AlcoLimit VIVID ALCO-076 User manual

VIVID®
AlcoLimit
®
User Manual
AlcoLimit Breathalysers Pty. Ltd.
P.O. Box 1106,
MANLY, NSW, 1655
Ph: 1300 667 661 or [phone]
www.alcolimit.com.au

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If you do not follow the instructions for use your test results may be
inaccurate and your warranty may become void.
For most accurate results, it’s important to wait at least 20 minutes after smoking, eating or drink-
ing before testing. This is a universal principle for all breathalysers, not just yours. The reason being
is that if you have recently consumed alcohol, the residual alcohol in your mouth is very high and
can cause a false reading. Additionally, waiting 20 minutes allows the alcohol to be absorbed from
your stomach into your bloodstream, contributing to more accurate test results.
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PARTS OF YOUR BREATHALYSER
AlcoLimit’s Flow Control Technology checks the ow rate of your breath. An
adequate air sample must be received before it will provide you with a reading.
This is just one of the safety measures built into the AlcoLimit range.
AlcoLimit’s Intelli-sensor Recognition Technology checks the sensor condition
every time you use your breathalyser. Stability of the sensor is analysed and an
indication will be given if the sensor needs recalibration.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Recommended Usage Personal
Sensor Type Electrochemical Fuel Cell
Accuracy Conforms to Australian Standard AS3547
Range %BAC 0.000 - 0.200
Display 3 decimal places with illumination
Warm-up time < 35 seconds
Breath Sampling Time 6 seconds (approx.) a minimum ow
must be received to get a reading
Housing Shock Resistant Plastic
Weight 66 grams (with batteries)
Power Source 2 x 1.5V 'AAA' alkaline batteries
Dimensions 100mm x 44mm x 15mm
Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
Recalibration Period 1000 uses or 6 months, whichever comes
rst
Mouthpieces Disposable - 3 included
Specications are subject to change for the purpose of product improvement.
For all after-sales service and enquiries please contact the manufacturer:
AlcoLimit Breathalysers Pty. Ltd.
P.O. Box 1106
Manly, N.S.W. 1655
Australia
Ph: 1300 667 661 or [phone] (from overseas)
Website: www.alcolimit.com.au
Email: [email protected]
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USAGE
First, place 2xAAA alkaline batteries (supplied) into your ALCOLIMIT VIVID.
Slide the battery compartment cover downwards to remove.
Ensure the batteries are inserted in the correct direction.
1. To turn your ALCOLIMIT VIVID on, depress the ON/OFF button for 2 seconds until the
screen turns on.
2. The unit will commence a warm-up process.
Purge cycles and circuit tests are taking place during this time. This process generally takes 30
seconds but can last 2 minutes. Dashes will dance around the screen while the unit is warm-
ing up.
3. The unit is ready when two beeps sound and a ‘0’ will appear on the display.
If you don’t blow into the breathalyser within 20 seconds the word ‘Out’ will appear and you
must restart the breathalyser.
4. Attach the mouthpiece tube and blow one consistent deep breath into the
sensor. There will be a beeping noise while you are blowing.
A full lung of air is required. Once your ALCOLIMIT VIVID has received enough airflow you
will hear a double click signalling you to stop.
If inadequate airflow is received, the word Flo will appear on the screen. Do not block the air
hole on the opposite side of the mouthpiece while testing as this will affect the airflow.
5. A circling line will appear on the display while the breathalyser is analysing your breath
sample. Your %BAC result will then be displayed on the screen.
The display shows only 3 digits to the right of the decimal place.
For example ‘050’ indicates ‘0.050%BAC
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Breath Alcohol
Concentration (BAC)
Digital Display and Audio Signals
0.000-0.049% %BAC displayed on screen with audible beep
0.050 - 0.200% %BAC displayed on screen with one long audible beep
0.200 upwards ‘OL’ will appear on the screen indicating the maximum level
has been reached
RETESTING
To retest, if your AlcoLimit VIVID has turned itself o, depress the ON/OFF button, and wait for it to
warm up again.
When high alcohol readings are received, retesting should be spaced 3 minutes apart to
allow all alcohol vapour to be eliminated from the sensor.
FAST MODE
This mode simply detects the presence or absence of alcohol.
