PKE Meter

The PKE Meter is technology that features in Ghostbusters.

History

The Psychokinetic Energy Meter (P.K.E. Meter) was developed as a diagnostic tool for detecting fluctuations in ambient psychokinetic energy fields. The foundational concept of psychokinetic energy (P.K.E.) emerged from fringe parapsychological research in the early 20th century, but it was not until the latter half of the century that technological strides allowed for practical applications. Dr. Egon Spengler, one of the founding members of the Ghostbusters and a pioneer in paranormal science, heavily modified and enhanced an existing prototype to create a version capable of accurately detecting and tracking spectral phenomena. It was generally used, of course, to find ghosts, but other uses were found. This version of the P.K.E. Meter became standard equipment in all Ghostbusters field operations. Designed to read emotional, spiritual, and interdimensional disturbances invisible to the naked eye, the P.K.E. Meter played a critical role in identifying hauntings, locating ghosts, and alerting the team to spikes in supernatural activity. As the Ghostbusters' reputation grew, the P.K.E. Meter's design remained largely unchanged, serving as both a reliable investigative device and an icon of their equipment arsenal.

Overview

In appearance, the P.K.E. Meter was a handheld device with a compact rectangular body, typically molded in matte black or dark gray plastic, and designed for one-handed operation. It featured a pair of articulating sensor arms or wings located at the top, each outfitted with glowing green indicator lights that would illuminate and pulse in response to nearby P.K.E. readings. These arms would extend and retract based on the strength of the signal, providing visual cues for proximity and intensity. The central interface included a small LED or CRT display screen that presented fluctuating waveform graphs, energy levels, and directional data. Below the screen were a series of control buttons and toggles, used to calibrate the sensor, filter energy signatures, or store data. The device emitted low-frequency hums or electronic beeping sounds when active, especially during high-energy readings. Its design evoked both scientific credibility and experimental ingenuity, emphasizing the Ghostbusters’ blend of humorously advanced but cobbled-together technology.

At the most basic level, the P.K.E. Meter was designed to detect, quantify, and track psychokinetic energy, a form of supernatural radiation theorized to be emitted by ghosts, spirits, and other paranormal entities. The device continuously scanned the surrounding environment for fluctuations in this energy field, which often preceded or accompanied ghost manifestations. When activated, the P.K.E. Meter could determine the presence of active or residual hauntings, locate hidden or invisible entities, and identify areas of spiritual disturbance or interdimensional rifts. In practical field use, the device served as the Ghostbusters’ primary method of detecting ghosts before a visual confirmation was possible. While the P.K.E. Meter did not capture or contain entities, it served as an essential tool for reconnaissance and preparation, allowing the team to deploy traps and proton packs in the right locations. Its sensitivity to P.K.E. made it indispensable in urban environments, abandoned structures, or any area with suspected supernatural activity.

The PKE Meter can detect ghosts of up to Class 10 level- anything in excess overloads and destroys the Meter.

Users

• Egon Spengler :
• Ray Stantz :
• Peter Venkman :
• Winston Zeddemore :

Notes

• The PKE Meter was created by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis where it featured in the setting of the Ghostbusters universe.

Appearances

• Ghostbusters:

External Links

• Ghostbusters Wiki Entry

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