Thank you for choosing Alcohol Detection Systems, enclosed you will find a user’s manual that covers the use of the ADS Determinator Ignition Interlock Device. After reading this entire manual, you should have a good understanding of the use of our device, if not re-read the material, and the installer will walk you through the basics. There is a lot of information here so take your time and familiarize yourself as much as you can with it.
Every day when you power up your device it will display a countdown to your next mandatory service date. Your device has a 7-day buffer by design (should operate normally for 7 days beyond the “service due at midnight” notification). Using that buffer means you have missed your appointment and may result in additional fees being charged to your account.
Normally at start up the device will display the number of days till service (service due XX days) it will also display your next service date. pay attention to this information, if you have a violation or other issue which results in a change in the service in XX days and the verbal notification changes to “Return for service soon” You need to contact our office immediately to avoid being locked out of your vehicle. AGAIN, if you have a violation it may result in a 7-day countdown to lock out, or if the voice of you unit say’s “return for service soon” you will need to contact ADS immediately to schedule service. The installation center cannot reset devices without prior approval
If you have a violation which results in a “LOCK DUE 7 DAY” Message, you will need to pay a fee, these can occur from simply not following directions so be sure you understand how to use the device.
warning! any person tampering, circumventing, obscuring camera images, or otherwise misusing this device is guilty of tampering, tampers will be detected by the device and reported to adot, or your sentencing agency.
If you ever have any questions Refer to your owner’s manual and if necessary, call us at (888) 786-7384 (888) 786-7384 we will be glad to answer any questions, or assist you with anything we can!
Please read the entire manual it will help you to understand, the entire process! The most important thing to remember is that this unit is used to detect what is on your breath. The unit is alcohol specific so the only chemical you need to be concerned with is alcohol. Unfortunately, Alcohol is present in some everyday things you may not think of. Mouthwash Cough syrups, perfumes, colognes, hair spray, and Hand sanitizers will have alcohol in them and if you are exposed to them prior to providing a sample you may fail a test for obvious reasons. If you fail a startup test it will result in you waiting for the device to allow you to take a new test. It is highly recommended if you are exposed to these chemicals you must allow adequate time for your body to purge these chemicals prior to attempting a breath test. If you were to blow a failure of .020 or above during a startup test the unit will go into a short time out depending on the level of failure. If this does occur immediately drink a glass of water and rinse your mouth out so that any residual alcohol is washed away and compete a retest as soon as the device will allow. Upon completion of this timeout (usually 3 – 10 min) you should retest. Failures may result in a violation so think about what you have been exposed to prior to attempting to start your vehicle.
BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE MAKE SURE ALL ACCESSORIES ARE TURNED OFF!
All you need to do to take a Startup test is turn the ignition key on. The unit will activate and say “Determinator please wait” now it is preparing for
your sample. The device must be held upright and as close to level as possible, the device has a built-in instrument which will not allow a test if it is
too far to one side or the other, ensuring a proper photo of the user.
Obstruction of the Camera is considered a violation of Arizona State law,
and can be punishable by requirement extension, or suspension of your driving privilege.
Once the unit is ready for your sample the unit will
say “please provide sample”. You will then blow hard into the device for about 1 second, the device will beep, you will then immediately suck back,
the device will beep, then you will blow out steady and not as hard as the first sample, but not too soft either (this breath will be about 8 seconds),
while you are blowing the device will beep there are three tones, as long as the tones are sounding continue to blow the three tones are low
(blowing too soft) normal (blowing correct) High (blowing too hard), blow till it stops beeping. The most common errors here is sucking back too long
or blowing the second out breath too hard. Once the device stops beeping wait for “test Passed you may start the vehicle” once you hear this, you
can start the vehicle anytime during this free start period. Upon successful completion of a startup test you may start the vehicle for up to 2
minutes. Always wait for the device to say “YOU MAY START THE VEHICLE” If the device verbally says INVALID SAMPLE the digital display will
scroll the reason for the error in the window, most common errors are Too Hard, or Not in Time these both mean you are blowing too hard on your
final long sample, retry and lower this final pressure until the device accepts your sample, other reasons for invalid sample can be found later in this
manual.