Turn the unit on, blow gently through the mouthpiece and depress the ON/OFF button while blow-
ing.
The result will be displayed as either‘P’ when alcohol is not detected or ‘F’ when alcohol is detected.
USAGE COUNTER
Press and hold the ON/OFF button at start-up and ‘C’ and ‘A’ will appear on the display followed by
numbers.‘C’ = number of tests since the last calibration. A = number of tests that have detected
alcohol since the last calibration.
DISPLAY & INTERPRETATION
Your %BAC will be displayed on the screen for 20 seconds after which your ALCOLIMIT VIVID will
turn itself o.
This device is a 0.05% BAC device (0.05%BAC is equal to 0.05grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood).
Australian & New Zealand Customers: The drink driving cut-o for people on a full licence is 50mg
per 100ml of blood. This equates to 0.05%BAC.
This is current as at April 2015. The Australian & NZ Govts. may change this level in the future so
please check before driving.
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Display Explanation
There is not enough voltage in the batteries.
Replace with 2 x AAA alkaline batteries.
The sensor has not detected a long enough or strong
enough breath.
Press the ON/OFF switch again and retest. Ensure a strong
consistent breath is provided until the click sounds.
Calibration is due.
See ‘Recalibration’page for details.
No breath was detected within 20 seconds of the
breathalyser becoming ready for testing.
You must restart the breathalyser.
For any other issues please call our customer centre on
1300 667 661 or [phone] (NZ customers).
PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol vapour on your breath will cause a higher reading. We recom-
mend having a glass of water prior to testing and waiting at least 20 minutes after your
last drink for accurate results. Not waiting the required 20 minutes will saturate the
sensor unnecessarily and may cause sensor damage. This is not covered under your
warranty.
Please always wait 20 minutes after consuming any alcohol to avoid this problem.
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WARNINGS (Please read carefully)
• Closed rooms with poor ventilation, pollution, smoke or air conditioning may delay the time for
resetting between tests.
• Avoid testing in the presence of any substances that contain methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol
or acetone. These substances may interfere with the results of the test.
• Not waiting at least 20 minutes after your last alcoholic drink will cause inaccurate readings, and
if you continue to misuse ALCOLIMIT this way you will damage the sensor beyond repair (not
covered under warranty). Have a glass of water or other non-alcoholic beverage to minimise
alcohol vapour in your mouth as the vapour can cause a higher reading.
• Retest 2-3 times to obtain a reliable test result. We suggest you then wait a further 10 - 20
minutes and retest to check that your level has stabilised and not increased.
• Blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise for up to 2 hours after the cessation of
drinking. If the reading is close to the limit it is advised to wait a further 10-20 minutes and re
test to determine whether your %BAC has stabilised.
• It can take 10 hours or more to return to a zero reading after a high blood alcohol level has been
reached. A further test should be carried out later in the day or the following morning.
• If you are taking ALCOLIMIT overseas or using it at a dierent altitude please be aware that the
calibration may be aected.
• Do not blow cigarette smoke or liquid into the tester.
• Alcohol aects each individual dierently depending upon many factors; type of alcohol,
muscle mass, weight, full or empty stomach, immune system, gender, regularity of drinking.
• Those with diabetes may nd they can drink large volumes of alcohol yet still read 0.00%BAC.
This does not mean your ability to drive is not impaired.
• Do not use ALCOLIMIT as a tool to drink and drive. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption
before driving or operating machinery.
• The only true indication of your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a blood test. The results
obtained from a personal breath alcohol tester cannot be used in a court of law.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
Keep free from dust, dirt, and small particles as they may clog the sensor.
Keep in a cool dry place.
Keep out of extreme temperatures.
Keep out of reach of children.
Keep away from electrical interference.
Do not drop, knock or shake.
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RECALIBRATION
The calibration period of ALCOLIMIT VIVID is 6 months or 1000 uses, whichever comes rst.
A specially calibrated alcohol simulator is used to recalibrate the ALCOLIMIT VIVID and the
electronics need to be reset during recalibration, do not attempt to service it yourself.
If you receive erratic or high readings your breathalyser may need recalibration.
If you have any doubt about the readings you are receiving from your ALCOLIMIT VIVID then your
breathalyser may need recalibration.
Periodic recalibration is required because over time breath alcohol testing devices may drift from their
calibration setting even when not used.
