Alpinestars Tech-Air User manual

USER’S GUIDE
IMPORTANT READ THIS MANUAL.
SAFETY CRITICAL INFORMATION INSIDE.
v. 1.4
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Please read the following important
WARNING and LIMITATION of use notice
carefully:
Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity and an
ultra-hazardous sport, which may result in serious personal
injury, including death. Each individual motorcycle rider
must be familiar with motorcycling, recognize the wide
range of foreseeable hazards and decide whether to assume
the risks inherent in such an activity with the knowledge of
the dangers involved and accept any and all risks of injury-
including death. While all motorcycle riders should utilize
appropriate protective equipment, each rider should exercise
extreme care for safety while riding and understand that no
product can offer complete protection from injury including
death or damage to individuals and property in case of fall,
collision, impact, loss of control or otherwise. Riders should
ensure that safety products are correctly used and fitted. DO
NOT use any product that is worn out, modified or damaged.
Alpinestars makes no guarantees or representations,
express or implied, regarding the fitness of its products
for any particular purpose.
Alpinestars makes no guarantees or representations,
express or implied, regarding the extent to which its
products protect individuals or property from injury, death
or damage.
ALPINESTARS DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR
INJURIES INCURRED WHILE WEARING ANY OF ITS
PRODUCTS.
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1. Introduction
The Tech-Air™ Race Airbag Vest is an active safety system optimized for use on the
racetrack.
The Tech-Air™ Race Airbag Vest system also permits the ability to change the software
running on the electronic unit to make it suitable for use on public roads (See section 18).
In the event of an accident or other triggering event, the airbag system provides upper body
protection to the user. In addition, provided that such accident did not damage the system,
the Dual Charge concept, provides upper body protection in a second accident without
requiring the airbag to be returned to Alpinestars for recharge.
In this manual the following three presentation styles are used to provide information:
Tip: Provides useful advice regarding the system.
IMPORTANT! Provides important information regarding the limitations of the system.
WARNING! Provides critical information which, if not followed, may cause
injury, death, system malfunction or non-function, and/or an exaggerated
expectation of the system’s abilities.
The Tech-Air™ Race Airbag Vest is comprised of two components
1. The Alpinestars Tech- Air™ Race airbag Vest (“airbag Vest”) and
2. An Alpinestars suit/jacket (“Alpinestars’ Compatible Suit/Jacket”) compatible with and to
be used with the airbag vest. The airbag vest and the Alpinestars’ Compatible Suit/Jacket
are sold separately.
WARNING! The airbag system, including its components (the airbag vest
and the Alpinestars’ Compatible Suit/Jacket), are technically advanced
pieces of motorcycling safety equipment and should not be treated like a
normal motorcycle garment. Similar to one’s motorcycle, the system and its
components must be cared for, serviced and maintained, so that they may
function correctly.
WARNING! The airbag vest MUST be used with an Alpinestars’ Compatible
Suit/Jacket.
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Introduction
Principles of Operation
Activation and Non Activation Conditions
Limitations of Use
System Overview
Sizing
Health and Age Restrictions
Vest Installation
Fitting
Transportation of Objects Inside the Compatible Airbag Garment
Battery Charging
Race Mode Operation
Display Indications
Cleaning, Storage and Transportation
Maintenance, Servicing and Disposal
Actions in the Event of an Accident
Tech-Air™ Data Portal
Street Mode Operation
Troubleshooting
Index of Error Codes
Tech-Air™ Support
Certification Information
4
5
5
7
8
10
10
11
12
12
12
13
15
15
16
18
18
20
27
27
27
28
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89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
5EN
2. Principles of Operation
The Tech-Air™ Race airbag Vest contains an airbag control unit (with built-in sensor)
integrated into the back protector, and two external sensors positioned on the shoulders
(Figure 1). These three sensors monitor the user’s body for shocks or unexpected movements.
In the event the user’s body is subject to a high and/or sudden amount of energy, the airbag
will inflate. This may occur when the rider loses control, falls from or (in the case of a high
side) is launched from the motorcycle.