Once you start the vehicle the unit will randomly test you while the vehicle is running, once in the first 15 min, and then at a rate of 2 an hour after that. When calling for a retest the unit will light up beep and say, “retest required please provide sample” ADS recommends you pull over to a safe location to perform random retests. Random Retest should not be performed while the vehicle is moving. Once you’re in a safe position to perform the test, leave the vehicle running, and perform the test as required. Look at the display and listen to the voice commands. This will allow you to get familiar with the retest procedure, without the distraction of driving. Remember you have 3 minutes to provide the sample! All you need to do is present a sample just like a startup test. Obstruction of the Camera is considered a violation of Arizona State law, and can be punishable by requirement extension, or suspension of your driving privilege The unit will once again analyze the sample and give you “Test Passed”. If for some reason you were to fail, you will be required to retest until you provide a passing test. This result however could result in a 7-day lockout countdown which does not lock you out immediately that would lock you out after 7 days, this will give you 7 days to start your vehicle normally, but the unit will display a service notification each time you attempt a startup. You will need to contact Alcohol Detection Systems at our toll-free number as soon as possible after receiving this message. The most common cause of 7-day lock outs is not from failing tests it is from not completing the random retest in time. The most common cause for this is people leaving the vehicle running unattended. ADS recommends taking the keys with you when you leave the vehicle it’s just cheaper for you, anytime something out of the ordinary occurs you should make a record of it in your log, in the event your sentencing agency has a question for you about the incident. Now any time you pass a test or turn the vehicle off you will activate a 3-minute free start timer. This will allow you to restart the vehicle without a new start up test. If your engine stalls, turn off your key then turn your key back on, wait for the unit to say “you may start your vehicle” then start the vehicle back up
There are fees associated with Violations, always be sure you understand the use of the device prior to operating your vehicle. Obstruction of the Camera is considered a violation of Arizona State law, and can be punishable by extension, or suspension of your Ignition Interlock requirement.
If you have your vehicle serviced you must notify Alcohol Detection Systems prior to, or within 24 hours after ANY major service, this does not include oil changes, or tires. We are mainly concerned with repairs under the hood or within the vehicles electrical system.
When you leave today you should receive 3 mouthpieces. Your mouthpieces can be washed just be sure they are dry before using them with the device. Additional mouthpieces can be purchased from your installer or by calling Alcohol Detection Systems. The box you receive is the package you will return the device in when you complete the program and have the entire device removed. It is your responsibility for this box and if units are returned without the box there is a fee to replace the packaging.
The device is designed to work in all temperature ranges we experience in the United States. In the winter you may experience a longer start- up time as the device warms up to prepare for your sample, in the summer the device can over heat if left in direct sunlight, So Never leave your device in direct sun light!!! Un-plugging the handset is allowed to avoid these issues if you prefer. If you prefer to leave the device in your vehicle leave it in a place that has good air circulation (i.e. under seat), do not leave in a sealed glove box or wrapped in a cloth as this will prevent the device from dissipating heat naturally. If you do leave the unit in direct sunlight and receive an invalid sample due to a sample temp error. Turn off the handset, roll your windows down (to decrease cabin temps) and then blow straight through the device to cool the inside of the unit. After 5 or 6 straight blows retry your sample and the unit should function normally. Always remove the plastic mouthpiece before disconnecting the Handset; this will reduce the chance of breaking the mouthpiece off in the unit. Additionally, it is not necessary to jam the mouthpiece into the opening. Doing so will increase the chance of breaking off the mouthpiece.
NOTE: Completely read and understand this manual before operating a vehicle with the Determinator System installed.
A user must comply with the requests of the unit and follow its instructions in a timely manner.