Your ALCOLIMIT VIVID is a sensitive instrument. Unlike other electronic devices, your breathalyser
shouldn’t be ignored for long periods of time. The sensor inside it is delicate and can dry out if left un-
used for too long. In order to keep it in good working condition, we recommend that you blow into it at
least once a month, even if you don’t plan on using it. Breathing into the unit regularly keeps the sensor
moist and in good working order. Sensors that dry out can sometimes require more frequent calibration.
Professional Calibration by our Technicians:
Recalibration costs $45 AUD and includes return postage to you within Australia and NZ via Australia
Post.
Post your ALCOLIMIT unit to :
AlcoLimit Breathalysers Pty. Ltd.
Recalibration Dept.
P.O. Box 1106
Manly, N.S.W. 1655
When posting your ALCOLIMIT VIVID to us you are advised to send it Registered Mail for tracking pur-
poses.
You must include the following:
- your name
- return postal address
- daytime phone no.
- payment
- instruction manual to update service record
If you require a‘Calibration Certicate’ please request one at the time of recalibration. These cost $22
each (incl. GST)
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You may pay with credit card online via PAYPAL on our ‘SERVICING’ page at:
www.alcolimit.com.au/servicing
Or you may call us on 1300 667 661 to pay with credit card.
Payment can be made via money order made out to:
‘AlcoLimit Breathalysers Pty. Ltd.’
Your unit will usually be returned to you within a week. If you have any questions regarding
recalibration, please call us on 1300 667 661 or [phone]
For NZ Customers we recommend payment via Credit Card due to exchange rate changes.
WARRANTY
Manufacturer warrants for one calendar year the product to be free from defects in workmanship or
materials (excluding calibration) in normal service from the date of purchase. Manufacturer’s obligation
under this warranty is limited to replacing or repairing the unit if returned along with proof of purchase.
This warranty is void if unit has been tampered with, misused, dropped, maliciously damaged or used for
any purpose other than that intended.
The cost to return the unit to the manufacturer’s service centre is at the expense of the consumer. The
consumer is welcome to drop the unit o at our service centre in person. The consumer must contact our
customer service centre prior to returning the unit to us to enable our technicians to diagnose the fault
over the phone.
Upon returning the unit to our service centre under warranty, should the unit be found not to be faulty,
the consumer is liable for the freight cost to return the item to them. Should the unit be found to be
faulty the freight cost to return the item to the consumer will be borne by the manufacturer.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are
entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably
foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail
to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
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DISCLAIMER
AlcoLimit VIVID is recommended as a screening device only. The reading you receive is not legally bind-
ing in a court of law, ALCOLIMIT VIVID is to be used only as a guide. The only true indication of your
%BAC is a blood test.
Probationary drivers and machinery operators should check with their state authority or employer as
to whether a 0.02%BAC or zero tolerance applies to them. We do not recommend driving or operating
machinery with any amount of alcohol in your system. Heavy nes and penalties may apply and the
presence of alcohol in your system may void your insurance.
The manufacturer gives no warranty, express or implied, as to the ability of ALCOLIMIT VIVID to deter-
mine or detect intoxication or to accurately indicate your blood alcohol level. The manufacturer
assumes no responsibility in circumstances where a person who has used the device and received an
indication of the presence of alcohol in his/her exhaled breath is later found to be under the inuence
of or their judgment has been impaired by alcohol; and will in no circumstances be liable for any loss or
damage in contract or tort (including negligence) or otherwise suered by any person arising directly or
indirectly from the use of ALCOLIMIT VIVID.
The manufacturer, importer or distributor takes no responsibility whatsoever for the use of this product
for any reason. This product must not be used as a tool for determining whether a person is able to oper-
ate a vehicle or machinery. The intake of any alcohol will impair reexes and judgment to operate motor
vehicles and machinery.
For further information on ALCOLIMIT VIVID, and to view other models available, see our website: www.
alcolimit.com.au or call our information line on 1300 667 661.
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RECALIBRATION SERVICE RECORD
Date of
Recalibration Service Details Technician
For service records to be updated, please send your instructions with your
breathalyser each time it is recalibrated.
Alternatively, you may request a Calibration Certicate at a cost of $22 (recommended for workplaces).
VIVID®
AlcoLimit®