The Alco-Sensor VXL instrument has the capacity to store a large number of tests in its memory. If a fresh set of batteries are installed in the instrument after the instrument has had no power for a short period of time, the Alco-Sensor VXL will re-initialize the memory database as a self-diagnostic process. During this process the instrument emits a constant beep to indicate that it is performing this task.

The length of time to complete the process, and for the constant beep to stop, is dependent on the overall amount of data stored in the instrument. In software versions with a large amount of data stored this could take up to 5 minutes.

Should the noise persist for more than 5 minutes, please contact Intoximeters Technical Services Department, or your local distributor, for additional support.

Depending upon the tolerance allowed for the solution, there should be limits on the number of tests or amount of time that the solution should be used.  This limit may also be a function of the type of instrument that you are using and whether the solution is being recirculated.  Refer to your QAP for the proper determination of this limitiation.

When you receive a new tank, you should always place the regulator on it and mark the pressure reading on the regulator (A new tank should have at least 1000 pounds of pressure). 

If there are no obvious leaks, you should leave the regulator on the tank and check the pressure reading one to two hours later.  If the gauge has not moved, you can leave the regulator on the tank.  If it has moved, then either the regulator or the tank is leaking.  

Contact Intoximeters Customer Service to get help in identifying the culprit.

Currently manufactured Intox EC/IRs are setup to work with the Checktrap mouthpiece (part# 23-0010-00) or the ASIV/ECIR one way mouthpiece (part# 23-0000-00). The TestSafe Mouthpiece is also an option with the Intox EC/IR.

Yes, the same regulator can be used on the 108 liter, 55 liter, and 30 liter tanks.

No, the Mini Alco Can is not NHTSA approved for performing evidential calibrations or accuracy checks.

Please refer to the RBTIV Battery Maintenance document for information on changing the 12-volt battery.

If you do not have access to a GPS device that provides precise elevations, you can click the link below, find your city and obtain the approximate elevation of your testing location from the listed information for the city.

You may also contact your local airport to get an approximate elevation for your location.

During an Alco-Sensor FST calibration or accuracy check the instrument first displays BLN which indicates a blank test is about to occur – no alcohol is needed for this blank test.  The instrument will then flash CAL (or ACC depending on the test being performed) – introduce the alcohol at this time.

RFI stands for Radio Frequency Interference.  The ASIV was originally designed to detect the presence of RF within the Alco-Sensor IV’s shielded case and send a signal to the instrument’s processor to abort the test and flag it as an RFI void.  Physical testing has since shown the instrument to be insensitive to commonly encountered RF levels.   It is not necessary to conduct an accuracy check after an RFI void – simply move away from the source of the RF, or turn off the source and conduct another test.

The most common reason for an RBT IV to print a partial ticket or not print at all is low battery voltage.  The RBT IV has a 12 volt rechargeable battery located in the case foam.  The Alco-Sensor IV is powered independently by a 9 volt alkaline battery.  The print mechanism of the RBT IV demands more power than the other functions, and when the charge is low, the device may seem to be operating properly but will not print.  This is an indication that  your 12 volt battery needs to be recharged or replaced.  Plug in the battery charger and you should be able to print in a few minutes.  (View more information about charging your battery.)

Another scenario:
If the Alco-Sensor IV is not communicating with the RBT IV then you will not get a printed result.  Perhaps the cable connecting the two devices is damaged or the connector is not fully inserted into the port on the bottom of the Alco-Sensor IV. Check all connections and retry your test.

Lastly, if the operator does not follow the RBT IV instrument prompts in sequence you might insert the mouthpiece before the RBT IV is ready to initiate the communication process.  Always follow the display prompts exactly in the order they appear.

The sampling system for the NHTSA-approved Intoximeters Alcomonitor CC used in DOT testing is designed to take an automatic sample once several parameters have been met.  The instrument monitors the breath sample as it is being provided.

• A flow rate of at least .2 liters of breath per second must be detected.  A “+” is displayed on the instrument to indicate that this condition has been met.  Once the “+” has been displayed, the instrument begins to measure the total breath volume of the provided sample.
• A minimum sample volume of 1200 cc is required for an automatic sample to occur.  The instrument indicates the minimum volume requirement has been met by displaying “++”.  A steady flow of breath is required for the period between the indication of minimum flow (+) and the indication of minimum volume requirement (++).
• Once the minimum volume requirement has been met and the subject’s breath flow begins to taper off, a breath sample will be captured for analysis.

In the event that these requirements are not met, the instrument aborts the attempted sample and allows one more attempt from the subject before aborting the test sequence.

Use of a damp cloth is an acceptable method on exterior surfaces of the instrument. Special attention needs to be paid when cleaning the instrument so that moisture does not get onto the electronic circuit boards or into the internal sample path. There are certain disinfectant products that can be used. For more information, see the attached Cleaning Guidelines document. For information on cleaning and disinfecting your handheld Intoximeters instrument, see the Cleaning and Disinfecting document (updated March, 2020). <!--This is discussed more thoroughly in the attached document.-->

Replace battery with new 9 volt alkaline battery.

