Questions about Zerostat use

I too am new to all this.

Should this be done while the record is sitting on the turntable platter or should it be done away from the turntable? Reason I ask is due to the fact that you guys suggested that it not be done on cartrdiges.

When using the Zerostat on a record, I've had fine success doing it both with the record on the platter and in my hand. Try it both ways and see what's most effective for you. Holding the record in your hand certainly removes the risk of accidentally aiming it at your cartridge, but I've not had a problem using it with the LP on the platter - just being careful not to point the nozzle at the cartridge. Either way, move the nozzle in a circular motion around the surface of the record as you squeeze the trigger.

Follow Larryi's recommendation for the squeeze technique, and keep the nozzle about 6" from the surface. Someone in an earlier thread shared the instructions that came with his Zerostat to point the nozzle away from the record when releasing the trigger. I'd always done it as Larryi describes: keeping it pointed at the LP at all times. Since that thread, I've experimented with pointing it away on the release and that seems to work well.

I think the key factor in all of this is to experiment and find what works consistently for you. FWIW, notwithstanding all the discussion, I find the Walker Audio Talisman to be my tool of choice at this point for each LP play, and the Zerostat stays in the cabinet.
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Why the caution as to aiming it at the cartridge??

What happens if you point it at your cartridge?

At the San Jose Analog Room I was told to use this technique and if you spray ions on the cartridge while playing an lp you get a nasty sound and be embarassed for the "know-nothing-newbie" you exposed yourself to be.

Technique:

1. Place record on turntable and turn platter on.
2. Aim Zerostat at record about 4-6 inches and slowly squeeze trigger until you hear a click.
3. MOST IMPORTANT Pull Zerostat away from record and release the trigger. (Don't aim at cartridge when squeezing the trigger.)

Do only the lp side you're playing

Also, you can treat your CDs. Hold CD in one hand and use the Zerostat on the underside of the CD using the same aim-squeeze-pull away cited earlier. Put CD in tray and play.

I've never heard of any Zerostat application on cables and I think it's a waste as only the shielding get's sprayed.

Finally, the Zerostat's magnet or internals will wear out so don't be squeezing the trigger like there's no tomorrow because it'll eventually wear out - no longer "click" (discharge) when you squeeze the handle. Then it's time to pony up another $70 for a new one.