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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
theo's avatar
theo
2,663 posts
 
I have had 2 Zero Stats through the past 20 or so years and recently bought the Furotech DeStat and even though it works better, it is not a 100% cure. I think some new vinyl just is not clean(pressing not referring to home cleaning) and that is what you are hearing in the pops. If you can hear the static discharge as you pick up the record off the TT or out of the jacket, I have come to believe it is me contributing to the static build up. I haven't as of yet, but would like to try a ground strap at my TT that I touch to discharge my stored energy. Has any one tried that?
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drrsutliff
834 posts
 
Once you clean on a RCM like a VPI 16.5 the final vaccum cycle is known to possibly generate some static charge. I use my Zero Stat after the RCM before playing or storing to reduce the charge and decrease future dust attraction. Static's main issue, in my opinion, is the attraction of dust. Most the sounds i.e. clicks and pops on my records after cleaning are from either damaged grooves or grooves with impurities in them that I have not or will not ever be able to remove and not static charge. If I can prevent the future attraction of dust particles I believe I can prevent some future issues. I have LPs I bought new in 1974 that do not have a single click or pop but, I also have ones pressed in 2008 that had surface noise day one on my table. A good Record Cleaning Machine will probably do what you expect the Zero Stat to accomplish or...maybe not.
funflyer
13 posts
 
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....
jferreir OP
45 posts
 
The DeStat makes more sense to me. It has a built in fan which ensures an equal dispersion of ions, in addition to blowing away the dust. The Zerostat, on the other hand, doesn't seem to loosen anything up.

I think I'll do the sensible thing and sell the Zerostat, replacing it with a humidifier with a built in air filter. It'll probably outperform the Zerostat and help with the allergies to boot.

That said, I still want to understand the buzz surrounding the Zerostat. Is everyone operating with different expectations? It seems that everyone is using the gun differently, too.
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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