PHASMA Lite JR: Free DIY ESP32-S3 Ghost Hunting Device
PHASMA Lite JR is a portable, offline paranormal-investigation and environmental-logging device developed by SanDiegoHaunted.com. It combines GNSS/GPS location, temperature and humidity, three-axis magnetic-field sensing, onboard motion sensing, a rotary control, buzzer feedback, microSD investigation records, nearby historical points of interest, and an experimental word-and-concept engine.
Watch PHASMA Lite JR in operation
This silent 4-minute-50-second demonstration uses timed on-screen explanations to show the menus, investigation setup, GPS and location tools, live dashboard, saved sessions, local Wi-Fi review system, and maintenance controls.
If the video player does not appear, open the demonstration video directly.
What is PHASMA Lite JR?
PHASMA Lite JR is not a commercial black-box ghost detector. It is a documented DIY platform intended to make an investigation easier to repeat and review. The device watches several environmental and movement channels, maintains location context, records events to a microSD card, and presents its activity on a 3.16-inch display.
- Environmental sensing: temperature, humidity, and three-axis magnetic-field readings.
- Movement sensing: onboard accelerometer and gyroscope data.
- Location context: multi-constellation GNSS/GPS, nearby points of interest, and investigation profiles.
- Investigation records: separate folders containing sensor, trigger, word, review, and summary files.
- Experimental word engine: a 1,909-word database and concept mappings responding to the program’s internal trigger pressure and context.
- Local review tools: a device-hosted Wi-Fi interface for saved investigations, mapping, word review, and diagnostics. Internet access is not required in the field.
What is included in the DIY kit?
- Offline Windows flasher for the Waveshare ESP32-S3 board.
- Clean prepared PHASMA microSD-card files.
- Known-working PHASMA Lite JR 1.6.5 firmware.
- Parts list for one standard build.
- Wiring, assembly, first-start, and troubleshooting documentation.
- Full Arduino source tree and known-good compiled export.
- Developer information for changing sensors, I²C addresses, or other hardware.
- Diagnostic tools for I²C and GPS troubleshooting.
The standard build does not require Arduino, Python, or internet access during firmware installation. Builders who intentionally substitute hardware can use the included developer source and compatibility documentation.
Standard tested hardware
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-3.16 | Main processor, 320×820 display, onboard motion sensor, RTC, microSD, and battery management |
| REYAX RYS352A GNSS module | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou location/time input |
| TLV493D magnetometer | Three-axis magnetic-field measurements |
| SHT40 sensor | Temperature and relative humidity |
| Arduino Modulino Knob | Rotary navigation and push-button selection |
| Arduino Modulino Buzzer | Interface and event tones |
| Protected 3.7V LiPo | Portable power |
| CR2032 backup battery | RTC backup |
| 16GB microSD card | Databases, configuration, and investigation records |
How the standard build works
- Assemble the tested Waveshare, sensor, control, GPS, and battery hardware.
- Prepare the microSD card with the included offline Windows SD tool.
- Connect the Waveshare using a USB-C data cable.
- Run the offline PHASMA flasher and click INSTALL PHASMA.
- After flashing, remove all power for at least five seconds for a clean LCD cold start.
- Reconnect power, insert the prepared microSD card, and complete the first-start checks.
Download and source code
Important research disclaimer
PHASMA Lite JR is an experimental environmental sensing, logging, and paranormal-research device. Sensor events, generated words, location correlations, and software analysis do not establish that paranormal activity occurred.
Building the device involves lithium-polymer batteries and user-modified wiring. Disconnect power while wiring and verify battery polarity with a multimeter before connection.
See more DIY ghost hunting equipment from San Diego Haunted.