1300 800 200
The Sobermate S3 is a fuel cell breathalyser with a countdown display and a choice of measurement units. This page covers everything in the printed manual: setting up, taking a test, changing units, reading the display messages, and keeping the device calibrated.
What’s in the box
- Sobermate S3 breathalyser x 1
- AAA batteries x 2
- Mouthpieces x 3
- Instruction manual x 1
On the device you’ll find the mouthpiece slot, the display, the power and start button, and the battery cover on the back.
Insert the batteries and mouthpiece
- Open the battery cover. Press and push the cover down to open it.
- 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, then the result of the previous test.
- 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 “BLOW”. 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 10 seconds. The button is disabled during this time.
To test again, wait until the result stops flashing, then press the power button once.
To switch off, hold the power button for more than 3 seconds. After 3 minutes with no action, the device switches off by itself.
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking before you test.
Change the measurement unit
You can display results in %BAC, mg/L, mg/100mL or ‰.
- Switch the device on with the power button.
- Press the power button 5 times while it is counting down. The screen shows “unit” with the current unit below it, for example %BAC.
- Press the power button until your preferred unit shows.
- Hold the power button for 2 seconds to save. The device finishes counting down, then enters test mode.
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 3 minutes. Press the power button to restart the countdown, then test again.
“OUtc”
The temperature is outside the operating range of 5 to 40°C. Bring the device into range, then test again.
“Err2”
Too much saliva may have entered the sensor. Wait 20 minutes, then try again. If the error continues, contact us.
“500”
The device has reached 500 tests. Send it back for calibration.
Specifications
| BAC range | 0.000 to 0.400 %BAC 0.00 to 4.00 ‰ 0.00 to 2.00 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.0075 %BAC at 0.100 %BAC ±0.075 ‰ at 1.0 ‰ at 25°C ±0.0375 mg/L at 0.50 mg/L at 25°C |
| Warm up time | 15 to 20 seconds (varies with the BAC measured) |
| Response time | 3 to 15 seconds |
| Sensor type | Fuel cell sensor |
| Mouthpiece | Sobermate brand mouthpieces |
| Power supply | 2 x AAA alkaline batteries |
| Battery life | Approx. 1000 tests |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 51 mm x 109 mm x 18 mm |
| Weight | 84 g including batteries |
| Calibration period | Every 12 months or 500 tests, whichever comes first |
| Operating temperature | 5 to 40°C |
Calibration and registration
The S3 uses a fuel cell sensor, which needs regular calibration to stay accurate. Calibrate it every 12 months or every 500 tests, whichever comes first.
Register your S3 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.