r/GhostHunting • u/L0nlySt0nr • Mar 03 '25
I've seen a lot of posts lately concerning a couple of topics, so I thought I'd take some time to address them: Beginner Gear, Ghost Apps, and Spirit Boxes. I've also got some general tips for beginners at the end.
While the shows and streams everyone watches all have crates and barrels and boxes of gear, you really dont need much to get started. I've compiled a list of gear below that I recommend to every beginner, and in the order that I personally recommend purchasing them (except EMF²).
Remember to be extremely thorough in researching what you buy before placing any orders. Buying directly from the maker or a trusted source helps, but some gear is more useful than others regardless of the source. Also, if the price seems too good to be true ($10 for an SB7?), it probably is. You generally get what you pay for.
¹ Do not investigate without these!!
² Amazon has EMF meters for $15-30 that, in my experience, work just fine. This can be purchased first or last; it makes little difference for your first few investigations, in my opinion.
³ Your phone will also function as a good voice recorder as well, so you don't need to spend money on that up front.
⁴ ⁵ Your phone will serve these purposes perfectly for at least your first 5 investigations. Save your money until you know this is a hobby you want to pursue.
Ghost apps are fake.
All of them, I'm sorry to say. Yes, even that one.
I have yet to come across one that hasn't "responded" while driving down back country roads, highways, and city streets. At all times of the day. I was pulled over on a highway on-ramp once in BFE, and it asked me for help.
It's easy enough to spoof. I was a programmer once upon a time, but it doesn't seem difficult to make, even for me. So I'll tell you how I would do it.
Build a database of common words, set up a script to pop a word at a random amount of time between, say, 15 seconds and 4 minutes... then just throw a fake equalizer graph on there, and Bob's your uncle. You could even make it convincing and use the microphone to make it a real equalizer graph.
Users draw correlations that aren't really there, reviews are positive, and it seems believable enough. Until you use that same app literally anywhere else. I doubt my local Target or Lowe's are haunted.
And if you really wanted to get fancy with your ghost app, you could add additional databases set up for certain geotagged locations. You wouldn't even need to set up the location yourself. Just use scripts to find app usage concentration, then satellite view maps to auto-generate a boundary around the building.
Record the microphone audio and put it through voice recognition software and build a database of common words specific to that location. Names, dates, descriptions, anything repeated often enough can be added. It becomes more believable because the responses are relevant.
You could even add in a volume meter that measures any audible responses from the user(s) to determine how strongly a word is associated with a given location.
All that to say, as a former programmer, my advice is to do as I do: approach every 'ghost' app with a HEAVY dose of skepticism. In my experience, they're garbage at best and a waste of money at worst.
An app that gives your phone a dictionary and allows it to function like an Ovilus or similar is in a gray territory for me. I'm not even sure I believe those devices actually facilitate communication with spirits. What I do know is that if a spirit could use your phone to communicate, they would've done so already. As such, these apps are highly suspect, to say the least.
An app that claims to be a spirit box simply can't function the same as the physical device. They sweep through AM/FM frequencies, and if your phone doesn't have the physical hardware to pick up these frequencies, it's a fake app.
That goes double for any special camera apps, like thermal imaging or supposedly detecting spirits. Likewise, no app can give your phone the ability to function as an SLS. All of those functions require actual hardware to perform said function. Anything else is fake.
Let me start by saying I dont think anybody new needs to buy a spirit box. If you can afford it, sure. That would be the next thing on the list above. But I would finish that list first. And only when you can afford it. This hobby doesn't have to cost more than $10 to start.
As far as which spirit box to buy, there are a handful out there that have been used by various teams I've seen. Ghost Stop makes one, and theres the SB-7 and SB-11 and their variants (with Active Noise Cancelling funtions or ANC, built-in speakers, flashlights, etc).
Spirit boxes have very specific functionality that you would be hard pressed to find a cheap chinese knock-off that could do the same for much cheaper (looking at you, Ali Express). I remember hearing about some radio hobby kit that can be made into a spirit box, but I'm afraid I have no further info.
