Coin-Op Breathalyzer

crewdude

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Hopefully someone can help me. I have a Coin-Op Breathalyzer that says it was manufactured by American Alcohol Chek Inc. Model 990 "The Counselor" I can't find any information online anywhere. What I really need is dipswitch settings and calibration info.

Please let me know if you need more information. I attached a photo of the unit.

Thanks much,
Erik
 

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have you tested

haveyou partied a lil and given it a test run? :)
Oh the pranks one could play with a machine like this too ;)

Hopefully someone can help me. I have a Coin-Op Breathalyzer that says it was manufactured by American Alcohol Chek Inc. Model 990 "The Counselor" I can't find any information online anywhere. What I really need is dipswitch settings and calibration info.

Please let me know if you need more information. I attached a photo of the unit.

Thanks much,
Erik
 
We have had a few "drinking contests" you could say. I had to test it! I am not sure how accurate it is since I have no calibration info. It's weird that I can find no information on it at all. bsdpinball or rocker49 you don't a manual laying around do ya?

Thanks,
Erik
 
As long as I can remember, I also have a coin-op breathalyzer at home, but not the exact one you guys have. Mine did come with a simple manual, and I will have to type it in or something.

I saw the original post the other day but forgot about it. Sorry! I will try to jump on it this weekend!

Bill
 
That would be awesome. We will see if it works.

Thanks in advance
 
There are a couple on Ebay currently. Search "Coin-Op Breathalyzer" and you should get some results.
 
Ok, I have my manual and wrote myself a note to enter information here this evening. I remembered! :)

My machine is an older one in a yellow, metal cabinet. No push buttons on the front or anything, but it does talk. It looks pretty much like this one: http://pinballhistory.com/alktester.jpg

So, here's what the manual says for mine:

Adjust number of coins to use
1 coin - #1 switch "out"
2 coins - #1 switch "in"
3 coins - #1 switch "out" #2 switch "in"
4 coins - #1 switch "in" #2 switch "in"

Turn laugh track on/off
No laugh - #5 switch "out"
Laugh - #5 switch "in"

Auto calibration cycle:
On the top right side of the PCB, there are 2 pushbuttons and a small red box with 8 white slide switches and 1 calibration adjustment screw under the red switch box.
You can use the 30-day automatic calibration with the #6 switch "in" (to the right)

The top push button is used to display the coins that have passed through on the 3-digits of the front panel when the top button is pushed.

The 2nd push button is used to start the 30-day timer for the automatic calibration cycle.

The calibration adjust screw can increase or decrease the reading on the front panel.

To calibrate the easy way:
NOTE: After the machine has been plugged in for at least 2 FULL HOURS with a proper light bulb installed.

Use the simulator and put a coin into the front of the machine. (Just like a real test)
When the machine says: Please blow now...
Put the simulator tube into the blow hole and blow slow and steady for 5 seconds until the machine will say COMPLETED.

Look at the temperature scale on top of the simulator. It should be between 68 and 72-degrees for these calibration tests. If it reads lower, then run the bottle under hot water in the bathroom. If it reads too high, run it under cold water or ice to cool it down.

For example: The temperature on the simulator is 72-degrees, the reading should be 072 on the front panel.
If it is too high, turn the calibration screw counterclockwise.
If it is too low, turn the calibration screw clockwise.

If your tempature reading is different, adjust accordingly. Then repeat the last steps and test the reading again. Put in a coin, and repeat, and adjust your machine to the proper reading.


To start the 30-day calibration cycle:
Make sure you have the number 6 switch "in." Then unplug the machine or turn off the power switch under the power supply. HOLD IN the 2nd push button.

Look at the displays on the front panel. Now plug in the machine or turn on the power switch. You should see the front panel blinking.
0 then 0 then 0

You will need both hands for this and to watch very carefully.

You can now release the 2nd pushbutton and 5,4,3,2,1 will count down and then testing OK will be heard.

You have reset and started the 30-day auto calibration cycle.

To change the legal limit setting:
Switch #3 - "in" for 0.50 and "out" for 0.80

To move the dot/decimal point:
For the dot on the left (USA/Canada) #7 switch "in"
For the dot in the middle (Promile system) #8 switch "in"

To test the alcohol sensor:
Note that the alcohol sensor is in a socket for easy replacement if necessary.
Note the clear drip tubing so that any liquid goes to the outside of the machine.
Switch on switch #4 (to the right), unplug the machine or turn the power off, then turn it on again. You will see the sensor voltage. It should be 500.
Use simulator to blow directly into the machine.
The reading should go very quickly to around 035 or 028 at 70-degrees.
A bad alcohol sensor will drop very little voltage or not change at all.

To clear counter back to 000
Unplug the machine and turn off the power. Then put the white switches in these positions.
Switch 1 - In
Switch 2 - In
Switch 3 - In
Switch 4 - In

Then plug in the machine or turn on the power switch.
The machine will count down 5,4,3,2,1 ans ay TESTING OK.
Then put the the switches in this order:
Switch 1 - Out
Switch 2 - Out
Switch 3 - Out
Switch 4 - Out

The machine will go through ALL the speech in memory.
Then it will be ready for use and the counter will be reset to 000.
Note: Unless specified, leave all other switches in the "out" position.


I hope this helps! I never calibrated mine, and with these directions, I don't have a clue as to what they are talking about with the temperature. Someday I will try the 30-day auto calibration and see what happens.

Bill
 
To calibrate properly, you should have a "real" one to reference/compare to.

Have any friends or family that are cops?
 
We have had a few "drinking contests" you could say. I had to test it! I am not sure how accurate it is since I have no calibration info. It's weird that I can find no information on it at all. bsdpinball or rocker49 you don't a manual laying around do ya?

Thanks,
Erik

sorry... i wish i had a manual for mine
 
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