Equipment and False Positives

	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	Equipment	How It's Used in Paranormal Investigation	How It Can Create False Positives	What To Do About It / Tips	Equipment: 33	Last update: September 8, 2025 9:05 pm original link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KfAc0Zon3aq-emwtipLp-8FkewVFmThl-qIHT0IBN5A/edit?gid=0#gid=0

2	Air Quality Monitoring Equipment	Detects changes in air composition (CO₂, particulates, humidity, and other gases like CO, NO₂, O₃) that may coincide with reported paranormal activity. Can help rule out environmental causes of experiences.	Poor air quality can directly cause symptoms mistaken for paranormal encounters: Carbon Monoxide (CO) – from faulty heaters, gas stoves; can cause headaches, dizziness, hallucinations, feeling of presence. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – from poor ventilation; causes drowsiness, confusion, anxiety. Mold Spores – from damp walls/HVAC; cause cognitive issues, paranoia, respiratory irritation. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – from paint, carpets, cleaning agents; cause lightheadedness, mood changes. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) – from gas appliances; causes chest tightness, dizziness. Ozone (O₃) – from ozone generators/electrical equipment; causes throat irritation, chest discomfort.	Record baseline readings before investigation; ensure good ventilation; investigate unusual readings before attributing events to paranormal causes; compare results to environmental control areas; if symptoms occur, leave immediately and check for environmental hazards
3	Analog Audio Recording	Captures audio, including potential EVPs, in an uncompressed analog format that some believe better preserves anomalies.	Background noise, tape hiss, or accidental handling noises can be mistaken for voices.	Use multiple recorders; log environmental noises during sessions; review with headphones and in controlled environment.
4	App-based EVP / EMF Tools	Smartphone apps claiming to detect paranormal activity	Apps may have inaccurate sensors or random noise interpreted as signals	Use only reliable, tested apps; corroborate with dedicated equipment
5	Compass	Used to detect magnetic anomalies that might indicate paranormal presence.	Nearby electronics, metal structures, or even the investigator’s own watch can cause needle deflection.	Test the compass in different locations beforehand; keep away from metal and electrical sources.
6	Digital Camera	Takes photos or videos for visual evidence	Camera glitches, dust on lens, light reflections, or lens flares	Clean lenses; check camera settings; compare photos for consistent patterns
7	Digital Notepad / Tablet	For quick note-taking or sketching during investigations	User error or distraction affecting data quality	Use standardized forms; review notes promptly after sessions
8	Digital Voice Recorder (for EVP)	Records audio to capture Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)	Background noise, radio interference, or pareidolia (hearing patterns where none exist)	Use noise filters; conduct control recordings; listen carefully to avoid wishful hearing
9	Dowsing Rods	Used to detect energy or presence by movement of rods	User’s subconscious movements (ideomotor effect). Also: see Southwest Ghost Hunters Association (SGHA)'s study	Use double-blind methods; have multiple investigators cross-check
10	EMF Meter	Detects electromagnetic fields, which some believe spirits affect	Electrical wiring, appliances, or cell phones cause spikes	Turn off nearby electronics; check wiring; baseline readings before investigating
11	Full Spectrum Video and Photography	Captures images beyond visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet, to potentially reveal anomalies.	Dust, insects, and light reflections can look like orbs or apparitions.	Clean lenses before use; take multiple shots for comparison; note environmental light sources.
12	Geiger Counter	Measures ionizing radiation levels	Natural background radiation or equipment malfunction	Take multiple readings; calibrate equipment regularly
13	Ghost SLS Apps (iOS/Android)	Uses phone camera to detect human-like figures, displaying stick figures as visual evidence	Camera quality, lighting conditions, and reflections cause false shapes or figures	Use in controlled lighting; verify with other equipment; avoid direct light sources
14	Infrared (IR) Camera	Captures images/ video in low or no light using infrared light	Reflections, dust, insects, or lens artifacts appear as anomalies	Clean lenses; control environment; compare with visible light footage
15	Infrared Thermometer	Measures spot temperature remotely to detect cold/hot spots possibly linked to spirits	Cold drafts, open windows, or HVAC affecting temperature readings	Check for drafts and airflow; take multiple measurements
16	Infrasound Monitoring Equipment	Detects low-frequency sound waves that may affect perception or cause unease linked to paranormal reports.	Machinery, traffic, or wind can generate infrasound without paranormal cause.	Check for known infrasound sources nearby; correlate readings with environmental logs.
