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ALERT J4X.ec
Portable Breath Analysis System
Operations Manual
_______________________________________________________________
ALCOHOL
COUNTERMEASURE
SYSTEMS
Table of Contents
1.0 Introducing the ALERT J4X.ec
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Operating Conditions
2.0 Breath Test Operations
2.1 Rocker Switch Function
2.2 On
2.3 Initialization Sequence
2.4 Taking a Passive Test
2.5 Taking a Direct Test
2.6 Off
3.0 Printing the Test Results
3.1 Last Test Recall
3.2 Diagnosing Problems with the Printer
4.0 Warnings and Special Precautions
5.0 Error Codes
6.0 Time Between Tests
7.0 Service
7.1 Battery Pack
7.2 Battery Level Indicator
7.3 Battery Replacement
8.0 Specifications
9.0 Accessory and Disposable Products
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1.0 Introducing the ALERT J4X.ec
1.1 Introduction
The ALERT J4X.ec is a portable breath alcohol tester with
printer interface and PC communications capability.
The internal real time clock and memory provide a log of
the test results which may be viewed or printed out at any
time on a portable printer or through PC communications.
Alcohol detection and measurement occurs with an
electrochemical (fuel cell) sensor which is specific for
alcohol and not affected by ketones or hydrocarbons.
1.2 Operating Conditions
The ALERT J4X.ec unit is designed to operate within a
temperature range of -5°C to +50°C. The ambient
temperature is automatically sensed each time the unit is
turned on.
The electro-chemical sensor of the ALERT J4X.ec unit has
a heater which will maintain the temperature of the sensor
at 40°C for maximum accuracy.
2.0 Breath Test Operation
2.1 Rocker Switch Function
The rocker switch located on the left side of the ALERT
J4X.ec unit has the following functions in the basic mode
of operation:
Forward: Power On
Back: Power Off
Access Option
2.2 On
Push the rocker switch forward to power ON the ALERT
J4X.ec unit.
2.3 Initialization Sequence
Each time the ALERT J4X.ec unit is turned on it will go
through a series of self diagnostic checks. First “8.8.8.8”
will appear on the display, followed by the current date
and time, the battery voltage level, and finally, the sensor
temperature.
Press the rocker switch back at any time during the
initialization sequence to access the last test recall
function.
The sequence ends with “bln_” to indicate that the zero
baseline (contaminant free) condition of the sensor is
being assessed.
2.4 Taking a Passive Test
Switch the unit on and observe the initialization sequence.
At any time during the initialization sequence, press the
rocker switch back to engage the passive test.
While facing the subject, focus the ALERT J4X.ec unit
directly at the person’s mouth and request the subject to
count to 20 aloud while facing the ALERT J4X.ec unit.
Press the rocker switch to activate the passive test while
the subject is counting.
If the subject is unconcious, focus the ALERT J4X.ec unit
directly into the mouth cavity and press the rocker switch
back to activate the passive sampling method.
In either case, a sample of breath will be captured and a
moving segment will appear on the display to indicate that
the analysis for alcohol is underway. Within 5 to 30
seconds, the display will indicate the BAC value.
The BAC will be displayed for 10 seconds, then the print
option will appear and finally the unit will power off.
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2.5 Taking a Direct Test
Switch the unit on and observe the initialization sequence.
The display will then indicate “bln” to indicate that the
zero baseline condition of the sensor is being assessed.
When the contaminant free state is acheived, the display
will indicate “.000”.
Following the blank test, the display will indicate “On _”,
then “blo” to indicate that a subject test is ready to
progress.
Insert a fresh mouthpiece into the inlet port of the unit.
Instruct the subject to take a breath and to exhale into the
mouthpiece moderately and continuously until instructed
to stop.
The flow of breath will be automatically monitored and a
sample of deep lung air will be captured for analysis.
A moving segment will appear on the display to indicate
that the analysis for alcohol in the breath sample is
underway. Upon completion, the display will indicate the
BAC value.
If no alcohol is detected, the display will immediately read
“.000”. If alcohol is detected it may take up to 30 seconds
for the analysis to be complete.
The BAC will be displayed for 10 seconds, then the print
option will appear and finally the unit will power off within
45 seconds.
2.6 Off
The ALERT J4X.ec unit was designed to automatically
power down (turn off) after a period of inactivity. For
example, after 45 seconds of inactivity.
Alternatively, press and hold the rocker switch back for 3
seconds to switch off the ALERT J4X.ec unit.
3.0 Printing the Test Results
The ALERT J4X.ec unit automatically stores the date, time
and BAC value of all tests in its non-volatile internal
memory. The Log memory capacity is 1,000 subject test
results.
Each test record is given an individual serial number up to
999,999.
This would appear on the printout as xxx,xxx.
This data may be viewed or printed out on a compatible
serial printer. The data can be printed any number of
times through the last test recall feature.
3.1 Last Test Recall
The ALERT J4X.ec unit permits the recall of the data for
the last breath test conducted for viewing on the display
and printing out.
Switch the unit on and at any time during the
initialization sequence press the rocker switch back
momemtarily to off position to recall the last BAC result.
Momentarily press the switch back again to print out the
result.
3.2 Diagnosing Problems with the Printer
If the printer is not switched on or is not connected to the
ALERT J4X.ec unit, the display will flash “Prn”. Recheck
the cable connections, ensure that the printer is on line.
For portable printers, ensure that the battery is fully
charged.
“Gibberish” printed out indicates an improper set up of the
printer functions.
