A&D EK-12Ki Manual, Explained: Setup, Units, Counting and Calibration

By MNM Scales · Last updated November 2, 2026

The A&D EK-12Ki is a 12,000 g x 1 g compact balance with NTEP Class II approval, a 133 x 170 mm stainless pan, a backlit display, RS-232C and external calibration. It is the highest-capacity model in A&D’s Everest EK-i line, and A&D writes one instruction manual for the whole EK-i and EW-i family, so EK-12Ki owners have to pick their numbers out of shared tables. Below are the EK-12Ki figures from that manual, with the display messages exactly as the balance shows them. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D Weighing dealer.

EK-12Ki manual at a glance: specifications

Item	EK-12Ki
Capacity x readability	12,000 g (12 kg) x 1 g
Repeatability (standard deviation)	1 g
Linearity	±1 g
Sensitivity drift	±20 ppm per °C (10 to 30 °C)
Stabilization time	About 2 seconds
Counting	Samples of 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 pieces; up to 12,000 pieces; minimum unit weight 1 g
Percent mode	Minimum reference (100 percent) weight 100 g; readings to 0.1 percent
Display	Backlit 7-segment LCD, 16 mm characters, 10 updates per second
Pan and weight	133 x 170 mm (5.2 x 6.7 in) stainless pan; balance about 1.5 kg
Power	AC adapter, or the EKW-09i rechargeable battery pack (not included)
Below-balance weighing	Under-hook assembly (EKW-07i on A&D’s EK-12Ki page, OP-07 in the manual), not included
Operating range	-10 to 40 °C (14 to 104 °F), under 85 percent relative humidity, no condensation; the NTEP certificate lists 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F) for trade use
NTEP	Class II, nmax 12,000, d = 1 g, under-hook weighing included (CC 04-019A4)
Calibration weight (factory setting)	12 kg, external; the value can be changed

Setting up the EK-12Ki

1. Check the box: balance, pan, pan support, AC adapter and instruction manual. The battery pack, under-hook, printer, RS-232C cable and calibration weight are not included unless ordered. Keep the box and foam for mail-in service.
2. Pick the spot: a firm, level counter or bench away from drafts, vents, direct sun, vibration and magnetic fields. With loads up to 12 kg, a sturdy bench keeps the reading steady.
3. Let it acclimate: a balance that arrived from a hot or cold delivery van should reach room temperature before you switch it on.
4. Fit the pan support and the rectangular pan, then turn the leveling feet until the bubble in the spirit level is centered.
5. Power it: plug in the AC adapter and press ON/OFF. The display shows all segments, then 0 g.
6. Warm up for 30 minutes, then calibrate; the steps are in the EK-12Ki calibration section below.

Keys and the function menu

Key	When weighing	In the function menu
ON/OFF	Power on or off	–
MODE	Steps through the stored units, pcs and percent	Returns to weighing
SAMPLE	Starts sample storing in pcs or percent; hold to open func	Moves to the next item
PRINT	Sends the reading to a printer or PC	Stores the setting
RE-ZERO	Zeroes the display or tares a container	Changes the value

Hold SAMPLE until func appears to reach settings such as Cond (response speed), st-b (stability band), trc (zero tracking), poff (auto power-off), ltUp (backlight), prt and bps (data output). The full menu table, item by item, is in our EK-1200i manual guide; the EK-12Ki menu is the same. A&D notes that some functions are locked on legally certified models and after the CAL switch is sealed.

Weighing units on the EK-12Ki

Unit	Display	EK-12Ki capacity x readability
Gram	g	12000 x 1 g
Ounce (avoir)	oz	423.30 x 0.05 oz
Pound	lb	26.455 x 0.005 lb
Troy ounce	ozt	385.80 x 0.05 ozt
Momme	mom	3200.0 x 0.5 mom
Pennyweight	dwt	7716 x 1 dwt

Store only the units you use: hold SAMPLE until func shows, press SAMPLE until Unit appears and press PRINT. Press SAMPLE to step to a unit and RE-ZERO to store it; repeat for each unit you use, then press PRINT (end, then id) and MODE to return to weighing. The balance starts with the first unit you stored. The units available on your balance are set at the factory. On the EK-12Ki the unit table covers grams, ounces, pounds, troy ounces, momme and pennyweights.

