Q3 Innovations AlcoHAWK PT500 User manual

Owner’s Manual
© 2010 Q3 Innovations v030210

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................1
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ...................................................................2
PREPARATION ...................................................................................3
COMPONENTS DIAGRAM .................................................................4
OPERATION .......................................................................................5
READ THE RESULTS .........................................................................6
ERROR MESSAGES ..........................................................................6
MENU OPTIONS .................................................................................7
PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................8
SPECIFICATIONS ...............................................................................9
ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................9
CALIBRATION ..................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Intended Use
This Breath Alcohol Tester is intended to measure alcohol in human
breath. Readings obtained by this device are used in the diagnosis of
alcohol intoxication. The accuracy of this device has been established at
a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.008 and 0.032. Accuracy at a
BAC greater than .032 has not been established.
Overview
This Tester provides a digital reading of a person’s approximate BAC in
seconds. The AlcoHAWK® PT500 is powered by two (2) AA batteries
that generally last between 200-300 tests when using alkaline batteries.
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 encountered. You should not drink alcohol and drive or use
any machinery after consuming alcohol. There is no safe way to drive
under the inuence of alcohol. Even one drink can make you unsafe.
Calibration
It is very important to have the instrument calibrated as recommended
in this owner’s manual (see Calibration, pg. 10). Failure to do so may
result in readings that are inaccurate.
1

2
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
BAC Dose-Specic Effects
0.020-0.039% Generally no loss of coordination, slight euphoria or loss of shyness.
Depressant effects are not apparent.
0.040-0.069%
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.
0.070-0.099%
Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing.
Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced. Caution, reason and
memory are impaired. Driving skills are always impaired.
0.100-0.129%
Signicant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment.
Speech may be slurred. Balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will
be impaired. Euphoria.
0.130-0.159%
Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision
and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria begins
to appear.
0.160-0.249% Anxiety and restlessness predominates. Nausea may appear. The
drinker has the appearance of a “sloppy drunk.”
0.250%-0.299% Needs assistance in walking. Total mental confusion. Dysphoria with
nausea and some vomiting.
0.300%-0.399% Loss of consciousness.
0.400% + Onset of coma, possible death due to respiratory arrest.
Bailey, William J., Drug Use in American Society, 3rd ed., Minneapolis: Burgess, 1993.
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AND DRIVE
ALWAYS USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER
AFTER DRINKING ALCOHOL
BE SAFE AND DRINK RESPONSIBLY

3
PREPARATION
Install the Batteries
Apply a small amount of pressure on the battery cover located on the
back of the product. Push down and away from the product to release
the cover. Install 2 AA batteries and slide cover back in place.
Insert a New Mouthpiece
Insert a new mouthpiece rmly into the BREATH PIPE IN hole on the
left side of the product. Insert a new mouthpiece before each test.
PUSH

4
COMPONENTS DIAGRAM
BREATH OUT
DO NOT COVER
WHILE TESTING
BREATH PIPE IN
DISPLAY
ON/OFF POWER BUTTON
ENTER BUTTON
SELECT BUTTON

5
OPERATION
Wait 20 minutes after you smoke, eat or drink before testing. Fail-
ure to wait 20 minutes can give wrong BAC readings and damage
the sensor.
Step 1) Press and hold the ON/OFF power button for 1 second until
you hear a BEEP. The unit reads “Initializing...” as it prepares
for use.
Step 2) The screen displays “Test” and “Options”. To start a “Test”,
press the ENTER button . The unit displays “Blow Now”.
Take a deep breath, wrap your lips around the new mouthpiece
and blow steadily for ve (5) seconds. The unit beeps when the
test subject starts blowing and beeps again after obtaining the
sample. Do not cover the BREATH OUT hole.
Step 3) The unit displays “Processing” while analyzing the sample.
After about three (3) seconds, the unit then displays the
estimated BAC.
Step 4) The unit shows the test result for 90 seconds before beeping
twice and shutting off.
Step 5) To turn off the unit, press and hold the ON/OFF power button
for 1 second.

