BLM-Q FAQs

Does the BLM-Q signal affect any other equipment in my bar?

No. The BLM-Q uses a low frequency, low amplitude signal that will not affect other electronic equipment. The BLM-Q has been tested and passed all requirements for the CE Mark Approval.

Does the BLM-Q operate continuously and do I need to switch it off during chemical cleaning?

The BLM-Q operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It never needs to be switched off.

How much electricity does the BLM-Q need?

The BLM-Q uses very little electricity. Each Control Unit operates on less than 25mA.

How do I know the BLM-Q is still working?

After installation of the BLM-Q System, the trained BLM-Q installer will check for the correct operation using a pre-calibrated testing device. For visual verification of the BLM-Q operation, check the LED’s on the Control Unit. The orange LED indicates that the System is powered on. The blue LEDs indicate that the composite audio signal is being sent to each transponder attached to the beer line. When a transponder is plugged into the socket on the control unit, one blue LED will turn on and stay on permanently. When all blue LEDs are on, that will correspond to four transponders being connected to four beer lines.

Do I need to clean the BLM-Q System?

As the BLM-Q is operating in an environment where beer may get a splash on the transponders from time to time, it is recommended to wipe the transponder surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dried beer from the surface. The Control Unit should be mounted in a position whereby beer spillage should not occur, but a quick wipe with a damp cloth of the Control Unit certainly ensures minimal build-up of dust, etc.

What is the maximum length of beer line that the BLM-Q will maintain?

The maximum length of beer line that the BLM-Q system, using one Transponder, will maintain is 100 feet long or 30 meters for non-refrigerated beer lines and 150 to 200 feet or 45-60 meters for glycol or other types of refrigerated beer lines. For longer beer lines, we recommend placing an additional Transponder on the beer line near the faucet.

Do the beer lines have to remain full?

Yes! The BLM-Q’s patented signal is transmitted into the beer line and uses the water content of beer to conduct the signal all the way to the faucet. If the beer line is empty, then the signal cannot be conducted within the beer line and the efficacy of the signal is severely reduced. Therefore, keep the beer lines full of beer at all times.

Is there anything that can help me to make sure that the beer lines remain full?

There is a product on the market called an Empty Beer Detector or FOB. When the beer keg empties, a float drops and shuts off the beer line. The beer line remains full of beer and allows for easier, cleaner, and more economical bar operation.

What is the distance between transponders?

The Transponders are ‘transmitters’ of the BLM-Q’s signal. The concave section of the transponder is attached to the beer line and secured with cable ties. To make sure one transponder does not interfere with the signal of another transponder, a distance of 6 inches or approximately 15 centimeters is needed between transponders.

What is the life expectancy of the BLM-Q?

The BLM-Q is a solid-state device that is controlled by microprocessors and there are no moving parts. If history gives us a good example; the BLM-Q’s predecessor was called the BLM-2000. First released in 1999 and some are still in operation, so we are very confident our new BLM-Q has the same pedigree.

Does the BLM-Q ever need calibration?

The BLM-Q is all solid-state that never needs re-calibrating.

I have been using the BLM-Q for some time but all of a sudden I receive complaints about the beer having a sour taste and it’s in the middle of a cleaning cycle. What shall I do?

Firstly, as the cause of the sour or bad taste is unknown we recommend immediate chemical cleaning of the beer line in question. If after the chemical clean, the sour or bad taste disappears then visually check that the BLM-Q LEDs as mentioned in Answer 3. above. If you notice a problem then contact your authorized BLM-Q representative.

Can I allow the BLM-Q cleaning cycle to go beyond 8 weeks?

As the manufacturer, we have compiled data on our technology for more than 15 years. Draught beer dispense environments vary from establishment to establishment through out the world. As the BLM-Q operates in all these environments, cleaning cycles vary and one rule of thumb we educate in all our markets is not to push a cleaning cycle beyond eight (8) weeks.

In which states of the U.S. are establishments responsible for obtaining service?

Illinois, New Mexico, South Dakota

Kentucky, New York, Tennessee

Louisiana, North Dakota, Washington

Massachusetts, Ohio, Washington D.C.

Michigan, Oregon, West Virginia

Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin

Nebraska, Rhode Island, Wyoming

In which states of the U.S. are Distributors responsible for cleaning and maintaining?

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona,

Arkansas, California, Colorado

Connecticut, Delaware, Florida

Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas

Maine, Mississippi, Missouri

Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire

New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma

South Carolina, Texas, Utah

Vermont, Virginia