Each time you come in for service you will be given a calibration form, you must keep this form along with your installation form, in your vehicle at all times. This is evidence that you are keeping your Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) properly maintained. Every day when you power up your device it will display a countdown to your next mandatory service date. Your device has a 5-day buffer by design (should operate normally for 5 days beyond the “service due at midnight” notification).
Normally at start up the device will display the number of days till service (service due XX days) pay attention to this number, 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 5-day countdown to lock out, or if your unit says “return for service soon” you will need to contact ADS immediately to schedule your early service appointment.
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. Multiple failures on a startup test may result in a lock-out, and a return for service condition so think about what you have been exposed to prior to attempting to start the vehicle.
All you need to do is present a sample just like a startup test. 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 5-day lockout countdown which does not lock you out immediately that would lock you out after 5 days, this will give you 5 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 5-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. We recommend taking the keys with you when you leave the vehicle it’s just cheaper for you, as there is a fee to reset a return for service message, no matter the cause. State law requires that anytime something out of the ordinary occurs you make a record of it in your log, you can then use this to refresh your memory, in the event your sentencing agency has a question for you about the incident. Anytime you turn the vehicle off you will activate a 2-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 restart the vehicle
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, and a box. Your mouthpieces can be washed just be sure they are dry before using them with the device. Additional mouthpieces can be purchase for $2 each and shipped with your replacement handset call Alcohol Detection Systems to arrange this. 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 device and if units are returned without packing there is a fee to replace the packaging.
The device is designed to work in all temperature ranges we experience in Nebraska. 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 overheat 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 this manual and be sure you understand the use of the device 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/her breath alcohol content (BrAC) is above a defined set point. The Determinator is laboratory certified to be compliant with 2013 NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Ignition Interlock Specifications, additionally, the device has been approved for use in the State of Nebraska.
The Handheld 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 Handheld 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 Nebraska State Law and will be detected electronically by the device. 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 Handheld 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.
Nebraska 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.
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 Handheld unit until the vehicle has been turned off. Once started, the Handheld 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 Nebraska 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 service every 30 days. Every time the Handheld 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 2 days when the actual day of service arrives 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 IN ORDER TO PERFORM THIS SERVICE. The STATE OF Nebraska 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. 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, on the 37th day the unit will become “locked out”; No samples will be accepted, and the vehicle may not be started. A code may be entered through the Hand Held’s keypad to allow a limited grace period to return for service. but you must Contact ADS and provide the displayed 8-digit serial number and evidence of your appointment, to receive a temporary code. A charge will apply.
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 5 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 to arrange your next service, 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 state may send a request for explanation letter on these types of events, so you must answer these requests when you receive them.
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 Service Center is responsible for vehicle installation, monthly service, early return 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 Determinator has several voice prompts that are spoken to alert the user to provide a sample or indicate the unit status.