 Discount
Ghost Hunting
EVP Recorders
EMF Detectors
Thermometers
DVR Systems
Night Vision
Flashlights
Digital Cameras
Camcorders
Books & Magazines
DVDs
Equipment Cases
Ghost Hunter T-Shirts
GhostStop.com is here to provide you with the best ghost hunting equipment available for paranormal investigations at discount prices. As paranormal investigators ourselves, we understand most are volunteers. Because of that we want to make the best equipment available to everyone.
GhostStop.com was formed by paranormal investigators for paranormal investigators to help provide the best equipment available for the best prices. We have taken the time to test out much of our equipment and offer only what we consider the best for ghost hunting. The 'Our Picks' section features a handful of ghost hunting equipment we use on every investigation.
We offer a wide selection of ghost hunting equipment from EMF meters, digital voice recorders (for EVP), thermometers, DVR video systems with night vision, equipment cases digital camers and video camers to paranormal magazines, books, DVDs, ghost hunter t shirts and hats.
Adventures in Ghost Hunting Blog
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Ghost Hunting Equipment, Tips & Processes
 Since the beginning of time man has been curious about the afterlife. What happens to us after we pass? That 'haunting' question has plagued him and driven him to seek a better understanding through both spiritual/philosophic examination and scientific research.
Generally speaking, the field of paranormal investigation has been led by those who prefer to rely on spiritual and psychic means. With advancements in technology and civilizations growing scepticism many are turning their efforts to focus more on a scientific platform. As paranormal investigators our goal is to provide undeniable proof of paranormal activity and study means in which to advance our knowledge of what lies beyond our current scope.
I will below outline the technologies that can be used for the purposes of paranormal investigation and ghost hunting. Keeping in mind that the field of paranormal research is completely theoretical at this point, we can only speculate as to what can be used and provide advice from people who have experimented which each. I have collected tips and advice from fellow paranormal investigators and noted them in this site, which I hope will provide you with a basis from which to conduct your own research into the paranormal.
Ghost Hunting vs. Paranormal Investigations
Firstly, I should probably explain the differences between Ghost Hunting and Paranormal Investigations. Although it may seem like the same thing, there is a big difference in the methodology and objectives of each.
Ghost Hunting
Generally speaking, Ghost hunting refers to the action of setting out to find proof of afterlife-based paranormal activity. This is typically done in a location previously deemed as active (or full of 'ghosts').
Paranormal Investigation
A paranormal investigation, however, is performed by a team who sets out to collect evidence to prove or disprove claims or suggestions of paranormal activity. This is typically performed as a result of a client requesting assistance in validating or debunking claims of paranormal experiences.
Before The Investigation
Fact Gathering & Research
The best tool at your disposal is 'the facts'. Our job as paranormal investigators is to gather as much information as possible. This information will be pertinent in conducting a professional, efficient and accurate investigation.
- Learn as much as you can about the location your are going to be investigating
- Research the history of the location including possible catastrophies
- Interview the client and people who are involved with the location including residents, employees, owners - whomever might have knowledge of potential activity (for the sake of the client's confidentiality, get their permission before contacting others)
- Know your team - know their strengths and weeknesses
Ghost Hunting Equipment
Required Equipment
For safety and proper documentation I suggest having at the very least the following items on each person for every investigation.
- Audio Recorder - An audio recorder is a must-have for any investigation - particularly on a client investigation. This is primarily to document the entire investigation as well as protecting yourself and your team in the event the client makes claims later that you said or did something you did not. Having an audio documentation of the entire proceedings should protect you in this event. See more information on types of audio recorders below. I like to call out the time to my audio recorder (called 'tagging') every 20 minutes or so. This is helpful when later reviewing the evidence.
- Flashlight - A must-have for any investigation, particularly at night and in darkened areas.
- Lots of Batteries - Because most equipment utilized during an investigation is portable and requires batteries, make sure to have a stockpile on hand of every type yoy may need.
- Notebook and Pen - This is particularly helpful when interviewing clients, jotting down areas of interest on an initial walkthrough and documenting activity as it occurs.
- A Watch - A watch is required to 'tag' your audio recorder and to note the time throughout the investigation. One with a backlight is particularly helpful.
Standard Ghost Hunting Equipment
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Audio Recorders
Audio recorders are a handy tool, not only for recording EVP (electronic voice phenomena) but also for documenting your investigation. In addition, this audio documentation can prove to be helpful in the event a client claims you have said or done something you have not.
