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correct zerostat technique

I have the Zerostat 3 and was always surprised at the lack of instruction supplied with it. I constantly wonder how to most effectively use it. In the past, a search of the archives turned up a tiangle technique. Basically, squeeze and release at the three points of an imaginary equilateral triangle ~1 foot over the record surface followed by one squeeze(no release) over the center. In max AC season here in Iowa this doesn't seem to be real effective and sometimes I wonder if I'm actually adding charge to the vinyl. Does anyone have a different technique to recommend? Would I have more luck with the Talisman or Furutech destat?(Both of which seem pricey)
sonofjim
lewm
13,171 posts
 
This is very funny. For many years, I was aiming my Zerostat at the LP during both squeeze and release of the trigger. Then some years ago a few friends of mine told me I had been doing it wrong, that you squeeze while pointing at the LP then release away from the LP. Here in this thread I see that there is some disagreement among knowledgable audiophiles on this subject. So which is it? Squeeze only or squeeze and release?

My Zerostat has got to be at least 30 years old, so it may no longer matter.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
My recollection of the instructions from 30 years ago when I got the Zerostat was to keep it aimed at the record for both squeeze and release, do both SLOWLY (no clicking noises) and rotate the nozzle around the surface from 5-8" away. But, I may be mis-remembering all of this. In any event, this is the way I've done it consistently for all this time.
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guinness
48 posts
 
Little thingy = neon bulb. Tgrisham, completely forgot about that.

Relax, have a Dale's Pale Ale and listen to some Dead NFA>GDTRFB>NFA...
sharpnine
14 posts
 
I purchased my zerostat relatively recently, with a manual, and it clearly explains that you point it at the record (or whatever object you want to discharge) and squeeze the trigger. Then you point it away and release the trigger. It said the squeeze process removes static charge and the release does the opposite--adds static charge. This seems correct to me--I have used it to statically charge things like balloons. So I think those of you doing the squeeze and release may not be accomplishing much. For me, I often need to do several squeezes, but it always works i.e. the record always ends up virtually free of static.
sns
3,305 posts
 
Thank you Sharpnine. I was hoping I had been using this the correct way for all these many years. I also wondered from time to time if I was doing it correctly, would try both methods. It seemed to me that noticeable dust particles were removed much easier using the point at/point away method, the reason I continued to use that method.
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