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Strange Static Problem

T

TinCanAlley

Duck, you sucker!
Subscriber
Okay, never seen this before. It is pretty dry out and there is lots of static. While I'm used to click from static, I've never seen the following....

When I lower the lid while listening, the sound gets crackly and starts to drop out. Then the entire arm lifts off the record and floats for a moment, drops back down and starts that process over again. If I leave the lid up, it plays fine and the arm stays down. It has to be static because when I reach under the lid to grab the arm or record, the hair on my arm lifts. :rflmao:

So, what's the best way to eliminate static from the cover?

Thanks!
 
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A Zerostat (was available under several names), a humidifier, a more-conductive platter mat, a clothes dryer sheet, relocation to a rain forest. Florida might do.
Want real fun? Make Van de Graf generator.
 
50nstillhifi said:
Wow! That's a lot of static!! :idea:

Have you tried an air dehumidifier or air treatment device with a deionizer?
Click to expand...

I think a dehumidifier would worsen the problem by removing more moisture from the air. But I know what you meant. :) Maybe I should look into a humidifier as the dry air is pretty much year round in SoCal and this is the worst time of year.
 
A damp rag will take care of the static. When we had a cat, he liked to lay on top of the turntable. I went to play a record and it yanked the tone-arm off the record, just like yours. I couldn't keep him off the turntable, so I put a bunch og masking tape, sticky side up on an old album cover and kept that on the dust cover when I wasn't using it. Kitty didn't like that, so he stayed off.
 
a "Used" Bounce fabric softener sheet works for me. I keep one on the platter in winter. Try rubbing one on the inside of the cover to kill the static on the plastic? Maybe that will help
 
dr*audio said:
A damp rag will take care of the static. When we had a cat, he liked to lay on top of the turntable. I went to play a record and it yanked the tone-arm off the record, just like yours. I couldn't keep him off the turntable, so I put a bunch og masking tape, sticky side up on an old album cover and kept that on the dust cover when I wasn't using it. Kitty didn't like that, so he stayed off.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head! The cat was napping and having a bath on top of it in between records. I kicked it off, but I guess it built up a massive charge! :cool:
 
TinCanAlley said:
In a perfect world, that would work, and I had to go that route this time. However, I don't want sounds from the room interfering with the stylus under loud passages.
Click to expand...
unless you're running a suspended subchassis in your table. the room sounds hitting your table are being transferred to the stylus
 
Put a coffee maker next and enjoy the best of both worlds! :)

  • Don't play with the lid close, resonances and unnecessary static could occur (static is already happening)
  • use a discharge arm (very not expensive and work great)
  • during dry season clean your records with a wet cloth before plying.
AG.
 
I had this problem about 20 years ago. I ran an insulated wire and connected it to my turntable ground wire, where it is connected to my receiver. I brought the other end up, removed insulation from 20 inches of it, and made a bare wire loop (about 10" diameter) on the top of the cover. I taped in place. It kept the static charge down to a level that it never interfered with my tonearm again. Later, I just removed the tape and removed the wire. It never interfered with my dust cover, and kept the static charge grounded.
 
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