6
READ THE RESULTS
The displayed result is an estimate of the test subject’s BAC. A breath
alcohol tester cannot determine the exact BAC in the blood of the test
subject. Correlation between BrAC and BAC depends on many factors,
such as temperature and health conditions. Therefore, only use this
device as a tool 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.
ERROR MESSAGES
Error Message Cause and Course of Action
Insufcient
Breath Sample
The user failed to provide a sufcient breath
sample. Repeat test and have user blow rmly
and steadily for the entire test.
Low Battery - Install two (2) new AA alkaline
batteries.

7
MENU OPTIONS
When the screen displays “Test” and “Options”, press the SELECT
button to view the menu options. Use the SELECT button to move
down through the menu options. Use the ENTER button to enter the
selected menu option.
Test Counter
To read the number of tests that have been performed since the last
time the unit was calibrated, press the SELECT button to view the
menu options. The rst option on the list is TEST COUNTER. It should
be highlighted. Press the ENTER button and the number of tests will
be displayed. If the number reads 200 or greater, we recommend send-
ing the unit in for recalibration (see Calibration, pg. 10).
Alarm Point
The unit will read “High” if the BAC reading exceeds the alarm point set-
ting. The default setting is 0.020% BAC. You can change the alarm point
from between 0.020%-0.080% BAC.
To change the setting press the SELECT button until the unit shows
the desired value on the screen. Press the ENTER button to save the
setting.
Temperature Scale
You can switch between Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit (F) for the tempera-
ture sensor. The default setting is Fahrenheit (F).
To change the setting press the SELECT button until the unit shows
the desired scale. Press the ENTER button to save the setting.
Convert Units
You can change the unit of alcohol concentration shown for tests. You
can choose between %BAC (U.S.A), g/L, or %ºBAC. The default setting
is %BAC (U.S.A) (the U.S.A standard).
To change the setting press the SELECT button until the unit shows

8
the desired conversion. Press the ENTER button to save the setting.
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 alcohol is present.
3. When the battery low symbol appears replace the AA batteries.
4. Do not blow cigarette 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. BAC changes over time depending on many factors. BAC at one
time can differ from BAC a few minutes later.
7. Do not use this product with an ignition interlock device or while
inside a vehicle.
8. You cannot use the results of this product in court.
9. Do not use this device to determine if you or anyone else can oper-
ate any vehicle or machinery.
10. Do not let yourself or anyone else drink and drive. Always use a
designated driver when you or anyone else drinks alcohol.
11. It is very important to have the instrument calibrated as recommend-
ed in this owner’s manual (see Calibration, pg. 10). Failure to do so
may result in readings that are inaccurate.
12. Please carefully review one-year limited warranty sheet included in
product package.

9
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions 5” x 2.63” x 1.25” (12.7 cm x 6.68 cm x 3.18 cm)
Weight 3.6 oz (102 g) without batteries; 5.2 oz (147 g) with batteries
Power Supply Two (2) AA alkaline batteries
Battery Life 200 tests 1
Sensor Technology PT Core™ Electro-chemical Fuel-cell Sensor
Warm-UP Time 10-20 seconds 1
Blowing Time 5 seconds
Response Time 3 seconds 1
Operating Temperature 10 - 40°C (50 - 104°F)
Detection Range 0.000 - 0.400% BAC
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 Estimates, results may vary.
ACCESSORIES
Visit our online store at www.q3ats.com to purchase the following ac-
cessories:
• Mouthpieces
• Soft Carrying Pouch
• Hard Carrying Case

10
CALIBRATION
Calibration of the AlcoHAWK® PT500 occurs during manufacturing
using advanced alcohol simulation equipment. The manufacturer
passes known BAC levels 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. We
recommend sending the unit in for calibration after 200 tests have
been performed, or every six to twelve months if less than 200
tests have been performed.
If the unit is providing inconsistent results, unusually high or low read-
ings, or no readings at all, a professional needs to recalibrate the unit.
For recalibration or support, please visit www.q3i.com or call 888-399-
1687. During recalibration, a technician will perform a diagnostic check
on the unit and reset the baseline sensor values.

11
Calibration Log
Date First Used Recalibration Date Notes

© 2010 Q3 Innovations v030210
2349 Jamestown Ave., Suite #4 • Independence, IA 50644
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Service Email: [email protected]
www.q3i.com