Ghost Hunting Tools

[wounded_crow]

I saw a kit going on eBay i would love to get.. but it's probably cheaper if I get the tools myself. Most of them I already have (cameras, recorders, etc.) but not those nifty cool EMF detectors and other high tech gear. So here is a list for all you beginner Ghost Hunters:

1. A Flashlight with extra batteries.
You will find yourself doing lots of work in the dark. So this is a must for safety reasons

2. A Camera This could be a 35mm, APS, Polaroid and the most commonly used Digital camera. Digitals are great for immediate results and the cutback of film cost. But note a 35mm or APS can pick up different results then a digital can. So try to use both when on an investigation.

3. Note Pad & Pens. Remember to take notes and keep track of things going on around you while on an investigation. The more detail you provide, the more credibility you build

4. Wristwatch with a light. This will help you to log times of activity and help you to locate a possible pattern to the activity

5. A Tape Recorder with external microphone. This will help you to keep notes notes and the external microphone reduces tape recorder noise. It can also be used to collect EVPs

6. Thermometer. This helps to read any changes of temperature in the area. Such as cold spots or even hot. Remember and Infrared thermometer does not read air temperature but surface temperature. It's best to get a digital one.

7. Area Maps. This help to document any areas that may produce activity and will help you from getting keep track of dangerous spots or from even getting lost.

8. EMF Detector. A devise that reads Electro-Magnetic Fields. This is the energy that spirits or ghosts carry with them.

9. First Aid Kit. You always want to be prepared for any small accidents.

10. Infrared Motion Sensor. This will go off when anything crosses its path. they make very inexspensive battery operated ones for dorms and such.

11. A Compass. A tool to help navigate and in some cases has been known to go haywire when in the presents of spirit activity.

12. Ghost Catcher ( wind chime ) These have been know to go off when spirits have been present. Of course you can not rely on these when doing out door investigations. For indoor use. Personally I've never used them.

13. Chalk. This is good method to mark around furniture or the sort which may be suspected of movement without causing any damage to property.

14. Two Way Radios. A good way to keep in touch with our teammates while on location

15. Name Brand Video & Audio Tapes. These will reinsure you of not running into flaws that you may find on generic brands. These flaws can be mistaken for paranormal activity.

16. Dowsing Rods. With a properly trained person using these. They have been know to locate active areas and also grave sites.

17. Laser Pointer. These are good to point out activity in the distance without disrupting it.

18. A level. If things are moving by themselves is being reported. This is a good time to make sure the surface is level.

19. White Ball of String. This can be used to make off areas or even to mark them when you are not able to write on the area.

20. An Open Mind. Remember to not jump to the conclusion that everything strange is paranormal. You have to look at things in a skeptical way too. Just to eliminate any possible explanations.

More Advanced Tools to work with

21. Camcorder with infrared. A great tool to work with in the dark and can provide more solid evidence and document the whole investigation.

22. Infrared Thermal Scanner. This will give you instant results on temperature readings of surfaces

23. TriField Detector. A more advanced EMF detector

24. Air Ion Counter. Measures positive and negative ions in the surrounding air

25. Geiger Counter. This is a very technical and expensive piece of equipment that requires special training to operate correctly. It's used to read the amounts of radiation on the ground, in the air, or on an object. This device will measure anything abnormal.

Many perfumes can detour spirits or even attract the wrong ones. It's not good to wear anything that will cause noise, due to recording. Don't get frustraited if nothing happens. Remember, you are recording what is going on. A ghost isn't going to come up and tap you on a shoulder for an interview or just to say "BOOGA-BOOGA".
Leave the scene just the way you see it. Don't bring anything back with you and don't leave any trash. If you smoke (like myself) smoke after the investigation. Not only can it show up on film, but it is distracting. Always thank them for their cooperation. Even if you don't get any results, be kind.

Above all, when investigating a site, be respectable.

[WolfMoon]

Thanks for the info! :) Someone posted a site somewhere in here that sells ghost hunting equipment, including red-lens flashlights.

The extra info you added was the best part though, it's always nice to get tips. :)

[Fairyelf]

thanks!! :dancy:

[wounded_crow]

No problem guys.
I've been doing this a little over 10 years.
But alas I still haven't invested in any of the "Higher Tech" toys.

[asamananara]

Great info. A few points to consider, in addition to these
suggestions:
Digital cameras, while inexpensive to use and offering instant
results, are very unreliable for paranormal investigations. In
low-light situations, even the best models can reveal "blind spots"
which show up as pale, blurry dots on otherwise dark backgrounds;
these can easily be mistaken for "orb" events.
Avoid the use of straps on cameras, and tie back long hair. When
EMF detectors are very sensitive to ALL electromagetic activity,
accurate readings are disrupted by the use of any other electronic
devices in the area, such as camcorders, tape recorders, and
two-way radios. All too often ghost hunters respond to a spike on
their EMFD by switching on all recording devices, making the
readings go haywire.
Audio/video tapes should not only be brand-name, but new and
never used. Erasing an old tape and recording over it can leave
phantom traces which, when superimposed over the new recording
look and sound "ghost-like".
Think about bringing a fine white powder to dust with; talcum
powder works well; it should be spread over the floor of any
room unmanned equipment will be set up in to reveal contamanation
of your readings. An otherwise mysterious and accountable sound
appearing on a tape, for instance, can easily be discounted
by a trail of cat paw-prints going past the mic.

[Aes Sidhe]

I find it funny that people seriously think that "ghosts" can be recorded by anything from this realm, like cameras, emf detectors etc.

No offense intended, but I laugh at it all. I have absolutely no doubt that any "ghost" can only be detected in this plane if it so wishes, so going "ghost hunting" is like... well, I can't think of an analogy right now... it's like hunting something that doesn't "exist" unless it wants to.

[wounded_crow]

Great info. A few points to consider, in addition to these
suggestions:
Digital cameras, while inexpensive to use and offering instant
results, are very unreliable for paranormal investigations. In
low-light situations, even the best models can reveal "blind spots"
which show up as pale, blurry dots on otherwise dark backgrounds;
these can easily be mistaken for "orb" events.
Avoid the use of straps on cameras, and tie back long hair. When
EMF detectors are very sensitive to ALL electromagetic activity,
accurate readings are disrupted by the use of any other electronic
devices in the area, such as camcorders, tape recorders, and
two-way radios. All too often ghost hunters respond to a spike on
their EMFD by switching on all recording devices, making the
readings go haywire.
Audio/video tapes should not only be brand-name, but new and
never used. Erasing an old tape and recording over it can leave
phantom traces which, when superimposed over the new recording
look and sound "ghost-like".
Think about bringing a fine white powder to dust with; talcum
powder works well; it should be spread over the floor of any
room unmanned equipment will be set up in to reveal contamanation
of your readings. An otherwise mysterious and accountable sound
appearing on a tape, for instance, can easily be discounted
by a trail of cat paw-prints going past the mic.

very true.

[mara]

I've decided that I am going to try a little ghost hunting..I'm such a chicken though, i'll probably be the shakiest ghost hunter in the west..It might end up being something Ill laugh about later.the list and comments will be very helpful I think. I will start at home since we've had some questionable things happen here, and eventually go to a cemetary. Has anyone used a Ouija board? I'm afraid of those too, but I'm also drawn to them.I guess I'm just not ready to go that far yet..but the idea of using one on Samhain is so so tempting..I wish I had someone around me who knew what they were doing. I just want to know beyond a shadow of doubt that there are in fact ghosts..I believe in them as much as I can without being positive that I've seen one. How do you protect and sheild yourself from negative spirits? How can you be sure they wont stick around ?

[wounded_crow]

How do you protect and sheild yourself from negative spirits? How can you be sure they wont stick around ?

There are many ways to sheild yourself if you feel threatened. It can be as simple as asking them to leave you alone or carrying some herbs. It really depends on if you are that worried about it. When I ghost hunt I go in a small group, mainly because I have friends who are interested in doing it to. Ironicly I'm (now besides my wife) the only pagan. One friend is Catholic and the other Baptist. Steve carries holy water and a crusafix, because that's his preferance. Norm carries a small bible, because of the same reason. I have a medicine bag, well.. because it's my belief. I usually burn sage and sweet grass when I get home, usually If feel someone is there and shouldn't be. Just asking them to leave is the only thing you have to do. It's more of a peace of mind.
Never take anything from a schene (besides audio/video and photos). I've read about spirits following people because they where attached to the object. I've never done it, and I don't totaly believe it, but personally I have that rule for respectful reasons.
I've gone arrowhead hunting by my in-laws house. If I take an arrowhead I ask for permission and if they do not want me to take it to tell me. So far asking has prooved 100% effective. Though it may sound silly, but when I walk any grounds that have native evidence, I usually talk to myself out loud and to any natives that maybe around.
But as for personal protection, it's up to you. If they want to follow you home they might. It's usually not likely they will. But it never hurts to ask them not to follow.
Always remember, they can't hurt you and they aren't going to materialize right before your eyes just to say "howdy". Good Luck on your hunt and keep us informed.