AFM5 - Breathalyzer ACE - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL AFM5 ACE

Each breathalyzer which you buy from ACE Instruments can also be calibrated by ACE Instruments. Of course, we also calibrate devices which were bought from other contractors, as long as these devices are identical in construction to the devices sold by ACE Instruments.

You can see the due date of the next calibration on the calibration sticker placed on your breathalyzer. If the sticker is missing, the calibration is to be done 6 months after the purchase date: e.g. purchase date: 13.05. = next calibration on the 13.11. and the next on the 13.05. of the following year.

For a calibration service you can send the device to the service address specified at www.alkomat.net.

Why is a calibration necessary?

The calibration is not mandatory, but the accuracy of the sensor installed in the breathalyzer will decrease steadily without a calibration and additionally guarantee expires, if you don't pay attention to the calibration ranges.

Which factors influence the measurement accuracy

The more often the device is used the more the zero point is influenced.
The higher the alcohol concentration is, the more the zero point is relocated.
Devices which are used rarely have a decreased sensibility, too.

ACE Instruments recommends using the breathalyzer at least once (1x) a week independently of having drunken alcohol or not. To maintain the measurement accuracy, the breathalyzer should also be calibrated periodically.

Please also be aware of the several factors of influence on the measuring result

Alcohol amount
Period of the consumption of alcohol
Gender
Age
Weight
Height
Drinking habits
Health state
Vitality of the liver
Size of the lung
Admission of food during the consumption of alcohol
Influence of medicine

Important notes on test execution and self-assessment

After the last sip of alcohol you should wait at least 15 minutes, as there may still be residual alcohol in the oral cavity, which influences the measurement result.

Also smoking should be avoided before a test, as cigarette smoke harms the sensor.

For each test you should use a new mouthpiece - not only for hygienic reasons, but also because an already used mouthpiece can influence the next measurement result. The mouthpiece could contain residual alcohol, which would affect the new test result when the same mouthpiece is used again (this for example could show an alcoholization of a person who hasn't drunken any alcohol).

If FLO^ or FLO^ appears on the display, the given breath sample was insufficient or ended too soon. Blow into the mouthpiece for about 4 seconds constantly (without a break) - preferably as if you were whistling without a sound.

If the same person performs 2 tests consecutively, then wait at least 3 minutes between the two tests, as a too short waiting time may cause different measurement results. The air exhaled from the lungs is, after a test, no longer enriched with the same alcohol content as in the previous test. Therefore, an immediate second test will indicate a lower test result.

All measured values determined with this breathalyzer are always indicative and not legally binding.

Why the estimated alcoholization and the measurement result in most cases cannot match

An alcohol test is affected by a lot of different factors which also affect the test result. Beside the gender, age, body size and body weight, also the body fat percentage and the amount of body fluid have a big influence.

In addition, the general physical and mental state or the current daily constitution have to be taken into consideration. Furthermore, the meals eaten before a breath test (type of content and level of the stomach) and the intake of medication may influence the measurement.

Other influencing factors are, of course, the type of drink (percentage of alcohol content in the beverage and its carbon dioxide and sugar content), the drinking rate and the individual subject's duration of alcohol build-up or degradation in the body.

Some people quickly have a high alcohol content in the blood, with other people it takes longer until an alcoholization is detected. About 40 - 50% of the consumed alcohol is in the body within 15 minutes, after 30 minutes it is 65% and after 70 minutes the previously consumed alcohol is 100% absorbed in the body. However, it should also be noted that some people – partly due to genetic factors – quickly reduce the alcohol content in the blood, whereas others still have an increased alcohol content in the blood after a longer period of time.

Atemalkoholvester ACE AFM-5

All information herein was created by the ACE Handels- und Entwicklungs GmbH (ACE Instruments) conscientiously and under the assumption of correctness. Hence, the author cannot be held liable for the use of any kind whatsoever and/or any ensuing consequences. Furthermore, the author is not liable for any costs or expenses for damage that result from any information in this document. Any information is subject to change without prior notice.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing our ACE AFM-5 Breathalyzer. It measures alcohol concentration in human breath using an electrochemical sensor and calculates the blood alcohol level. The test results are very reliable and have a tolerance of +/- 0.05‰ (per mill) with reference to 1.00‰ at 25°C ambient temperature. The device must only be used pursuant to the instructions mentioned in this manual.

