Alcohawk Precision User manual

Alcohawk® Precision
Owner’s Manual
©2005 Q3 Innovations, LLC

INTRODUCTION
Overview of the Alcohawk® Precision
The Alcohawk® Precision is a breath alcohol tester designed to test
for the presence of alcohol in the blood. This device provides a digital
reading of an individual’s approximate blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
in seconds. The Alcohawk® Precision is powered by a 9 volt battery that
generally lasts between 100-200 tests when using an alkaline battery.
To fully utilize this device to its potential, we recommend reading this
entire manual. Enjoy your Alcohawk® and please do not drink and drive!
Alcohol Testing Theory
Ethyl alcohol is detectable in the breath because it is absorbed from
the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines into the bloodstream. When
blood flows through the lungs, some of the alcohol passes across the
membranes of tiny lung air sacs (alveoli) into the air. The concentration
of the alcohol in the alveolar air is proportional to the alcohol in the
blood. As the alcohol in the alveolar air is exhaled, it can be screened
by a breath alcohol testing device. Rather than drawing a subject’s
blood to test for alcohol level, a subject’s breath can be tested using a
breath alcohol testing device. Because breath alcohol concentration
is proportional to blood alcohol concentration (BAC), BAC can be
calculated by measuring alcohol content on the breath. The ratio
of breath alcohol to blood alcohol is 2,100:1. This means that 2100
milliliters of alveolar air will contain the same amount of alcohol as
1 millimeter of blood. This concept is well established by Henry’s
Law, which states that the concentration of a volatile substance in
the air above a fluid is proportional to the concentration of the volatile
substance in the fluid.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
Overview of the Alcohawk® Precision 1
Alcohol Testing Theory 1
Description of Testing System 2
Dose-Specific Effects of Alcohol Intoxication 2
Uses of Breath Alcohol Screening Devices 4
PREPARATION 4
Installing the Battery 4
Inserting a Mouthpiece 5
COMPONENTS DIAGRAM 6
OPERATION 6
Operating Instructions 6
Error Messages 8
Understanding the Results 8
Precautions 9
SPECIFICATIONS 10
ACCESSORIES 10
VERIFICATION AND CALIBRATION 11
Overview 11
Procedure 11
WARRANTY 11
DISCLAIMER 14

When performing a breath alcohol test, it is necessary to analyze an
alveolar or deep lung air sample. If the test sample is not based on a
deep lung sample, the sample analyzed could be diluted with breath of
lower alcohol concentration from the upper respiratory tract. This would
result in a lower than optimum test result. As a result, breath alcohol
testers listed on the Department of Transportation (DOT), National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Conforming Products
List of Screening Devices To Measure Alcohol in Bodily Fluids, typically
have protocols which require the subject to deliver at least 1.5 liters, or
continuous blowing into the unit for least five (5) seconds.1 Otherwise,
the testing can be aborted or marked as unacceptable.
1Federal Register: May 4, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 87)
Description Of Testing System
This device contains a sensor chip designed to test for the presence of
alcohol. A thick film heater is printed on the reverse of the chip placed
in the plastic housing. The metal oxide material is heated to a specific
temperature. The resistance of sensing material changes rapidly
according to gas concentration changes, thereby enabling the reading
of alcohol concentration by resistance measurement. This alcohol
concentration is directly related (as explained in the above paragraph)
to the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Therefore, this device can
give a reading that reflects an estimate of the concentration of alcohol in
the blood.
Dose-specific Effects Of Alcohol Intoxication
The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual
variations among users, as well as other factors such as altitude and
air temperature. The following are general dose-specifics effects of
alcohol, although some users may become intoxicated at a much lower
BAC than shown below. Because a safe reading on a breath alcohol
screener does not mean that a driver’s reaction times can respond to
any emergency encountered, do not drink alcohol and drive.
Some states prohibit driving with a .08% BAC or above reading, and
in many states, individuals can be prosecuted for driving under the
influence at any level.