As noted, the main reason for having an audio recorder on hand during an investigation is to record potential EVPs. This phenomena occasionally is heard when an intelligent being is attempting to communicate with us. This can come through as a voice, taps, or other audible disturbances. This is particularly notable when heard as a response to a question or a request for signs of one's presence.
There are two main types of audio recorders including:
Digital Audio Recorder
 Digital audio recorder, a more recent technology, uses an internal hard drive to record audio. This gives you the ability to record many hours depending on the size of the internal drive. They are typically very small and include a manner in which to plug the device into your home computer to retrieve the audio data - typically via a USB connection. This audio is typically in a standard format such as MP3, WAV, or WMV - again, depending on the type of recorder you get. Most recorders will also allow you to separate out audio into folders making it easier to note which segment is for what.
Most digital audio recorders require a seperate USB cable. There are, however, models that plug right into your computer via USB without the need for a cable. I prefer this route as I am prone to losing things and I have enough random cables as it is. I don't need another one.
These units I suggest as they do not require a seperate cable.
 Olympus WS-100 - Compact digital audio recorder does not require a cable and records up to 27 hours of audio. I use this one, myself.
 Olympus WAS-331M - Compact digital audio recorder does not require a cable and records up to 555 hours of audio (plenty of hours for several investigations).
Tape Recorder
Tape, recorders, unlike digital audio recorders utilize an analog tape to record. Some stand by this older technology claiming it records in a more natural environment. I, for one, prefer the ease of use and efficiency of the digital. In addition, because of the moving gears used in tape recorders, they tend to pick up sounds generated internally by the device. This can be detrimental to your evidence collecting.
How Do You Transfer Audio From Your Digital Recorder To Your Computer?
I get this question a lot. Now that you've gotten your digital audio recorder, how do you get the audio off the recorder on to your computer an clip out what you want. Since, all manufacturers do things slightly different you should really read the manual that came with your device for instructions on how to get the audio onto your computer. That aside, you can generally follow these basic steps:
- Plug your digital audio recorder into any available USB slot. If you're not sure what that is, basically plug it in anywhere it will fit.
- Macs and most PCs with Windows 2000, XP or Vista will automatically detect the device
- Find your device and where the audio files are located.
- MAC: Open your Finder. You should see a mounted drive in the top left corner indicating the device. Click on that and browse into the folders to find your audio files (typical formats include MP3, WAV, or WMV). Double click the file to listen.
- WINDOWS: Go to My Computer. You should see a mounted drive somewhere indicating the device. Double click on that and browse into the folders to find your audio files (typical formats include MP3, WAV, or WMV). Double click the file to listen.
How Do You Clip Out Sections Of The Audio And Edit?
 Now that you've gotten the audio file onto your computer you're ready to review the evidence. Once you've found something particularly interesting you'll most likely want to clip out that section to send to your team for review or put up on the internet, right? To do this, you need a program capable of this. There are many out there, so here are a few I suggest:
- Audacity: A great application for simple tasks like clipping and cleanup PLUS it's FREE!
- SoundForge: This is my favorite application for advanced audio tasks.
- Adobe Soundbooth: The standard Adobe suite for production editing. Works seamlessly with Adobe Premier for integration with video and Flash.
With each of these applications you can visually see the audio levels while you're listing to it. To clip out what you want, simply select the preferred area with your mouse and Copy/Paste that section to a new file. Some applicatons may also have an option to save the selected area to it's own file.
TIP: When clipping possible audio for evidence, select at least 30 seconds before and after the focal area. This helps those listening to get a better idea of what is happening during the time of the activity.
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Cameras
More info coming soon on...
Digital Cameras
SLR Cameras (single lense reflex)
Filter Removal (lifepixel.com)
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EMF Meters (Electro Magnet Field)
EMF meters measure fluctuations in electromagnet fields (or EM fields). These fields are a direct result of electrical appliances in home, cell phones, powerlines outside and even fluctuations in solar activity and weather. Beyond that, a primary theory in the paranormal world is that entities can manipulate these fields in their attempt to manifest themselves or interact with our world. The units of measurement registered on an EMF meter is called milligauss.
There are a large number of EMF meters on the market with various features. The two main differentiation are Single Axis and TriField (or tri-axis) explained below.
 Single Axis
Single axis EMF meters, like all EMF devices measure fluctuations in electromagnetic fields. These meters, however, read these fluctuations in one direction. Typically this direction is directly ahead of you (as you hold the device in front of you with the display up). Some, like the Cellsensor meter, include an attachable probe which you can move around independant of the meter. This is helpful in maintining the desvice isn't moving around too much which can affect the readout.
