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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
jlind325is
113 posts
 
The way i use mine is as follows...from about 3" away from LP or disc i slowly pull the trigger as i move the gun back from the object to about 12". At that point i have timed it so that i have completed pulling the trigger as i reach the 12 inches away "mark", all that time keeping the gun pointed at the LP or disc. I then slowly release the trigger releasing the negative ions on the the LP or disc. When i used it on dusty LPs it took a few full cycles of trigger pulls to get the brush to finally pick up the dust rather than just sweep it around like you are experiencing, cleaning the brush after each revolution of the LP. It is my understanding that one needs to pull and release the trigger at the object too effectively discharge static, otherwise you only are positively charging the object. I have had good experience with it, i don't think it should cost 100 bucks but i don't believe it is a waste of money.

I tried testing mine with the bulb on it against a faucet too, i didn't get great results either. I then tried it against the gas pipe that feeds my furnace and got great results.
dweller's avatar
dweller
2,152 posts
 
A good test is:

1. Find an LP in the jacket sleeve that is full of static electricity (use one in a plastic sleeve).
You can tell it is charged because it won't want to come out of the sleeve.

2. Spread the jacket and blast the LP with the Zerostat.

3. If it is working properly, the sleeve should totally relax and the record should come out easily.
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...
macdadtexas
1,794 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.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,515 posts
 
found a wealth of conflicting information/advice
That's human nature my friend.

I'd like to settle the matter once and for all in this thread.
That ain't gonna happen!!!
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