Paranormal investigators use a variety of methods to find out whether or not ghosts or spirits are present. Some of these methods include using a spirit box, Full Spectrum Camera, Video, and Photo to capture images of Orbs, Free Floating Apparitions and other activity. Paranormal investigators would also use Audio Recorders capture Evidence of EVPs and Disembodied Voices.

Paranormal investigations are conducted by a variety of people including professional ghost hunters, amateur ghost hunters, psychics, clairvoyants, and people who believe they have been contacted by ghosts. The use of Audio Recorders to discover electronic voice phenomena (EVP) is one method that has been used to detect the presence of spirits or other entities in a particular location. EVP is typically achieved when an investigator records sounds on a digital recorder or mobile device and then later listens to it and reviews it for any unusual sounds. The use of electromagnetic field meters (EMF) is another method that has been used to detect the presence of ghosts or other entities in a particular location.

Psychical researchers, including parapsychologists and members of the Society for Psychical Research, have conducted a number of investigations in an attempt to determine if ghosts exist. These researchers use different types of equipment to measure temperature variations in buildings or air, electrical activity from the electromagnetic spectrum such as radio emissions and sound waves, and changes in barometric pressure that might indicate a presence. One experiment has been reported where two psychical researchers were able to measure temperatures under the bed at a reported haunted location, finding an anomalous temperature of 5.6 degrees Celsius and 9.8 degrees Celsius respectively; this indicates that a ghost may have been present in the room.

The following are some of the most common pieces of equipment used in paranormal investigations.

Full Spectrum Video: Full spectrum video is a type of camera that records light waves from infrared to ultraviolet. This type of camera is often used in paranormal investigations because it can capture different types of light that are invisible to the human eye.

Audio Recorders: Audio recorders are often used in a paranormal investigation to record any unusual sounds that might be heard during the course of the investigation. These sounds can include things like knocking, tapping, or scratching noises.

Spirit Box: A spirit box is a device that generates white noise and sweeps frequencies from low to high, which makes it sound like there's someone talking on an AM radio station. It's thought that spirits will use this channel as a way to communicate with people who are alive and listening for them on their radios. Some people use this device for entertainment purposes, but others take it more seriously and believe it can help them communicate with spirits.

Paranormal investigators also use various other equipment for their investigations, such as SLS cameras, thermal imaging cameras, trigger objects, dowsing rods, crystals, mirrors and candles.

The use of paranormal investigation equipment is usually a personal preference. The equipment can be used to detect ghosts and spirits, measure electromagnetic fields, communicate with the spirit world, and measure temperature. Finding Corroborative Evidence is important, when 2 or 3 devices seem to support the presence of spirits at a Haunted Location. It is important to remember that during the course of a paranormal investigation, batteries can be drained, equipment can break down, and unexpected things can happen, our best advice is to always be prepared for anything by bringing extra everything; batteries, cameras, SD cards, Lights, extension cords, Duct Tape, a tool kit, flashlights, and any other equipment or supplies that you could possibly need for the duration of your investigation. So what’s the most important thing to bring? Another person. You should NEVER attempt to do this by yourself, its just not safe. Anything can happen while on location. You should also make sure other people know where you are going, and please, please make sure that you never trespass to gain access to a haunted location. It’s not only illegal, but when you go somewhere without owners permission you are also inviting negative actions by the spirit world. Trespassers have NONE of the basic protections that you get with permission and ownership. It’s a big deal, so please, Be safe out there and have fun!

About the Author Kris Olson


Kris Olson is a prominent ghost hunter in the South East, was featured in South Magazine Fall 2021 issue and Adventure Cities Season 1 on Discovery Channel. Kris lives in Savannah, Georgia, where he leads ghost investigations at the city's most haunted sites. Kris has a personal relationship with the spirits that speak to him through his work as a paranormal investigator. This allows him to connect with the other side more easily and communicate more effectively with the spirits.

If you would like to contact Kris, email him at admin@charlestonparanormal.com