A&D FX-120i Manual, Explained: Keys, Units, Counting, Function Table and Data Output

This FX-120i manual guide covers the keys, units, counting, function table and data output of the A&D FX-120i, on sale for $699.00 (regular $1,495.00), in stock.

A&D publishes one instruction manual for sixteen balances: eight FZ-i models with an internal calibration mass and eight FX-i models, including the FX-120i, that calibrate with an external weight. That makes the FX-120i details easy to miss. This guide pulls out what an FX-120i owner uses, in plain language, with the menu names as they appear on the display (the display shows S as 5, so bASFnc reads ba5fnc and SIF reads 5if). The official manual is on A&D’s FX-120i page (Documents tab) and as a PDF on A&D’s global site. A&D’s current model in the same 122 g x 0.001 g external-calibration class is the Fortis-series A&D FX-123, which has its own instruction manual; this guide is for the FX-120i. The same FZ-i/FX-i manual also covers the FX-300i and the NTEP FX-300iN, so the keys, modes, function table and data output below apply to them too; only the capacity and unit ranges differ.

What the manual covers, and what applies to the FX-120i

Manual section	Applies to the FX-120i?	Where we cover it
Unpacking, installing, precautions	Yes	This guide
Keys, units, counting, percent, statistics	Yes	This guide
Response adjustment and function table	Yes	This guide; AutoTrickler values in our AutoTrickler guide
Calibration with the internal mass	No: FZ-i models only	Internal vs external calibration
Calibration and calibration test with an external weight	Yes	FX-120i calibration guide
Clock and calendar	No: FZ-i models only	Use the AD-8121B printer clock for dated reports
Function switch (lock) and initializing	Yes	Locking: this guide; reset: calibration guide
ID number, GLP report, RS-232C, options	Yes	This guide
Error codes and troubleshooting	Yes	FX-120i calibration guide

Unpacking and installing the FX-120i

The box holds the main unit, pan support, 130 mm weighing pan, the breeze break panels (standard on the FX-120i), the AC adapter and the manual. A calibration weight is not included unless the offer you bought lists it; A&D specifies a 100 g or 50 g mass, and we stock the A&D 100 g calibration weight (not included). Keep the packing for transport and mail-in service.

1. Set the balance on a solid table away from direct sun, heaters, air-conditioning drafts, vibration and magnetic equipment. A&D notes that room corners on the ground floor vibrate least.
2. Fit the pan support and pan, then assemble the breeze break in the numbered order shown in the manual.
3. Turn the leveling feet until the bubble sits in the center of the red circle on the spirit level.
4. Check that the AC adapter matches your outlet voltage. The plug is dust-protected and fits snugly: turn it while pushing it in.
5. Warm up the balance for at least 30 minutes with nothing on the pan; A&D’s precautions section suggests an hour for best results. Then calibrate it, as A&D advises after installing or moving a balance, using our FX-120i calibration guide.

Readings wandering in a dry room? Static on the sample or on the breeze break panels can be the cause. A&D suggests grounding the balance, wiping the clear panels with a damp cloth, or removing the breeze break to test. Our scale won’t zero or keeps drifting guide covers the other causes.

The six keys

Key	Press	Press and hold
ON:OFF	Display on or off (standby indicator shows when off)	—
SAMPLE	Show or hide the last digit; in counting or percent mode, store a sample	Open the function table
MODE	Step through the stored units and modes	Open response adjustment (FAST, MID., SLOW)
CAL	Cancel while changing a setting	Enter calibration mode (steps)
PRINT	Send data out the RS-232C port; confirm a setting	Title and end blocks for a GLP report, once set in the function table
RE-ZERO	Zero the display or tare a container	—

Weighing units on the FX-120i

Press MODE to step through the units stored in the balance. On the FX-120i:

Unit	Display	Capacity	Smallest step
Gram	g	122	0.001 g
Ounce (avoir)	oz	4.30	0.00005 oz
Pound	lb	0.268	0.000005 lb
Troy ounce	ozt	3.92	0.00005 ozt
Metric carat	ct	610	0.005 ct
Pennyweight	dwt	78.4	0.001 dwt
Grain	GN	1882	0.02 GN
Momme, tael, tola, messghal	—	By unit	See the manual table

Store only the units you use. Hold SAMPLE until ba5fnc appears, press SAMPLE until Unit shows and press PRINT. Press SAMPLE to step through the units and RE-ZERO to select each one you want, in the order you want them (the stable mark appears beside a selected unit). Press PRINT to store and CAL to return to weighing. The first unit you select is the one shown at power-on, which keeps a busy bench from starting in the wrong unit.

Programmable unit (MLT): the balance can multiply the gram reading by any coefficient from 0.000001 to 1000 on the FX-120i, set under mlt in the function table; it was set to 1 at the factory. Use it for a house unit such as a yield factor. For quick conversions on paper, use our grain to gram converter.

