I don't think the black dust that is as Phil said, almost like a pigment, it is so fine is pulverized vinyl. I'm not using the DeGritter but the KL and when I clean the reservoir I find this if I've plunked in new records taken out of the shrink or poly bag. For used records, I pre-clean every one before it goes into the ultrasonic, and don't see this fine black residue. I don't know what that means, but it is a data point. That is, it is removed with conventional cleaning and vacuum and thus, no deposit in the US machine if precleaning occurred. I'll also preclean brand new records, but I don't buy that many new records, and occasionally, get lazy and just stick it in the US without pre-cleaning if it doesn't look like it needs more attention. (Some of the "new" records I buy are long out of print so I guess they are NOS).
Good point - If what is being removed includes the Tergitol 15-S-9, yes, If its the 15-S-3 maybe not, but either way it would interesting to see.
Well, you can't have it both ways? Either the Degritter is a one-stop, and you accept the results, or you decide that pre/post washing may be desirable and the Degritter becomes part of a multi-stage wash.
An inherent limitation with the Degritter is that you can not access and clean-out the ultrasonic tank. If you use the device to clean really filthy records, some of the debris will collect in the tank; the filter is not that effective and over-time a sludge will form. Periodic cleaning with Vinegar will only do so much. When it was recommended to use Alconox Luminox I took some exception (for routine cleaning of records) because of the glycol ether organic-solvent blend, but using for infrequent/periodic cleaning out of the tank (at 1-2%) it could be very effective; Luminox-SDS-english.pdf (alconox.com); Luminox_tech_bull.pdf (alconox.com). Do not use Alconox Luminox until you have confirmed with Degritter that it is safe to use with all machine materials; preferably they have actually used the material and verified by actual use that all is OK. But, at the end of the day, the dirtier the record that is cleaned by the Degritter, the more maintenance (tank & filter cleaning) you should do. Degritter probably should better address this issue same as auto manuals state when to change oil, that depending on use, i.e., how dirty are the records you are cleaning (are they flea-market, are they used but clean (DISCOGS); or are they new) your maintenance tasks vary from maybe as frequent as every 20-25-records for flea-market; or every 35-records for used but visibly clean or for just new records as long every 50 records to cover themselves. Otherwise they risk putting themselves out of business with customer support and warranty claims.
This is a good point. I just checked my tank and after about 620 Heavy cleaning cycles it's pristine -- clean and shiny. I do have generally clean records though.
Before KL went out of the business of making cleaning machines for records, they offered a variant on their standard machine that involved a separate tank as a reservoir rather than having it integrated as part of the machine itself. I think it did have some sort of in-line filter, but it wouldn't be hard to adapt more elaborate filtration systems to that kind of set up. Obviously, that still won't address any contamination within the operational part of the cleaning machine itself. Maybe the Degritter folks could consider it since they already use a removable tank (but I haven't seen one to inspect the fittings where it attaches to the machine). I really ought to get one just to experiment with but other things-- tubes, records, etc. seem to chew up my budget for extras right now. When I finally visit with Albert Porter, I'll take a close look at his.
I don't expect any company to consistently monitor any/all internet fora. Recent startups such as Degritter have their hands full getting and keeping the company on firm ground. Degritter is a small company from a small country located in the EU. The paperwork alone must be daunting. I find they are pretty good responding to direct questions.
As some of you may recall, my Degritter was making a strange noise (posted a video of it on this forum). I also contacted Degritter and they watched the video and agreed to send me a replacement. It arrived today and I am grateful to the Degritter team for their fantastic customer service. Interestingly as I was preparing the old Degritter for return shipment I took out the filter and for the fish time tilted my Degritter to try and get it to drain a bit better. I was shocked to hear what sounded like broken parts rattling around in the bottom. a few hundred black specks fell out of the filter opening but most stayed inside. I can tilt it back and forth and it sounds like a considerable amount of metal or plastic sliding around inside the unit. Has anyone experienced this? Quite freaky. Fortunately I have the replacement on my counter ready to go and the defective unit is on its way back to Estonia.
I'd love to know what came apart inside. Since you think the noise was from the US I can't imagine what broke other than a mount. May have partly broke when shipped originally.
I have asked Aleks at Degritter to let me know once he receives it and tears into it. Those guys are beyond awesome.
A couple of quick updates after cleaning 3 records. The new unit is running software version 2.2.17v10 (my old unit was 2.2.17v8). This unit heats up the water much quicker. My old unit would start at 20 degrees C and over the course of 5 albums on heavy cleaning climb to 25-26. The new unit started at 20 degrees C and was 30 degrees C after 1 heavy cleaning. It also displayed the message "water cooling" under the word "Washing" for a period of time. Interesting differences.
I have the v10 version and my water heats up fast too. I get 2 Heavy cleans but I am then marginal for an immediate 3rd without going into the cooling. I find when the temperatures read 30 and 28 I can get a cleaning in without the Cooling Cycle starting. The first temperature is the cleaning tank and the second the filter (I think that's the order).
I wonder if the difference in how quickly the water was heating, has anything to do with the broken bits you found? Maybe one or more ultrasonic transducers weren't working or something?
Where did you guys get the v10? On the site it seems the latest FW is still 2.2.17v8 ps. Oh, never mind. I just saw the fact that you can get to downloads this way: Index of /software <- easier than typing my s/n! On my unit the most recent recommended is still v8, wonder what the differences are. Fun times...
Came with it. I remember reading that they started turning the record continuously during cleaning for one of the updates but mine continually reverses direction.
I received my unit yesterday and am very happy. I’m again hearing sparkle on records that had lost the magic.
No real difference in sheen after medium duration clean and 3 minute dry in degritter with distilled water.
I skipped through this but it lost a lot of credibility when they grabbed the record by the grooves. I haven't handled a record that way since I was 5! lol Also, he worked it "hard" with 175 cycles. My first one failed after about 300. I'm over 700 with my second machine and no problems. Someone posted on the thread that the US emitters should last 2000 cycles. With the cost of this machine, they'd better.
Something in the pulley/roller system of my unit seems to have failed so the LP leans against one side of the rubber opening - touching it on the front right. Has anyone experienced this?
If you remove the opening's rubber grommet you can get a better look at what's going on. The rollers look pretty stout on mine so I'm not sure how they'd fail unless a pin came out?