Some states also prohibit driving commercial vehicles or any vessel
with .04% or more. There is no safe way to drive under the influence of
alcohol. Even one drink can make you unsafe.
BAC Dose-Specific Effects2
0.02-0.03%3 Generally no loss of coordination, slight euphoria or loss of shyness.
Depressant effects are not apparent.
0.04-0.06% General feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensation
of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of reasoning and
memory, lowering of caution. Driving skills may be impaired at this
level of intoxication.
0.07-0.09% Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and
hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced, and
caution, reason and memory are impaired. Driving skills are always
impaired at this level of intoxication.
0.10-0.125% Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good
judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and
hearing will be impaired. Euphoria.
0.13-0.15% Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred
vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria
is beginning to appear.
0.16-0.20% Dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) predominates, nausea may appear.
The drinker has the appearance of a “sloppy drunk.”
0.25%-0.29% Needs assistance in walking; total mental confusion. Dysphoria with
nausea and some vomiting.
0.30%-0.39% Loss of consciousness.
0.40% + Onset of coma, possible death due to respiratory arrest.
2 Bailey, William J., Drug Use in American Society, 3rd ed., Minneapolis: Burgess, 1993.
3 Some individuals may experience impairment at BAC levels at .03% or even lower.
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Uses Of Breath Alcohol Screening Devices
Breath alcohol screeners are used in a wide variety of applications. For
example, law enforcement officials use breath alcohol screeners on
the roadside to determine if a subject should be further tested on an
evidential alcohol test (a test given to determine an exact blood alcohol
concentration). In addition, breath alcohol screeners are used in a wide
range of professions and industries to screen for the presence of alcohol
before an individual performs certain job functions. Since the presence
of alcohol in a person’s body can impair numerous activities of an
individual, a simple breath alcohol screening device that can test for the
presence of alcohol in a individual’s system can be of great value.
PREPARATION
Installing The Battery
Apply a small amount of pressure on the indention of the battery
compartment cover located on the rear of the unit and push down and
away from the unit simultaneously to release the cover. See the following
diagram.
Inserting A Mouthpiece
Insert the mouthpiece firmly into the hole located on the top of the left
side of the unit. A gap of approximately 1/2 cm will remain between the
larger portion of the mouthpiece and the side of the unit. See diagram
below.
MOUTHPIECE
INSERTED
MOUTHPIECE
PORT
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
COVER DETACHED
BATTERY COMPARTMENT
COVER ATTACHED
COMPARTMENT
INDENTION 9 VOLT
BATTERY
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COMPONENTS DIAGRAM
OPERATION
Operating Instructions
WAIT 20 MINUTES AFTER SMOKING, EATING, OR DRINKING
BEFORE USE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN ALTER THE BAC READING
AND CAN DAMAGE THE SENSOR.
1) PRESS the Power On/Off button. A single beep will sound and a
green lamp will light below the PWR sign on the LED display. A yellow
lamp will blink below the RDY sign on the LED display.
2) WAIT until the YELLOW LAMP STOPS BLINKING and remains on,
and you hear a SINGLE BEEP. The device is now ready for use.
Note: The device will not shut off until a test is performed or until 15 seconds of
non use elapses.
MOUTHPIECE
LED DISPLAY
EXHAUST PORT
HAND GRIP
ON/OFF BUTTON
3) Take a DEEP BREATH AND BLOW STEADILY (for at least 5
seconds) until a BEEP sounds to signal completion of the testing.
Note: The unit will display a 0 after approximately 1 – 2 seconds if a trace level
of alcohol is not detected in the breath sample (i.e., at least 0.001% BAC).
4) READ THE RESULTS (NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE).
Reading What It Generally Means
0.02-0.03% Generally no loss of coordination, slight euphoria or loss
of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent.
DO NOT DRIVE.
0.04-0.06% General feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions,
sensation of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment
of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution. Driving
skills may be impaired at this level of intoxication.
DO NOT DRIVE.
0.07-0.09% Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction
time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control
are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are
impaired. Driving skills are always impaired at this
level of intoxication. You are legally intoxicated at
0.08% in most states!