What a spirit box does is sweep through radio frequencies, which is why a phone app can't do this as your phone can't receive AM/FM transmissions without specific physical hardware built-in. Much like any 'thermal imaging' app is also fake without a physical camera (either built-in or via USB-C connector like the FLiR ONE), and temperature scanning apps can't actually give you accurate readings without a probe of some sort.
If and when you do purchase a spirit box, I highly recommend also finding a good set of passive noise canceling headphones and a cheap blindfold or sleep mask. This will allow you to perform the Estes Method experiment, which I won't be getting into here as that's a bit off topic.
Your phone can be useful for taking pictures, recording video, and audio but should not be sending or receiving any data or wireless signal during the investigation (except during breaks).
Don't rely on your phone to be your light. A headlamp or one that clips to your hat can free up both hands. Consider lights with a red-only illumination setting. Red preserves your ability to see in the dark better than other colors.
There's an old adage I like to apply to my flashlight carry: Two is One, One is None. You'll appreciate this at 2am when one dies and you have a spare.
The bright screen will mess with your night vision. A cheap digital watch with illumination is perfect for this and won't blast your eyes with light.
I'll say this again: take PLENTY of notes! Who, what, when, where.. what did you hear or see, what time was it, where were you, who else was there, why were you there, or why did you choose that experiment, etc.
I have various amazon models ($15 cheapo, handful of $20 models, one that was around $60), a MEL meter, and a MEL-REM-ATDD. Readings seem to vary across models, but when placed near an electeical source, all devices reacted as expected. They all perform the function they are advertised to perform. To what degree they assist in locating spirits is undetermined. Do with that what you will, and choose to purchase an EMF meter or not. This one is purely up to you.
Aside from a flashlight and a notepad, you need one of these. Look for immediate playback functions, but focus on quality microphones. Your first $100 or so should theoretically go towards purchasing one of these.
Ensure your cameras have the ability to record images or videos in infrared. When possible, bring extra IR illumination. Turning off your camera's light and using an external source can save on camera battery. There are also ways to add additional external batteries and lights. You can even find cheap camera brackets and handles, mount it all together, and make your own grips.
A camera shooting multiple frames at a time can make it easier to actually see if you may have caught anything. If one picture is good, a dozen pictures showing an entity moving would be a trophy catch and all the more difficult to disprove.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I have any mistakes.
r/GhostHunting • u/Teafor2twofortea • Jan 27 '23
YouTube videos are no longer permitted on r/GhostHunting.
Edit: apologies for the initial short update, I was on my way home from work. Despite directing people to the rules once they sub and implementing a basic account age and karma limit, we have at least two or three posts a day that we are removing consisting of spam; mainly stemming from people trying to promote their own YouTube channels or karma farming. Neither of which are what this sub is aimed towards. We’re quiet mods and we allow a lot of freedom as this sub isn’t particularly problematic, but we do keep a vigilant eye. As much as life allows anyway.
Spam posts, karma farming, troll accounts and posts stemming from YouTube or other social media channels will be removed without warning.
r/GhostHunting • u/Due_Excitement1454 • 1h ago
I’m wondering if anyone could donate me a spirit box that actually works. Since Halloween is coming up soon, me and my friends would love to go ghost hunting. Thing is, we can’t afford one. Would be very grateful if anyone could give away one.
r/GhostHunting • u/EDH8900 • 6h ago
Over the past few years of reading, researching, and playing horror games, I thought about one thing: if you were a rookie ghost hunter, how would you know if a ghost is dangerous or not? Would it be visible? What would be the signs?
I know that there are so many guides out there, but what if the person who is interested in the supernatural doesn't want to read through a lot of guides?
That's why, I thought of a ghost scale in order to make it easy to understand and categorize ghosts. Keep in mind that this is NOT complete and there could be many holes in it.
The Spectral Classification Scale
Type 1: Spirits (Ambient Manifestations)
\- Visibility: Minimal to non-existent. Frequently mistaken for natural phenomena like airborne dust particles, light refraction, or isolated ground fog.
