can be mistaken for voices. | Use multiple recorders; log environmental noises during sessions; review with headphones and in controlled environment. |
| App-based EVP / EMF Tools | Smartphone apps claiming to detect paranormal activity | Apps may have inaccurate sensors or random noise interpreted as signals | Use only reliable, tested apps; corroborate with dedicated equipment |
| Compass | Used to detect magnetic anomalies that might indicate paranormal presence. | Nearby electronics, metal structures, or even the investigator’s own watch can cause needle deflection. | Test the compass in different locations beforehand; keep away from metal and electrical sources. |
| Digital Camera | Takes photos or videos for visual evidence | Camera glitches, dust on lens, light reflections, or lens flares | Clean lenses; check camera settings; compare photos for consistent patterns |
| Digital Notepad / Tablet | For quick note-taking or sketching during investigations | User error or distraction affecting data quality | Use standardized forms; review notes promptly after sessions |
| Digital Voice Recorder (for EVP) | Records audio to capture Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) | Background noise, radio interference, or pareidolia (hearing patterns where none exist) | Use double-blind methods; have multiple investigators cross-check |
| Dowsing Rods | Used to detect energy or presence by movement of rods | User’s subconscious movements (ideomotor effect) | Use double-blind methods; have multiple investigators cross-check |
| EMF Meter | Detects electromagnetic fields, which some believe spirits affect | Electrical wiring, appliances, or cell phones cause spikes | Turn off nearby electronics; check wiring; take baseline readings |
| Full Spectrum Video and Photography | Captures images beyond visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet, to potentially reveal anomalies. | Dust, insects, and light reflections can look like orbs or apparitions. | Clean lenses before use; take multiple shots for comparison; note environmental light sources. |
| Geiger Counter | Measures ionizing radiation levels | Natural background radiation or equipment malfunction | Take multiple readings; calibrate equipment regularly |
| Ghost SLS Apps (iOS/Android) | Uses phone camera to detect human-like figures, displaying stick figures as visual evidence | Camera quality, lighting conditions, and reflections cause false shapes or figures | Use in controlled lighting; verify with other equipment; avoid direct light sources |
| Infrared (IR) Camera | Captures images/ video in low or no light using infrared light | Reflections, dust, insects, or lens artifacts appear as anomalies | Clean lenses; control environment; compare with visible light footage |
| Infrared Thermometer | Measures spot temperature remotely to detect cold/hot spots possibly linked to spirits | Cold drafts, open windows, or HVAC affecting temperature readings | Check for drafts and airflow; take multiple measurements |
| Infrasound Monitoring Equipment | Detects low-frequency sound waves that may affect perception or cause unease linked to paranormal reports. | Machinery, traffic, or wind can generate infrasound without paranormal cause. | Check for known infrasound sources nearby; correlate readings with environmental logs. |
| K-II Meter | Specialized EMF meter with visual display for detecting electromagnetic fluctuations | Electrical interference or static electricity causing readings | Perform baseline readings; minimize electronics nearby |
| Kinect SLS Camera | Uses structured light sensor tech to map 3D shapes and detect anomalies as figures or forms | Moving objects, shadows, or sensor glitches can be misinterpreted | Calibrate sensor; eliminate moving non-paranormal objects; cross-check with video and audio recordings |
| Laser Grid / Laser Pen | Projects a grid or dot pattern to detect movement or changes in environment | Dust, insects, or air particles interrupt the beam | Use in clean, controlled environments; verify with other visual evidence |
| Motion Sensors | Detects movement in an investigation area | Pets, insects, or settling structures trigger sensors | Remove pets; minimize insect presence; verify physical causes of movement |
| Night Vision Goggles | Enables seeing in near-darkness without visible light | Eye fatigue or lens flare can cause misinterpretations | Take breaks to reduce eye strain; cross-check with other equipment |
| Ouija Board | Used in séances for spirit communication via planchette movement. | Ideomotor effect (unconscious movement by participants) or intentional manipulation. | Blindfold participants; use controlled conditions; document sessions on video. |
| Ovilus | Converts environmental readings (temperature, EMF, etc.) into spoken words from a pre-loaded dictionary. Used to capture potential “responses” during Q and A sessions. | Words may appear due to:
• Random data fluctuations • Environmental changes (heat, EMF spikes) • Device’s built-in randomization tendencies • Bias from interpreting unrelated words as meaningful |
• Treat as an experimental tool, not proof.
