One - Breathalyzer ACE - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL One ACE

Each breathalyzer which you buy from ACE Instruments can also be calibrated by ACE. 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.

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 or at www.ace-instruments.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 (lx) 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 moutpiece 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

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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 one 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 0.50‰. 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).

The fuel cell sensor inside the device 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 ACE one Breathalyzer with fuell cell sensor
■2 AAA batteries (1.5 V)
■ 3 Mouthpieces
■1 Soft Pouch
■1 Quick Start Guide (in German & English)
■1 Manual (multilingual)

Label of individual components

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1. Mouthpiece and Mouthpiece Slot
2. Digital LC Display (3 digits, 2 decimals)
3. Power Button
4. Air outlet (always keep this part unblocked)
5. Battery Compartment Cover (at 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 1.000 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 start button (in the middle of the front of the unit) to switch the device on. "888" then „On“ and then the number of all tests conducted in the past will shortly appear on the display and you will also hear 4 beep tones. The device starts a countdown (from 150 to 0), which lasts about 15 to 35 seconds. During the warm-up countdown, the sensor is prepared for the breath test.

2. As soon as the countdown reaches „0“, you hear a beep, the display shows „bLo“ and a green light light is shown in the left corner of the display. Now you can begin your breath test. Blow constantly and without stopping for about 5 seconds until you hear a clack tone and afterwards 2 beep tones (Tip: Blow as if you were whistling without sound). Stop the breath sample after you heard the 2 beep tones.

3. If the test was successful, some lines will move clockwise on the display. After a few seconds the result of the estimated breath alcohol content appears on the display. In addition, either the green or the red LED light lights up (at over 0.50 per thousand the red, below 0.50 per thousand the green; the limit value of 0.50 per thousand is preset).

The red and green LED light always light up for 15 seconds and together with the displayed measured value, then only the measured value can be seen on the display for 5 seconds. During these 5 seconds you can start a new test by pressing the power button – if you do not press the power button, the unit switches off automatically.

1. When the unit switches off, the display shows „OFF“, the unit beeps 4x and then it switches itself off automatically.

2. To conduct a new test, press the start button and go through the instruction from step 2 to 4.

3. It is recommended to wait at least 2 minutes between 2 tests to allow the sensor to evaporate the measured alcohol completely and to measure again correctly.

You can also switch off the unit manually at any time by pressing and holding the start button for 2-3 seconds.

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) OR 0.050 mg/L (UK setting) OR 0.010% BAC (US 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 recommends to use 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.

Explanation of the display and the warn signals

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1. The test result is displayed in % BAC (US setting).
2. The measure unit is set to the regional standard (\% BAC = US setting).
3. Green: Ready. The green LED will turn on when the device is ready for a test and also if the test result is below the warning
4. Yellow: Battery low. The yellow warn LED will flicker if the battery voltage is low. Please replace both AAA 1.5 V Alkaline batteries.
5. Red: Warning. If the result is over 0.05 % BAC (US setting), the red WARN LED will light up.

Calibration

To maintain the accuracy of the breathalyzer, ACE Instruments recommends a calibration after 500 tests or approx. every 6 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

Apply a small amount of pressure on the battery cover located on the back of the unit and push down and away from the unit to release the cover. See the following diagram.

Attention: Mind the battery polarity in the process (+/-).

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

Error / Warning Notifications

Display notification	Cause & Action Display	notification	Cause & Action
	If the result is higher than 0.5‰ (‰ = default setting) a "WARN" signal is displayed along with an "ALARM" sound.		The battery voltage is too low to perform a test. The device will turn off automatically after showing this signal. Replace the 2 pieces of 1.5V Alkaline Batteries.
	If the result is above 4.00‰ a "Hot" signal is displayed along with an alarm sound.		The user had a short exhale time during the test, which likely means the user did not exhale steadily and continuously for at least 3-5 seconds. Push the power button to perform another test.
	When you have done 500 tests, then the unit shows "CAL". Even if the unit still works, a re-calibration is required. Consult ACE Instruments and send your device to the calibration service.		When the ambient temperature is out of working temperature range (5°C ~ 40°C) the unit shows "OUT" and then turns off. Keep and use the unit within the recommended temperature range.

Technical data*
Sensor Fuel Cell sensor

Accuracy +/- 0.05‰ (per mill) with reference to 0.50‰ (‰ = default setting)OR +/- 0.005% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) with reference to 0.050% BACOR +/- 0.025mg/L with reference to 0.25mg/L

Detection Range 0.00 up to 4.00‰ (‰ = default setting)OR 0.000 up to 0.400% BAC (USA)OR 0.00 up to 2.00mg/L (UK)

Warm-up Time 15 up to 35 seconds

Response Time 3 up to 22 seconds, it may vary depending on the alcohol value which was measured during the breath test

Dimension 114 x 47 x 24mm (H x W x D)

Weight 84g (Batteries included)

Power Supply Two 1.5V AAA size Alkaline Batteries

Working Temperature +5°C up to +40°C

Storage Temperature 0°C up to +40°C

Calibration Every 6 months or after 500 tests. For a calibration service you can send the device to ACE (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) 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 product literature.

Limitation of warranty and liability

1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ACE 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 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 are limited exclusively to the discretion of ACE for exchange, repair of the affected goods or reimbursement of the purchasing price for the faulty merchandise.

2. APPLICATION RESTRICTION

ACE 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 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 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 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 from any recommendation or their consequences.

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