Weather apps limited – forecaster
Farmers need to be aware of the possible limitations of international weather apps on their smartphones, says Phil Duncan of weatherwatch.co.nz.
The Alcoordi, which has won ‘best invention’ awards overseas, is a compact device that physically plugs into an Android smartphone.
It uses a semi-conductive oxide sensor to record the blood alcohol level on a user’s breath, and that data is sent to, and analysed by, the free, downloadable app on the smartphone.
The sensor technology is used by the Finnish and Korean police and the analysis measures to within two decimal places.
“This is reliable and accurate police grade technology. Each product is factory tested and calibrated before shipping,” says Maurice Wooster, the owner of Robertson Engineering and director of Alcoordi Ltd in New Zealand. “This device will keep our roads safer and hopefully save lives.”
The software can be customised to user preferences, configured for multiple users and is able to calculate recovery times based on measurement history.
“This is the device I want my children carrying because I know it will help to keep them safe,” Wooster says. The device comes with a variety of warning features designed to discourage over-the-limit users from driving.
“There is the option of having a photo of your partner and children appear on the screen if you are over the limit. That should act as a deterrent to driving,” Wooster says. “The app can also be programmed with the phone numbers of taxi companies or other people who can be relied on to help out if you are over the limit.”
Other breathalysers are available in New Zealand, but they are three times as expensive. The Alcoordi is also small enough to carry in a pocket.
Wooster said he’s importing the device because he sees massive demand for something that’s compact, smartphone-friendly and accurate, given the lower alcohol limits being introduced next month.
