LION SD-400 Instruction Manual

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lion alcolmeter®SD-400
User Handbook: General
Issue 7 [RM40977]
Copyright 2012, Lion Laboratories Limited

lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction........................................................................... 5
2. Principle of Operation…………………………………………. 6
3. Instrument Features….......................................................... 7
4. Subject Breath Test……….................................................... 10
5. Using the SD-400 with a Printer........................................... 14
6. Instrument Power Supply Systems...................................... 16
7. Clock and Calendar……………………………………………...18
8. Do’s and Don’ts...................................................................... 19
9. Calibration Checks and Adjustment…………….……..……..21
9A. Background……………………….……………….….…………. 21
9B. AlcoCal®Alcohol Standards……………………..…………….. 21
9C. Calibration Checking……………………………………………. 24
9D. Calibration Adjustment………………………………………….. 26
Appendix I: Warning and Error Messages…………………….30
Appendix 2: Technical Details……………………………………31
Appendix 3: Alcohol Concentration Units……………………..34
Appendix 4: Lion Contact Information………………………….36

lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
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PLEASE!
Read this Handbook carefully, BEFORE using
the instrument for the first time.

lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
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1: Introduction
The lion alcolmeter®SD-400 is a hand-held, breath alcohol
analyser for use in traffic law enforcement, medical and industrial
safety applications. The instrument is easy-to-use, and allows a
complete breath test to be completed in about one minute.
The standard instrument version has a 500-test memory. This
records the date, time and result of each test, from where it can be
downloaded to a PC using software available from Lion.
This handbook is written for the lion alcolmeter®SD-400 as it is
most commonly used. However, because many of its operating
functions are configurable, it is not possible to cover all the
permutations of method operation in this handbook. Information on
the use of these additional features is available from Lion.
This handbook explains the following aspects of the instrument, so
please read it carefully:
basic principles of operation
how to run a breath test
interpretation of results
calibration checking
calibration adjustment
care and basic maintenance

lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
2: Principle of Operation
The lion alcolmeter®SD-400 uses an electrochemical fuel cell
sensor to measure the concentration of alcohol vapour in the
subject’s expired breath; a measured amount of which is drawn from
the mouthpiece into the fuel cell by means of the sampling system.
In the fuel cell a voltage is generated in proportion to the breath
alcohol concentration: it is therefore amplified and displayed in
terms of the subject’s alcohol level.
The breath sampling system is factory-set to sample deep-lung air; it
is the breath from the bottom of the lungs that truly reflects the
amount of alcohol in the body.
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
3. Instrument Features
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Please note the following user features of the instrument:
1 On/Off Switch 6 Spigot Mouthpiece
2 Indicator Lights 7 Function Switches
3 Display 8 Communications Port
4 Beeper 9 Power supply Unit
5 Sampling Port 10 Dongle Electronic key
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On/Off Switch (I-0)
Press once to switch on, press again to switch off. Use of the
On/Off switch is inhibited to prevent switch-off during a breath test.
Indicator Lights
WAIT the system is not ready to sample;
probably because the sensor is not
clear of alcohol from the last test.
READY the instrument is ready to sample.
FLOW the subject is blowing hard enough.
ANALYSING a sample has been taken: its alcohol
content is being measured.
Digital Display
Shows the subject’s alcohol level, time and date, the battery
condition, and error messages. It is illuminated for use at night.
Beeper
Gives audible messages of certain events and conditions.
Sampling Port
The entrance to the fuel cell and
breath flow sensor. This port must
NOT become blocked or restricted.
Spigot Mouthpiece
A new mouthpiece is fitted to the sampling port for
each breath test. This disposable item is individually
and hygienically wrapped.
A NEW mouthpiece MUST be used for each complete breath test: but
NOT essentially for repeated blows by a subject in the same test
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
The Four Function Switches
These have various uses, as stated in this handbook. From the left,
they are referred to as B, C, and D(the On/Off switch is A).
Communications Port
This allows access to certain software routines (such as calibration
adjustment), when the Dongle key is fitted. If the instrument is used
with a printer, the printer cable is connected here. This port is also
used for transferring stored breath test data to a PC.
Power Supply
This is located on the back of the instrument and fitted with either 5
disposable alkaline batteries (AA) - the PSU; or the rechargeable
power unit the RPU. To remove from the main case, press and hold
down the release button on the main case, then pull down.
Dongle Electronic Key
A security key which is fitted to the
communications port so as to access
certain software routines, such as for
instrument calibration adjustment.
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
4. Subject Breath Test
4.1 The Breath Test Procedure: Step-by-Step
Preliminary Questions
Ensure the subject has taken nothing by mouth for at least 15
minutes, and not smoked for at least 2 minutes. If necessary, wait.
Mouth alcohol generally disperses within 10 or 12 minutes, so a 15-
minute wait ensures its complete dispersal. Remember though that
many foods and even some ‘non-alcoholic’ drinks actually contain
traces of alcohol. Also, a glass of cold water will cool the mouth and
dilute saliva, and so temporarily reduce the breath alcohol level.
Switch On Instrument
Press and release the On/Off switch (1-0).
Diagnostics Test
The four indicator lights and the display bar segments are tested.
The sampling system is activated and the WAIT light comes on. The
time and date are then shown [any inaccuracy here has no effect on
the alcohol measurement]. The WAIT light stays on while the fuel
cell is checked to ensure there is no alcohol from a previous test.
READY – Attach Mouthpiece
When the READY light shows, unwrap a
mouthpiece (don’t touch the lipped end that
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
the subject will put in his/her mouth), and attach it to the sampling
port: either way round.
Instruct the Subject
Tell the subject to take in a deep breath, hold it, then place the lipped
end of the mouthpiece in their mouth and seal their lips around it.
They must then blow STEADILY [not hard] and CONTINUOUSLY
until you say stop, and keep their hands away from the instrument.
Take the Breath Sample
The subject now blows. If he or she
blows hard enough the FLOW light
comes on and there is a continuous
tone; the subject must then continue to
blowing until the ANALYSING light
appears and a double beep is heard.
This means that the breath sample has
been taken into the sensor for analysis,
so the subject can now stop blowing.
Note the Alcohol Reading
Wait for the ANALYSING light to
go off, then note the subject’s
reading. If no alcohol was present
this will appear very quickly; but if
alcohol was present it may take up
to 30 seconds for the final reading
to be obtained. This will then be
displayed for a pre-set time.
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Discard Mouthpiece
Remove and discard the mouthpiece in a hygienic manner.
A NEW mouthpiece MUST be used for each complete breath test: but
NOT essentially for repeated blows by a subject in the same test
Wait …. or
Wait for the READY light to come back on [which shows that the
instrument is now clear of any alcohol from the last sample] before
proceeding to test either the same or a different subject. The time
taken for this to occur will depend on how much alcohol was present.
or ….. Switch Off
Switch off manually, or let it to do so automatically after a set time.
4.2 Invalid Breath Samples
If the subject sucks back, blows too gently, or does not blow for long
enough, the ANALYSING light will not come on, so no sample will be
taken for analysis. Depending on the situation, you may allow a
further try, perhaps after re-instruction. There is no need to change
the mouthpiece for repeated blows for the same sample.
4.3 The E2 Message
If E2 is displayed after the ANALYSING light comes on, the breath
alcohol level of alcohol in the breath sample was too high for
accurate measurement. This could be a genuine result, but more
likely it means mouth alcohol was present. The instrument will now
take some time to clear before the READY light comes back on.
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lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
4.4 Manual Breath Sampling
The standard factory setting is that a breath sample can also be
taken manually. To do this, press Cwhile the subject is still
blowing, but just before they run out of breath - so that deep-
lung air is still taken for analysis.
4.5 Automatic Switch Off
If the SD-400 is left switched on but not used, after a pre-set time it
will switch itself off automatically. Before doing so it emits a series of
high-pitched beeps. To cancel auto-power down at this time, press
and hold down the On/Off (1-0) switch until two beeps are heard.
4.6 Last Test Recall / Memory Capacity
When the READY light is on, press and release D. The display
shows the remaining memory capacity, then the Test Number and
the result of the last breath test, with its date and time. (See also
‘Using the SD-400 with a Printer’).
As standard, the SD-400 is supplied with 500-test memory, set to
Shunt [when the memory is full, the newest test is saved and the
oldest deleted].
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5. Using the SD-400 with a Printer
The SD-400 can also be used with a small, portable thermal printer
(Able Ap863), to generate a permanent record of each breath test.
This printout shows the instrument serial number, the dates of its last
calibration and check; and the breath test result, with date, time.
The printer is powered by its own rechargeable battery; mains and
12v chargers are available.
When the printer is first received, its battery will be
completely discharged. This means that the printer will
not operate, even if it is connected to an external power
source, until the battery has been fully charged. See the
label on the printer battery pack for initial charging time.
Each printer is supplied with the manufacturer’s User Guide.
Before carrying out a breath test, ensure that the printer cable is
securely connected to the communications port on the SD-400. You
do not need to switch the printer on: this is done automatically by
the instrument itself at the appropriate time.
Follow the Subject Breath Test instructions as in Section 4.1.
When the ANALYSING indicator light on the instrument goes off, the
printer will switch on and generate a printout.