The Alco-Sensor VXL instrument is an advanced, evidential quality breath alcohol instrument that features advanced sampling analytics to make sure that the sample provided by the subject meets the minimum sample requirements for your program. When the submitted sample does not meet these minimum sample requirements the instrument will display, print, and store “Insufficient Sample” as the test result.

While an instrument can be disabled for a number of reasons, this message is often the result of a failed accuracy check, an accuracy check was not performed after a calibration adjustment, or a periodic maintenance was not observed.

AMCC is not detecting an appropriate flow of gas from the standard. Check to see if the gas tank is connected and if it has pressure.  Next run an Accuracy Check and listen for flowing gas.  If you have pressure and are unable to hear the flowing gas call Technical Services at 314-429-4000.

This display means that the Intox EC/IR is not detecting an appropriate flow of gas from the standard.  Check to make sure a gas standard is connected. If you are using a wet standard make sure the head of the simulator is properly attached.  If you are using a dry gas standard make sure the tank is not empty.

There are two possibilities:

If there is a failed accuracy check, the device must be taken out of service until re-calibrated and checked by a properly certified Calibration Technician.

According to the U.S. DOT regulations (link below), unless you are properly trained and authorized to perform calibrations, you cannot place the instrument back into service. Contact Technical Services at 314-429-4000 for further assistance.

The Alco-Sensor IV cannot detect that the breath flow sensor is connected.  As a result, the instrument’s automatic sampling system is disabled.   Only manual samples can be taken.   This situation will require that the instrument be sent to the factory for repair.

VOID 14, or Voided Analysis, indicates that the instrument detected a possible interfering substance. The characteristics of the signal from each sample are compared against a set of internally stored characteristics from the last calibration or accuracy check.  If the fuel cell signal being analyzed during a sample is significantly different from the stored characteristics, the instrument is designed to reject that test, flagging it as VOID 14.

This could be caused by two scenarios:

1. The instrument was presented with a sample with an interfering substance that responded on the sensor but in a manner that was detected to be significantly different than the response to ethanol during the previous calibration or accuracy check.
2. The normal aging of the fuel cell between calibrations or accuracy checks has resulted in a significant shift in the rate of response to a sample with ethanol in it.

To determine if the latter is the issue, calibrating the instrument with a known ethanol standard will reset the stored characteristics that the instrument is comparing the subject result to. If the error condition persists there is likely an interfering substance at play and steps should be taken to try and isolate it.

If this does not resolve the VOID 14 issue, the instrument may need to be returned to Intoximeters for service.

Insufficient sample is a message that occurs if a subject does not provide a consistent breath flow, reaching the minimum sample volume required or sucks back during the breath sample process.

Use proper instructions like, “I would like you to take a deep inhalation, hold it for a moment and then blow at a moderate pace for as long as possible into the mouthpiece.”

If the instrument displays this message even when a consistent sample is submitted, contact Intoximeters technical support for assistance.

If your Alco-Sensor III has a serial number less than 1200000, this display message indicates that the A/D converter has likely gone out and needs to be replaced by a factory technician.

The Alco-Sensor VXL instrument is an advanced, evidential quality breath alcohol instrument that features advanced sampling analytics to make sure that the sample provided by the subject meets the minimum sample requirements for your program. When the submitted sample does not meet these minimum sample requirements the instrument will display, print, and store “Insufficient Sample” as the test result.

Intoximeters, Inc. does not claim to be an expert on infectious disease transmission, but it has developed two guides (Infection Control Cleaning and Disinfecting Intoximeters Handheld Instruments and Infection Control Cleaning and Disinfecting an Intoximeters Desktop Instrument)  that list some of the concerns and commonsense steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission while performing a breath alcohol test or while cleaning or disinfecting an Intoximeters, Inc. alcohol breath test instrument.

Additional information and directives on Coronavirus can be found through OSHA (3990-03 2020) or the CDC. The CDC has put out documentation for the maintenance on other types of breathing related equipment such as spirometers that may have helpful information on infections control measures.

Click the link below to get to on-line tutorials for accuracy checks and calibrations.

Our goal is to repair instruments in 10 working days or less. (This does not include the time it takes to ship the product to and from our loading dock).  If your instrument has been at Intoximeters for an extended period of time, Contact Technical Services (800-451-8639) to get more information about the repair. Please have the instrument model, instrument serial number and customer name available for quick look up.

There are no written instructions.  The Quick Draw simply snaps on and off the retaining ring that must be permanently installed on the Alco-Sensor III.  For instructions on how to install the mounting ring follow the below link.  The Quick Draw can be disconnected to allow a traditional mouthpiece to be attached again.

Either a wet bath or dry gas standard can be used to check accuracy and perform calibrations.  Check the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) requirements of your program as it may dictate the methodology that you use.

The Dry Gas Tanks come from the manufacturer with a stated certification date which is listed on the side of the tank. Intoximeters guarantees a minimum of twenty months for 108 liter, 55 liter, and 30 liter gas tanks.  The Maritime sets are certified for five (5) years.

After the expiration date, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the gas value will remain stable.