Counting mode (PCS) and ACAI

1. Press MODE until pcs shows.
2. Press SAMPLE to enter sample storing, then press SAMPLE again to choose 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 pieces.
3. Place a container if you use one and press RE-ZERO; the display shows the sample size you chose.
4. Place exactly that many pieces, wait for the stable mark and press PRINT. The balance stores the unit weight and switches to counting.
5. Remove the sample pieces and place the parts to be counted.

• The smallest unit weight is 0.001 g, but A&D recommends parts of at least ten times the smallest step, so 0.01 g or more per piece on the FX-120i.
• If the pieces are too light, the balance shows lo, or prompts you to add more pieces and shows how many; add them and press PRINT.
• ACAI (automatic counting accuracy improvement): after storing, add three or more extra pieces. The processing mark blinks while the balance refines the unit weight; leave the pan alone until it goes out. Repeat to improve the count further, then remove the ACAI pieces.
• The stored unit weight stays in memory when the balance is unplugged. Counting mode suits inventory, kitting and production. For high-volume counting, see our counting scale buying guide.

Percent mode

Press MODE until % shows and press SAMPLE. Place a container if used and press RE-ZERO, then place the reference sample (at least 0.100 g on the FX-120i) and press PRINT to store it as 100%. Later loads read as a percentage of that reference, which suits target weighing and checking sample variation. The decimal places shown depend on the reference weight, and the reference stays in memory when unplugged. If the balance shows lo, use a heavier reference.

Statistics, capacity bar, animal hold and comparator

• Statistical calculation: set ap fnc > apf to 2. The balance keeps the number of readings, sum, maximum, minimum, range, average, standard deviation and coefficient of variation; 5taf picks which items it shows and outputs.
• Capacity indicator: apf 1 shows how much of the 122 g capacity is in use.
• Animal hold: set Hold to 1 (ANIMAL lights) to average a moving load and hold the result; Cond sets the averaging time and 5t-b the stability range.
• Comparator: under Cp fnc, choose when to compare (on stable readings or continuously, with or without the near-zero range of 10 digits, 0.010 g on the FX-120i), enter limits at Cp Hi and Cp lo (SAMPLE moves digits, RE-ZERO changes them, MODE switches the sign), and turn the LO, OK and HI buzzers on or off. HI, OK and LO show on the display.

Response adjustment and the environment settings

Hold MODE until RESPONSE appears, then press MODE to choose FAST, MID. or SLOW. FAST suits powder target weighing on a calm bench; SLOW steadies the display where there are drafts or vibration. The choice sets Cond and the display refresh rate 5pd for you. The rest of the ba5fnc (environment and display) class:

Item	Choices	Use
Cond	0 FAST, 1 MID., 2 SLOW	Response; also the averaging time for animal hold
5t-b	0 (±1 digit), 1, 2 (±3 digits)	How still the reading must be for the stable mark and auto print
trc	0 off, 1 normal, 2 strong, 3 very strong	Zero tracking; turn off when weighing tiny amounts that change slowly
5pd	5, 10 or 20 updates per second	Display refresh; 20 per second needs 4800 bps or faster
pnt	Point or comma	Match your software
p-on	Off or on	Display turns on automatically with power, for automated systems
poff	Off or on	Display turns off after 10 minutes without use
rng	Show or hide	Whether the last digit shows at start
beep	Off or on	Key beep

Using and locking the function table

Hold SAMPLE until ba5fnc appears. Press SAMPLE to step through the classes, PRINT to open one, SAMPLE to step through its items, RE-ZERO to change a value and PRINT to store it; CAL exits. The classes are ba5fnc (environment, display), Cp fnc (comparator), dout (data output), 5if (serial interface), mlt (programmable unit), Unit, id (ID number) and ap fnc (application). All settings stay in memory when the balance is unplugged.

Lock the settings on a shared bench with the function switches. Turn the display off, hold PRINT and SAMPLE and press ON:OFF; the balance shows p5. Press PRINT to see the switches, SAMPLE to move between them and RE-ZERO to set each to 0 (inhibit) or 1 (permit), then PRINT to store. On the FX-120i the first switch protects the function table and the third protects calibration with an external weight. The same p5 menu holds the initialize (factory reset) function, which also clears calibration; if you need it, follow the reset steps in our FX-120i calibration guide and recalibrate afterward.

