A&D GX-4000 and GF-3000 Replacements: GX-4002A and GF-3002A Apollo Compared
Short answer: A&D has discontinued the GX and GF series. The GX-4000 replacement is the A&D GX-4002A Apollo (4200 g x 0.01 g, internal calibration), and the GF-3000 replacement is the A&D GF-3002A Apollo (3200 g x 0.01 g, external calibration). Both keep the 0.01 g readability, 0.01 g repeatability, ±0.02 g linearity and 165 x 165 mm pan of the models they replace, and add capacity, built-in USB and a backlit LCD. For legal for trade, the GF-3000N is replaced by the GF-3002AN.
For years the A&D GX-4000 and GF-3000 were the go-to 0.01 g toploaders for labs, QC benches, formulation rooms and jewelers. If a purchase order, SOP or validation document still names one of them, this guide shows exactly which Apollo model to order, what stays the same and what changes. Figures come from A&D’s published specifications for the GX/GF and Apollo GX-A/GF-A series. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D dealer and one of the largest scale distributors in the country, with over 30 years in business. Reference specs for the older models stay on our GX-4000 and GF-3000 pages.
GX-4000 vs GX-4002A: side by side
| Specification | A&D GX-4000 (discontinued) | A&D GX-4002A Apollo (replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity x readability | 4100 g x 0.01 g | 4200 g x 0.01 g |
| Repeatability / linearity | 0.01 g / ±0.02 g | 0.01 g / ±0.02 g |
| Calibration | Internal (motor-driven) and external | Internal and external, one touch |
| Automatic self-calibration | Yes (temperature and time interval) | Yes (temperature and time interval) |
| Stabilization (FAST) | About 1 second | About 1 second (about 0.8 s for 50 g) |
| Pan | 165 x 165 mm | 165 x 165 mm |
| Display | Vacuum fluorescent (VFD) | Reverse backlit LCD, 17.8 mm characters |
| Interfaces | RS-232C (USB via optional GX-02) | RS-232C and USB standard |
GF-3000 vs GF-3002A: side by side
| Specification | A&D GF-3000 (discontinued) | A&D GF-3002A Apollo (replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity x readability | 3100 g x 0.01 g | 3200 g x 0.01 g |
| Repeatability / linearity | 0.01 g / ±0.02 g | 0.01 g / ±0.02 g |
| Calibration | External weight | External weight |
| Stabilization (FAST) | About 1 second | About 1 second (about 0.8 s for 50 g) |
| Pan | 165 x 165 mm | 165 x 165 mm |
| Display | Vacuum fluorescent (VFD) | Reverse backlit LCD, 17.8 mm characters |
| Interfaces | RS-232C (USB via optional GX-02) | RS-232C and USB standard |
The GX is the internal-calibration model and the GF is the external-calibration model in both generations. If your SOP calls for a balance that calibrates itself on a schedule or when the temperature changes, stay with the GX. If you calibrate with your own certified weights, the GF line is the value choice.
What stays the same
- Readability and performance: the same 0.01 g readability, 0.01 g repeatability and ±0.02 g linearity, so your tolerances and validation limits carry over.
- Pan size: the same 165 x 165 mm (6.5 x 6.5 in) pan.
- Speed: about one-second stabilization in FAST mode.
- Calibration approach: internal calibration on the GX, external on the GF.
What is new on the Apollo GX-A and GF-A
- More capacity: 4200 g instead of 4100 g on the GX, and 3200 g instead of 3100 g on the GF.
- USB built in: RS-232C and USB are standard, so you no longer need the GX-02 USB option to send data to a PC.
- Backlit LCD: a reverse backlit LCD with 17.8 mm characters replaces the VFD.
- Data integrity: internal calibration accuracy of ±0.15 g on the GX-4002A right after calibration, password protection for up to 11 users and 1 administrator, and GLP/GMP/GCP calibration reports.
- Flow-rate display: the Apollo series can show mass or volume flow rate during filling and dosing.
Apollo footprint: 212 x 317 x 93 mm (8.3 x 12.5 x 3.7 in), about 5 kg. Measure the bench, draft shield or enclosure before you order. Using GX/GF accessories such as a breeze break, printer or USB option? Call us with your part numbers and we will confirm which ones carry over to the Apollo models.
Which Apollo model should you order?
| If you have… | Order |
|---|---|
| GX-4000 | GX-4002A (4200 g x 0.01 g, internal calibration) |
| GF-3000 | GF-3002A (3200 g x 0.01 g, external calibration) |
| GF-3000N (NTEP) | GF-3002AN (3200 g x 0.01 g, NTEP Class II, e = 0.1 g) |
| A GX-4000 used for trade | GX-4002AN (4200 g x 0.01 g, internal calibration, NTEP) |
| A GX-4000 in a washdown area | GX-4002AWP (4200 g x 0.01 g, internal calibration, IP65) |
Selling by weight? Read our NTEP guide and our legal for trade jewelry scale guide. Replacing a smaller A&D balance? See our FX-300iN replacement guide, or compare the FX-120i, FX-120iN and FX-300i.
Keep your GX-4000 or GF-3000 accurate until you replace it
A&D’s GX and GF balances are built to last, and many are still in daily use. Keep them accurate with regular checks and a yearly calibration (see how often to calibrate). The GF-3000 and GF-3002A calibrate with an external weight (sold separately, not included); see our calibration weights. We calibrate GX, GF and Apollo balances with in-house or NIST-traceable certificates (which certificate do you need?). Nationwide mail-in calibration usually takes 1 to 3 business days:
GX-4000, GX-4002A, GF-3000, GF-3002A and other balances over 2.2 kg up to 6.2 kg:
In-house calibration + certificate ($195) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($495)
Frequently asked questions
What replaced the A&D GX-4000?
The A&D GX-4002A Apollo. It keeps the 0.01 g readability, internal calibration and 165 x 165 mm pan, and adds capacity (4200 g vs 4100 g), built-in USB and a backlit LCD.
What replaced the A&D GF-3000?
The A&D GF-3002A Apollo, with 3200 g x 0.01 g, external calibration and the same 165 x 165 mm pan. The NTEP GF-3000N is replaced by the GF-3002AN.
Is the GX-4002A as accurate as the GX-4000?
Yes. Both have 0.01 g readability, 0.01 g repeatability and plus or minus 0.02 g linearity.
What is the difference between the GX-4002A and GF-3002A?
The GX-4002A has internal calibration and automatic self-calibration with 4200 g capacity. The GF-3002A calibrates with an external weight and has 3200 g capacity. Both read 0.01 g.
Will my GX-4000 accessories fit the GX-4002A?
Call us with your accessory part numbers and we will confirm which ones carry over to the Apollo series, and recommend the matching Apollo accessories.
Can you still calibrate my GX-4000 or GF-3000?
Yes. We calibrate GX, GF and Apollo balances with in-house or NIST-traceable certificates. Mail-in calibration usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