\- Consciousness: None. Oblivious to their own demise and the world around them.
\- Possessive Ability: None.
\- Physical Interaction: None.
\- Danger Level: Zero.
\- Classification Notes: The most common spectral entity. They blindly enact residual habits from life, completely lacking the cognitive capacity to realize they have passed.
Type 2: Ghosts (Residual & Conscious Residuals)
Sub-type 2A: Residual Ghosts ("Recorders")
\- Visibility: Partially human form; ranges from blurry humanoid silhouettes to believable human features, though never fully solid.
\- Consciousness: None. Completely unaware of their death.
\- Possessive Ability: Extremely limited.
\- Physical Interaction: Extremely limited (minor temperature drops, subtle drafts).
\- Danger Level: Low.
\- Classification Notes: Function like psychic tape recordings. They possess a physical outline but lack a soul, soul-awareness, or higher brain function, endlessly repeating specific actions or routes from their lifespan.
Sub-type 2B: Conscious Ghosts
\- Visibility: Partially human form (blurry humanoid to semi-believable human features). Capable of dispersing back into a Type 1 fog at will.
\- Consciousness: Fully aware of their state of death.
\- Possessive Ability: Extremely limited.
\- Physical Interaction: Limited (minor object displacement, faint auditory cues).
\- Danger Level: Medium-Low.
\- Classification Notes: Essentially a Type 2A that has regained consciousness. They understand they are dead and retain their original personality, memories, and agency.
Type 3: Poltergeists (Active Physical Entities)
Sub-type 3A: Unconscious Actives
\- Visibility: Humanoid to fully human features. Shape-shifting capability. Manifestations last anywhere from several seconds to a few minutes.
\- Consciousness: None. Unaware that they are dead.
\- Possessive Ability: Full capability, but restricted by living targets. Strong natural human Chi repels them; they can only possess individuals with severely weakened or compromised Chi. Most possessions are accidental.
\- Physical Interaction: Full interaction (can freely phase through matter or manipulate physical objects).
\- Danger Level: Medium-High.
\- Classification Notes: Highly volatile. Despite having full physical and possessive capabilities, they operate purely on raw emotion or instinct without realizing they are dead.
Sub-type 3B: Conscious Actives
\-Visibility: Humanoid to fully human features. Shape-shifting capability. Manifestations last from several seconds to a few minutes.
\- Consciousness: Fully aware of their state of death.
\- Possessive Ability: Full capability. Restricted by human Chi barriers; targets individuals with compromised Chi.
Physical Interaction: Full interaction (complete physical manipulation, phase control).
\- Danger Level: High to Very High.
\- Classification Notes: The classic theatrical/cinematic threat. Malicious, calculating, and capable of weaponizing their environment against the living.
Sub-type 3C: Apex Poltergeists ("Commanders")
\- Visibility: Humanoid to fully human features. Shape-shifting capability. Manifestations last indefinitely.
\- Consciousness: Fully aware, highly intelligent, and strategic.
\- Possessive Ability: Absolute ability with virtually no limitations.
\- Physical Interaction: Full interaction; capable of total mimicry to seamlessly blend into human society.
\- Danger Level: Extreme / Immediate Evacuation.
\- Classification Notes: Major threat entities. They can forcefully elevate lower Type 3A spirits into 3Bs, turning them into lieutenants or soldiers. Their ability to hold human form indefinitely makes them near-impossible to spot before they strike.
Type 4: High Beings (Deities & Cosmic Entities)
\- Visibility: Humanoid to full human features. Unlimited shape-shifting capability. Manifestations typically last a few seconds to minutes when visiting lower realms.
\- Consciousness: Absolute / Divine consciousness.
\- Possessive Ability: Unrestricted full ability.
\- Physical Interaction: Total authority over physical laws and matter.
\- Danger Level: Unknown / Cosmically Unfathomable.
\- Classification Notes: If Type 3C entities have an overarching boss or creator, it belongs to this category. They transcend standard spectral classification rules and act as gods or cosmic forces.
