Q3 Innovations AlcoHAWK Precision User manual
Owner’s Manual
v022510© 2010 Q3 Innovations
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
Intended Use 1
Overview 1
Effects of Alcohol 1
PREPARATION 3
Installing the Battery 3
Inserting a Mouthpiece 4
COMPONENTS DIAGRAM 4
OPERATION 5
READ THE RESULTS 6
ERROR MESSAGES 6
PRECAUTIONS 7
SPECIFICATIONS 8
ACCESSORIES 9
CALIBRATION 9
WARRANTY 9
DISCLAIMER 10
1
INTRODUCTION
Intended Use
This breath alcohol tester is intended to measure alcohol in human
breath. Readings from this device are used to determine alcohol intoxi-
cation. 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
This device provides a digital reading of a person’s approximate blood
alcohol concentration (BAC) in seconds. The AlcoHAWK® Precision is
powered by a 9 volt battery that generally lasts between 100-200 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 tem-
perature, affect the degree of intoxication. Some people may become in-
toxicated 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 inuence of
alcohol. Even one drink can make you unsafe.
BAC Dose-Specic 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.
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. Use only 9 volt alkaline batteries. See the following diagram.
3
BATTERY
COVER
INDENTATION
9 VOLT
BATTERY
BATTERY
COVER ATTACHED
BATTERY
COVER DETACHED
COMPONENTS DIAGRAM
4
Inserting a Mouthpiece
Insert the mouthpiece rmly into the hole located on the top of the left
side of the unit. A gap of approximately 1/2 cm will remain between the
larger portion of the mouthpiece and the side of the unit. See diagram
below.
MOUTHPIECE
LED DISPLAY
EXHAUST PORT
HAND GRIP
ON/OFF BUTTON
MOUTHPIECE
PORT MOUTHPIECE
INSERTED
5
OPERATION
Operating Instructions
Wait 20 minutes after the subject smokes, eats or drinks before
testing. Failure to wait 20 minutes can give inaccurate BAC read-
ings and harm the sensor.
Step 1) Insert a NEW MOUTHPIECE each time you perform a test.
Step 2) If it has been more than 24 hours since the device was last
used, PRIME THE SENSOR by blowing into the mouthpiece
for 4 to 5 seconds before turning on the device.
Step 3) PRESS the Power On/Off button. A single beep will sound and
a green lamp will light below the PWR sign on the LED display.
A yellow lamp will blink below the RDY sign on the LED display.
Step 4) WAIT until the YELLOW LAMP STOPS BLINKING and
remains on, and you hear a SINGLE BEEP. The device is now
ready for use.
Note: The device will not shut off until a test is performed or until 15
seconds of non use ends.
Step 5) Take a DEEP BREATH AND BLOW STEADILY (for at least 5
seconds) until a BEEP sounds to signal completion of the test-
ing.
Note: The unit will display a 0.000 after approximately 1 – 2 seconds if
a trace level of alcohol is not detected in the breath sample (i.e., at least
0.001% BAC).
Step 6) For more testing, wait one (1) minute and repeat steps 1 – 5.
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 device 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 inuence at any
level.
ERROR MESSAGES
Error Message Cause and Course Of Action
SNR
The sensor is not ready for testing. This can occur
if the unit has not been used for several days and if
the unit has not been primed. If the SNR message
is displayed, press the Power On/Off button
once to turn off the unit and follow the operating
instructions again.
Sht
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
test.
6
Error Message Cause and Course Of Action
reP
The unit is signifying to repeat the test because the
unit did not detect an even alcohol concentration
in the breath sample. This can occur if the user
varies the blowing force when performing a test or
if the Exhaust Port (see Components Diagram) is
obstructed. Repeat test.
H The unit detected a very high alcohol concentration
(above 0.400% BAC).
Err
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.
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 green light below PWR is blinking, 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
8
7. Avoid testing in the presence of any liquids that contain any kind of
alcohol or acetone. They 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Housing Shock resistant, molded plastic
Battery 9V Alkaline
Battery Life 100-200 tests1
Sensor Sensitive semi-conductor sensor
Blowing Time 5 seconds
Response Time 3-10 seconds1
Digital Display 4 Digits ( 0.000 % B.A.C.)
Operating Temp 10 - 40°C (50 - 104°F)
Detection Range 0.000 - 0.400% BAC ( Blood Alcohol Content)
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.
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