Failure to do so may require early service or a complete vehicle lockout – at the driver’s expense and inconvenience. Always
operate the vehicle and provide breath samples in a safe manner.
Alcohol Detections Systems’ Determinator is a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) designed to prevent a driver from starting a vehicle when his breath alcohol content (BRAC) is above a defined set point. It is certified per NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) specifications as published in Federal Register May 8th, 2013. Additionally, the device has been certified and approved for use in the State of Arizona.
The Hand Held is the removable portion of the Determinator system into which a user provides a breath sample. Display messages and voice prompts are provided by the Hand Held to instruct a user.
This is the camera used to capture images of the driver at various points once the Determinator is activated, and at various points while the vehicle is running. Movement, or obstruction of this component is a violation of Arizona State Law, and will be detected electronically by the device and when the Arizona DOT reviews the images. Penalties may include but are not limited to extension of your interlock requirement, furthermore it may prevent your vehicle from being authorized to start.
The Vehicle Module is wired to the vehicle’s electrical system. It is out of sight of the user and provides the connection to the vehicle. The cord is permanently attached to the Vehicle Module and is used to attach the handheld unit.
Along with Hand Held, Vehicle module, and wiring harness, the Determinator Kit includes extra disposable mouthpieces. Additional mouthpieces are available by contacting ADS at (888) 786-7384 (888) 786-7384 . Mouthpieces should be changed or cleaned regularly and should not be shared by different users. Always keep a spare handy.
Plug the Hand Held Unit into the Cable. The connector is keyed and will only plug in with the connector writing “up”. To remove, squeeze the both sides of the connector and gently pull.
Turn the ignition to “RUN” - this is the position just before “CRANK”. The Hand-Held will turn on and prompt the user for the next step.
The Determinator must warm to operating temperature before a sample is requested. Bringing a unit indoors in a cold climate will reduce the required warm up time. The message displayed while heating shows 0% to 100% completion.
Effective July 1, 2018 Arizona State Law requires the use of Cameras with all approved Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices. This camera is usually mounted on your windshield. State Law states that any attempt to block or obscure the camera will be considered a violation, and can be considered grounds for extension, and or cancelation of your driving permit. Additionally the device can detect tampering of the camera as well, and if obstructed or significantly moved may prevent your vehicle from starting. This type of tampering may require additional fees for a mobile technician to come and repair your unit. With that in mind be cautious of how you treat the device and camera, while providing a test, and while driving. Be sure nothing is obstructing the view of the camera.
The Determinator requests a breath sample at turn-on and at random intervals while you drive.
If an error is detected while taking a sample, the Determinator says “INVALID SAMPLE” at the same time the display will scroll one of the following messages to report the actual error and requests the user retry the sample. Possible errors include:
After a successful sample, the Determinator will say, “You may start the vehicle”. At this time, turn the ignition
to start the vehicle. If a sample is positive for alcohol, “Vehicle Starting is Disabled” will be scroll across the display.
Once the vehicle has been started, do NOT disconnect the Hand Held unit until the vehicle has been turned off.
Once started, the Hand Held will display: “RUNNING”
Randomly, while driving, the Determinator will ask for additional samples. See Random Retest.
While the vehicle is in operation, you will be required to provide retests at random intervals. As the driver, you are required by law to safely provide this sample. Once a test is called for, reduce vehicle speed, pull over, and find a safe location to perform the Random Retest requirement. Turning off the vehicle will not change or eliminate the retest requirement. If you turn it off during the retest, you can turn the vehicle back on and fulfil the test requirement (doing this in some states may be considered a violation). The random retest sample is provided the same way as the original sample – by providing a Blow/Suck/Blow sample. The time allowed for you to provide this test is 3 minutes. If you do not provide the test in this initial 3 minutes the device will verbally request you do so. Do not leave a vehicle running unattended - the random retest will require a sample. If a sample is not provided in the allotted time, sanctions will be invoked. These include an early lockout and vehicle warning indications. For positive driver identification, the Device takes the driver’s photo at the instant a sample is called for, and again when the sample is provided. Obstruction of the Camera is considered a violation of Arizona State law, and can be punishable by extension of your requirement, or suspension of your driving privilege.
