A question for the DU electronic experts, re: static buildup.

[Pierre.Suave]

I have noticed a lot of static build up on my turntable and records the last few days, and it has me worried, there are some very delicate electronics on that turntable, especially the cartridge.

now, my question for you electronic gurus is this, what can I do about it?

Is it environmental, could I have a bad ground or something somewhere? Do I need to simply increase the relative humidity in the room?

For what its worth, I have every piece of equipment plugged into a power re-generator (http://www.psaudio.com/ps/products/detail/power-plant-premier?cat=power) that is supposed to isolate the pieces form each other.

I also hear a hum in my speakers, through my headphones when the static electricity is at its strongest, this specifically has me worried, I do not even want to know what it will cost to have my BAT VKP10 fixed after a static discharge blows the tubes...

Any ideas? Or questions? Ask away and I will answer.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Since it's spring, I'd think it's a low moisture/humidity problem

Just make sure to ground yourself before you touch anything. Also try to increase your humidity.

[Pierre.Suave]

4. According to WeatherUnderground

my relative humidity is 46%, kind of low.

[surrealAmerican]

2. First, make sure everything is properly grounded...

... yourself included.

[Pierre.Suave]

3. Everything is

but I guess I had better make sure my power re-generator is working properly.

[pokerfan]

5. It might just be you

that's creating/carrying the static charge and it's the fact that your system is properly grounded that's causing the discharge.

If you suspect the power "regenerator" try removing it from the system and see if the problem goes away.

Also google "ground loops."

Tubes are pretty robust when it comes to static electricity. It's the solid state electronics, especially the CMOS that you have to worry about.

[Pierre.Suave]

6. Interesting, I had not considered that I may be the problem...

I am going to run the maintenance diagnostics on the power regenerator and see if it gives any faults.

[Pierre.Suave]

7. Ok Y'all I have learned more about this

and it appears the turntable platter itself is becoming statically charged while in use. Would this mean that the table itself has a bad ground, or that the ground wire going to my Phono amp is bad or not properly connecting somehow?

I really do not want to end up fixing any of this stuff after a catastrophic static discharge, I fear it would cost a LOT.

[datasuspect]

8. first

bring a half-full pail of gasoline in the house . . .

[Pierre.Suave]

9. uhmm, no

I won't be doing that...

[TZ]

10. Try wiping it down with fabric softener sheets.

When we have balances in our lab with static buildup issues (pretty common), we would do that. It might help.

[Pierre.Suave]

11. I have an Anti-Static cloth that I rub it with before and after use

it is the while in use static electricity that makes me cringe when I think of the repair bills...

[TZ]

12. It might be your living space and not your equipment.

The only other thing I would suggest is a humidifier.