The ACE AFM-5 Breathalyzer is an easy-to-use alcohol tester with an electrochemical sensor. It is used in combination with a smartphone (only iOS and Android system possible / no tablets). Before performing the test you have to download the "ALCOFIND" app from the App Store (iOS) or from Google Play (Android) and install the app on your smartphone.

The test result can be interpreted 1:1 (so if the shown test result is, e.g., 0.360, then this means 0.360 per mill). % (per mill) = measurement unit in the EU, in the App "Alcofind" you can change the measurement unit into % BAC (USA) or into mg/L (UK).

The fuel cell sensor inside the ACE AFM-5 Breathalyzer can be calibrated. For a calibration service you can send the device to ACE Instruments (see www.alkomat.net). For each breath test a new mouthpiece is required.

The device must only be used pursuant to the instructions mentioned in this manual. All measured values determined by this breathalyzer are always a guide only and are not legally binding. Breath tests should be carried out using clip-on mouthpieces (one new mouthpiece should be used per test for reasons of hygiene and to avoid falsified readings).

The ACE AFM-5 complies with DIRECTIVE RED 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and the Council, detailed information and the certificate (issued in December 2017 by MiCOM Labs, Inc.: EU Notified Body Number 2280) can be found in the article description at www.alkomat.net under "Documents".

Note to country-specific measurement units

Customers in the EU get the breathalyzer with % (per mill) as default setting, in the UK the default setting is mg/L and in the USA it is % BAC. In the chapter "Technical data" you will find information about the accuracy concerning the different measurement units. Please check e.g. the website of the department of transportation, the website of the Ministry of Transport or of automotive clubs to get informed about the current alcohol limits in your country.

Scope of delivery

1 Digital Fuel Cell, ACE AFM-5 Breathalyzer
1 AAA battery (1.5 V)
6 Mouthpieces
1 Carrying Case
1 Quick Start Guide (German & English)
1 Manual (multilingual)

Label of individual components

1. Mouthpiece and Mouthpiece Slot
2. Power Button (on the back of the device)
3. Air Outlet (always keep this part unblocked)
4. Battery Compartment Cover (on the back of the device)

This way you receive results that are as accurate as possible

A) Wait at least 15 minutes after your last sip of alcohol. Do not eat, drink or smoke during that time.
B) Do not open the casing.
C) Do not keep the breathalyzer in cold, hot, moist or badly ventilated places.
D) Keep the breathalyzer out of the reach of children.
E) Conduct three inlet tests after long storage before conducting the actual alcohol test.
F) Do not drop the breathalyzer.
G) Change the battery if it is depleted. Diminished battery capacity leads to incorrect test results.
H) Do not conduct tests in loud (sound waves disrupt the sensor), drafty or poorly ventilated places.
I) After a test result of 1.00 per mill (per mill = EU setting) / 0.10% BAC (% BAC = US setting) / 0.50mg/L (mg/L = UK setting) or higher the sensor needs rest time. In this case wait at least three minutes before starting the next test.
J) Do not conduct tests in very cold, very hot or an unventilated, smoky ambience.

K) Store the breathalyzer in a way to avoid penetration by dust or liquids.
L) Blowing too hard may cause damage to the sensor as saliva flows into it.

Preparation for the test

1. Installing a battery

Push up the bottom part of battery cover to open it. Install an AAA battery in the battery compartment while taking note of the battery polarity. Insert bulging parts of the battery cover into the slits and then push down its cover.

2. Inserting a mouthpiece

Insert a mouthpiece into the slot on the side of the alcohol tester. Ensure whether it securely fits or not. It is highly recommended to use an extra mouthpiece for every test for sanitary reasons.

3. Installing the ACE AFM-5 app

Download the ALCOFIND app from App store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Note the minimum smartphone requirements: Either an iPhone 4S running iOS 7 and above or Android devices running OS 4.3 and above. Open the app. Select language and unit, then press OK button.

NOTE: For changing language and unit later, go to setting at the bottom menu.

Operation with App (App mode)

Step 1. Open the app.

NOTE: Bluetooth must first be switched on in order to connect to the ACE AFM-5. (Go to the settings on your smartphone and turn on Bluetooth.)

Step 2. To turn on the ACE AFM-5, press and hold Power button for a second until the Blue, Green and Red LEDs appear on the device as shown in the picture below.