3. Activation and non activation conditions
The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system offers protection to riders in the event of an accident;
notwithstanding, like any other product, there are limitations to the protection that it can
provide. NO PRODUCT CAN PROVIDE COMPLETE PROTECTION FROM INJURY, DEATH, OR
DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF A FALL, ACCIDENT, COLLISION,
IMPACT, LOSS OR CONTROL OR OTHER EVENT.
In general, there are three basic factors that determine whether an airbag system will
provide protection to a user:
(a) Whether the forces experienced by the user during a crash occur within an area covered
by the airbag; and
(b) Whether the airbag deploys during the event, and if so, whether it is fully inflated before
the user hits the ground or collides with an obstacle.
(c) Whether the airbag deploys before the user collides with parts or accessories of their
own motorcycle. For example, the windscreen.
The deployment time consists of the time for the sensors to detect the event together
with the time it takes to fill the airbag fully with gas, which is about 45 milliseconds (“ms”).
The time available to deploy the airbag is dependent on the accident.
The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system provides impact protection for those areas of airbag
coverage shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 – Sensor Locations
(Front)
(Front)
(Back)
(Back)
Figure 2
Area of Airbag
coverage
WARNING! Use of an Alpinestars’ Compatible Suit/Jacket without the airbag
vest will provide the user with NO airbag protection.
WARNING! It is essential to read this manual carefully, understand it
completely and to follow the advice and warnings. If you have any questions
regarding the equipment contact Tech AirTM Support (Section 21).
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The Tech Air™ Race airbag system will activate (provided the system is armed, see section 12)
within the following parameters:
• A Highside crash*
• A Lowside crash** with at least one the following characteristics:
• Crash start speed over 80km/h
• Where there is a collision or sudden deceleration during the slide (such has hitting the
curb or another bike)
• Where there is high energy in the body limbs (tumbling or not).
• A crash against an obstacle over 30km/h (such as hitting another bike or a tire barrier)
• Falling off the bike without sliding (such as in a gravel trap)
The Tech Air™Race airbag system will NOT activate under the following parameters:
• The system is switched off, or not armed.
• In a Lowside crash with at least one of the following characteristics
• The speed of the crash is under 30km/h
• The rider slides without touching the ground with their back or shoulder
• Crashes against obstacles under 30km/h
* A Highside crash is where the rear tire momentarily loses grip, compressing the rear suspension
which can catapult the rider into the air.
** A Lowside crash is where the front tyre loses grip during cornering, causing the motorcycle
to fall onto side.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system provides only limited
protection against forces experienced at the areas of airbag coverage
depicted in Figure 2. No guarantee is given that the Tech-Air™ Race airbag
system will prevent injuries (including severe or fatal injuries) inside and/or
outside the covered/protected areas.
WARNING! The protective performance of the airbag is only warranted in the
FIRST crash of a new system or after an airbag recharge. Even if there is no
damage visible on the Vest.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system cannot prevent accidents.
WARNING! No protective device, including the Tech-Air™ Race airbag system,
can provide protection against all possible sources of injury and therefore
cannot provide complete protection against injures.
WARNING! Wearing the Tech-Air™ Race airbag system is not a substitute
for wearing other protective motorcycling clothing and gear. To provide full
potential protection, the Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must always be worn
in conjunction with suitable motorcycling apparel, including a helmet, boots,
gloves, and other appropriate protective equipment.
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WARNING! The user does not need to be involved in a crash for the system to
deploy. For example, the system may deploy if the user falls while wearing
the system, such as when dismounting from the motorcycle if the system is
still armed. These types of “non-riding” deployments are not failures of the
system because the user’s body was at risk of injury.
Motorcycle Type
The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system can be utilized on any type of motorcycle, including
electric motorcycles.
4. Limitations of Use
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system is to be used ONLY for
motorcycling in a closed circuit race track within the conditions and
limitations delineated above.
WARNING! Remember that when using your Tech-Air™ Race airbag system
on a race track, the firmware must be the Race firmware. If you have
downloaded the Street firmware onto your Tech-Air™ Race airbag system,
you MUST CHANGE the firmware back to Race mode before using your Tech-
Air™ Race airbag system on a race track.
The system is NOT for use in:
• Enduro, Motocross, or Supermoto events;
• Motorcycle stunts; or
• ANY non-motorcycling activites.
