Random Interested In Ghost Hunting, Don't Waste Your Time With These 12 Devices (12 items)

• 

  (#1) Ghost Boxes

  What It Is:

  Also known as a spirit box, this device rapidly sweeps AM radio channels to interpret the white noise. Some paranormal investigators believe ghosts communicate via the white noise. The ghost boxes allegedly give investigators immediate answers.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  Ghost boxes are known to promote belief in spirits rather than providing solid evidence. Many people want to believe the words they hear from the device are answers from the other world. However, the snippets of dialogue are usually from static-filled radio stations.
• 

  (#2) FLIR Thermal Imaging

  What It Is:

  FLIR (or forward looking infrared) imaging systems and infrared thermometers are devices designed to pick up variations in temperature. FLIR devices create maps of heat distribution; humans usually glow in pink-orange hues. The cameras and infrared thermometers can also pick up cold spots, which allegedly mark the presence of spirits.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  To get clear results, FLIR cameras must typically be used at night. Although FLIR images look scientific and trustworthy, skeptics argue the results can be easily misinterpreted. Novice users may be especially susceptible to finding false positives.
• 

  (#3) Motion Sensors And Laser Grids

  What It Is:

  Motion sensing devices and projected laser grids are usually recommended by ghost hunters when people claim to see shadows move through haunted buildings. The laser grid is commonly used because it creates a clear visual. The tool is mounted and pointed at a wall, projecting an array of green dots. If something passes in front of the grid, the lights will be blocked.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  Motion sensors have a few flaws. People or animals can unwittingly cross through the light grid, producing false positives. And some paranormal enthusiasts believe different ghosts have different densities; allegedly, not every paranormal being would set of a motion sensor or light grid.
• 

  (#4) BooBuddy

  What It Is:

  This tool is like a nanny cam for hunting ghosts. It looks like teddy bear, but the device has an EMF reader, motion and vibration sensors, and a temperature reader. The BooBuddy reacts when conditions in the room change. For example, when it gets colder, owners hear "Brr. It's cold in here."

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  The BooBuddy will sporadically ask questions like "Do you want to be my friend?" in an empty room. It's advertised as a trigger object, but there is no guarantee spirits will react to a child's toy. Moreover, the GhostStop item doesn't include a recording device of any kind. Ghost hunters need to have a separate camera or voice recorder if they want to leave the room.
• 

  (#5) Electromagnetic Field Readers

  What It Is:

  An Electromagnetic Field (EMF) reader detects many kinds of power waves. Also known as a K-II meter, the small device has green and red LED lights to indicate the strength of a magnetic field. They're normally used to monitor dangerous levels of EMF radiation from power lines or appliances, but paranormal hobbyists embrace the tools as well. In fact, many EMF readers are marketed as ghost hunting tools.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  Many EMF readers are unshielded; they can be easily activated by household objects. Cell phones and two-way radios might activate the devices, and even things like computer mouses and battery packs are triggers. EMF readers are sometimes erratic and easily manipulated.
• 

  (#6) Electronic Voice Phenomenon Recorders

  What It Is:

  Electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) recording has been fairly popular since the 1950's. By using a recording device, either a made-for-ghost-hunting EVP recorder or a simple voice memo recorder, ghost hunters can capture sounds made by paranormal beings.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  Some ghost hunters pretend to hear things that simply haven't been said. They might claim to hear clear words or verbalizations garbled beyond recognition. For many paranormal experts, translating and isolating EVPs means essentially "torturing that noise into some kind of meaning."
• 

  (#7) Footstep Sensors

  What It Is:

  Footstep sensors are sometimes specifically made for ghost hunting. They detect slight or heavy movements, recording vibrations. Theoretically, the devices measure if someone or something is moving throughout a space no matter how big, small, or ghostly. 

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  This device can easily give false results. A person who passes through a building during an investigation can trigger the sensor. Even an animal or a creaking house could set off a sensitive motion reader.
• 

  (#8) Still Cameras

  What It Is:

  Digital cameras are often used for ghost hunting. Paranormal enthusiasts typically purchase the basic models sold in electronics stores, but there are modified cameras available that claim to work in the dark. 

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  There are some obvious issues with standard digital cameras. The flash and brightness settings can lead to false positives like orbs, haziness, and light bars. Many people use ordinary digital cameras and find photographic flaws; they interpret the imperfections as ghosts. Sometimes, though, the flaws are just dust particles, reflections, or issues with the flash.
• 

  (#9) Flashlights

  What It Is: 

  A common household flashlight with a slightly unscrewed end is often used during ghost hunts. Paranormal professionals believe loosening the link to the batteries allows ghosts to play with the connection. In theory, they turn the flashlight on and off to communicate. Some believe the ghost creates an electromagnetic field to bridge the power gap.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  Creating a loose electrical connection simply does not create proof of spirits. TV shows depict flashlights turning on and off independently, but this may just be another example of people interpreting signs based on emotion rather than electrical proof.
• 

  (#10) Video Cameras

  What It Is:

  Ghost hunters record using old school video cameras and the newest smart phones. Their footage tends to impress audiences, and paranormal groups with YouTube footage use video cams to sometimes go viral.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  Much like still photography, video recordings of ghosts can be flawed, and the vast majority of ghost video footage is shot with older, lower-quality equipment.
• 

  (#11) Remote-Controlled Camera

  What It Is:

  Known as a Rover, this remote-controlled mini tank is sold by GhostStop. It can shoot video in the dark and transmit directly to a smart phone, allowing ghost hunters to access previously inaccessible locations.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  The camera tank falls into the realm of somewhat unnecessary devices. It is much more of a novelty than a necessity. Additionally, the images from a moving camera are more likely to be blurry and unclear than those from a more stationary camera.
• 

  (#12) XBox Ghost Camera

  What It Is:

  Graham Lewis was fed up with basic ghost hunting equipment, so he decided to engineer his own. Using Xbox technology, he created a camera he believes can capture images of ghosts. Lewis noted:

  Xbox gaming users were reporting curious incidents in which the sensor camera, which tracks human movement for interactive games, was often detecting second players in the game when there was no one else in the room.

  He attached the Xbox camera to a portable screen and used it in the field. He claimed to have amazing results.

  Why It Probably Doesn't Work:

  While Lewis's findings are intriguing, others suggest his results are unverifiable. And as pointed out by Tegan Jones, an editor at Gizmodo, the ghosts Lewis saw were more than likely just the result of imperfect algorithms.

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking