The reMarkable 2 paper tablet is an amazing organization and problem solving tool, but what happens when your have reMarkable pencil problems? Issues with your EMR pencil not writing on your reMarkable 2 tablet? This article covers common reMarkable 2 EMR pen / pencil issues and what to do to solve them.
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How does the reMarkable EMR pen work
Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) pens, often referred to as stylus pens or digital pens, are input devices used with devices like graphics tablets, digital notepads, and some touchscreen devices. They work based on electromagnetic technology, which enables them to interact with a digitizer or touchscreen surface. Here’s how EMR pens work:
- Pen Design: EMR pens have a special design that includes a coil of wire in the tip, along with other components. The coil is essential for the functioning of the pen. The tip is commonly referred to as a stylus nib (though we’ll continue using tip here).
- Digitizer or Touchscreen Surface: The device you are using, such as a graphics tablet or a touchscreen device, must have a digitizer or a special EMR-enabled surface. This surface contains a grid of electromagnetic sensors, which can detect the EM field generated by the pen.
- Electromagnetic Field Generation: When you bring the EMR pen close to the digitizer or touchscreen surface, it generates a low-frequency electromagnetic field.
- Resonance Frequency: The digitizer or surface is designed to resonate at a specific frequency. When the EMR pen’s electromagnetic field matches this resonance frequency, it induces a small electrical current in the pen’s coil.
- Location Detection: The digitizer or touchscreen surface can detect the location of the EMR pen by analyzing the electrical signal induced in the pen’s coil. This signal corresponds to the pen’s position on the surface.
- Pressure Sensing: Some EMR pens (like the reMarkable Marker) also have pressure-sensitive features. They can detect changes in pressure when you press the pen tip against the surface. This information is transmitted to the device, allowing for variations in line thickness or brush strokes in digital art applications.
reMarkable pen isn’t writing at all on tablet
Symptom: The reMarkable tablet does not recognize the pen and is providing no output or text when pressed on the reMarkable 2
Underlying problem: your Marker or Marker Plus tip is likely worn out
Remedy: replace the reMarkable Tip. Ran out? Ayotu makes a cost effective replacement tip that’s fully compatible. Need more instruction? Read our article on replacing tips.
reMarkable pen text is skipping
Symptom: The text written by your reMarkable EMR is leaving gaps in your handwriting or drawing
Underlying problem: The pen tip may be at the end of its life or the body of the pen may be damaged
Remedy: if the EMR pen body is in good shape (look for cracks or breaks), then it’s time to replace your pen tip. Learn more about replacing the reMarkable Marker tip with this article. If you find cracks or breaks in the Marker body, you’ll need to replace the whole thing. The Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo is a great replacement if you don’t want to spend the full cost of a new Marker or Marker Plus.
reMarkable text not aligning with pencil tip
Symptom: Text written by the reMarkable Marker isn’t located where the pen tip is pressing
Underlying problem: You need to inspect the base of the shaft where the tip comes out for damage. If the pencil shaft has damage that allows the tip to move around, the EMR system won’t work properly.
Remedy: You either need to repair the pencil shaft (make sure you can still get replacement tips in and out) or replace it.
reMarkable text or handwriting jumping
Symptom: Written text on reMarkable 2 is jumping around the tablet (likely not all over but within an inch or two of the stylus)
Underlying problem: You may have damaged your pencil and the EMR system is not functioning properly. You should also look at your reMarkable tablet to make sure it’s clean.
Remedy: You either need to repair the pencil shaft (make sure you can still get replacement tips in and out) or replace it. If the reMarkable 2 paper tablet is dirty, you can easily clean it with Alibiss wipes.
reMarkable Marker not working in some directions
Symptom: Some directions of handwriting are not accurately recorded by the reMarkable tablet
Underlying problem: Directional issues usually indicates damage to the end of the EMR stylus, allowing the tip to move in certain directions. I dropped a Marker and it broke the end, causing these exact symptoms.
Remedy: You either need to repair the pencil shaft (make sure you can still get replacement tips in and out) or replace it. The Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo is a great replacement if you don’t want to spend the full cost of a new Marker or Marker Plus.
Delay between writing with reMarkable stylus and it showing on tablet (long latency)
Symptom: There is a long delay (basically anything other than instantaneous) between the action of writing and the reMarkable 2 tablet recording it
Underlying problem: This is likely a software issue on the reMarkable 2 tablet.
Remedy: Reset the tablet (using either the menu or the button on the top)
How do I know if reMarkable tip is wearing out?
Other than the Pencil no longer writing on the reMarkable 2, the only other easy way to know if the tip is wearing out is to visually inspect it. If you look closely (magnification helps) you can see if the tip is getting down to the underlying material.
