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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 3 responses by jlind325is

jlind325is
113 posts
 
Check the archives, you will find more than enough information and opinions on how to use your Zerostat.

According to mine, you need to place the gun with the "light bulb" up against a grounded piece of metal. Like a piece of iron plumbing, when pulling the trigger the "bulb" should illuminate indicating the release of ions.

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.
jlind325is
113 posts
 
I don't feel I'm using the gun imporoperly by pointing it at the object when pulling and releasing the trigger. If the gun was designed to only release positive ions then why does it release negative ions when the trigger is relaxed? I agree with Tpreaves, if you don't feel it's worth the money get rid of it and move on. When I was dabbling with vinyl years ago I too bought new vinyl, wet cleaned it, used the zerostat and still had surface noise issues. I use it on CDs now as I have left vinyl alone for the time being, my discs sound better after using the zerostat.
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