Belt Gizmo

The "Belt Gizmo" is a device worn on the pistol belt. While its true purpose is unclear, it is commonly thought to be a type of read-out or warning system for the Proton Pack. Featured in both films as well as the 2009 video game, it is nonetheless an integral part of the Ghostbusters' equipment. The main circuit board sits in a modified tape measure holder and connects to a smaller "daughterboard" via a black coil cord. The display is normally comprised of eight nixie tubes and an error box (although later boards had anywhere from 9-11 tubes). For the early NYC shooting of Ghostbusters, the Belt Gizmos were made from **Sanyo ICC-808D **calculator circuit boards, which were most likely destroyed during production. New Belt Gizmos were built for the LA shooting, which were either redressed Sanyo boards or scratch-built replicas. GB1 Belt Gizmo (Sanyo ICC-808D) Sanyo ICC 808D - photo by Vincenzo330 The daughterboards simply appear to be cobbled together pieces of circuitry, wires, and wire caps. As evident in the few screen shots and stills available, no two daughterboards are the same. GB1 Daughterboard compilation and diagram by Jack Doud In some of the early promotional photos Ray appears to carry his daughterboard in his pocket. GB1 Belt Gizmo (LA shooting - redressed/replica) - Note the eleven tubes + error box. The Belt Gizmos used in Ghostbusters II appear to be plastic replicas loosely based on the original Sanyo boards. Instead of nixie tubes, these props feature rainbow ribbon cable inserted into clear plastic tubing. Although these were the only Belt Gizmos built for GB2, fans frequently refer to them as "stunt boards" due to their shoddy design. Another difference is the varying length of coil cord used on these gizmos; some had very short cords, whereas others had the standard length (as seen below). Ernie Hudson's GB2 Belt Gizmo Note the shorter coil cord. The Belt Gizmos seen in Ghostbusters: The Video Game appear to be styled after the GB1 replica boards used during the LA shooting. Screencap by Jack Doud The Belt Gizmos were given a new design in the animated series The Real Ghostbusters. Like in the films, no explanation is given as to their purpose.