Step 3. The Blue LED will blink during pairing process. If pairing is successful, Green and Red LEDs will appear on the device and the screen on your smartphone will show "START TEST". Tap "START TEST" on your smartphone (or press Power button on the ACE AFM-5).

NOTE: In case of the first pairing process, a PIN Code request will be displayed. Type in "000000" as PIN Code.

NOTE: The app is set to remember and search the device which has paired last time for 30 seconds. If the app is not able to find the previously paired ACE AFM-5 for 30 seconds, the app will show a request message. If you want the app to find another ACE AFM-5, press "OK", and if you want the app to keep finding the previously paired ACE AFM-5, press "Cancel".

Step 4. Choose a user. Each test result will be saved separately according to the selection of the user. All history of saved test results are viewable from the Graphic Icon at the bottom of the menu.

Step 5. The circular bar on the app indicates the progress of warm-up. When warming up gage reaches 95, take a deep breath and get ready for blowing.

Step 6. When "Start blowing" is displayed, blow for 5 seconds into the mouthpiece until the gage reaches 100 or you feel the air has been pulled through the air pump in the ACE AFM-5 with a click.

NOTE: If the camera feature is enabled, the camera will automatically capture the image of a user once the blowing has been completed.

Step 7. If a sufficient breath sample is taken correctly, the "Analyzing data" will be shown on the app. NOTE: If insufficient sample is taken, an error message will be displayed. To test again, press OK on the app. NOTE: In the graph, the test results performed without app will be shown as D.

Step 8. After a few seconds the estimated blood alcohol concentration will be displayed on the app in per mill (3 digits, 2 decimals/per mill = default setting). The result may vary depending on the concentration which has been measured during the last test. In this page, the app enables you to make a memo which is viewable with test results from the Graph icon and the test results can be also shareable via Text message, Facebook, or Twitter.

Step 9. Tap either „Retest“ or „BAC level“ on the app (or press Power button on the ACE AFM-5) to test again without selecting a user. If you want to start test again from the beginning, tap the Home Icon at the bottom menu.

Step 10. Press and hold Power button on the ACE AFM-5 for 2 seconds to turn it off when you have finished testing.

NOTE: The device will turn off automatically if the device is not in use for 2 minutes. If you exit the app while the device is working with the app, all Blue, Red and Green LEDs on the device will flicker together. Press Power Button on the device to restart.

Operation without App (Standalone mode)

NOTE: To activate Standalone mode, you have to pair the ACE AFM-5 with the app and set „Limit Line“ first. (Pair with the app and go to the setting on the app to set „Limit Line“.) Once „Limit Line“ is set, the set value will be sent to the ACE AFM-5, and the test result on Standalone mode will be displayed with indications of Red or Green LEDs according to the set value of „Limit Line“. (After setting the value of „Limit Line“, you should move into Home by tapping the Home Icon at the bottom menu on the app in order to save and transfer the set value to the ACE AFM-5.)

NOTE: If the battery is low or the device is in unacceptable temperature range, all Blue, Red and Green LEDs will flicker together. Replace a new battery or try again after the device has reached a temperature within the operating range (5 - 40^)

Step 1. To turn on the ACE AFM-5, press and hold Power button for a second until the Blue, Green and Red LEDs appear on the device.

Step 2. If the app on your smartphone is off and there is no pairing signal from the app, the device will move into the Standalone Mode and starts the warm-up automatically. A Blue LED keeps blinking until the warm-up process is completed.

NOTE: If the device doesn't have the set value of „Limit line“, all Blue, Red and Green LEDs will flicker together after the warm-up process. Pair the device with the app and set „Limit Line“ on the setting menu of the app. If you turn on the app on you smartphone while using the device in the Standalone Mode, the device will move into the App Mode and start pairing automatically. (If you turn on the app while the device is under the blowing or analyzing process in the Standalone Mode, the device will move into the App Mode after completing these processes.)

Step 3. When the Blue LED stops blinking and remains on, it means the device is ready for blowing. Take a deep breath and blow for 5 seconds into the mouthpiece until the Blue LED disappears.

Step 4. If a sufficient breath sample is taken correctly, Green and Red LEDs will blink in turns and the test result will be displayed in a few seconds. NOTE: If an insufficient breath sample is taken, blue, red and green LEDs will flicker together. Press Power button to retest.

Step 5. Test results will be displayed with indications of Red or Green LEDs according to the set value of "Limit Line" as follows. Press Power Button to retest.

