Q3 Innovations AlcoHAWK PRO User manual

Owner’s Manual
©2010 Q3 Innovations v030110

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
Intended Use 1
Overview 1
Effects of Alcohol 1
PREPARATION 3
Installing the Battery 3
Inserting a Mouthpiece 3
COMPONENTS DIAGRAM 4
OPERATION 5
READ THE RESULTS 6
ERROR MESSAGES 7
PRECAUTIONS 8
SPECIFICATIONS 9
ACCESSORIES 10
CALIBRATION 10
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY 10
DISCLAIMER 12

INTRODUCTION
Intended Use
This breath alcohol tester is intended to measure alcohol in human
breath. Readings from this device are used to determine alcohol
intoxication. The accuracy of this device has been proven at a Blood
Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.008 and 0.032. Accuracy at a BAC
greater than .032 has not been established.
Overview
The AlcoHAWK® PRO is a breath alcohol tester intended to test for the
presence of alcohol in human breath. The AlcoHAWK® PRO is powered
by a 9 volt battery that generally lasts between 200-300 tests when
using an alkaline battery. Please read this entire manual before use.
Effects of Alcohol
Variations among people and other factors, such as altitude and air
temperature, affect the degree of intoxication. Some people may
become intoxicated at low BAC levels. A low BAC on a breath alcohol
tester does not mean that a person’s reaction times can respond to any
emergency. You should not drink alcohol and drive or use any machines
after consuming alcohol. There is no safe way to drive under the
inuence of alcohol. Even one drink can make you unsafe.
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BAC Dose-Specic Effects
0.020-0.039% 1Generally no loss of coordination. Slight joy or loss of shyness.
Depressant effects are not clear.
0.040-0.069%
General feelings of well-being, relaxation, shyness is reduced and
sensation of warmth. Joy. Some minor impairment of reasoning and
memory. Lowering of caution. Driving skills may be impaired.
0.070-0.099%
Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing.
Joy. Judgment and self-control are reduced. Caution, reason and
memory are impaired. Driving skills are always impaired.
0.100-0.129%
Major impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment.
Speech may be slurred. Balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will
be impaired. Joy.
0.130-0.159%
Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and
major loss of balance. Joy reduced and state of feeling unwell begins
to appear.
0.160-0.249% Anxiety, restlessness predominates. Nausea may appear. Appearance
of a “sloppy drunk.”
0.250%-0.299% Needs assistance in walking. Total mental confusion. State of feeling
unwell with nausea and some vomiting.
0.300%-0.399% Loss of consciousness.
0.400% + Onset of coma. Possible death due to respiratory arrest. 2
1 Some individual’s may experience impairment at BAC levels at .03% or even lower.
2 Death can occur at a lower BAC level in some individuals.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AND DRIVE
ALWAYS USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER AFTER
DRINKING ALCOHOL
BE SAFE AND DRINK RESPONSIBLY
2

PREPARATION
Installing The Battery
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.
PUSH
Inserting A Mouthpiece
Insert the mouthpiece cover rmly over the breath pipe. See
components diagram.
3

COMPONENTS DIAGRAM
4
BREATH OUT
DO NOT COVER
WHILE TESTING
WRIST STRAP MOUNT
ON/OFF POWER SWITCH
WARN LAMP
DC ADAPTER SOCKET
BREATH PIPE
BATTERY LOW LAMP
READY LAMP
DISPLAY

OPERATION
Operating Instructions
Wait 20 minutes after the subject smokes, eats or drinks before
testing. Failure to wait 20 minutes can give inaccurate BAC readings
and harm the sensor.
Step 1) Press the ON/OFF power switch. The unit will start to count
down from 200 to 000 on the DISPLAY. This warm-up process
prepares the sensor and circuit for testing.
Step 2) When you hear a BEEP and the green RDY light comes on,
take a deep breath, then blow steadily and continuously into the
BREATH PIPE until you hear another BEEP. You will be blowing
for up to 5 seconds. Your lips should be sealed around the
mouthpiece while blowing. Be careful not to cover the BREATH
OUT opening on the unit. If you don’t blow within 30 seconds,
the unit automatically displays “OFF”. Press the ON/OFF power
switch to turn the unit off and repeat step 1).
Step 3) After the red WARN and green RDY display lights blink for 4
seconds, the test result will be displayed for 15 seconds. This
number is your estimated Blood Alcohol Concentration (%BAC).
• If the BAC reading is over 0.05%, the red WARN lamp will
ash along with a BEEP sound.
• If the BAC reading is over 0.40%, the display will read
“HOT” and the red WARN lamp will ash along with a BEEP
sound. This can also occur if a subject blows alcohol from
their saliva into the tester.
5

