Ghostbusters (1984) ESP Shock box

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What is this prop?
ESP Shock box
What version is it based on?
Ghostbusters (1984)
What kind of build is it?
Combination of Methods
What is it primarily made of?
Original Beckman Model G pH tester

In the opening scene of Ghostbusters, we see Dr. Venkman testing the effects of negative reinforcement on ESP.

In the scene he has two research volunteers seated in front of him with a wooden box with wires connected to the two volunteers. after asking them to tell him what symbols they see on the Zener card he is holding.

I scored an original Beckman Model G pH tester at an estate sale for $20 and I knew I wanted to make a working prop out of it for Cons and birthday parties.

I owe a ton of thanks to Chris @dragonworkshop for helping with the plan and execution of the build.

ESP Test Shock box build

Once the lid containing all of the controls is removed via the four screws, You can turn the instrument face over to see all of the wiring and terminals and where they connect to the vacuum tubes, batteries and relays.

On the Top right corner of the instrument face is the two step activation lever. As seen in the movie, Venkman pushes this lever forward to deliver a shock. On the underside of this switch, a small L bracket was attached to the base and a small activation button was attached to the L bracket in a way that when the lever is pushed forward it activates via the button.

We opted to install the USB-C charge port in the front testing vessel compartment since there were 2 round holes available after clearing the old components out. (no cutting necessary!)

The activation triggers the XLW to play a recorded sound of the shock effect while supplying power to the vibration motor providing a haptic feedback "shock"

The Tens unit wrist band is wired directly to the XLW with the Vibration motor sewn into the wristband. a fake connector cap was printed and installed to complete the overall look. the wired wrist cuff cord was installed through a pre-made hole for an old battery tie down (again no cutting necessary!)

(Optional) at the top center of the control panel, the pH selector switch was repurposed as a hidden on/off switch

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