ACE INSTRUMENTS ACE II Basic plus - User Manual

09 10
Breathalyzer
ACE II Basic plus
Operating manual – EN
Author’s Liability
All information herein was created by the ACE Handels- und Entwicklungs GmbH (ACE Instru-
ments) conscientiously and under the assumption of correctness. Hence, the author cannot be
held liable for the use of any kind whatsoever and/or any ensuing consequences. Furthermore, the
author is not liable for any costs or expenses for damage that result from any information in this
document. Any information is subject to change without prior notice.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing our ACE II Basic plus Breathalyzer! It measures the alcohol concentra-
tion in human breath using an electrochemical sensor and calculates the blood alcohol level. The
test results are very
reliable and have a tolerance of +/- 0.05‰ (per mill) with reference to 0.50‰ at 25°C ambient
temperature. The measurement results are displayed as a 4-digit number with 3 decimals and are
interpretable 1: 1
(for example the display shows the value 0.36 = 0.36 per mill).
The sensor inside the device can be calibrated. To maintain the measurement accuracy of this
device and the sensor warranty, it should be calibrated regularely. For a calibration service you
can send the device to the service address specified at www.alkomat.net.
The device must only be used pursuant to the instructions mentioned in this manual. All measured
values determined by this breathalyzer are always a guide only and are not legally binding. Breath
tests should be carried out using clip-on mouthpieces (one new mouthpiece should be used per
test for reasons of hygiene and to avoid falsified readings).
Note to country-specific measurement units
Customers in the EU get the breathalyzer with ‰ (per mill) as default setting, in the UK the default
setting is mg/L and in the USA it is % BAC. In the chapter „Technical data“ you will find information
about the accuracy concerning the different measurement units. Please check e.g. the website of
the department of transportation, the website of the Ministry of Transport or of automotive clubs to
get informed about the current alcohol limits in your country.
Scope of delivery
1 Digital ACE II Basic plus Breathalyzer with fuel cell sensor
2 AAA batteries (1.5 V)
5 Mouthpieces
1 Plastic Carrying Case
1 Carrier bag
1 Hand strap
1 Quick Start Guide (in German & English)
1 Manual (multilingual)
Label of individual components
5
2
4
3
1
1. Mouthpiece and Mouthpiece Slot
2. Digital LC Display (4 digits)
3. Power Button
4. Air Outlet (always keep this part unblocked)
5. Battery Compartment Cover (at the back of the device)

Summary

Authors Liability

Introduction and Product Overview

Test Result Accuracy

Describes test result reliability and tolerance, displaying 4 digits with 3 decimals.

Sensor Calibration

Device sensor requires regular calibration for accuracy and warranty.

General Usage Guidelines

Device use must follow manual instructions; breath tests require new mouthpieces.

Country-Specific Measurement Units

Explains country-specific units (%%, % BAC, mg/L) and checking local limits.

Scope of Delivery

Label of Individual Components

Achieving Accurate Results

Pre-Test Conditions

Advises waiting 15 mins after alcohol/eating/smoking, avoiding extreme environments.

Battery Management

Diminished battery capacity leads to incorrect test results.

Environmental Factors

Avoid loud, drafty, or poorly ventilated places for testing.

Preparation for the Test

Installing Batteries

Install 2 AAA batteries noting polarity and closing the cover.

Inserting a Mouthpiece

Insert mouthpiece securely; use a new one for each test for sanitary reasons.

Conducting the Measurement

Test Sequence

Press start, wait for warm-up, blow when prompted, device beeps during test.

Interpreting Test Results

Device evaluates result after successful breath sample; result displayed for 10s.

ACE Instruments Recommendations

Mouthpiece Usage

Always use a new, single-packed, hygienic ACE Instruments mouthpiece.

Important Notice on Results

Wait 15 mins after alcohol/eating/smoking for accurate results.

Device Maintenance

Use regularly (min. 2x/month) to prevent sensor drying and maintain accuracy.

Display Indications

Flow Error

Indicates insufficient sampling volume or blow power; restart test.

Low Battery (bAt)

Testing cannot be performed due to low battery power; replace batteries.

Calibration Required (CAL)

Reached 1,000 tests; device needs prompt calibration for warranty and accuracy.

Calibration Service

Calibration Frequency

Recommended every 12 months or 1,000 tests; send device to ACE Instruments.

Calibration Impact

Calibration is not mandatory but lack of it decreases accuracy and voids sensor warranty.

Battery Notices and Exchange

Battery Type

Device uses 2 AAA Alkaline batteries, not rechargeable; do not dispose in household waste.

Battery Recycling

Return depleted batteries to electrical appliance stores for free recycling.

Technical Data

Sensor Accuracy

Details accuracy specifications in per mill, % BAC, and mg/l units at 25°C.

Detection Range

Specifies the measurable range for per mill, % BAC, and mg/L units.

Warm-up and Response Time

Provides device warm-up time (max 30s) and response time (within 10s).

Power and Working Conditions

Lists power supply (2xAAA, 400 tests), working temp (0-40°C), and storage temp (0-50°C).

Warranty and Liability

Product Warranty Period

Two-year warranty for device, one-year for sensor, excluding sampling components.

Limitation of Liability

Excludes calibration, consequential damages, and use for legally binding decisions.

