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Milty Zerostat - Questions

I recently purchased a new Milty Zerostat gun, but I don't think it's working properly. I need help answering the following:
- Am I using the Zerostat correctly?
- Do I have a defective unit?
- Is this yet more audiophile BS?

Usage:
I hold the gun about 5" above the spinning record, slowly pulling the trigger (no click). I then point the gun elsewhere when releasing the trigger, and repeat this about 2 or 3 times per side. I can hear a very, very faint burst of air emitted from the gun, but it doesn't sound like very much.

Problem:
I have a box of recently inherited albums, all of which are in good condition, but have a substantial amount of static cling (and dust). After using the Zerostat in the method described above, I have failed to notice any audible difference. There is still a noticeable amount of pops/crackles when I play the records. Additionally, I have found that the dust particles (or paper particles from the inserts) have not loosened either. The record brush just spreads the crap around, so to speak. These records probably need a good cleaning, but shouldn't the Zerostat help... at least a bit?

Testing the Unit:
Included in the packaging is a small 'plastic bit' that you affix to the nozzle. When you pull the trigger, the light bulb inside the plastic bit should glow slightly, if the gun is in proper working order. When I attempt this test, the light bulb glows very, very faintly, if at all, and only for a short period of time (.5 seconds). The light bulb definitely glows when I pull the trigger quickly and hear a click. So, do I have a defective unit? The instructions on the box made it sound as if the test is hit or miss.

Should I be kicking myself for spending $100 on a plastic gun? Any/all help would be greatly appreciated (sorry for the book).
jferreir

Showing 9 responses by jferreir

jferreir OP
45 posts
 
I have already searched the archives and found a wealth of conflicting information/advice. I'd like to settle the matter once and for all in this thread.

I also tried pressing the 'plastic bit' (AKA light bulb) against the faucet, but didn't notice any difference. The bulb only glows faintly, for a brief split second.

If you have a Milty Zerostat gun, is your experience the same?
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
Can you please define "pretty well"? I've repeated those exact steps and noticed absolutely no difference.

Just this minute, I played a record with pops/crackles on the first song. I stopped the record, used the Zerostat, brushed with an anti-static brush, used the Zerostat again... still no difference. The record was purchased new and is in mint condition.

I'm starting to think that the Zerostat is a colossal waste of money...
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
Jlind325is:
You're not using the gun correctly. To remove the static cling, you should release a positive charge ONLY. Remember, the record already has a negative charge (which is why it attracts dust). If you release the trigger over the record, you're simply neutralizing the positive charge (thus defeating the purpose). Here, read the description:
http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73947

You see, this only reinforces my skepticism. If various people have used the gun incorrectly for years, claiming positive results, maybe it's because the results aren't there at all...
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
It sounds like you need to clean the records first. If they have a lot of dust and static on them, you must remove that first, then use the Zerosat.

Hmm, so let me get this straight - I have to remove the static charge before I use the Milty Zerostat anti-static gun? Does this strike anyone else as completely self-defeating?

For the moment, let's put the old records aside. I have a bunch of new records that are in excellent shape, very clean, but with the odd pop/crackle due to static charge. Why does the Zerostat fail to remove these pops/crackles, even after repeated attempts? What am I missing here?
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
OK, then allow me to rephrase...

What is the Zerostat actually good for, if everything is attributable to the need for a wet clean?
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
Nope, it's an honest question. I want to understand what all the fuss is about, because it really makes no sense to me. In the end, I will only lose $10 if I sell the Zerostat.
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
The DeStat makes more sense to me. It has a built in fan which ensures an equal dispersion of ions, in addition to blowing away the dust. The Zerostat, on the other hand, doesn't seem to loosen anything up.

I think I'll do the sensible thing and sell the Zerostat, replacing it with a humidifier with a built in air filter. It'll probably outperform the Zerostat and help with the allergies to boot.

That said, I still want to understand the buzz surrounding the Zerostat. Is everyone operating with different expectations? It seems that everyone is using the gun differently, too.
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
I was simply pointing out that the method you described runs counter to the printed instructions for the Milty Zerostat. Perhaps it's different for the older model, I do not know.

As I've already said, I'm not here to complain about the purchase. I'm here to understand why this product is so popular. Believe me, I'm not losing any sleep over this. I'm just genuinely curious why so many people are adamant about its effectiveness, when it is unclear how it should be operated in the first place. Since I didn't notice any improvement, I would like to know how others measure the result. From what others have written, it appears that the Zerostat is most effective when used in conjunction with a RCM, but pretty impotent otherwise.
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
In my experience, the Zerostat did not help to loosen dust prior to brushing. Rather, the dust just spread around the record, but remained firmly attached to it. Perhaps I have a defective unit, I do not know.

In case anyone is interested, I think I have found a much more suitable alternative. I just picked up a raincheck for a Sharp PlasmaCluster FPP40CX Ion Air Purifier. From the description, in addition to releasing positive and negative ions into the air, it also has a three part air filtration system, which includes a hepa filter. This has the added bonus of catching/trapping airborne dust/allergens/viruses, removing them from the room altogether. Best part? $150 on sale.

I purchased this unit specifically for my allergies, but I wouldn't be surprised if it has a positive affect on reducing dust/static charge. I guess we'll see, but it's something to think about anyway.
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