Counting parts on the EK-12Ki

1. Press MODE until pcs shows, then press SAMPLE.
2. Press SAMPLE again to choose 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 pieces.
3. Set a tote or tray on the pan if you use one and press RE-ZERO so the display shows zero beside the sample size.
4. Count that many pieces onto the pan and press PRINT to store the unit weight; remove them.
5. Load the parts to count and read the piece count.

• On the EK-12Ki the smallest unit weight is 1 g and the maximum count is 12,000 pieces, which suits bolts, fittings, castings, packaged goods and other parts of a gram or more.
• If the sample is light, the balance asks for more pieces with a prompt such as 25 -; add that many and press PRINT. lo means the unit weight is too light to store.
• ACAI (aCai) refines the unit weight when you add a few more pieces and wait for the ACAI mark to go out; leave the pan alone while it blinks.
• Use the gram reading for selling by weight and the piece count for inventory. For parts lighter than 1 g each, the 0.1 g A&D EK-6100i counts to 0.1 g per piece up to 6 kg. For high-volume counting, see our counting scale buying guide.

Percent mode and the HI/OK/LO comparator

Percent mode reads a load against a reference you store as 100 percent. Press MODE to the percent display, press SAMPLE, press RE-ZERO, place the reference and press PRINT. On the EK-12Ki the reference must weigh at least 100 g, and readings show to 0.1 percent. The comparator (Cp, CpHi, Cplo and bep in the function menu) shows HI, OK or LO against your limits for fill checks, carton checks and kit checks.

Weighing below the balance with the under-hook

The EK-12Ki is one of the EK-i models that accept A&D’s under-hook assembly (EKW-07i on A&D’s EK-12Ki page, OP-07 in the manual; not included). It lets you weigh large or awkward items in suspension and run specific gravity checks. Remove the cover on the bottom of the balance and screw the under-hook into the mounting hole, then stand the balance on a frame or table with an opening so the load hangs freely. A&D calls for calibration with the weight hung on the hook for accurate below-balance weighing. NTEP CC 04-019A4 includes under-scale weighing on the EK-12Ki at Class II. Call us for the under-hook part and a quote.

RS-232C, printer and PC

• The port is a 9-pin D-Sub; use a straight-through cable to a PC (cable not included).
• Match bps (baud rate) and btpr (data bits and parity) to the other device, and choose the output with prt: on command, PRINT key, auto print on a stable load, or stream.
• An A&D AD-8121 printer (not included) needs pUse set to 1 for its 1.6-second pause.
• For a USB-only computer, A&D lists the AX-USB-1920-9P USB to 9-pin RS-232 converter (not included). See connecting a scale to a computer by USB or RS-232.

Power: AC adapter and battery pack

• The EK-12Ki ships with its AC adapter; use the adapter supplied for the EK-i series.
• For cordless work add the EKW-09i rechargeable battery pack (not included). It fits the option slot on the back, the same slot the comparator relay option uses, so you fit one or the other.
• Charge the pack with the AC adapter connected and the balance off; a full charge takes about 15 hours, and a new pack may need two or three charges to reach full capacity.
• Battery run time depends on the backlight and use, so set ltUp to a short timeout and turn on poff. Recharge or plug in when lb0 appears.
• Keep the adapter cord out of foot traffic; cut or pinched cords are a frequent repair. See replacing a scale cable.