Step 6. Press and hold Power button for 2 seconds to turn it off when you have finished testing

NOTE: The device will turn off automatically if the device is not in use for 2 minutes.

Statement of measurement levels

Please add the number above the SET VALUE to the set value, the number below the SET VALUE has to be subtracted from the set value. Example: If you have set 0.50 per mill in the SET VALUE line of the App and your current breath sample is 0.30 per mill, then the green light blinks at an interval of 1 second.

*The preset limit is 0.50 per mille.

NOTE: If "Limit Line" is set as 0.20 per mill, the indication of pass will be displayed as 2 levels - PASS (HIGH) & PASS (MIDDLE). If "Limit Line" is set as 0.10 per mill, the indication of pass will be displayed as 1 level - PASS (HIGH).

NOTE: The ACE AFM-5 saves up to 30 test results and the oldest test results will be deleted automatically if memory is full. Once the ACE AFM-5 pairs with the app, the saved test results will be sent to the app, and at the same time the saved test results will be automatically deleted from the ACE AFM-5.

All transmitted test results are viewable from the Data Icon at the bottom of the app menu. (In the graph, the transmitted test results will be shown as D^a .

ACE Instruments recommends

Always use a new mouthpiece for each person and test that is conducted. ACE Instruments assumes no liability for any damages which arise when several people use the same mouthpiece for multiple tests.
Only use the provided single packed and hygienic mouthpieces (more are available at www.alkomat.net). During each test the Breathalyzer's internal and external parts come into contact with human secretion (saliva, blood, sweat, etc.)!
Use safety gloves when pulling out a mouthpiece used by another person! You can buy appropriate gloves at ACE Technik (www.ace-technik.de).

IMPORTANT NOTICE

WHEN YOU HAVE EATEN, DRUNKEN ALCOHOL OR SMOKED A CIGARETTE, WAIT AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE STARTING THE MEASUREMENT. ANY TEST CONDUCTED PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE RECOMMENDED WAITING PERIOD WILL RESULT IN INACCURATE RESULTS.

IF THE TEST RESULT IS BELOW 0.10% (PER MILL = g/L) OR 0.01% BAC (US SETTING) OR 0.05mg / L (UK SETTING) THEN THE DEVICE SHOWS 0.00 (%) OR % BAC OR mg/L - DEPENDING ON THE SETTING) ON THE DISPLAY. THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE AT A LOW RANGE OF ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION IT IS POSSIBLE TO MEASURE OTHER MATERIALS IN YOUR MOUTH.

This breathalyzer is a high quality and sensitive measurement device. To maintain the accuracy of the fuel cell sensor, it should regularly be used. If the device is not used for an extended period of time, the sensor can dry out. ACE Instruments recommends using the breathalyzer at least 2 times per month (even if you have not been drinking alcohol).

Due to changes in the product, the procedures stated can change. This can take place without prior notice or adaptation of the operating manual and is no cause for complaint, return or price reduction. The user is responsible for recognizing discrepancies between the operating manual and the actual handling of the breathalyzer and must react accordingly.

Only the usage of original ACE Instruments mouthpieces

Guarantees test result accuracy
Guarantees 100% hygenity
Guarantees full warranty of this device

ACE INSTRUMENTS ADVISES

EVEN IF YOU GET A RESULT MEANING „SAFE RANGE“, YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE AFTER CONSUMING ALCOHOL OR DO ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SEVERELY IMPAIRED BY ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND MIGHT ENDANGER YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY OR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OTHERS.

Calibration

To maintain a constant accuracy of the breathalyzer, ACE Instruments recommends a calibration after 500 tests or approx. every 12 months (depending which incident happens first). For a calibration service you can send the device to ACE Instruments (see www.alkomat.net). The calibration is not mandatory, but the accuracy of the breathalyzer will decrease steadily without it and additionally the warranty for the sensor expires.

We recommend sending it as a parcel, so that in cases of loss an inquiry or proof of delivery is possible.

Battery notices

The device associated with this operating manual contains one (1) AAA Alkaline battery (1.5V) in delivery condition. This battery is not made for recharging. The use of a rechargeable battery is not possible with this device and can damage it. If the included battery is depleted, it must not be thrown into the household waste. Used batteries may contain harmful substances that can cause environmental or health damage. Please return all depleted batteries to electrical appliance stores, who collect them for free.

