But to all: any thoughts on the unit in the original post? Do you think it would work?
I'd be surprised if it did. Too many unknown variables are involved. It's designed to emit sparks, not to emit and disperse ions. If it does emit ions, the long and narrow barrel may not disperse them over a wide enough area to be practical, unless it is held so far away from the record that it would not be effective. There is no indication that it emits both positive and negative ions in roughly equal numbers, depending on whether the trigger is being pulled or released. There is no indication of the intensity with which they are emitted. Devices having functionality that is based on similar principles, but that are intended for different applications, may perform that function in a manner that is completely different from a quantitative standpoint. Etc., etc.
In the absence of credible information to the contrary, I see no reason to assume that using this device on records would not increase, rather than decrease, the static charges on them.
BTW, my Zerostat 3 Milty, which I bought several years ago to replace my 1980's Discwasher Zerostat, came with the test cap that has been mentioned. It appears to be a small neon bulb in a plastic housing. Although I too was always under the impression that the trigger has to be pulled slowly enough to avoid an audible click, and that has been my general practice, interestingly my Milty flashes the test light strongly when the trigger is pulled or released quickly, but there is little or no flash when it is operated slowly enough to avoid a click.
Regards,
-- Al
