How to use
The RC Alcohol Detector
Product Overview
Not sure how the device works? This video walks through the hardware, the basics of how it measures ethanol, and what to expect when you first power it on.
Calibration
Once you have your standards prepared, run each one through the device and enter the readings into your calibration spreadsheet. That generates the curve that converts future readings into ABV percentages.
Standard Prep
The device needs a few alcohol standards to calibrate against. This video shows you how to prepare them. Small errors here affect every reading downstream, so take your time.
Standard Operating Procedure
- Plug in the detector and flip the on switch.
- Allow the device to warm up for 10 minutes. A longer warm-up of about 20 minutes noticeably improves accuracy, so give it the extra time when you can.
- Screw in your sample tube containing 15-25 mL of liquid and a drop of oil to prevent foaming. Any oil works.
- After 30-60 seconds, record the reading on the left side of the display as well as the temperature.
- Plug the reading into your calibration curve to find your alcohol content.
- Press and hold the button to stop the air pump and wait one minute before measuring the next sample.
- Press and hold the button again to start the air pump and begin measuring your next sample.
- Store the detector at room temperature and low humidity with no tube inserted.
- Wash and dry used tubes before the next use.
General Warnings
- Never allow foam or liquid to enter the detector. Always use a drop of antifoam or one to two drops of oil in each sample.
- Measuring a sample slightly reduces its alcohol content. Use a fresh sample for each measurement to ensure accuracy.
- Sample tubes are not meant for measuring. Use a graduated cylinder or pipette when preparing samples.
- Accuracy of about +/- 0.03%* is expected when the temperature calibration procedure is followed.
- This device is designed for spot-checking in day-to-day operations. It should not replace formal lab testing for regulatory submissions.
Notes on Improving Accuracy
- Make sure the sample tube is fully and properly screwed in while taking readings.
- Measure your alcohol standards accurately. Small errors here will affect every reading.
- The reading will rise and then fall. Use the highest value the reading reaches.
- Add more samples to your calibration curve over time to improve accuracy.
- Keep all standards and samples within 1 degree Celsius of each other.
- Let the sensor warm up for a full 20 minutes before your first reading of the day. The 10 minute minimum works, but the longer warm-up settles the sensor and tightens your numbers.
Spreadsheets
Calibration Spreadsheet
Enter your readings and the spreadsheet builds your calibration curve. Run this after each set of calibration standards.
Alcohol Standards Calculator
Calculates the exact volumes needed to prepare your calibration standards from stock solution.
Both Google Sheets links open in view-only mode. To get an editable copy, open the sheet and go to File > Make a copy. This saves a private copy to your own Google Drive.
* Accuracy of +/- 0.03% applies to measurements in the 0.1% to 0.5% ABV range.