Zerostat: Old is Gold?

Thanks, Al.

This might be of general interest (no personal agenda in posting it) ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQmTm9ZlAS4

FWIW - I had an "original" red Zerostat for years and (as was discussed in another earlier A’gon thread) followed the directions supplied with it. Going by memory now, instructions were to slowly pull and release the trigger at (3?) locations around an LP while on the turntable. One pull- and-release cycle at each of those locations. For the 4th and final activation, pull the trigger slowly while positioned over the spindle, then withdraw before releasing the trigger. Distance from the LP on the order of 8" or so (again, going by memory). Idea was to shower the vinyl surface with charged particles that were supposed to neutralize static.

I have a new blue Zerostat now. Don’t feel like digging it out to double-check but my recollection is that it’s supplied with a little attachment that fits on the tip of the "gun". This is not for use when treating an LP but is intended to confirm the Zerostat is functional. If the Zerostat is working, a little light on the attachment will illuminate when the trigger is pulled. The attachment is to be removed when using the gun to treat LPs.

Results with Zerostat do seem to be mixed and inconsistent - it might help with cleaning dust using a record cleaning brush afterwards but doesn’t always seem to reduce static buildup felt on removing the LP after play - even if used after a side is played. I mainly use the Zerostat prior to playing the rare piece of vinyl with significant dust and then follow with a record cleaning brush. More often, records are clean enough that Zerostat is not employed. I prefer, instead, to use a lightly moistened Hunt Mark 6 brush. Empty and rinse a spray bottle as supplied with eye glass cleaning solution from the optometrists office. Fill with 1 oz. distilled water and 1-2 drops 99% isopropyl alcohol. These spray bottles generate a very fine mist. Lightly mist (that’s LIGHTLY as in spray once from a distance) the surface of the record cleaning brush. With a few rotations, this lightly moistened brush does a great job collecting and removing any dust from the LP surface.

@lewm 
...well,  only on the final application above the spindle do I hold the trigger, move the gun away from the TT and then release it while aimed at the carpet or whatever.  I do it quickly too...no reason for concern about quick discharge at that point.  The other 3 preceding cycles of pulling and releasing the trigger I do slowly and while aimed at the vinyl (e.g., 12, 4 and 8 o'clock).  

To Al's point about using 3 pull/release cycles (vs just 1) at each of 3 locations above the disk - that You Tube video with the static charged balloon DOES seem to show more treatment needed to neutralize charge when the LP is on the turntable as opposed to the LP held in the air.  Personally, I'm much better off doing more Zerostat treatment cycles with the LP resting safely on the turntable platter.  

"Each of us is crazy in a different way...." - I liked that.