Engineering a ghost hunt this Halloween

Engineers and technologists are driven by science, fact, and logic – constantly working to explain the unexplainable. Scientists have demystified weather phenomena, for example, we now recognise that storms and droughts are not the consequence of some divine wrath, but rather they are the outcomes of interacting variables like temperature, air pressure, and water vapour, each shifting with the Earth's atmosphere.

But what about the things that go bump, boo, or whisper in the night? How do we make sense of scintillating spirits or unsettling apparitions? On this eerie evening, spirits – and their devotees – roam the Earth, and they use sophisticated electronic devices as tools to capture the sights and sounds of the beyond. These tools harness basic principles from fields like thermography, sound engineering, and electromagnetic field detection, and whether or not they reveal anything supernatural, these devices are technically fascinating – and, if nothing else, a great talking point at Halloween.

So, let’s dive into seven gadgets ghost hunters use to “catch” a glimpse of the otherworldly.

SB7-PRO spirit box

The SB7-PRO Spirit Box quickly sweeps radio frequencies, producing bursts of white noise believed to facilitate ghostly communication. It functions as a small, handheld frequency modulator, and engineers designed the device to minimise the ‘squelch’ typical of fast-tuned radios, amplifying frequency static without locking onto specific channels. Theoretically, a paranormal entity could manipulate this ambient noise, forming coherent sounds or voices.

Paranormal or not, the design is a great study in optimising sound disturbance.

Rook EMF Meter

Engineers know that electrical circuits generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs), but the Rook EMF Meter takes this principle to the next level. Equipped with an audio component, this tool translates EMF fluctuations into sounds, so investigators don’t have to look at the device constantly. Its single-axis sensor detects field strength, which is ideal for environments with limited electrical noise.

Could sudden spikes indicate a spectral presence? For most engineers, these variations simply highlight unshielded wiring or faulty appliances – but during a ghost hunt, engineers play along, just in case there’s something more to it ...

SBox ghost box and recorder

The SBox is both a spirit box and recorder, and it has been made with paranormal investigations in mind. The device works by scanning radio channels like a spirit box, but it also records audio for reviewing potential Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). It’s compact, battery-powered, and it allows playback for instant analysis – a straightforward application of digital recording and signal processing.

However, unlike standard recorders, its circuitry is optimised for a wide frequency range, theoretically making subtle sounds more detectable in quiet environments.

Infrared thermometer and thermal imaging camera

Ever felt that cold shiver run down your spine? Or the hairs on the back of your neck bristle as you eerily sense that something isn’t right? Could you be standing in a creepy cold spot?

Engineers can appreciate the science behind thermal imaging technology, which converts infrared radiation into visible light to reveal temperature variations. Ghost hunters use these tools to locate "cold spots" where they believe spirits linger. An infrared thermometer detects temperature changes precisely, while thermal cameras reveal broader patterns across surfaces.

While most engineers recognise these readings as probably drafts or air conditioning, the tool remains essential for ghost hunters seeking cold zones that might signify spectral energy.

EVP Wrist Recorder

An EVP Wrist Recorder is designed for capturing faint sounds or whispers which allows investigators to record audio hands-free while asking questions to spirits. It works similarly to voice-activated recorders, but it is tailored to reduce background noise – boosting sensitivity to low-frequency sounds. Engineers might recognise the circuitry for its low gain pre-amplifiers, enhancing its capacity to pick up soft or distant audio.

Whether or not you catch a ghostly whisper, the engineering behind its miniaturisation and focus on audio clarity makes it a solid recording device.

GS2 Laser Grid System

The GS2 Laser Grid System projects a matrix of laser points which ghost hunters claim can reveal movement by disturbing the pattern. This system includes an ambient light sensor, temperature display, and distance sensors, converting minor environmental changes into visible disturbances on the grid.

Adjustments in laser angles or sensor calibration are all about precision – a valuable skill in any technical field, haunted or otherwise.

Kinect SLS camera

Adapted from gaming technology, the Kinect SLS Camera uses depth sensors to map objects and detect motion which then highlights figures as skeletal images on the screen. It was initially designed to follow user movements for gaming, however, engineers quickly saw its utility in other areas, like robotics and now it is also being used for paranormal detection – with ghost hunters claiming that if a figure appears on-screen in an otherwise empty room, it could be a ghost.

The technology itself is rooted in depth-sensing algorithms, using structured light and infrared cameras to identify shapes – a fascinating adaptation for visualising the unseen.

Beyond the natural, technology for the "super" natural world

Whether engineers believe in ghosts or not, paranormal technology taps into genuine scientific principles. From sound amplification and thermal detection to EMF measurement, each device is grounded in engineering techniques that reveal facets of our natural world – and, perhaps, even something super-natural.

Personally, I like to think that there are mysteries we haven’t yet solved – not that they’re necessarily beyond our reach, but that we’ve not yet uncovered the answers. For me, things such as the supernatural, add a sprinkle of magic and wonder to the world – it’s a bit of mystery among the known.

So, as Halloween approaches, explore these gadgets with a healthy blend of curiosity and scepticism. You may not catch a ghost, but you’ll definitely find some interesting engineering.

Happy ghost hunting, and remember: it’s all about the science!

I found these devices online via the following websites: Ghost Stop, The Ghost Store, Ghosthunter Store, Spirit Shack, or Amazon but there are many others out there for you to explore.