17	K-II Meter	Specialized EMF meter with visual display for detecting electromagnetic fluctuations	Electrical interference or static electricity causing readings	Perform baseline readings; minimize electronics nearby
18	Kinect SLS Camera	Uses structured light sensor tech to map 3D shapes and detect anomalies as figures or forms	Moving objects, shadows, or sensor glitches can be misinterpreted	Calibrate sensor; eliminate moving non-paranormal objects; cross-check with video and audio recordings
19	Laser Grid / Laser Pen	Projects a grid or dot pattern to detect movement or changes in environment	Dust, insects, or air particles interrupt the beam	Use in clean, controlled environments; verify with other visual evidence
20	Motion Sensors	Detects movement in an investigation area	Pets, insects, or settling structures trigger sensors	Remove pets; minimize insect presence; verify physical causes of movement
21	Night Vision Goggles	Enables seeing in near-darkness without visible light	Eye fatigue or lens flare can cause misinterpretations	Take breaks to reduce eye strain; cross-check with other equipment
22	Ouija Board	Used in séances for spirit communication via planchette movement.	Ideomotor effect (unconscious movement by participants) or intentional manipulation.	Blindfold participants; use controlled conditions; document sessions on video.
23	Ovilus	Converts environmental readings (temperature, EMF, etc.) into spoken words from a pre-loaded dictionary. Used to capture potential “responses” during Q&A sessions.	Words may appear due to: • Random data fluctuations • Environmental changes (heat, EMF spikes) • Device’s built-in randomization tendencies • Bias from interpreting unrelated words as meaningful	• Treat as an experimental tool, not proof. • Compare responses with baseline environmental data. • Repeat sessions to see if patterns emerge. • Avoid leading questions that could bias interpretations.
24	Pendulum	Used to receive yes/no answers by swinging in response to questions	Ideomotor effect where user unconsciously moves the pendulum	Use blind questioning; have a neutral third party handle the pendulum
25	Pressure Sensors / Contact Sensors	Detect physical pressure or door/window opening	Structural settling, animals, or human activity cause triggers	Monitor activity logs; cross-check with known movements
26	REM Pod	Uses an antenna to create a small EM field; when something conductive (like a hand) enters that field, it triggers lights and sound. Investigators use it to detect possible interaction from unseen sources.	Can be set off by: • Investigators moving too close • Static electricity from clothing or hair • Changes in humidity or temperature • Nearby electronics or walkie-talkies	• Keep a clear space of at least 3–4 feet around it. • Take baseline readings before starting. • Place multiple REM Pods to see if triggers occur simultaneously. • Avoid placing near electronics, metal objects, or high-traffic paths.
27	Spirit Box / Ghost Box	Rapidly scans radio frequencies to allow spirits to communicate	Random radio chatter, static, and human pattern recognition	Record sessions; analyze with skepticism; cross-reference what’s heard
28	Spirit Slate	A slate where messages from spirits may appear via writing or symbols	Scratches, smudges, or natural wear can look like messages	Use fresh slates; document conditions before and after; rule out physical causes
29	Still Photography and Video	Records static or moving images of investigation sites for later review.	Blurs, lens flare, or motion artifacts can mimic paranormal phenomena.	Stabilize camera; control lighting; take multiple shots from same angle.
30	Thermal Imaging Camera	Detects temperature differences to spot cold/hot spots that might indicate paranormal activity	Drafts, HVAC systems, or reflections from surfaces create false heat signatures	Map the area’s HVAC/draft patterns beforehand; use multiple measurements
31	Torchlight (Flashlight Method)	A flashlight (often with a twist head) is placed on a surface with the beam off but the circuit almost closed. Investigators ask questions, watching to see if the light turns on or flickers as a form of potential interaction.	Flickers or turning on/off may be caused by: • Natural cooling/heating of the metal contacts • Vibrations from footsteps or movement nearby • Loose or worn switch mechanisms • Battery drainage and intermittent contact	• Use fresh batteries and test the flashlight for several minutes before starting. • Avoid placing near vibrating surfaces. • Record on video to verify patterns. • Run multiple tests to rule out mechanical causes before considering results anomalous.
32	Trigger Objects	Items placed in a location to elicit spirit interaction (e.g., toys, personal items)	Objects can be moved by wind, vibrations, or people accidentally	Secure area; use video surveillance; control environment
33	Ultraviolet (UV) Light	Used to reveal hidden markings or residues (sometimes linked to spirits)	Dirt, dust, or stains fluorescing and misinterpreted	Clean surfaces before use; document findings carefully
34	Vibration Activated Light Spheres	Detects vibrations and lights up, often used to indicate possible spirit interaction.	Floor movement, footsteps, or even sound vibrations can trigger them.	Place on stable, isolated surfaces; monitor with video to confirm cause.
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100