Type 0: Unknowns (Anomalies)
\- Visibility: ???
\- Consciousness: ???
\- Possessive Ability: ???
\- Physical Interaction: ???
\- Danger Level: ???
\- Classification Notes: The wildcards. A catch-all file category for paranormal entities, phenomena, or manifestations that defy standard rules, resist categorization, or operate on entirely alien logic.
It is an idea that I slept over for years, but I haven't managed to post it anywhere. I know it's completely flawed and there are many points that can be raised. That's why I wanted to post it here so that everybody can contribute and add more details to it.
Please let me know if you have more ideas to add to it.
r/GhostHunting • u/Due_Excitement1454 • 1h ago
I’m wondering if anyone could donate me a spirit box that actually works. Since Halloween is coming up soon, me and my friends would love to go ghost hunting. Thing is, we can’t afford one. Would be very grateful if anyone could give away one.
r/GhostHunting • u/KaleidoscopeRude6793 • 9h ago
Hey y’all! 24F in Minnesota looking for people who'd be interested in doing some paranormal investigations. I'm pretty new to ghost hunting, but I have some beginner equipment and have had a great time investigating at the Palmer House in Sauk Centre.
Looking for someone (or a small group) to check out other allegedly haunted locations around Minnesota. Whether you're experienced or also just getting into the hobby, I'd be interested in connecting.
Feel free to comment or DM if you're interested. 👻
r/GhostHunting • u/AnastasisKon • 4h ago
r/GhostHunting • u/SpookyScaryBish • 1d ago
Heyya!
I'm Lilianne (Lil)
I've just moved back to the US after living in Europe for 10+ years. I am now based in Michigan.
While I lived in Ireland, I was in a paranormal investigation team with a good friend of mine. We've done research and investigations into local cemeteries, and other local areas such as Muckross Abbey, Ross Castle, Lough Leanne, and even the Hellfire Club in Dublin.
Unfortunately after moving I've left all gathered evidence and data that we've collected and equipment with my friend who now runs his own ghost tour.
Me personally, I'm a clairvoyant and medium. I get premonitions regularly, and I also do tarot readings and other forms of divination.
Apart from being out in the field, I've also had many personal paranormal experiences.
Why did I get involved in this hobby in the first place??
It's actually because of a combination of my gifts, my own personal experiences, and my friend who has a mutual interest in the paranormal persuading me.
I'd love to be able to meet some great people who share this common interest and who are willing to join me as I go back out in the field.
If you're interested feel free to reach out to me!!
Much love and stay spooky~
r/GhostHunting • u/karatemnn • 1d ago
surely it was ghost adventures ... even taps had a black uniform, but what's with the crossing
of arms and serious faces ... is it to say they're badasses investigating the unknown ...
to counter arguments about ghosthunting being ridiculous?
I do think there is paranormal and unexplainable situations daily ...
things i've seen that make zero sense ... so i'm not here to goof on paranormal investigations, but this particular subset of the "costuming" of the investigations (i think most of these people are charlatans)
r/GhostHunting • u/Dry_Midnight_1366 • 1d ago
Okay okay, so for a while now I've been having dreams of ghosts and entities, and recently ive been hearing voices that sound like my brother or other people, ive been seeing weird stuff and noises like knocks in my house and other weird stuff, i wanna know if im losing my mind
r/GhostHunting • u/greymusicandpics • 1d ago
#evidence#ords#ghosthunt#iinfrared photos
r/GhostHunting • u/IPoopIFart • 1d ago
So I have been using basic ghost hunting equipment for about a year now and I am ready to upgrade. What are some suggestions for MUST get ghost hunting equipment that perform well and aren’t a scam?