• Compare responses with baseline environmental data. • Repeat sessions to see if patterns emerge. • Avoid leading questions that could bias interpretations. |
| Pendulum | Used to receive yes/no answers by swinging in response to questions | Ideomotor effect where user unconsciously moves the pendulum | Use blind questioning (e.g., write the questions in strips of paper then pick them up without opening them first); have a neutral third party handle the pendulum |
| Pressure Sensors / Contact Sensors | Detect physical pressure or door/window opening | Structural settling, animals, or human activity cause triggers | Monitor activity logs; cross-check with known movements |
| REM Pod | Uses an antenna to create a small EM field; when something conductive (like a hand) enters that field, it triggers lights and sound. Investigators use it to detect possible interaction from unseen sources. | Can be set off by: • Investigators moving too close • Static electricity from clothing or hair • Changes in humidity or temperature • Nearby electronics or walkie-talkies |
• Keep a clear space of at least 3–4 feet around it.
• Take baseline readings before starting. • Place multiple REM Pods to see if triggers occur simultaneously. • Avoid placing near electronics, metal objects, or high-traffic paths. |
| Spirit Box / Ghost Box | Rapidly scans radio frequencies to allow spirits to communicate | Random radio chatter, static, and human pattern recognition | Record sessions; analyze with skepticism; cross-reference what’s heard |
| Spirit Slate | A slate where messages from spirits may appear via writing or symbols | Scratches, smudges, or natural wear can look like messages | Use fresh slates; document conditions before and after; rule out physical causes |
| Still Photography and Video | Records static or moving images of investigation sites for later review. | Blurs, lens flare, or motion artifacts can mimic paranormal phenomena. | Stabilize camera; control lighting; take multiple shots from same angle. |
| Thermal Imaging Camera | Detects temperature differences to spot cold/hot spots that might indicate paranormal activity | Drafts, HVAC systems, or reflections from surfaces create false heat signatures | Map the area’s HVAC/draft patterns beforehand; use multiple measurements |
| Torchlight (Flashlight Method) | A flashlight (often with a twist head) is placed on a surface with the beam off but the circuit almost closed. Investigators ask questions, watching to see if the light turns on or flickers as a form of potential interaction. | Flickers or turning on/off may be caused by:
• Natural cooling/heating of the metal contacts • Vibrations from footsteps or movement nearby • Loose or worn switch mechanisms • Battery drainage and intermittent contact |
• Use fresh batteries and test the flashlight for several minutes before starting.
• Avoid placing near vibrating surfaces. • Record on video to verify patterns. • Run multiple tests to rule out mechanical causes before considering results anomalous. |
| Trigger Objects | Items placed in a location to elicit spirit interaction (e.g., toys, personal items) | Objects can be moved by wind, vibrations, or people accidentally | Secure area; use video surveillance; control environment |
| Ultraviolet (UV) Light | Used to reveal hidden markings or residues (sometimes linked to spirits) | Dirt, dust, or stains fluorescing and misinterpreted | Clean surfaces before use; document findings carefully |
| Vibration Activated Light Spheres | Detects vibrations and lights up, often used to indicate possible spirit interaction. | Floor movement, footsteps, or even sound vibrations can trigger them. | Place on stable, isolated surfaces; monitor with video to confirm cause. |
This is the Google Sheets version in case you want to save your own copy and add your own notes
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KfAc0Zon3aq-emwtipLp-8FkewVFmThl-qIHT0IBN5A/edit?usp=sharing
credits to The New York Times <- read this article, it's quite informative and it gave a research paper in the end about an investigation of unexplainable EMFs in a haunted location
A Note on Equipment Reliability
We know it can be a little frustrating to find out that some paranormal tools aren’t perfect and can give false positives. But don’t worry; that doesn’t mean they can’t detect something truly unusual!
Understanding why these false readings happen just makes you a better investigator. By knowing their weaknesses, you can avoid common mistakes and make sure that when something strange does happen, you’ll recognize it for what it is.
The key is using your equipment with care, patience, and a little healthy skepticism.
That’s how you get the most meaningful results.
- C.E.
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