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4.0 Warnings and Special Precautions
Breath coming from the lungs must not be contaminated
with smoke particles or "mouth alcohol" from a recent
drink, regurgitation, mouthwashes, breath sprays or
medications; which would cause false high readings.
CAUTION: If a subject has been smoking, wait 3 minutes
before conducting a test.
CAUTION: Ensure that a test subject has taken nothing
by mouth for at least 15 minutes or rinses the mouth
cavity with water prior to a breath test.
5.0 Error Codes
The microcontroller of the ALERT J4X.ec automatically
conducts a system diagnostic check when the unit is
turned "On". In addition it monitors the status of several
functions during the test procedure. If any faults are de-
tected an "Err" code appears on the display and after 10
seconds the unit powers down.
Err 1 Low battery indication. Test should be discontin-
ued and unit should be placed on charge. Alternatively,
when using the AC power adapter it signifies a supply
voltage below 3.0 volts.
Err 2 AC power adapter voltage too high. Return the AC
power adapter to ACS for service.
Err 3 Lithium battery voltage low. Return the ALERT
J4X.ec to ACS for service (battery replacement).
Err 4 Baseline signal too high. Return the ALERT J4X.ec
to ACS for service (sensor may need replacement).
Err 5 Baseline signal too low. Return the ALERT J4X.ec
to ACS for service (sensor may need replacement).
Err 6 Sensor heater open. Return the ALERT J4X.ec to
ACS for service.
Err 7 Test memory log full. Connect ALERT J4X.ec to PC
and run program to read and clear log.
Err 8 Calibration range low. (Sensor may need replace-
ment.)
Err 9 Calibration range high.
Err 10 Calibration recall. It has been 12 months or 1,000
tests since the last calibration. Perform calibration.
Err 11 Pressure signal too low.
Err 12 Pressure signal to high.
Er 13 Verification test result is too low.
Er 14 Verification result is too high.
Er 15 Verification tests were low and calibration lockout
is initated.
Er 16 Verification tests were high and calibration lockout
is initiated.
Er 17 The maximum number of days since last calibra-
tion has been exceeded.
Er 18 The maximum number of tests since last calibra-
tion has been exceeded.
6.0 Time Between Tests
The ALERT J4X.ec unit uses an electro-chemical (fuel cell)
sensor. While being very accurate, specific to alcohol and
power efficient this type of sensor requires a period of time
to recover from exposure to ethanol. The following
guidelines should be observed to ensure accurate tests are
obtained.
The following chart provides the recommended waiting
time before another test is conducted after a positive
alcohol test result is obtained.
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.000 to .050 %BAC wait at least 30 seconds
.050 to .100 %BAC wait at least 1 minute
.100 to .200 %BAC wait at least 3 minutes
Over .200 %BAC wait at least 5 minutes
Tests may be taken more frequently but the unit’s
response and accuracy will be reduced accordingly.
7.0 Service
7.1 Battery Pack
The battery pack for the ALERT J4X.ec unit consists of a
rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack.
7.2 Battery Level Indicator
Each time the ALERT J4X.ec unit is turned on the unit
will go through a series of self diagnostic checks which
includes the readout of battery voltage on a bar graph.
A fully charged battery pack has a voltage of dc 4.0 volts
which is indicated by the complete bar graph.
The batteries should be recharged when the voltage
reaches dc 3.0 volts as indicated by the bar graph.
The number of dashed lines between E and F will decrease
as the battery voltage decreases.
If the battery voltage becomes too low at any time during
operation, a Err 1 message will appear on the display and
the unit will not perform any further operations until the
battery pack is re-charged.
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8.0 Specifications
Size 15 cm x 8.8 cm x 3.5 cm
Weight 320 grams
Sensor Electro-chemical (fuel cell)
Specificity No response to ketones
Ambient Range -5 ºC to 50 ºC
Purge Cycle (Initial Test) 15 seconds
Breath Sample Minimum 5 second blow
Analytical Time Complete within 30 seconds
Recycle (Recovery) Time 10 to 30 seconds
BAC Readout Format %BAC
Operational Range .000 to .400 %BAC
Direct Mode Accuracy ± .005 % at .100 %BAC
Test Record 1,000,000 tests
Test Memory 1,000 tests
Display 4 character bright led
Battery Pack NiMH
Number of Tests 300 or more on full charge
Automatic Power off After 45 seconds of inactivity
Calibration Compressed gas standard or
alcohol-water simulator
Printer 24 character thermal
Power Supply Rechargeable dc 12 volt cell
Complete Package Size: 33 x 27 x 11 cm
Weight: 2.5 Kg
Includes: Carry case, printer, power
pack, charging adapter
9.0 Accessory and Disposable Products
94-000140 TOXITEST
Breath Alcohol Simulator
95-000132 MOUTHPIECE (Round)
Individually Wrapped (25/Bag)
95-000310 STANDARD SOLUTION (500 mL/.100 %)
(6 Bottles Per Box)
95-000176 PRINTER PAPER, Thermal Roll
________________________________________________________________
Alcohol Countermeasures Systems Corp
14 - 975 Midway Boulevard Telephone: 905 670 2288
Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2C6 Canada Facsimile: 905 670 8211
Alcohol Countermeasures Systems, Inc
1670 Jasper Street, Suite G Telephone: 303 366 5699
Aurora, Colorado 80011 USA Facsimile: 303 366 5996
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems (AA) Pty Ltd
Box 5, 312B North Rocks Road Telephone: 612 9871 8150
North Rocks, NSW 2151 Australia Facsimile: 612 9871 8150
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