Application and Advice Restrictions

User responsible for suitability; advice is free and at buyer's risk.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The ACE II Basic plus Breathalyzer is a portable device designed to measure alcohol concentration in human breath and calculate the corresponding blood alcohol level. It utilizes an electrochemical sensor to ensure reliable and accurate test results.

Function Description

The breathalyzer operates by analyzing a breath sample to determine the alcohol content. The results are displayed as a 4-digit number with three decimal places, making them directly interpretable (e.g., 0.36 displayed means 0.36 per mill). The device is designed for ease of use, featuring a single power button for operation and a clear digital LC display.

To conduct a measurement, users first install two AAA batteries and insert a new mouthpiece into the designated slot. After pressing the start button, the device initiates a warm-up countdown. Once "blow" appears on the display, the user blows steadily into the mouthpiece until a continuous beep stops, indicating a sufficient breath sample. The device then evaluates the sample and displays the result. If the breath sample is insufficient, "Flo" will appear, prompting a retest. The device automatically switches off after approximately 3 minutes of inactivity, or it can be manually turned off by pressing the start button continuously for 5 seconds.

The breathalyzer is designed to provide highly reliable results with a tolerance of +/- 0.05% (per mill) with reference to 0.50% at 25°C ambient temperature. However, it's crucial to note that all measured values are for guidance only and are not legally binding. The device is distributed by NorSafe and manufactured by ACE Handels- und Entwicklungs GmbH (ACE Instruments).

Important Technical Specifications

• Sensor Type: Fuel Cell sensor
• Accuracy:
  • +/- 0.050‰ (per mill) with reference to 0.500‰ at 25°C (per mill = default setting)
  • OR +/- 0.005% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) with reference to 0.050% BAC at 25°C
  • OR +/- 0.025mg/l with reference to 0.25mg/l at 25°C
• Detection Range:
  • 0.000 up to 4.000‰ (per mill)
  • OR 0.000 up to 0.400% BAC (USA)
  • OR 0.000 up to 2.000mg/L (UK)
• Warm-up Time: Within max. 30 seconds at 0.5‰; may vary depending on the measured value (per mill, % BAC, or mg/L).
• Response Time: Within 10 seconds.
• Dimensions: 106 x 50 x 20mm (L x W x H).
• Weight: 100g (battery included).
• Power Supply: 2 pieces of 1.5V AAA Alkaline batteries (sufficient for up to 400 tests).
• Working Temperature: 0°C up to 40°C.
• Storage Temperature: 0°C up to 50°C.
• Display: Digital LC Display (4 digits).
• Included Accessories: 2 AAA batteries, 5 mouthpieces, 1 plastic carrying case, 1 carrier bag, 1 hand strap, 1 Quick Start Guide, and 1 multilingual manual.

Usage Features

The ACE II Basic plus is designed for straightforward operation. Key usage features include:

• Mouthpiece System: The device uses clip-on mouthpieces, with a recommendation to use a new mouthpiece for each test for hygiene and to prevent falsified readings. Only original ACE Instruments mouthpieces should be used to guarantee accuracy and hygiene.
• Display Indications:
  • "Flow": Indicates insufficient sampling volume or blow power. The user should retest by pressing the start button for 3 seconds and blowing again.
  • "bAt": Indicates low battery power, requiring battery replacement.
  • "CAL": Indicates that 1,000 tests have been performed, and calibration is due to maintain accuracy and warranty.
• Pre-test Guidelines: To ensure accurate results, users must wait at least 15 minutes after their last sip of alcohol, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during this period. Tests should not be conducted in cold, hot, moist, drafty, or poorly ventilated places, or in smoky ambiances. The device should be kept out of reach of children and protected from dust or liquids.
• Battery Management: The device uses two AAA alkaline batteries. These are not rechargeable, and depleted batteries should be returned to electrical appliance stores for recycling, not disposed of in household waste.
• Safety Precautions: Users are advised to use safety gloves when handling mouthpieces used by others. It is strongly emphasized that even if a "safe range" result is obtained, one should never drive or engage in activities impaired by alcohol consumption.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the ACE II Basic plus is crucial for its long-term accuracy and functionality:

• Calibration: The sensor inside the device requires regular calibration to maintain measurement accuracy and sensor warranty. ACE Instruments recommends calibration after 1,000 tests or approximately every 12 months, whichever comes first. Calibration services can be accessed by sending the device to the service address specified at www.alkomat.net. While not mandatory, skipping calibration will lead to a steady decrease in accuracy and void the sensor warranty.
• Battery Replacement: When the "bAt" indicator appears, the two AAA batteries need to be replaced. The battery cover on the rear of the device slides downwards to open. Users must observe correct polarity when inserting new batteries.
• Storage: The breathalyzer should be stored in a way that avoids penetration by dust or liquids. It should not be kept in extremely cold, hot, moist, or poorly ventilated places.
• Regular Use: To prevent the sensor from drying out, ACE Instruments recommends using the breathalyzer at least twice a month, even if no alcohol has been consumed.
• Warranty: The product comes with a two-year warranty for material and processing errors, and a one-year warranty for the sensor. This warranty covers electronics and the casing but excludes sampling components and parts that are inevitably destroyed upon effectiveness. The warranty is valid from the date of delivery or first activation, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and service by non-qualified persons or the use of non-approved consumables will void the warranty.

ACE INSTRUMENTS ACE II Basic plus Specifications