• If you consumed very little alcohol, your actual
concentration may be below 0.01% BAC (Blood Alcohol
Concentration), and the reading may not be activated.
However, the display will show 0.00% and the unit will emit
a series of rapid beeps.
• If “ErH” is displayed, see the Error Messages section in
this manual.
Step 4) Finally, the unit will display “OFF” for turn-off, along with a
BEEP sound. Press the ON/OFF power switch to turn the unit
off.
Step 5) For more testing, wait one (1) minute and repeat steps 1 – 4.
READ THE RESULTS
The result is an estimate of the subject’s BAC. A breath alcohol tester
cannot determine the exact BAC in the blood of the subject. Correlation
between BrAC and BAC depends on many factors, such as temperature
and health conditions. Only use this unit to screen for the presence of
alcohol.
Many people consider a 0.02% or greater a positive test for alcohol in
“zero tolerance” screening. Most states have 0.08% as the legal BAC
limit for tasks such as operating a motor vehicle. Some states prohibit
driving commercial vehicles or any vessel with a 0.04% BAC or higher.
Many states prosecute individuals for driving under the inuence at any
level.
6

ERROR MESSAGES
Error Message Cause and Course of Action
ERR
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.
HOT The unit detected a very high alcohol concentration
(above 0.40% BAC). REPEAT TEST.
ErH
The sensor has been damaged and will need to be
returned for servicing. If this error message occurs
more than two consecutive times, please contact Q3
Innovations for instructions to have your unit serviced.
7

PRECAUTIONS
1. Wait at least 20 minutes after drinking, smoking or eating before
testing.
2. Do not test in strong winds or in a closed room with smoke or alcohol
present.
3. When the battery low light is glowing, replace the 9V alkaline battery.
4. Do not blow smoke, food or liquid into the unit.
5. Only use the unit in a temperature range of 10 - 40°C or 50 - 104°F.
Operation above or below this range may affect the results.
6. Do not leave the unit 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 unit as a tool to determine whether you or anyone
else should operate any motor vehicle or machinery.
10. Do not use this unit with an ignition interlock device or while inside
a vehicle.
11. BAC changes over time depending on many factors. BAC at one
time can differ from BAC a few minutes later.
12. You cannot use the results of this unit in court of law.
13. Do not let yourself or anyone else drink and drive. Always use a
designated driver when you or anyone else drinks alcohol.
8

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions 4.72” x 2.36” x 1” (12 cm x 6 cm x 2.5 cm)
Weight 2.8 oz (80 g) without battery; 4.4 oz (125 g) with battery
Power Supply 9V alkaline battery
Battery Life 200-300 tests1
Sensor Technology Sensitive semi-conductor sensor
Warm-UP Time 20 seconds1
Blowing Time 5 seconds
Recovery Time 60 seconds1
Digital Display 3 Digits (0.00% BAC)
Operating Temperature 10 - 40°C (50 - 104°F)
Detection Range 0.00 - 0.40% BAC
Air Sample 5 Second Deep Lung Sample
Calibration Required periodically. Visit www.q3i.com.
Operation Single Button
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 Estimates, results may vary.
9

ACCESSORIES
Visit our online store at www.q3ats.com to purchase the following
accessories.
• Mouthpieces
• 12 Volt DC Adapter
• Wall Adapter
• Soft Case
• Hard Case
• Wrist Strap
VERIFICATION AND CALIBRATION
Calibration of the AlcoHAWK® PRO occurs during manufacturing using
advanced alcohol simulation equipment. The manufacturer passing
known alcohol concentrations through the sensor to set baseline values
for testing. During testing, the unit compares users’ breath samples
to these baseline values. If the verication determines that the BAC is
not consistent with actual BAC levels, a technician calibrates the unit.
The accuracy of breath alcohol testers can uctuate after six to twelve
months, depending on frequency of use and operating conditions.
If the unit is providing inconsistent results or unusually high or
low readings, the unit may need calibration. A technician should
recalibrate this unit at least every six to twelve months. Monthly
calibrations may be required if the unit is used daily.
Please visit www.q3i.com or call 888-399-1687 for calibration or support.
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Q3 Innovations (Q3I) warrants this unit to be free from defects in
workmanship or material (excluding calibration) under normal use for
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ONE (1) YEAR from the date of retail purchase by the original buyer
(”Warranty Period”).
The warranty covers parts and labor on covered repairs and
ground freight back to the customer (USA only). Except as
provided above, Q3I provides this product “as is.”
If a defect arises and Q3I receives a valid claim within the Warranty
Period, at its option, Q3I will either (1) repair the product, (2)
exchange the product with a product that is new or which has
been built from new or serviceable used parts and functionally
equivalent to the original product, or (3) refund the purchase price
of the product. If a refund is given, the returned product becomes
Q3I’s property. The warranty does not cover shipping to Q3I. The
warranty is void if anyone tampers or abuses the unit.
This warranty is limited to the original consumer purchaser and can not
be transferred to any other owner.
For warranty service please follow these instructions:
1. Call 888-399-1687 or email [email protected] to obtain an RMA
number. Return the unit postage paid, insured and in proper box.
2. You should obtain a proof of delivery receipt. You must pay the cost
for shipping the unit to us.
3. You must enclose the following with the unit:
a. The completed RMA form (available at
www.q3i.com/support.php)
b. Your name, return address and description of the problem. (No
PO Box)
c. Your phone number to reach you during the day.
d. A copy of your sales receipt or invoice.
11

DISCLAIMER
Q3I makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the ability of this
unit to determine whether, or to the extent to which, a test subject’s
mental or physical functionality, or judgment, is impaired by blood
alcohol including whether the test subject is intoxicated, under any
denition of that word. Q3I expressly disclaims any liability for incidental,
special, or consequential damages of any nature under any legal theory.
Any act or failure to act based upon a reading from this product is at
the test subject’s or user’s own risk. Q3I assumes no responsibility for
consequences to users or test subjects who use this product and are
later under the inuence of alcohol or to have had their judgment or
any mental or bodily function impaired by alcohol. Correlation between
BrAC and BAC depends on many variables, such as temperature and
health conditions of the test subject. A safe or low BAC reading does not
mean that the test subject’s physical or mental performance or judgment
(including reaction times) can respond to any emergency encountered.
A breath alcohol tester cannot determine the exact concentration of
alcohol in the blood of a test subject.
Q3I does not warrant that the operation of the product will be error-
free. Q3I is not responsible for any consequences arising from failure
to follow instructions or relating to the product’s use. This warranty
does not apply: (a) to consequences caused by accident, abuse,
tampering, misuse, ood, re, earthquake or other external causes; (b)
to consequences caused by operating the product outside the permitted
or intended uses described by Q3I; (c) to consequences caused by
service performed by anyone who is not a representative of Q3I or a Q3I
Authorized Service Provider; or (d) to a product or part that has been
modied to alter functionality or capability without the written permission
of Q3I.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THIS WARRANTY AND THE
REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, REMEDIES AND CONDITIONS,
WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, STATUTORY, EXPRESS OR
12

IMPLIED. AS PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, Q3I SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL STATUTORY OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND WARRANTIES AGAINST HIDDEN OR LATENT DEFECTS.
IF Q3I CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM STATUTORY OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, THEN TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ALL
SUCH WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE
EXPRESS WARRANTY AND TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
SERVICE AS DETERMINED BY Q3I IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION.
Q3I does not authorize any Q3I reseller, agent, or employee to make
any modication, extension, or addition to this warranty. If anyone
determines any terms to be illegal or unenforceable, the legality or
enforceability of the remaining terms shall not be affected or impaired.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS WARRANTY AND TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, Q3I IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO LOSS OF USE; LOSS OF REVENUE OR INCOME; LOSS OF
ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS (INCLUDING LOSS OF
PROFITS FROM A CONTRACT); LOSS OF THE USE OF MONEY;
LOSS OF ANTICIPATED SAVINGS; LOSS OF BUSINESS; LOSS OF
OPPORTUNITY; LOSS OF GOODWILL, OR LOSS OF REPUTATION.
Some countries, states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages or allow limitations
on how long an implied warranty or condition may last, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary
by country, state or province. This limited warranty is governed by
and construed under the laws of the country where the product was
purchased.
13

©2010 Q3 Innovations v030110
Q3 INNOVATIONS
Personal Safety and Monitoring Devices
2349 Jamestown Ave., Suite #4 • Independence, IA 50644
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Sales Email: [email protected] •
Service Email: [email protected]
www.q3i.com