Elecom will release two compact alcohol checkers that measure the alcohol concentration in your breath simply by blowing into them, with sales starting in mid-June 2026[1]. Small enough to fit in one hand, the devices pair with the free dedicated app "ALSmart" to record and manage measurement results and even send them by email[1]. The detectors comply with Japan's revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations, and their reasonable pricing makes them suitable for bulk adoption at workplaces[1].
A Design That Fits in One Hand
The two new products are the "HCS-ACS02PROWH" and the "HCS-ACS02STDWH," both sold at an open price[1]. Each unit measures roughly 33 mm wide, 18.6 mm deep, and 102 mm tall, and weighs about 40 g, making it easy to fit in one hand and carry around[1]. They are convenient to carry for direct commutes and business trips, and storing several together takes up little space[1].
In terms of usability, the device has a sliding cover that protects the mouthpiece from dust, and sliding the cover open turns the power on[1]. A backlight keeps the screen readable inside a dark car or at a worksite, and a strap hole lets you attach the bundled strap for easy carrying[1]. Because batteries (two AAA alkaline cells) are included, you can start using it right out of the box[1]. The higher-end "HCS-ACS02PROWH" comes with a storage pouch that is handy for keeping the unit in a car or storing multiple units[1].
Two Sensors Help Prevent Misreadings and Spoofing
The measurement method is the blow-in type, and a semiconductor sensor is used to measure alcohol concentration[1]. In addition, the device carries a breath-identification sensor (a temperature sensor) that determines whether breath is being blown in correctly, and a breath-flow detection sensor (a microphone sensor) that checks whether the volume of breath is sufficient[1]. This design helps suppress measurement errors and misreadings caused by weak or short breaths, while also preventing fraudulent acts such as spoofing[1].
The measurement flow is simple. An electronic tone signals when to blow and when blowing is complete, and the result appears about 2 seconds after you blow into the device[1]. If the result exceeds the alcohol threshold, the unit also alerts you with a warning sound and a "Danger" display on the screen[1].
Record and Email Results with the Dedicated "ALSmart" App
A key feature of both products is the ability to manage measurement results paperlessly by linking with the free dedicated app "ALSmart"[1]. The app reads measurement results via OCR and records and manages them as data, and results can also be forwarded by email[1]. The app can be used immediately after installation on a smartphone, with no registration fees or similar charges[1]. Note that there is no Bluetooth communication or data-transfer function between the unit and the app; results are read using the app's OCR instead[1].
The design is also mindful of business use. In the app, the 8 items stipulated by law can be searched and extracted from past records, and inspection logs that comply with the obligation to keep equipment functional at all times can be created[1]. The product is an alcohol detector that meets the requirements set by the National Public Safety Commission regulations and complies with the revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations[1]. When taking a measurement, the guidance calls for either meeting the safety driving manager in person or using an app that allows a phone call or similar communication[1].
Main Specifications
The breath alcohol concentration measurement range is 0.00 mg/L to 0.50 mg/L, and a value below 0.05 mg/L is displayed as 0.00 mg/L[1]. The minimum display unit is 0.01 mg/L[1]. The sensor lifespan is rated until whichever comes first: one year after the start of use, or the sensor reaching 1,000 or more uses; the warranty period follows the same conditions[1]. The power source is two AAA alkaline batteries[1]. Detailed specifications are published on Elecom's official news release and product information pages[2].
Summary
Elecom's new compact alcohol checkers combine a one-hand-sized body and roughly 2-second measurements with anti-misreading and anti-spoofing measures provided by two sensors. By linking with the free "ALSmart" app, users can record and manage results, forward them by email, and create legally compliant inspection logs, making the devices well suited to workplace operations. They comply with the revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations while keeping pricing reasonable, making them an easy-to-handle option for individuals and businesses that want to set up alcohol-checking routines without fuss. Sales are scheduled to begin in mid-June 2026.
Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001430.000026881.html
