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The Sobermate S5 is a fuel cell breathalyser certified to Australian Standard AS3547, with a memory that recalls your last 10 results. This page covers everything in the printed manual: setting up, taking a test, memory mode, display messages, and keeping the device calibrated.
What’s in the box
- Sobermate S5 breathalyser x 1
- AAA batteries x 2
- Mouthpieces x 6
- Carrying case x 1
- Instruction manual x 1
On the device you’ll find the mouthpiece slot, the display, the power and start button, the memory button (M), and the battery cover on the back.
Insert the batteries and mouthpiece
- Open the battery cover. Press and pull the cover up.
- Fit two AAA batteries. Use 1.5V alkaline batteries and match the polarity markings.
- Insert a mouthpiece into the mouthpiece slot before you test. Make sure it fits securely.
For hygiene, use a new mouthpiece before testing someone else.
How to take a test
- Press the power button. The screen shows the total number of tests performed.
- Wait for the countdown. The device warms up and counts down on the screen.
- Blow when the countdown reaches 0. The device double beeps and shows 3 dashes and “START”. Take a deep breath, then blow slowly and steadily. Only stop when you hear the double beep again.
- Wait while the sample is analysed. Lines rotate around the screen once sampling is complete.
- Read your result. Your estimated BAC shows after a few seconds and stays on screen for several seconds.
To test again, press the power button once to restart the countdown.
To switch off, hold the power button for 2 to 3 seconds. After 15 to 20 seconds with no action, the device switches off by itself.
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking before you test.
Memory mode
The S5 stores your last 10 results. To view them, press the memory button (M) while the device is counting down in step 2 of the test. Each result shows the time of the test first, then the result. Press M again to step through older results.
The time of each test is shown as how long ago it was taken:
| Within the last 600 minutes | A minus sign and the minutes elapsed: -001 is 1 minute ago, -023 is 23 minutes ago, -549 is 549 minutes ago |
|---|---|
| 601 minutes to 1 day ago | “d000” |
| 1 to 999 days ago | “d” and the days elapsed: d001 is 1 day ago, d023 is 23 days ago, d549 is 549 days ago |
When memory is full, the device deletes the oldest result and replaces it with the newest.
Before you test
- Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking before you test. This includes alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Avoid testing in strong wind or in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces. Poor ventilation can also make the warm up between tests longer.
- Never blow smoke, saliva or liquid into the mouthpiece. It can damage the sensor, and blowing liquid in voids your warranty.
- Don’t use the breathalyser as a tool to drink and drive.
- Your BAC can keep rising for up to 2 hours after you stop drinking. If your result is a caution or close to your limit, wait 30 minutes and test again.
- It can take 10 hours or more to return to zero after a high level. Test again later in the day or the next morning.
- Store the device away from extreme heat and humidity, and out of reach of children.
- Batteries: don’t put them in a fire, expose them to heat, or recharge them unless they’re marked rechargeable. Don’t mix old and new batteries, or different types or makes. Keep them away from children.
Display messages and troubleshooting
The battery symbol shows full or empty. When it is empty, replace both batteries with brand new alkaline AAA batteries.
“BAt”
The battery is too low to run a test. Replace both batteries with brand new alkaline AAA batteries.
“FLo”
The breath sample wasn’t strong enough. Press the power button to test again. Take a deep breath, blow slowly and steadily, and only stop when you hear the double beep.
“Out”
No breath sample was blown within 30 seconds. Press the power button to restart the countdown, then test again.
“OutC” (out of temperature range)
The temperature is outside the operating range of 5 to 40°C. Bring the device into range, then test again.
“Err2”
The device has a sensor issue. Send it back for calibration.
“500”
The device has reached 500 tests. Send it back for calibration.
“HI”
The result is over 0.500%BAC.
“CAL”
If “CAL” shows after the countdown, the device needs calibration. Send it back for calibration.
“d180” (or another number after “d”)
The number of days left until calibration is due. For example, d180 is 180 days.
“d.001” (with a dot after the d)
The number of days since calibration was due. For example, d.001 is 1 day overdue. Send the device back for calibration.
Limits and important notice
The Australian blood alcohol limit for an adult licence is 0.05%. Some drivers are restricted to lower limits, so check with your local transport authority for the correct limit. If you’re in any doubt, don’t drink and drive. The safest level when driving is none at all.
The S5 gives an indication of alcohol on your breath, not an accurate measure of your blood alcohol level. Only a blood test can measure that. Don’t rely on the result to decide whether you’re fit to drive, and keep the device dry. Any decision you make using the result is at your own risk.
Specifications
| BAC range | 0.000 to 0.500 %BAC |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.005 %BAC at 0.1 %BAC |
| Warm up time | 15 to 60 seconds |
| Response time | Within 7 seconds |
| Mouthpiece | Sobermate brand mouthpieces |
| Sensor type | Fuel cell |
| Power supply | 2 x AAA alkaline batteries |
| Weight | 85 g including batteries |
| Dimensions | 47 mm x 108 mm x 17 mm |
| Calibration frequency | Every 12 months or 500 tests, whichever comes first. The Australian Standard requires calibration every 12 months. |
| Ambient conditions | 5 to 40°C |
Calibration and registration
The S5 uses a fuel cell sensor, which needs regular calibration to stay accurate. Calibrate it every 12 months or every 500 tests, whichever comes first. To keep the device to the Australian Standard, calibrate it every 12 months.
Register your S5 at my.andatech.com.au to activate your warranty, get calibration reminders, and schedule calibrations. You can add as many Andatech products to the account as you need.
Warranty
Your device has a 1 year warranty from the date of purchase against defects in workmanship or parts under normal use. Calibration is not covered. Keep your receipt, because the warranty applies to the original purchase only and proof of purchase is needed for a claim.
To claim, call 1300 800 200 or email support@andatech.com.au for a Return Authorisation Number (RA#). Write the RA# clearly on the outside of the package and pack the device so it isn’t damaged in transit. You cover the cost of shipping it to us, and returns without an RA# or proof of purchase can’t be accepted.
The warranty doesn’t cover accidents, misuse, tampering, liquid damage (including blowing liquid into the device), or devices used outside Australia. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law still apply.