If the engine dies, or is turned off, a courtesy restart is allowed. If a random retest is not required, the vehicle may be restarted for up to two minutes If the engine ever dies or is turned off, turn the key off then to the run position and wait for the device to say “you may start the vehicle” DO NOT attempt to restart the engine until you hear “You May Start the Vehicle” doing so may result in a recorded violation and an early service notification
The Determinator must be returned for state mandated at regular intervals. Every time the Hand Held is turned on, it will display the number of days before the next required service “service due XX day”... When the device is in the final day before service is due the device will read SERVICE DUE MIDNIGHT. Remember Service due means service is approaching, and Lock due means lock out is approaching. To perform this, you will need to return to your installation center. YOU WILL NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO PERFORM THIS SERVICE. The STATE OF ARIZONA requires your data be reported to them within certain limits. If you are late in taking your vehicle in, your data will not be able to be reported in time, your license/ privilege may be suspended, and you may be subject to additional fees. If your license/ privilege is suspended, the time with the interlock installed during that suspension will not count toward your required interlock time. Additionally, if service is not performed within the allotted time, the unit will become “locked out”; No samples will be accepted, and the vehicle may not be started.
If you fail a start test due to the presence of alcohol, then the device will enter a temporary time out (3-10 min) when this occurs you should immediately determine the reason, and retest after an appropriate time, or the temporary time out has passed. “A person tampering with, circumventing, or otherwise misusing this Ignition Interlock System is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction is subject to additional time in the Interlock Program, a fine, imprisonment, or possibly all of the above. Tampering and circumvention include: jump or push starting the vehicle, opening the unit’s case, disconnection of the Vehicle Module or battery, and bogus breath samples. If any tampering, circumvention, or positive alcohol is detected by the unit, the service interval may be set to lock due 7 days. If this occurs the unit will be locked out unless returned for service within this time period, you will need to notify Alcohol Detection Systems of the situation so that we can ship a replacement Hand Held device before the countdown ends, there is a charge for this type of violation. The Determinator Hand Held and Vehicle Module devices log and report all aspects of the unit’s operation as well as any tampering or circumvention detected to State authorities.
The Determinator measures and will report the presence of alcohol as a violation and will require an early return for service. Many products you may not consider contain alcohol include:
The occurrence of a positive alcohol sample must be explained to the proper authorities. The early return for service will also cost the user in inconvenience and the cost of a download. To prevent any of these issues avoid eating and smoking while using the Determinator. Wait at least 15 minutes before providing a sample if any of the products listed above are ingested. If you do provide a sample and receive a “pos Alcohol” the device will go into a short time out, wait out the time out, rinse your mouth out with water and try again. The state will look at the entire sequence rather than the one event. The state may send a request for explanation letter on these types of events, so you must answer these requests when you receive them. Having successful retests after a failed test is mandatory so do not leave your vehicle, until you pass a test. We recommend correcting the issue, and retesting as soon as the device will allow you to. Always consider your exposure to Alcohol how ever minimal you believe it is and correct if necessary
The Service Center is responsible for vehicle installation, monthly service, early lock out resets, and removal of the Determinator. Feel free to contact Alcohol Detection Systems to report any problems or ask questions related to the operation of the Determinator
The Determinator should not interfere with the operation of a vehicle after it has been started.
The following messages may be displayed at unit startup with the unit temporarily disabled. If this occurs, turn the ignition off and back on to retry normal operation. If the problem persist check the listing below to see what you can do to resolve the issue, if you cannot resolve the issue call our office and be sure to tell us exactly what the display scrolls in its entirety (the key code will change each time the Ignition is turned off and on) the important message happens after the key code.
The Determinator has several voice prompts that are spoken to alert the user to provide a sample or indicate the unit status.