Read the following description of the Zerostat Anti-Static Device, and you will see that it will be quite useful in reducing static charge, and therefore loosening dust from your record collection. Proven in the laboratory this device is highly recommended for use before playing any vinyl record. You take the trouble to own the finest in analogue record playback equipment, so why let static and dust ruin your records, and introduce noise to the playback.
This amazing little device known as the Zerostat Antistatic Gun is an antistatic "generator" which has numerous applications in any microscopy laboratory. Just squeeze the "trigger" of the Zerostat and a steady stream of ions is released. The "magic" comes from two powerful piezoelectric crystals and a patented compression trigger. Originally developed for removing dust from "vinyl" or before that, normal "phonograph records", in later years the Zerostat antistatic gun was discovered to have great applicability for use in a photographic darkroom to remove dust from film and negatives. After that, a wider range of applications came into being when people running SEM labs found out that it was also idea for eliminating dust from critical samples or other critical surfaces when the dust attraction was being caused by electrostatic charge. Others have reported that certain insulating specimens, when treated this way, can actually be viewed (admittedly briefly) by SEM without the need to apply further coating.
In the laboratory, the Zerostat keeps film, glass, plasticware, and lenses dust and lint free. It also prevents charged particles from flying during weighting or transfer of particles. And the Zerostat gun finds wide use among those who possess and maintain phonograph record collections.
Each Zerostat unit is shipped with complete Use Instructions and also, information about a special "Test Procedure" to validate that the unit is working properly.
Each Zerostat unit has a "two cycle" type of operation, when the trigger is squeezed, positive ions are generated and when the trigger is relaxed, negative ions flow. This means that it is possible to induce a charge on a neutral surface using the Zerostat. If the trigger is squeezed, and the Zerostat is then removed from the surface (and before allowing the trigger to return to its original position), a positive charge will be induced. Similarly, pointing the Zerostat at the surface only for the release of the trigger will induce a negative charge.
How much charge is
given off?
Each squeeze of the trigger results in a discharge, when stated in units
of charge, is 1.5 Coulumbs.
How long will it last?
One can reasonably expect on the order of 10,000 such "squeeze cycles"
during the lifetime of the Zerostat unit. The Zerostat needs no batteries
or electrical supply nor does it contain any radioactive components.
Spare parts:
The Zerostat 3 is designed to be a disposable (throw-away) product. It
is not built to be taken apart and there are not replacement parts.
What does it weigh?
The net weight of the Zerostat gun is 135g (0.297 lbs). The typical packaging
used for the shipment of a single Zerostat results in a shipping weight
of 200g (0.4409 lbs). The unit is highly portable and easy to control
and handle.