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 and will detect alcohol Unfortunately, alcohol is present in some everyday things you may not think of: Mouthwash, cough syrups, perfumes, colognes, hair spray, and hand sanitizers, etc., I It is your responsibility to ensure you check all labels of any products that may contain alcohol and ensure you do not use/ingest them for at least 15 minutes prior to providing your breath sample. 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, to allow adequate time for your body to purge these chemicals prior to attempting a breath test. If you were to blow a failure during a startup test, the unit will go into a short time out. If this does occur, immediately rinse your mouth with water so that any residual alcohol is washed away. You must then compete a retest as soon as the device will allow (device allows a resample in just 5 minutes).
State law requires that your device be serviced and inspected every 30 days. Early recall may affect this date (see “Early Recall”). The date your device is due for service will display on the screen every time you turn your device on (and will count down by one day, every day). Always be aware of your service due date and contact your local ADS office to schedule the service on your device. If your device is not serviced in a timely manner, your device will lock out and you will not be able to start your vehicle and subject to lock out fees.
Early Recall
Although your calibration/service date is 30 days from last
calibration, there are things that will reduce the number of days
so always look at the device screen and return for service prior to
the date displayed. If your device violations or if there is a
camera malfunction your device will require that you return early
for service. Please contact the ADS office to schedule a service
appointment. If your device locks out you will be subject to lock
out sanctions.
Device Start Up
When powered on, the device will display the number of days until
service (service due XX days) and will also display your next
service date. Always be aware of the date displayed. This date is
the date in which your device needs to be serviced/inspected and
will begin at either 30 days from the date of your installation or last
service date. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL
NEVADA LOCATIONS. If you do not return for service by your
service due date your device will display “lock due 7 days”. You
must return your device for service before those final 7 days expire.
Failure to do so will result in a complete lock out of your device and
you will be unable to start your vehicle.
BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE, MAKE SURE YOUR HEATER/AC BLOWER IS TURNED OFF!
DEVICE OPERATION – QUICK START SUMMARY
To begin, turn your key to the on position to power the device. The
unit will activate and say “Determinator please wait and is preparing
for your sample.
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, and then
the device will beep again. Then blow out steady for a final blow. This
breath will take approximately 5-8 seconds. After a 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 across the display screen.
Most common errors are “Too high”, “Too low”, or “Not in time”. Retry
and adjust your breath sample based on the reason listed across the
screen. Other reasons for invalid sample can be found later in this
manual.
A demonstration video can be found online by visiting us on the web at
https://www.adsinterlock.com/HelpCenter/Videos.
After the vehicle is started, the unit will ask for periodic samples
while you are driving. These samples are called random retests (or
RRT) samples. ANY time the device requests a sample, you are
required
to provide the 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.
You have 6 minutes to provide the
sample!
The unit will once again analyze the sample and give you
“Random Retest Passed”. If for some reason you were to fail, you
will be required to provide an additional sample. Missing/failing a
random retest can result in an extension of your IID requirement.
Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
Not only is it
against Nevada law, but it could also result in missing a retest
request as the device operates a schedule based on when your
vehicle is running – NOT only when you’re physically driving it.
Retests are required and missing one can extend your requirement.
Always ensure that you understand the use of the device prior to operating your vehicle.
DETERMINATOR DETAILED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Alcohol Detection 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 8 th,2013.
Additionally, the device has been certified and approved for use in
the State of Nevada.
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.
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 coiled cord is permanently attached to the Vehicle Module and connects to the Hand Held.
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 . Mouthpieces should be changed or cleaned regularly and should not be shared by different users. Always keep a spare handy. Please ensure your mouth completely covers the mouthpiece hole and a tight air seal is created.
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.
CameraObstructing or blocking the camera is prohibited.
Provide Sample : Blow/Suck/Blow (BSB)
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 tell the user to
retry the sample. Possible errors include:
"Err: Pressure Not Stable" => Prior to Step #1 - do not blow into the
unit until requested
"Err: Suck Not In Time" => Step #2 (short suck) sample not
provided in allotted time
"Err: Blow Not In Time" => Step #3 (long blow) sample not provided
in allotted time or you may be blowing too hard for it to register
"Err: Low Sample Pressure" => Step #3 - pressure was too low
during final breath sample
"Err: High Sample Pressure" => Step #3 - pressure was too high
during final breath sample
"Err: Sample Temp" => Step #3 –temperature out of range. Do not
leave the device in direct sunlight as it may overheat the device
"Err: Fuel Cell Stability" => At the start of a sample, the alcohol
measurement device was not ready
Err: Hold Level " => To ensure a clear picture, the unit must be held
upright and within +/-30 degrees of level at the time a sample is
provided.
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 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 Nevada State law, and can be punishable by extension of your requirement, or suspension of your driving privilege. To ensure the driver’s face is photographed, the unit must be held upright and essentially level (+/- 30 degrees) with respect to the centerline of the mouthpiece.
Startup Error Messages
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 persists, 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.
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 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 Nevada 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.
If you fail a start test due to the presence of alcohol, then the device will enter a temporary time out (5 min). When this occurs, you should immediately determine the reason and retest after an appropriate time or when 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. Contact ADS if this occurs. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions