AF33 - Breathalyzer ACE - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL AF33 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 „FLOW“ 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.

Atemalkoholtester

ACE AF-33

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 AF-33 Breathalyzer! It measures the 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 measurement results are displayed as a 3-digit number with 2 decimals and are interpretable 1: 1 (for example the display shows the value 0.36 = 0.36 per mill). With the measurement unit % BAC the test result is displayed with 4 digits and 3 decimals. The fuel cell sensor inside the Breathalyzer can be calibrated. To maintain the measurement accuracy of this device and the sensor warranty, it should be calibrated regularly. For a calibration service you can send the device to the service address specified at www.alkomat.net.

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).

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 AF-33 Breathalyzer
■ 2 AAA batteries (1.5 V, Alkaline)
■ 6 Mouthpieces
1 Soft bag
■ 1 Quick Start Guide (in German & English)
■ 1 Manual (multilingual)

Label of Individual Components

ACE 1 2 3 4 0.25 ACE AF-33 5 6

1. Mouthpiece and Mouthpiece slot
2. LC Display
   (3 digits with unit % and mg/L and 4 digits with unit % BAC)
3. Start button
4. Memory button
5. Air outlet (always keep this part unblocked)
6. Battery compartment cover

Tips to Receive the Most Accurate Results

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 1.000 per mill (per mill = EU setting) / 0.100 % BAC (% BAC = US setting) / 0.500 mg/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. Push the battery cover (on the back of the device) downwards and open it. Install the 2 AAA batteries (delivered together with the device) in the battery compartment while taking note of the battery polarity. Close the battery cover again.

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

Conducting the Measurement

	1. Press the power button (on the front of the unit) for 2 seconds to turn on, after releasing the power button you will hear a beep. The total number of tests performed with the device so far appears briefly.
	2. Afterwards a second beep can be heard and the number of days remaining until the next calibration time will appear. When this is reached, a blue light flashes on the left and right edges of the display and "CAL" also appears on the display.

	3. After the calibration time is displayed, a third beep is heard and the instrument warms up during a countdown. When it reaches the number "2", take a deep breath to prepare for your breath test.
	4. When the countdown is over, you will hear a double beep and 3 lines will appear at the left edge of the display. In addition, the word "START" flashes on the display. You can now begin the breath test.
	5. Now blow constantly and without pause for about 5 seconds until you hear a clack tone and a double beep. A continuous beeping sound is heard during the breath test. TIP: Blow the breath sample like this, i.e. if you would whistle without sound. If the test was successful, dashed lines will move at the corner of the display (see picture on the left). The display "FLo" means that your breath sample was not sufficient. Press the start button again for 2 seconds and start a new test.
	6. If the breath sample was sufficient, the flashing result of the estimated breath alcohol content is displayed for about 12 seconds after a few seconds. As soon as the result stops flashing, you can start a new test. Press the start button again for 2 seconds.

Note: The device switches off automatically after approx. 30 seconds without any further testing - 1 beep is heard shortly before and „Out“ appears on the display: Another beep sounds and the device switches off completely. You can also switch off the breathalyzer manually by pressing the start button for 2-3 seconds, a beep will sound shortly before switching off and „Off“ will appear on the display at the same time.

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 0.07% (PER MILL) OR 0.007% BAC (US setting) OR 0.035mg/L (UK setting) THEN THE DEVICE SHOWS 0.00 (% OR mg/L OR % BAC – 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 Use Original ACE Instruments Mouthpieces

■ Guarantees test result accuracy
■ Guarantees hygiene of you and the device
■ 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.

Memory Mode

The tester will recall up to 10 test results and their measurement time. To enter the memory mode, press memory button for about 2 seconds during the countdown (Step 3). The most recent test result will appear - first the measurement time will be shown (in three display methods, see below), then the test result will appear right after the measurement time. To see the next saved test result (and before its measurement time), just press the memory button sequentially.

The Display Method of Measurement Time

1) Measured time up to 600 minutes ago will be shown as "-elapsed time". For example: Measured 1 minute ago -> -001, Measured 23 minutes ago -> -023, Measured 523 minutes ago -> -523
2) Measured time from 601 minutes ago to 1 day will be shown as "d000". For example) Measured between 601 minutes ago and 24 hours ago -> d000
3) Measured time from 1 day ago to 999 days ago will be shown as "d+ elapsed days". For example) Measured 1 days ago -> d001, Measured 23 days ago -> d023, Measured 523 days ago -> d523

The tester will recall up to 10 test results with measurement time. If the memory is full, the oldest test result including measurement time will be deleted automatically.

Display Indications

Display Meaning / Solution
	The batteries are fully charged.
	The batteries are almost empty - the device is still usable, but the batteries should be replaced soon.
BAT	The device cannot be used because the batteries are completely empty - please replace the batteries immediately.
FLo	If you see "FLo" in the display, the breath sample was not strong enough for the measurement. Press the start button and wait for the count-down, then try again.
Out	If you do not start a breath test within 30 seconds at the end of the countdown, you will see "Out" on the display. Press the start button and wait for the countdown, then try again.
Outc	The operating temperature of the device is not within the temperature range required to use the device. Start a new attempt as soon as the operating temperature has been reached.
Err e	This error message may appear after point 5. in "Conducting the measurement" and indicates that the sensor was covered with too much saliva when blowing in. Please wait about 20 minutes and then try again.
500	If the total number of all tests performed reaches 500, calibration should be performed to maintain the measurement accuracy of the instrument.
CAL	This display appears if the ACE AF-33 has been used for more than 365 days since the last calibration. Send the instrument to ACE Instruments for calibration.
d36 s	This message on the display shows the number of days remaining until the next calibration. As soon as "CAL" appears, the instrument should be sent to ACE Instruments for calibration.
d.00 i	This message on the display shows the number of days since the recommended calibration message. ACE Instruments recommends sending in the instrument for calibration.

Calibration

To maintain the 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.

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 this breathalyzer and must react accordingly.

Battery Notices

The device associated with this operating manual contains 2 AAA Alkaline batteries (1.5 V) in delivery condition. These batteries are not made for recharging. The use of a rechargeable battery is not possible with this device and can damage it. If the included batteries are depleted, they 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 batteries, push the battery cover on the rear of the unit downwards and replace the discharged batteries with new ones. Be aware of the polarity when inserting the batteries (+/- pole). Close the battery compartment cover again. 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

Cd

Pb

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

* The technical data are subject to change without prior notice for functional improvements.
Technical Data*

Sensor Fuel Cell Sensor

Accuracy +/- 0.05‰ with reference to 1.00‰at 25°C (‰ = default setting)OR +/- 0.005% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) with reference to 0.100 % BAC at 25°COR +/- 0.025mg/l with reference to 0.50mg/l at 25°C

Detection Range 0.07 up to 5.00‰ (per mill = default setting), below 0.07‰ the test result is displayed as 0.00 ‰ (this happens due to substances in the oral cavity which may influence the measurement result)OR 0.007 to 0.500% BAC (USA)OR 0.035 to 2.50mg/L (UK)Warm-up Time 15 seconds up to maximum2 minutes (at 0.50‰, the higher the blood alcohol level determined in a test, the longer the sensor needs to evaporate the alcohol content measured in the breathing air)

Reaction time Within 12 seconds

Dimension 108 x 47 x 17 mm (L x W x H)

Weight 85g (battery included)

Power Supply 2 pieces of 1.5V AAA Alkaline batteries (= energy for up to 1000 tests)

Working Temperature 5°C to 40°C

Storage Temperature 0°C to 50°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).

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 no 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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