Suggested Single Axis Meters:
 Cellsensor - As far as single axis meters go, I prefer this one. It has an audio and visual alarm to alert you when higher readings are detected. It also includes an attachable probe independant of the meter. Not to mention, this unit is quite affordable.
 Extech EMF and ELF Meter - This meter has a digital display for better accuracy in documenting specific readouts.
 TriField Meters
TriField meters on the other hand, measure fluctuations in electromagnetic fields but in 3 axis - X, Y and Z. These devices measure in all directions.
 TriField Natural EM Meter - This meter is considered the best for paranormal investigation. This meter measures magnetic, electric and radio/microwaves focusing mainly on naturally occuring 'DC' fields. These currents are considered in the field moreso indicative of paranormal activity.
 TriField Meter - This meter offers magnetic, electric, and radio/microwave detection in one package. Includes an analog readout and an adjustable audio alert. This meter, however, focuses mainly on 'AC' or man-made electrical and magnetic fields. This meter is moreso effective in detecting man-made currents to debunk claims of 'being watched' which can be caused by faulty wiring and/or electrical leakage. For detecing paranormal activity, you're better off with the TriField Natural EM Meter above.
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Video Cameras
More info coming soon on...
What type should you use?
Night Vision / Infrared Lighting
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Motion Detectors
More info coming soon... |
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Thermometers
One theory in paranormal investigations is that entities can manipulate temperature when attempting to manifest themselves or interact with us. You may find cold or warm spots in a room where no cause in apparent. This may be indicative of something trying to make contact.
To detect these anomalies, you will need a thermometer and a little common sense. If you find a cold spot, for instance, look for any possible source of the cooler temperature. Look for open vents, windows and fans as possible sources. Move the thermometer in every direction to find where the area starts and ends. If the anomaly is relatively concentrated in on area with no attachments to possible sources, you may have something attempting to manifest. This is the time to break out your cameras and audio recorders to attempt furthering your evidence with communication and/or visuals.
The biggest mistake people make with thermometers, however, is using the wrong type. Here are the two main types of thermometers:
 Probe Thermometers
A probe thermometer includes a small metal rod or 'bullet' used to detect air temperature surrounding the device. This means you are detecting area around you.
Example Probe Thermometer:
 Oregon Scientific Probe Thermometer - Backlight probe thermometer with large display.
 CDN Touch Screen Probe Thermometer - Large touch screen display with actual temp, target temp, timer and alarm.
 Infrared / Non-Contact Thermometers
Many people mistakingly use an infrared/non-contact thermometer. These devices shoot an infrared signature across the room until it hits a surface. Most include a red laser light so that you can see where the device is pointing. For this purpose, lets say you're pointing it at a wall directly across the room from you. The signature takes the temperature of the surface area and reports back to the device. What you are doing is taking the temperature of the wall across the room - NOT the temperature around you. This serves little or no purpose in detecting cold spots. However, this is effective for detecting potential sources. For instance, if you notice a temperature change in the room you are in, you'll want to find a source of that. Point the infrared thermometer at ever vent and window to see if colder air is coming through.
Don't get confused! Some infrared/non-contact thermometers do not have a laser on them. So although you may think it's a probe thermometer it may not be. Make sure to read the descriptions on the device before purchasing.
Example Infrared/Non-Contact Thermometers :
 Mastercool Infrared Thermometer - Infrared thermometer with laser pointer and backlight for those dark areas.
 AcTron Infrared Thermometer - Compact infrared thermometer.
 Best Of Both Worlds
Your best bet for usage in paranormal investigations is to get an infrared thermometer that ALSO includes a probe (usually called a K probe). This way you can use both techniques discussed above to simultaneously to detect cold/warm spots around you and their possible sources.
Suggested Infrared/Probe Thermometers:
 Dual Temp Infrared/Probe Thermometer - Great compact infrared/probe thermometer includes a retractable probe and backlit digital display.
 Mastercool Dual Temp Infrared/Probe Thermometer - Infrared/probe thermometer with probe jack and backlit digital display.
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Advanced Ghost Hunting Equipment
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DVR Surrveilence Systems (Digital Video Recorder)
More info coming soon on...
PC-Based Systems
Stanalond DVR Systems
USB PC-Based Systems |
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Thermal Imaging Cameras
More info coming soon on...
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'The Box'
More info coming soon on... |
Safety & Communication Equipment
- First Aid Kit - It's a good idea to have a first aid kit on-hand in the even anyone is hurt
- Cell Phone - For communication outside the investigation in the event you need directions to a location or need to call 911
- 2-Way Radios - Great for quick communication amongst the team when seperated on an investigation
STEPS TO INVESTIGATION
Coming soon...
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