Unless it is heated the tube should be as short as possible.  Unheated tubes will gather condensation which can affect the sample provided to the instrument.

Generally, we fax or email you the estimate and the response can be returned by fax or email. If you wish to respond by phone, contact Customer Service through our main number (314-429-4000).

If the fuel cell sensor is several years old, the slowness is likely due to the age of the cell.  If the fuel cell still consistently produces accurate results on accuracy checks, it is not necessary to replace it, but if speed in performance is critical, replacing the fuel cell will make the instrument perform as new.

A copy of the MSDS is attached to each new dry gas tank when it is shipped to you.  The form is also available online or it can be requested from Customer Service.

It is best to give the simulator an extra 15 to 30 minutes after it gets to temperature so that the temperature of the entire system has stabilized.

More information about wet bath standards

Factory Recertification is available by appointment only.

Download the reservation form from the link below, complete all sections, and fax it to us at (314) 429-4170.

Check the internal printer to see if the ON LINE light is illuminated.  If not, press the On Line button.  Check to make certain the printer door is latched properly.  Check to see if there is paper in the printer.

If the printer is putting out blank paper, then it is likely that the thermal paper roll is installed backwards.  Check to make sure the paper roll is inserted so that the paper comes out over the top of the roll, not from underneath the roll.

If using an external printer, check the cable connection on the rear of the Intox EC/IR and make sure it is attached on both ends.  Check to make sure there is paper in the printer and it is turned on and ready to print.

Try a new battery, but if the battery is not dead or disconnected, it is likely that a Reed Switch has been broken and needs to be replaced.  This is a factory repair – click the link below for information on sending your device to our Technical Services department.

Dry gas standards should not be used when the gas temperature is below the ‘dew point’ temperature for that gas.  The ‘dew point’ temperature is a function of the concentration of alcohol in the gas and the pressure of the gas in the tank. Contact Intoximeters technical support for specifics about the gas that you are using.

As a general rule when using your dry gas standard, both the gas tank and the instrument should be at room temperature.

Dry gas standards require HAZMAT packaging and handling and therefore require that a person certified to ship this type of material ships it.

Unless you or your organization is properly certified, you should not ship the tanks. 

One condition that is required prior to testing is that key components are within predefined temperature ranges. If you have the proper password access to the F9 functions you can check the current operating temperatures of these components and identify which is out of range.

Generally, “REGULATING TEMP” is only displayed for a short time, perhaps 20 – 30 minutes if the instrument has been turned off.  If this display continues after a reasonable warm-up period, you should contact Technical Support for assistance.

Not if a 15 minute deprivation period is observed prior to testing.

After screwing the top on the simulator, if you cover the GAS OUT port on the simulator with your finger and blow into the IN PORT, you should not see a steady stream of bubbles in the simulator if the head is connected properly. Be careful when you perform this check that you do not blow too hard, as it will create backpressure and can cause simulator liquid to spray out of the ports.

Pressurized dry gas standards are considered HAZMAT and you will, at a minimum, have to empty the tank before disposal.  Different states have different laws on the disposal of such canisters.  You can try contacting your local waste or sanitation company to determine the requirements in your state.

Alternatively, you can contact your state’s Solid Waste Management Office and ask for your local guidelines. You may follow the link below to the EPA Government website to get your state contact information.

You may also follow this link Tank Disposal for more instructions.

Intoximeters offers a Dry Gas Tank Draining Tool to assist customers in emptying their expired tanks.

Use the link above to get to the section on accuracy checks and calibrations.

More information for U.S. DOT-mandated testing programs.

The Reed Switch is not functioning and needs to be replaced or the fuel cell is contaminated and should be replaced.

The memory is full and no more test data can be stored until the memory is erased.  Some agencies require downloading the test records prior to erasing the data.  Please check with your administrator before erasing the data.

Both the instrument(s) needing repair and a copy of a completed service Return Material Authorization (RMA) form should be sent to Intoximeters.  The RMA form must include a detailed description of the problem(s) you are experiencing and any other information you feel may be helpful.

To expedite the repair of your instrument, the completed service RMA form should include a Purchase Order and/or the name of the person authorizing the repair.  If an instrument is received without a service RMA form, there may be a delay in initiating repairs.  View the Forms & Catalogs section of our website for the correct form or you can contact Customer Service at (314) 429-4000.

You can fill out the RMA on-line, print a copy to include in the shipment, and submit it electronically to the Technical Department.
OR
You can download an RMA form, fill it out by hand and include a copy in the shipment.

Address:    Intoximeters, Inc.
2081 Craig Road
St. Louis, MO  63146

DO NOT SHIP ANY PERIPHERAL ITEMS SUCH AS PRINTERS, CABLES, GAS TANKS, ETC UNLESS SPECIFICALLY TOLD TO DO SO BY TECHNICAL SERVICES.  More Information about shipping.

It is likely that the simulator will leak and provide lower than expected results.

The ASIV is not receiving consistent power from the battery and is resetting the test sequence.  Remove the battery cover and check to make sure that the battery is making solid contact with the terminals.  If this is not the problem change the battery with a new 9 volt alkaline battery.