DO NOT DRIVE.
0.10-0.125% Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of
good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision,
reaction time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria.
DO NOT DRIVE.
5) For more testing, wait one (1) minute and repeat steps 1 – 4.
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Error Messages
Error Message Cause and Course Of Action
POL The sensor has been polluted. This can occur if the test
subject does not wait at least 20 minutes after smoking,
eating or drinking before using the unit. If the POL
message is displayed, press the Power On/Off button
once to turn off the unit and repeat Steps 1 – 4 above.
Sht The user had a short exhale time during the test, which
likely means the user did not exhale steadily and
continuously for at least 5 seconds. Repeat steps 1 – 4
above to perform another test.
reP The unit is signifying to repeat the test because the unit
did not detect an even alcohol concentration in the breath
sample. This can occur if the user varies the blowing
force when performing a test or if the Exhaust Port (see
Components Diagram) is obstructed. Repeat Steps 1 – 4
above to perform another test.
H The unit detected a very high alcohol concentration
(above 0.400% BAC).
Understanding The Results
The result that displays on this device is an estimate of the subject’s
BAC. The Department of Transportation (DOT) employs the standard
of 0.020% as a threshold for a positive test for alcohol in no tolerance
screening. Nearly all states have 0.080% as the legal BAC limit for
tasks such as operating a motor vehicle. Some states prohibit driving
commercial vehicles or any vessel with a 0.040% BAC or higher. This
device should only be used as a screening device and may only give
a reading of the possible presence of alcohol in the blood of the test
subject. Correlation between breath alcohol content and BAC depends
on many factors, including temperature and health conditions. The
exact BAC in the blood of the test subject cannot be exactly
determined by using a breath alcohol screening device. Never
drink and drive.
Precautions
1. After drinking, smoking and eating, users should wait at least 20
minutes before testing.
2. Avoid testing in strong winds, in a closed room with a heavy amount of
smoke, or where a lot of alcohol is being consumed.
3. When the green light below PWR is blinking, replace the 9V alkaline
battery.
4. Do not blow cigarette smoke, food or liquid into the instrument
because this may damage the sensor.
5. This device is designed to be used in a temperature range of
10– 40 (C) or 50-104 (F). Operation of the unit in temperature ranges
above or below this range may affect the accuracy of results.
6. Do not leave the device connected to the AC/DC outlet when the unit
is not being used.
7. Avoid testing in the presence of any liquids that contain any kind of
alcohol or acetone. These substances may interfere with the results of
the test.
8. Conditions that increase the amount of ketones on the breath, such
as diabetes and low caloric intake, may cause a false positive test. (i.e.,
showing a non-zero reading despite not drinking alcohol)
9. DO NOT USE THIS DEVICE AS A TOOL TO DETERMINE
WHETHER YOU OR ANYONE ELSE SHOULD OPERATE ANY
MOTOR VEHICLE OR MACHINERY.
10. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. ALWAYS HAVE A DESIGNATED
DRIVER WHEN YOU DRINK ALCOHOL.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Housing Shock resistant, molded plastic
Battery 9V Alkaline
Battery Life 100-200 tests
Sensor Sensitive semi-conductor sensor
Blowing Time 5 seconds
Response Time 3-10 seconds
Digital Display 4 Digits ( 0.000 % B.A.C.)
Operating Temp 10 - 40 c (50 - 104 f)
Detection Range 0.000 - 0.400% BAC ( Blood Alcohol Content)
Air Sample 5 Second Deep Lung Sample
Calibration DOT Approved Wet Bath Simulator
Operation Single Button
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty
ACCESSORIES
These and other accessories can be ordered directly from Q3
Innovations by calling 888-399-1687 or visit our online store at
www.Q3ats.com.
• Mouthpieces
• 12 Volt DC Adapter
• Wall Adapter
• Mesh Carrying Bag
• Hard Carrying Case
VERIFICATION AND CALIBRATION
Overview
Verification is a procedure using an advanced Alcohol Breath Test
Simulator that verifies whether the unit is displaying the specific BAC
level. If the verification procedure determines that the BAC is not
consistent with actual BAC levels, calibration of the device is performed
by using an advanced Alcohol Breath Test Simulator. A breath alcohol
screening device can start to drift or become contaminated after 6 – 12
months, depending on frequency of use and whether alcohol or other
substances penetrate the sensor.
Procedure
If the device is providing inconsistent, unusually high or low readings,
or no readings at all, your device may need to be re-calibrated. In
addition, this device should be re-calibrated at least every 6-12
months. More frequent calibrations may be required depending on
frequency of use; such as once per month if the unit is used daily.
For detailed information on how to have the device re-calibrated or for
technical support, please visit us online at www.q3i.com.
WARRANTY
The manufacturer warrants this device to be free from defects in
workmanship or material (excluding calibration) under normal use for
one year from the date of purchase. Manufacturer’s obligations under
this limited warranty are limited to replacing, adjusting, or repairing the
unit if returned along with the proof of purchase. This warranty is void
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if the unit has been tampered with, maliciously damaged, or physically
abused.
The enforceability of this warranty is limited to the original consumer
purchaser and is not transferable to, or enforceable by, any subsequent
owner. In the event of a defect, malfunction or other failure to conform
to this warranty, Q3 Innovations, LLC, (Q3I), will, at its sole discretion,
repair or replace the unit at no charge. You are responsible for all
shipping cost in connection with warranty service. This warranty
commences on the date of retail purchase and shall be effective for a
period of one year.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES COVERING THE UNIT
OTHER THAN THOSE SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY. ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD OF THIS
WARRANTY AND NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
EXTEND BEYOND THIS PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Manufacturer and Q3I will in no event be liable for any consequential,
incidental, indirect or special damages (including, but not limited to, lost
profits) arising out of or in connection with the use, misuse or function
of the unit. Some states do not allow exclusion of limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
If you feel the device is not functioning properly please review this
manual, particularly the instructions. If you still feel warranty service
is required, please follow the instructions below:
1. To obtain service during the warranty period, please call 888-399-
1687 or email ser[email protected] to obtain an RA number and shipping
instructions. Remember to return the device postage paid, insured and
in suitable packaging.
2. For your own protection, obtain a proof of delivery receipt. Shipping
costs are your responsibility.
3. You must enclose with the unit the following information:
a. Your name, complete return address and written description of the
problem. (No PO Box please.)
b. A telephone number where you can be reached during normal
business hours.
c. A copy of your dated sales receipt or invoice.
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DISCLAIMER
Q3I makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the ability of
this device to determine whether a person is intoxicated, and Q3I
expressly disclaims any liability for incidental, special, or consequential
damages of any nature. Decisions and/or actions based upon the
reading of this device shall be at such person’s own risk. Q3I assumes
no responsibility for consequences of subjects who test negative when
using this device and later show that they are under the influence of
alcohol or their judgment has been impaired by alcohol. This device
should only be used as a screening device and may only give an
indication of the possible presence of alcohol in the blood of the test
subject. Correlation between breath alcohol content and blood alcohol
concentration depends on many variables, including temperature and
health conditions. A safe or low BAC reading on a breath alcohol
screener does not mean that the driver’s reaction times can respond to
any emergency encountered. The exact concentration of alcohol in the
blood of the test subject cannot be exactly determined by using a breath
alcohol screening device.
This device is intended to measure alcohol in the human breath. The
accuracy of this device has been established at a Blood Alcohol
Concentration of 0.008% and 0.032%. Accuracy at a Blood Alcohol
Concentration greater than 0.032% has not been evaluated.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AND DRIVE
ALWAYS USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER
AFTER DRINKING ALCOHOL
BE SAFE AND DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Q3 Innovations, LLC
www.q3i.com
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Q3 INNOVATIONS, LLC
Innovators of Intelligent Technology
www.q3i.com
©2005 Q3 Innovations, LLC