Project · Prop build

Xenticorp Ghost Trap

A functional replica of the Ghostbusters ghost trap. Stepping on the foot pedal opens the clamshell doors and turns on an amber capture light. Releasing it slams the doors shut with a capture sound.

Work in progress. This page is updated as the trap comes together.

In development (hell) Updated Oct 15, 2026 Props Arduino Ghostbusters

CAD model of the ghost trap body from the front, with a handle on top, a raised side panel and a gray door panel at the right end. — Ghost Trap CAD, halfway finished.

How it works

Press the pedalThe doors open and the amber capture-field light turns on, with a hum.
Release the pedalThe doors snap shut and a “slam” sound plays.
Trap fullAn indicator light flickers or shifts color, with beeping.

Design

Pencil sketch on grid paper showing top, side and angled views of the ghost trap, with hazard stripes, a handle on top and a pedal cable. — Ghost Trap sketch.

CAD progress

CAD model of the ghost trap body from the opposite side, showing the open frame interior, the handle and the gray door panel at the left end. — Halfway finished Ghost Trap, angle 2.

Planned electronics

Component	Purpose	Notes
Arduino Nano or Pro Mini	Main controller	Reads the pedal and drives the LED and servo
MG996R servo (or equivalent)	Door actuation	One servo and a pushrod linkage drive both doors
Amber LED strip or panel	Capture field glow	Inside the body, aimed up through the doors
Momentary switch in the pedal	Trigger input	Wired through the pedal cable
7.4 V or 11.1 V LiPo	Power	Sized to fit inside the trap body
PAM8403 amp and 3 W speaker	Sound effects	Mounted inside the body
Mini fog module (optional)	Steam vent effect	Exits through the side vents when the doors close

Power

A 2S LiPo (7.4 V) is the plan, with a regulator for the Arduino’s 5 V and a separate line for the servo.
If the fog module is added, it typically wants 3-5 V and draws a lot of current, so the power budget has to account for it.

Door mechanism

The two clamshell doors are spring-loaded to close. The pedal holds them open, and releasing it lets them slam shut. A single servo with a pushrod linkage is planned to drive both doors.

Build notes

Construction notes, sourcing decisions and fitment issues will be added here as the build progresses.

Credits and references

Reference material for the original trap design comes from the Ghostbusters prop community.