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Last Test Recall [Reprint]
See page 13. Activating Last Test Recall also generates a further
printout of the last test.
Automatic Test Numbering
Every time a breath test is carried out, a four-digit sequential number
is printed automatically on the test record. This number is set to
0000 before dispatch of the instrument from Lion, and can then only
be reset by Lion or a local Lion distributor.

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6. Instrument Power Supply Systems
Low Power Warnings
The SD-400 instrument uses two-stage low power warning system:
a. First Stage - Flashing WAIT Light
Plus Triple, Low Pitched Beep
Power is low, but the instrument can still be used –
with no effect on breath sampling or analytical
accuracy.
Disposable batteries should be changed as
soon as possible once this warning appears:
rechargeable battery packs should be charged.
b. Second Stage - Four Flashing Bars (- - - - )
Plus Two Long, Low Pitched Beeps
Battery power is too low for instrument operation, so
further use of it is automatically inhibited.
AA Power Supply Unit [PSU]
To replace the batteries, ensure the instrument is switched off, then
press the release catch on its back and slide down the battery pack
to remove it. Remove all five batteries and replace with five new
alkaline ones, ensuring correct polarity. Now slide the power supply
unit into place, ensuring the release catch clicks positively to lock.
Use Only Alkaline AA Batteries

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Rechargeable Power Unit
A rechargeable power unit (RPU) is also available. A fully-charged
RPU should contain enough power for at least 1,200 breath tests, in
continuous operation. Mains and 12volt DC chargers are available.
When first received, the RPU will not be fully charged.
To fit the RPU, ensure the instrument is switched off, then press the
release catch on the back of the unit and remove the existing power
unit. Now fit the RPU, ensuring the release catch clicks positively
into place. Connect the RPU to the appropriate charger and leave
for about one hour to charge up fully, when the red LED goes out.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
Switch the instrument off before removing and refitting
either the PSU [disposable batteries], or the RPU.
Don’t attempt to recharge the AA cells.
Don’t switch the instrument on while the RPU is charging.
Don’t attempt to recharge the RPU when it is already fully
charged.
Don’t leave the instrument with a flat power pack attached.
This shortens the life of the internal lithium battery which
powers the memory and clock circuits.
Don’t carry either the PSU or the RPU in your pocket. If
the contacts were to short-circuit on a key or coin, serious
burns to your body could result.

lion alcolmeter®SD-400 User Handbook [v7]
7. Clock and Calendar
The alcohol reading from each breath test is stored in memory, with
time and date. To check the accuracy of the time and date function,
switch the instrument on and when the READY light is on, press and
release B. The time (hh:mm) then the date (dd:mm) are displayed.
To re-set the time and date, the Dongle security key is needed.
Follow the procedure set out below:
1. Fit the Dongle key into the communications port;
switch on and, before the diagnostics sequence is
complete, press and hold down B. The system is
now in Manual Time and Date Set mode: release B.
2. The date and time can now be
set against the symbols on the
display. In each case, use B or
D to adjust this value, then C to
enter and move to the next.
3. When all five periods have been
set, the SD-400 displays the
new time and date; then it
switches itself off.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Any inaccuracy in the time or date settings has no effect on
breath sampling or the accuracy of alcohol measurement.
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8. Some DO’s and DON’T’s
Some Important DO’s …
DO.. press the On/Off Switch gently.
DO.. keep the instrument in its leather pouch, whenever possible.
DO.. store the instrument either with batteries installed or a power
pack attached, to avoid discharging the internal battery.
DO.. change the batteries as soon as possible once the first stage
warning appears.
DO.. switch the instrument off before removing the battery pack.
DO.. use only genuine Lion mouthpieces and/or sampling cups,
or as produced by a Lion approved supplier.
DO.. use a clean Lion mouthpiece for each subject test.
DO.. ensure the mouthpiece is properly attached and locked in
place between the 400’s two upright mouthpiece locators.
DO.. ensure the subject blows through the wide-bore, lipped end
of the mouthpiece.
DO.. as far as you can, ensure the unit is regularly checked.
DO.. read this manual carefully, and follow the instructions given!
DO.. report memory or error (E) messages to your Supervisor.
DO.. keep the communications port fiitted with its cover.
DO.. use only alkaline batteries in the PSU.