Ghost Box Hacks

spirit box

Below is a list of known Ghost Box /Spirit Box / Franks Box Hacks that have been done over the years on various AM/FM/SW radio sets.  Some of the items listed below have been discontinued, and are difficult to find.  However with a little luck on Ebay or your local radio shack we have found that they still are available.  Most of the hacks take little more than 4 minutes to complete with the right set of tools.

Radio Shack 12-469 – Known as the first Radio Shack Ghost Box discovered by Bill Chapell in 2007.  This box has been noted by ITC researchers for its “Popcorn Effect” play back qualities. An external speaker is needed.  In order to make the box scan, one needs to sever the MU circuit.

Radio Shack 12 – 470 – Similar to the 12-469 in the way it is hacked to scan, this box has the same tones and scanning qualities as the 12-469.  Some of the tuners have been manufactured with or without an external speaker.  In order to make the box scan, one needs to sever the MU circuit.

Radio Shack 20-125 – Probably the most reliable of the Hacks that we have used over the years.  We had first hacked this box in 2007 and it is still provides some of the clearest responses out of all the boxes we have tested.  The box features an external speaker, and antenna. In order to make the box scan, one needs to sever the MU circuit.

Radio Shack 20-125 BeezleBox or Tims Box – First Hacked in 2011, this box randomly shuffles AM/FM/SW stations continuously.  The MU circuit is served along with an additional circuit soldered on the board.

Radio Shack 12-587 – The most common of all the boxes, however it has been known to fail the most, as it tends to stop scanning erratically.  In order to make the box scan, one needs to sever the MU circuit.

Radio Shack 12-589 – Similar to 20-125 this box features a larger speaker with no popcorn effect.  In order to make the box scan, one needs to sever the MU circuit.

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3 thoughts on “Ghost Box Hacks”

  1. Yes, I just bought this newer design today. I cut the wire for the MUTE, but still stops on stations while scanning. Something else may need to be cut or modded. Need help fast! Thanks!

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