FAQ

Compiled from nearly 1,000 community questions about the Spirit Series.

Product Choices & Comparisons

Is Spirit the best for me?

It depends on your style and venue:

  • White chalk on black gives stronger contrast in dark venues (bars, restaurants, stages, broadcast)
  • A chalkboard aesthetic fits séance, spiritualist, and classic mind-reading acts

Choose what looks and feels natural in your show.

Which Spirit product should I buy?

  • Spirit Combo (Echo + Pad + Plain) — Recommended. The full “write → reveal → chalk → end clean” miracle requires all three boards. Early testers said the Combo is “the only version I’d perform on stage.”
  • Spirit Echo only — If you just want a reveal board and already have other input methods (Atom, Quantum, etc.)
  • Spirit Pad only — If you want an impression pad that works with PeekSmith 3, MrCard, or the app
  • Spirit Plain only — If you already own Echo/Pad and need the ungimmicked board for switches

Can I upgrade from Echo → Combo later?

Yes. Contact support for upgrade pricing.

Writing, Clearing & Input

How do you clear the Spirit Echo screen?

Echo has a hidden button that instantly clears the screen. A built-in wipe animation makes it look like you’re naturally erasing chalk with a sponge.

Can the board show previous impressions? Can I scroll?

Not yet — but this is planned for future updates. The Spirit system will continue to evolve.

Can I thumb-write numbers or words directly on the Echo?

Echo has no touchscreen or pressure sensor. You need an input device:

  • Spirit Pad
  • Atom 2
  • Quantum
  • Bond touchscreen
  • PeekSmith app
  • Other supported pads

Thumb-writing on a screen (phone, Bond, etc.) is absolutely possible — just not directly on Echo.

Can I write remotely on my phone with my finger and have it appear on the board?

Yes. Use the Doodle screen in the PeekSmith app.

Can spectators write a time and have the board display a DIFFERENT time (e.g., +5 minutes)?

Not yet, but this feature can be added easily.

Can I use Apple Watch as an input?

Not currently, but possibly in the future.

Chalk, Markers & Holders

Can I use normal chalk? Chalk pens?

  • Spirit Pad: The gimmick is inside a special chalk holder (normal chalk inside it)
  • Spirit Echo & Spirit Plain: Non-gimmicked holders use normal chalk

Chalk pens are not required.

Does the gimmicked holder need charging?

No. It works without power.

How do I refill chalk or the chalk-holder?

Just insert a regular piece of chalk into the holder (both gimmicked & non-gimmicked).

Is the gimmick inside the chalk or the holder?

Inside the holder, not the chalk.

Real Chalk Ending & Handouts

If I hand out the final drawing, won’t they see it doesn’t erase properly?

No. You have two options:

  1. Trace with real chalk: Copy the electronic drawing with real chalk on Spirit Echo. Then wipe the electronic image and switch to Spirit Plain. The final result is 100% real chalk on a real slate — completely examinable.

  2. Use text recognition: Hand out the “generated” view based on text recognition. It will be very convincing, but cannot be cleared like real chalk.

Distance, Connectivity & Range

What is the maximum distance?

Up to 60 meters in an ideal open space environment. Obstacles, crowds, or electronic noise can reduce range.

What if contact is lost? Does Echo show the drawing once reconnected?

Yes — the entire drawing will appear once the devices reconnect.

Can phone act as a distance booster?

Yes. Pad → Phone → Echo extends the range significantly.

Which app handles the Pad → Phone → Echo extension?

The PeekSmith app.

Compatibility & Integrations

Which apps are supported?

Currently supported:

  • PeekSmith app (required)
  • TimeSmith app
  • IARVEL app
  • Spirit Echo can display drawings from Spirit Pad directly, without phone
  • Supports many existing pads through PeekSmith (including Lumen)

Planned / Coming:

  • MysterSmith (Benke confirmed)
  • IARVEL Peek Board (may require an add-on)

Does Echo work with Nexus?

Not currently — but more integrations may come. We are open to it.

Handwriting & AI Features

Can I use different handwriting styles or fonts?

Yes — using our neural-network system TrueWrite, free for Spirit Echo & Teleport owners.

Can it generate drawings too?

Yes — TrueSketch is coming soon.

Will it support my own handwriting?

Long term: Yes, we will offer personal handwriting uploads.

Does it vary letterforms (e.g., the word “Mississippi” all different)?

Yes — this is exactly how our TrueWrite system works! Every letter is rendered slightly differently, so “Mississippi” has unique letterforms.

Size, Build & Design

Do the boards come in larger sizes?

Not currently.

Is the back of the Echo a chalkboard too?

Not by default, but you can add a chalkboard sticker and it looks natural.

Can it look like a real slate with chalk smudges?

Yes — you can customize the appearance to be more “slate-like” by adding similar wear/chalk marks to all boards.

Battery & Charging

Battery life?

Exceptional: ~5 hours charging → 6+ months of real use (similar to Teleport).

Type of charger?

A special wired charger (included).

Video Demos

Can we see it in action?

Yes: Spirit Series Preview Video

Availability, Shipping & Pricing

Are they available for shipping now?

Shipping planned by the end of December 2025.

Can I upgrade from Echo → Combo later?

Yes, contact support for upgrade pricing.

Is there an ungimmicked chalkboard included in the Combo?

Yes. Spirit Combo includes Echo + Pad + Plain.

Special Features & Ideas

Features already supported:

✅ Direct Pad → Echo connection (no phone needed)
✅ Ecosystem integrations (Atom, Quantum, SB Watches, Cosmos, apps, etc.)
✅ Hidden clear button
✅ TrueWrite handwriting
✅ TrueSketch drawings (coming)
✅ Doodle input (finger drawing on phone)
✅ Phone as range extender
✅ Real chalk ending
✅ Thumb writing via Bond/phone/etc.
✅ Picture-in-picture peek mode

Possible future features:

  • Scrolling through past impressions
  • Time-offset drawings (like 10:46 → 10:51)
  • Apple Watch input
  • Board as input device
  • Multi-language handwriting packs
  • Sound effects (chalk noises)
  • Spirit-slate style auto-modification
  • Multi-board communication
  • Tap-corner UI for selecting images/numbers
  • Voice input via other apps
  • Whiteboard version

Miscellaneous

Is this device difficult to operate? (Compared to Atom/Teleport)

We’re working hard to simplify everything:

  • Taking over the PeekSmith app from Benke
  • Improving setup flows
  • Cleaner documentation
  • Better UI and easier connections

Once set up, users love the workflow — and improvements are ongoing.

Is it compatible with IARVEL app?

Yes.

Does the board connect directly to the other board?

Yes — that’s part of the Spirit Echo ↔ Spirit Pad system. No phone required for basic Pad → Echo transmission.

Are people worried about stock?

Yes — high demand means ordering early is recommended.

Need More Help?

For additional questions or support, contact us.

Join the community:
Post in the Electricks Facebook group for routine ideas, troubleshooting, and performer discussions.

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