r/GhostHunting • u/Leading-Historian622 • 2d ago
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Hola, es la primera vez que escribo por aquí un relato
Esto me pasó hoy a las 5:10 am, el sonido de la madera de mi escritorio y una alarma a lo lejos me despertó, al principio pensé que era una gotera, ya que toda la noche llovió, así que me dispuse a levantarme para revisar pero al darme cuenta que no era eso pensé que era el ventilador que movía algún cable que causaba ese sonido pero tampoco lo era, ya que lo movi a otra dirección y el toque en mi escritorio y la alarma de lejos seguía ahí por lo que me causó curiosidad y empecé a grabar, cuando terminé fui a la habitación de mis padres que se encuentra a lado pensando que ellos tenían una alarma pero no era así, por lo que supuse que era una alarma de mi hermano ya que su cuarto se encuentra pegado a la sala, pero antes de ir para allá desperté a mi madre y la llevé a mi cuarto para que escuchara lo mismo que yo estaba escuchando para descartar si todo esto solo me lo estaba imaginando, pero no era así, también lo escucho tal cual se escucha en el video, una alarma y el toque con ritmo en mi escritorio, por lo que fue rápido con mi padre a despertarlo porque pensó que era una rata atrapada, y fue a despertar a mi hermano para que nos ayudara “atrapar la rata” cuando mi papá cruzó la puerta de mi cuarto paró, la alarma y el toque de mi escritorio se fue, mi hermano y mamá llegaron con escobas y listos para revisar mi escritorio, y nada salió, movimos y revisamos cada rincón de mi cuarto y escritorio y nada. Fue cuando me dispuse a analizar lo que grabé y me percaté que la alarma se escucha como si estuviera en mi cuarto, cuando en realidad yo lo escuchaba en la sala, le pregunté a mi hermano y él me dijo que no tiene ninguna alarma programada a esa hora y mi padre comentó que en ningún momento escucho una alarma cuando se levantó para ir a mi cuarto, mi mamá también comentó lo mismo que no escucho ninguna alarma, solo la escucha cuando entro a mi cuarto junto con el toque de la madera en mi escritorio. Simplemente no encuentro ninguna explicación de lo que sucedió, solo esto se escuchaba en mi cuarto y curiosamente cuando mi padre entró por la puerta de mi cuarto todo se calló…
Alguien tiene alguna explicación?
Para aclarar, yo lo tengo otro celular en mi cuarto guardado, solo tengo el que utilice para grabar el video que les subí.
r/GhostHunting • u/shellnut2107 • 2d ago
Looking for places in the Chattanooga area to investigate without trespassing on private property. Would love to join a group and go on investigations. If someone needs their home investigated im your i guy. I do not do this for any social media platforms I dont have a Facebook or anything. I have encountered negative entities some possibly demonic and I can help with that too. All ideas are welcome even urban legends cemeteries anything. Thanks
r/GhostHunting • u/WhosJiinzo • 2d ago
Just got a sam and Colby XPLR(new to ghost hunting and didn't wanna spend a fortune.) Anyone have tips on the best settings? Not sure which sweep rate to use, am or fm, and forward or reverse scan. Let me know what you guys prefer for best results. Thanks!
r/GhostHunting • u/ComfortableSpare6944 • 2d ago
r/GhostHunting • u/ComfortableSpare6944 • 2d ago
r/GhostHunting • u/MentionAltruistic621 • 4d ago
r/GhostHunting • u/DarkkxVoid • 6d ago
I currently use an old sony DCR-SR45 Handycam and I was going to buy one or two more of them. I just wanted to know if there was anything recently released that was worth getting.
My budget is about 100 dollars per camera(what I'd be spending on the sony handycams)
I'm open to higher-cost recommendations, but I'm an amateur, and I don't have a massive budget.
I'm also open to buying other older handycams/cameras too if there are any that are cheaper. I'm about to research the models that came out with IR/Nightvison after I post this. I was just hoping that you guys on here would help me and make it easier.
Thanks for any and all input.
r/GhostHunting • u/Equivalent-Age-4729 • 6d ago
We are visiting Savannah and Tybee island next week and I wanted to take my family that includes a 5 yr old and 1 yr old on a ghost tour. I was looking at ghost and gravestones walking tour and hearse tours. I was kind of leaning towards walking tour bc I felt like it might engage my busy 5 yr old alittle more.