Battery exchange

To replace the battery, push the battery cover on the rear of the unit up and replace the discharged battery with a new one. Be aware of the polarity when inserting the battery (+/- pole). Put the battery compartment cover on the rear panel and press it gently on the device until it clicks. In the EU the return of used batteries is mandatory by law. All depleted batteries and also rechargeable batteries will be recycled. This way valuable resources like iron, zinc and nickel can be retrieved and are reusable then. Battery recycling is the easiest lesson in environmental protection - so please support it!

The shown garbage bins mean that batteries or rechargeable batteries must not be thrown into the household waste. The signs below the garbage bins are acronyms for the chemical substances inside the battery:

Hg: Battery contains Mercury Cd: Battery contains Cadmium Pb: Battery contains Lead

Technical data*

Sensor Fuel Cell sensor

Accuracy +/- 0.050% (per mill) with reference to 1.000% at 25°C (per mill = default setting) OR +/- 0.005% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) with reference to 0.100% BAC at 25°C OR +/- 0.025mg/l with reference to 0.500mg/l at 25°C
Detection Range	0.000 up to 4.000% (per mill) In the App „Alcofind“ you can change the measurement unit into %BAC or mg/l.
Warm-up Time	Within 15 seconds at 0.5%, it may vary depending on the value of per mill / BAC which was measured
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0 BLE, Frequency band: 2402 up to 2480 MHz, Maximum transmit power: -17.2 dBm
Dimension 68mm x 41.5mm x 16.9mm (L x W x H)
Weight 43g (battery included)
Power Supply 1piece of 1.5V AAA size Alkaline battery
Working Temperature	5°C up to 40°C
Storage Temperature	0°C up to 40°C
Calibration Every 12 months or after 500 tests.For a calibration service you can send the device to ACE Instruments (see www.alkomat.net).

• The technical data are subject to change without prior notice for functional improvements.

Warranty and liability

The ACE Handels- und Entwicklungs GmbH (ACE Instruments) provides a warranty of two years after purchase for material and processing errors for the product (see attached warranty and liability declaration) in all versions and designations; and a warranty of one year for the sensor. This warranty includes the electronics as well as the casing or sensor without sampling components. Components that are inevitably destroyed upon effectiveness (such as fuses) are not part of this warranty. The warranty is valid from the date of delivery or from the date of first activation (always the shorter period), if not stated otherwise in the accompanying ACE Instruments product literature.

Limitation of warranty and liability

1.PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ACE Instruments rejects any further expressly stated or implied warranty, including the marketability and suitability for a determined purpose. This warranty especially excludes calibration. After changing the sensor, calibration is absolutely necessary. If an exchange of the sensor or a calibration is required for a product, the user may receive a cost estimate. Should the user reject the estimate, ACE Instruments will send the product back unrepaired/not calibrated and the product will be labeled accordingly. Should the product not fulfill the warranty, the claim of the buyer and the obligations of ACE Instruments are limited exclusively to the discretion of ACE Instruments for exchange, repair of the affected goods or reimbursement of the purchasing price for the faulty merchandise.

2. APPLICATION RESTRICTION

ACE Instruments is by any means liable for additional, incidental or consequential damage such as, among others, lost profit and downtime that result from selling, producing or using products that are part of this application restriction. This is independent of any claims emanating from, for instance, contracts, negligence or other culpable actions. The product, which is accompanied by this warranty and liability declaration (no matter the version or designation), in particular cannot be used in a legally binding manner to determine one's capability to operate vehicles or execute action that could lead to personal injury or injury to others under the influence of alcohol. The thorough check for damage of all products upon receipt, calibration suitable for the given use by the buyer and the proper use, maintenance and service according to the instructions of the accompanying ACE Instruments product literature are mandatory prerequisites of this warranty. Maintenance and service work performed by non-qualified persons as well as the use of non-approved consumables or spare parts results in the voiding of this warranty. As for all technically challenging products, it is a fundamental

prerequisite and mandatory for ACE Instruments warranty that all users of these product are familiar with the properties and restrictions of the devices as stated in the respective literature.

3. ADVICE RESTRICTION

The buyer is solely responsible and confirms that they have checked the intended use and suitability of purchased goods for any purpose. Between the two parties it is expressly agreed that all technical or other advice given by ACE Instruments regarding the use of goods or services is free of charge and made under risk to the buyer exclusively. Therefore no obligation or liability can result to ACE Instruments from any recommendation or their consequences.

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