WARNING! Due to shocks, movement and/or other input detected and/or
received by the system while in use, although unlikely the system may deploy
even though there is no crash-event.
WARNING! Wearing the Tech-Air™ Race airbag system is not a substitute
for wearing other protective motorcycling clothing and gear. To offer full
potential protection the system must always be worn in conjunction with
suitable motorcycling apparel that covers the rider from head to toe, including
a helmet, boots, gloves, and other appropriate protective equipment.
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Figure 3
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
8EN
15
1
2
4
3
13
14
5. System Overview
The diagrams below illustrate the different parts of the Tech-Air™ Race airbag system
(airbag Vest and an Alpinestars’ Compatible Suit/Jacket - Figure 3). The numbered parts
are used to guide you through this user’s guide.
TECH AIR SYSTEM
COMPATIBLE SUIT
1. Vest attachment
zips (Vest)
2. Detachable belt
3. Sealed Closure zip
4. Control Unit
5. LED Display socket
6. On board power
LED RACE
7. On board power
LED STREET
8. Master Switch
9. Micro USB Port
10.Vest attachment
zips (Suit)
11. LED Display
11a. Green Indicator
11c
11b
11a
11
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Figure 4
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11b. Orange Indicator
11c. Red indicator
12. Collar Attachment
Vecro Flap
13. Collar Attachment
Velcro
14. Upper Shoulder
Attachment Velcro
15. Lower Shoulder
Attachment Velcro
16. LED Display cable
17. LED Dispay plug
storage pocket
18. Activation Flap
8
9
7 5
6
4
12
17
16
18
10
ELECTRONIC UNIT (4)
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6. Sizing
The Tech-Air™ Race airbag Vest is available in sizes from S to 2XL. The
airbag inside is available in five sizes that correspond to the waist to
shoulder length of the user (Figure 5). Table 1 below lists the sizes of vest
and the airbag size which they contain. This chart contains suggested
sizing.
IMPORTANT! The airbag Vest must be installed inside an Alpinestars’ Compatible Suit/
Jacket first.
MTF = Mean Transmitted Force attained during testing.
Table 1
Vest
Size
Euro
Size
US
Size
User’s Waist to Shoulder Range Suggested Height Range MTF
S 44,46 34,36 37 – 40cm (14.6” – 15.7”) 1.41 – 1.52m (4’7” – 5’0”) <4.5 KN
M 48,50 38,40 40 – 43cm (15.7” – 17.0”) 1.52 – 1.63m (5’0” – 5’4”) <4.5 KN
L 52,54 42,44 43 – 46cm (17.0” – 18.1”) 1.63 – 1.75m (5’4” – 5’9”) <4.5 KN
XL 56,58 46,48 46 – 49cm (18.1” – 19.3”) 1.75 – 1.86m (5’9” – 6’1”) <4.5 KN
2XL 60,62 50,52 49 – 51cm (19.3” – 20.1”) 1.86 – 1.94m (6’1” – 6’4”) <4.5 KN
Figure 5
7. Health and Age Restrictions
IMPORTANT! In Europe the pyrotechnic directive (2007/23) prohibits the sale of
pyrotechnic articles to anyone under the age of 18.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must not be handled by
children at any time.
WARNING! In event of a crash, the inflation of the airbag will cause sudden
pressure across the back and torso. This can cause discomfort and for users
in poor health this may cause complications.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must not be used by persons
with a history of heart problems, or other diseases, conditions, afflictions or
illnesses which may weaken the heart.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must not be used by persons
fitted with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical devices. Note
also that magnets are contained inside the activation flap (18).
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must not be used by persons
with neck or back problems.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must not be used by women
during pregnancy.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Race airbag system must not be used by women
with artificial breast implants.
WARNING! Any body piercings which coincide with the airbag coverage area
should be removed before electing to use the Tech-Air™ Race airbag system,
as inflation of the airbag into and against the body piercings may cause
discomfort and/or injury.
Allergy Advice
Persons with certain skin allergies to synthetic, rubber or plastic materials, should carefully
monitor their skin each time the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is worn. If any irritation
of the skin occurs, immediately stop wearing the system and seek medical advice and/or
attention.
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