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 1 response by funflyer

Interesting comments. Is the Milty Zerostat the same as the original as sold by discwasher? I read the comment above about pointing the gun away upon release, and the musicdirect site ad which says to hold the gun about 2 inches from the disc. Didn't jive with what I remembered, so I pulled out my old original discwasher Zerostat, and the instructions state, "The Zerostat must be within 12 inches of the 'target area.' Pointed at this range at the target area, the large trigger of the Zerostat should be pulled very slowly. And then released very slowly." ...

then, "WHAT IT IS
Zerostat is a small pistol using a piezo electric module which emits literally millions of positive ions upon trigger squeeze - and then millions of negative ions upon trigger release. Thus both positive and negative static charges are neutralized - a distinct advantage over radioactive strip emitters [anybody see these for sale today?] which give off only positive ions."

I've always had good results using as described. I agree with Smholl and others - probably need a good cleaning. And then there is the question of the quality of new vinyl releases in general. Many of my old vinyl discs sound much better than recent (expensive) purchases - but that's another topic....