EK-12Ki error messages

Display	Meaning	What to do
E	Overload (over 12 kg)	Remove the load
-E	Strong upward force on the sensor	Check for anything caught around the pan or the hook
error5	Unexpected load	Clear the pan and check that the pan and support are seated
lo	Unit or 100 percent weight too light	Use more pieces (1 g minimum unit) or a reference of 100 g or more
Cal E / -Cal E	Calibration weight too heavy / too light	Check the weight and the value you entered; press MODE
error1	Reading never settles	Stop drafts and vibration; press MODE
lb0	Battery pack discharged	Recharge or use the AC adapter
Hb1	AC adapter voltage too high	Use the correct EK-i adapter

If error2, error3, error4 or error6 returns after a power cycle with an empty pan, send it to our repair bench. Other brands’ codes are in our scale error codes guide, and drifting readings in scale will not zero or keeps drifting.

EK-12Ki calibration: 12 kg factory value, more than 8 kg

The EK-12Ki calibrates with an external weight. A&D calls for calibration when the balance is first used, after a move, when the room changes and on a regular schedule. The CAL switch is the push-button on the back behind a small access plate, the same as on the EK-1200i in our EK-i calibration guide.

1. Warm up for at least 30 minutes with nothing on the pan.
2. Hold the CAL switch until Cal appears, then release it; the display shows Cal 0.
3. To use a weight other than 12 kg, press SAMPLE: SAMPLE picks the digit, RE-ZERO sets it, PRINT stores the new value. The value stays in memory after power-off.
4. With the pan empty, press PRINT to weigh zero; do not touch the pan. The display then shows the calibration value; to stop after the zero calibration only, press MODE here.
5. Place the weight that matches the displayed value in the center of the pan and press PRINT. When end appears, remove the weight and press CAL or MODE to return to weighing.

A&D asks for a weight of more than 2/3 of capacity, so use more than 8 kg on the EK-12Ki. A 10 kg weight works after you set the value to 10000 g; a 10 kg plus 2 kg combination matches the 12 kg factory value. Our calibration weight classes guide explains which class suits a 1 g balance, our calibration weights guide covers buying and care, and we stock calibration weights. Afterward, check a light load and one near 12 kg; our how often should a scale be calibrated guide helps set a schedule.

Moving the balance: the manual also has a gravity acceleration setting (section 7-2) for a balance moved to a new city before a weight is on hand. Calibrating with a weight where the balance is used makes that setting unnecessary, so we calibrate with weights on site or at our shop.

Trade use: NTEP CC 04-019A4 lists a Category 1 physical seal for the EK-i. A balance in trade use is sealed, so calibration means breaking the seal; our TDA-registered technicians calibrate it and place it back in service.

The EK-12Ki next to the EK-6000i, EK-6100i and EW-12Ki

Model (our listing)	Capacity x readability	Max. count	Linearity	NTEP (CC 04-019A4)
EK-12Ki	12,000 g x 1 g	12,000 pcs	±1 g	Class II, nmax 12,000
EK-6000i	6000 g x 1 g	6000 pcs	±1 g	Class III, nmax 6000
EK-6100i	6000 g x 0.1 g	60,000 pcs	±0.2 g	–
EW-12Ki	3000 / 6000 / 12,000 g x 1 / 2 / 5 g	–	–	Class III, multi-interval

Pick the EK-12Ki for trade weighing up to 12 kg in 1 g steps at Class II. The EK-6000i covers half the capacity at Class III, the EK-6100i reads to 0.1 g up to 6 kg, and the EW-12Ki is the triple-range sibling at Class III. The EK-i series guide lists every model, and EK-1200i vs EK-610i compares two of the lighter models.

Selling by weight with the NTEP Class II EK-12Ki

A&D’s EK-i series holds NTEP Certificate of Conformance 04-019A4, listed as Active on NCWM’s certificate search on November 2, 2026. It lists the EK-12Ki at 12,000 g, n_max 12,000 and d = 1 g in accuracy Class II, with under-scale weighing included. Class II is the class for precious metals and gems, so the EK-12Ki handles bulk silver, scrap lots and coin bags by weight; for single pieces in 0.1 g steps, choose the NTEP Class II A&D EK-1200i and see our legal for trade jewelry scale guide. Our what is NTEP guide explains the classes, and our free legal-for-trade scale checker helps decide whether your use is trade.

Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.

Who uses the EK-12Ki

• Precious metals counters: weighing bulk silver, scrap lots and coin bags on an NTEP Class II balance.
• Retail counters: selling bulk goods such as coffee, nuts, candy and hardware by weight up to 12 kg.
• Packing and shipping benches: checking parcels and kits against HI/OK/LO limits before they go out.
• Stockrooms and production: counting parts of a gram or more and weighing batches, with the under-hook for bulky items.

Setup tips from our technicians

• Our TDA-registered technicians recalibrate after every move; a new counter changes readings, even at 1 g.
• Raise Cond one step under an air vent instead of chasing a wandering last digit.
• Use a light tote or tray and tare it; a heavy bin eats into the 12 kg capacity.
• Set loads in the center of the pan and keep heavy items from dropping onto it.
• Wipe the pan with a damp cloth and mild detergent; skip solvents on the housing.

Common mistakes we see

• Calibrating with a 5 kg weight; the EK-12Ki needs more than 8 kg.
• Changing the calibration value and forgetting it stays in memory, so the next person uses the wrong weight.
• Using the under-hook without calibrating with the weight hung on the hook.
• Breaking the seal on a trade balance to calibrate it in-house instead of booking a registered technician.
• Weighing before the 30-minute warm-up is over.

Browse all A&D precision balances.

Calibration, repair and rentals from MNM Scales

• Book calibration: the 12 kg EK-12Ki is in our over-6.2 kg up to 35 kg tier: in-house calibration with a certificate is $250 and NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate is $595. See our balance calibration service in Houston, all tiers on the scale calibration service page, and NIST vs in-house certificates.
• Mail-in calibration: pack the balance in its original box and foam and ship it with the mail-in calibration service.
• Cypress pickup by appointment: drop off or pick up at our Cypress, TX shop (21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433).
• On-site service: on-site calibration is $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, once per visit, plus the calibration fee for each scale. Our TDA-registered technicians calibrate balances at retail counters, shipping benches and stockrooms across the Houston area.
• Repair: display, keypad, adapter and load cell problems go to our scale repair bench.
• Rentals: we rent all types of scales; ask about a scale rental while yours is in for service.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I download the A&D EK-12Ki manual?

A&D publishes the EK-i/EW-i instruction manual, which covers the EK-12Ki, on its EK-12Ki product page. This guide collects the EK-12Ki numbers from it.

How do I calibrate the EK-12Ki?

Warm it up for 30 minutes, hold the CAL switch until Cal appears and release it. At Cal 0, press PRINT with the pan empty, place the 12 kg weight (or the value you set) and press PRINT. When end appears, remove the weight and press CAL or MODE.

What weight do I need to calibrate the EK-12Ki?

The factory value is 12 kg. A&D asks for more than 2/3 of capacity, so any weight over 8 kg works once you enter its value at Cal 0 with the SAMPLE key; a 10 kg weight set to 10000 g is a good choice.

Is the A&D EK-12Ki NTEP approved?

Yes. NTEP CC 04-019A4, Active on NCWM, lists the EK-12Ki at 12,000 g, nmax 12,000 and d = 1 g in Class II, including under-scale weighing.

How do I change units on the EK-12Ki?

Press MODE to step through the stored units. To choose which units are stored, hold SAMPLE until func appears, go to Unit, press PRINT, turn units on or off with SAMPLE and RE-ZERO and store with PRINT.

What is the smallest part the EK-12Ki can count?

The minimum unit weight is 1 g at the factory setting, and the balance counts up to 12,000 pieces from samples of 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100.

Can the EK-12Ki weigh below the balance?

Yes. It accepts A&D’s under-hook assembly (EKW-07i, OP-07 in the manual), which is not included. Calibrate with the weight hung on the hook for accurate below-balance weighing.

Can the EK-12Ki run on a battery?

Yes, with the EKW-09i rechargeable battery pack, which is not included. It charges in about 15 hours with the AC adapter connected and the balance off.