A&D EK-3000i Counting, Percent, RS-232, GLP & Battery Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
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The A&D EK-3000i counting, percent and RS-232 functions turn a 3000 g × 0.1 g balance into a flexible production workstation. Standard serial communication, ACAI parts counting, HI/OK/LO comparator logic, percent mode and GLP/GMP/GCP/ISO-style output cover many inventory, QC, packaging and formulation tasks without buying a more complex instrument. The model remains a non-NTEP process balance; A&D’s 2025 U.S. catalog marks the legal-for-trade EK-i models separately and does not identify EK-3000i as NTEP.
ACAI parts counting
Counting converts total mass into piece count using a stored average unit weight. EK-3000i supports sample sizes of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100, a normal minimum unit weight of 0.1 g and a maximum displayed count around 30,000 pieces when capacity allows. ACAI improves the stored average as additional pieces are added. For best results, start with a larger sample for light or variable components and verify the completed method against a known hand-counted quantity.
Percent weighing
Percent mode stores a reference as 100% and displays future weights relative to that reference. EK-3000i uses a 10 g minimum 100% reference and can display 0.1% divisions. This can support formulation, drying/change studies and relative acceptance checks. Percent mode is only as good as the reference: establish it from a stable known sample, document whether gross or net mass is being compared and re-establish the reference if the process changes.
Comparator and optional relay output
The built-in comparator supplies HI/OK/LO status for internal checkweighing. EKW-04i adds comparator relay output for external lights, buzzers or simple process control. Set thresholds from the actual product tolerance and test the relay logic before connecting downstream equipment. A comparator can automate an accept/reject signal, but it does not add legal-for-trade certification to EK-3000i.
RS-232C is standard
EK-3000i includes bidirectional RS-232C. It can output weighing data to supported printers, PCs and loggers and accept supported commands such as zero/mode/data-output control. A&D also lists adapters for RS-232-to-Ethernet, Quick USB and Bluetooth. Before integrating, document serial parameters, transmission mode, unit/decimal position and what the receiving software should do with unstable versus stable readings.
GLP/GMP/GCP/ISO-style documentation output
The balance can output manufacturer/model/serial/ID and calibration-related records in formats designed to support quality documentation. That can reduce manual transcription but does not make a process GLP/GMP compliant by itself. Compliance depends on the full SOP, calibration/verification system, user controls, software/data integrity and record review. Treat the balance output as one controlled part of the measurement record.
Rechargeable battery option and current runtime
EKW-09i is the current Ni-MH rechargeable battery option. A&D’s current U.S. EK-i product page advertises up to approximately 250 hours of battery operation for portable use. Older manuals for earlier battery hardware cite much shorter runtimes, so buyers should use the current manufacturer specification for the pack actually being supplied. Battery life varies with backlight, interface use, battery age and temperature.
Relay and battery cannot be installed together
A&D explicitly states that EKW-04i comparator relay and EKW-09i rechargeable battery pack cannot be used at the same time. Decide whether the workstation needs cordless mobility or built-in relay automation before ordering. External serial communication remains standard either way, so a mobile setup can still transmit through suitable external converters if the installation supports them.
No EKW-07i underhook on EK-3000i
EK-3000i is not one of the underhook-compatible EK-i models. A&D lists EKW-07i for EK-4100i, EK-6000i, EK-6100i, EK-12Ki and EW-12Ki. Do not buy the underhook expecting it to fit EK-3000i. If below-balance or suspended weighing is central to the application, choose a supported model before designing the fixture.
Data-integrity checklist
Send several known test weights through the complete data path, confirm the stored unit and decimal place, identify the station/model in the record, test what happens if a cable/network converter disconnects and verify that each PRINT action generates the expected single record. An interface problem should be diagnosed separately from a weighing problem; a correct local display with corrupted serial data does not justify recalibrating the balance.
Frequently asked questions
Does EK-3000i include RS-232C? Yes. Does it count parts? Yes, with ACAI. What is the normal minimum unit weight? 0.1 g. Does it have percent mode? Yes, with 10 g minimum 100% reference. Is a relay available? Yes, EKW-04i. Is a rechargeable battery available? Yes, EKW-09i; current A&D marketing cites up to about 250 hours. Can relay and battery be installed together? No. Does EK-3000i have an underhook? No. Is it NTEP legal for trade? No. Does GLP-style output make a lab automatically compliant? No; the full quality system still controls compliance.
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