RS-232C output, printers and the GLP report

• Output mode (dout > prt): key mode (PRINT on a stable reading), auto print A or B (sends automatically when a stable load meets the ap-p polarity and ap-b difference), stream, key mode B (immediately), key mode C (waits for stable) and interval output every 2 seconds to 10 minutes (int).
• Port settings (5if): baud rate 600 to 19,200 bps (bp5), 7 bits even or odd or 8 bits no parity (btpr), CR LF or CR terminator, and data format: A&D standard, DP, KF, MT, NU or CSV (type).
• Printer: the A&D AD-8121B printer (not included) connects to the RS-232C port. A&D’s manual lists the matching printer mode for weight data, statistics and GLP output; for multi-line statistics printouts set the data output pause (pU5e) to 1.
• GLP/GMP report: set an ID number under id, then info 1 for the AD-8121B format or 2 to send the report to a PC. Reports include maker, model, serial number, ID, the weight used and a signature line. The FX-120i has no clock, so the AD-8121B adds date and time.
• Computer: A&D’s WinCT software reads data over RS-232C. For computers without a serial port, see connecting a scale to a computer by USB or RS-232.

FX-i interface options

• FXi-02 Quick USB interface (not included): installs in the balance and sends weight values one way into Excel, Word or Notepad on Windows without a driver. For two-way WinCT communication, statistics or GLP data, A&D points to its USB converter instead.
• FXi-08 Ethernet interface with WinCT-Plus (not included): connects the balance to a LAN so a PC can collect data from several balances and send commands.
• FXi-09 built-in NiMH battery (not included): A&D lists about 10 hours to charge and about 8 hours of use; the balance is not usable while charging.
• Only one of the FXi-02, FXi-08 and FXi-09 can be installed at a time.

Underhook, care and the problems we see

• Underhook: remove the plastic cap under the balance to reach the built-in hook for density work or for magnetic samples (the sensor uses a strong magnet, so hang iron parts below the balance). Don’t push the hook upward or overload it, and refit the cap afterward.
• Cleaning: use a lint-free cloth dampened with warm water and mild detergent; no organic solvents. Take care with the pan edge, which is sharp.
• Wrong settings: a changed Cond, 5t-b, trc or unit list is the first thing to check when a balance seems slow, jumpy or stuck in another unit. Compare against the tables above, then lock the function table.
• Calibration mode entered by accident: holding CAL starts calibration; press CAL to cancel, or see our calibration guide.
• Cut cables and overloads: a pinched adapter cord or a sensor strained by drops and overloads ends up on our repair bench. Route cords clear of the bench edge and keep loads under 122 g; see replacing a scale cable.

Selling by weight with an FX-i balance

The FX-120i is non-NTEP. For buying or selling precious metals by weight, choose a Class II model such as the FX-120iN or the FX-200iN; they use the same keypad and the same FZ-i/FX-i manual, plus A&D’s supplementary manual for the legal-for-trade versions. Browse all NTEP precision balances, read our legal-for-trade jewelry scale guide and what NTEP legal for trade means. For counter work at 0.1 g, the A&D EK-i series includes NTEP Class II models.

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.

Still choosing between FX-i models? See FX-120i vs FX-120iN vs FX-300i; the FX-300i uses this same manual. Reloading? See our best reloading scale comparison. Browse all A&D precision balances.

Calibration, repair and rentals

• Calibrated before it ships: in-house calibration $95 or NIST calibration certificate $395 for balances up to 2.2 kg, including the FX-120i. See NIST vs in-house certificates and how to calibrate the FX-120i.
• Mail-in calibration: pack the balance in its original packing and ship it to our shop 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 per visit, plus the calibration fee for each scale.
• Legal-for-trade placement in Texas: our TDA-registered technicians calibrate and place commercial scales in service. See legal-for-trade scale calibration and balance calibration in Houston.
• Repair: sensor, cable, adapter and keypad 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 FX-120i manual?

The FX-120i is covered by A&D’s FZ-i/FX-i series instruction manual, available from the Documents tab of A&D’s FX-120i product page and as a PDF on A&D’s global site. The newer FX-123 has its own FZ/FX series manual.

Is the FX-120i manual the same as the FZ-120i manual?

Yes. One manual covers the FZ-i and FX-i series. Sections on the internal calibration mass and the clock and calendar apply only to FZ-i models; the FX-120i calibrates with an external 100 g or 50 g weight.

How do I change or store units on the FX-120i?

Press MODE to step through the stored units. To choose which units are stored, hold SAMPLE until ba5fnc appears, press SAMPLE until Unit shows, press PRINT, select units with SAMPLE and RE-ZERO, then press PRINT to store and CAL to exit.

How do I use counting mode on the FX-120i?

Press MODE until pcs shows, press SAMPLE, press SAMPLE again to choose 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 pieces, zero with RE-ZERO, place that many pieces and press PRINT. Adding three or more extra pieces afterward lets ACAI refine the unit weight.

How do I lock the FX-120i settings?

Turn the display off, hold PRINT and SAMPLE and press ON:OFF to reach p5, press PRINT, then set the function table switch and the external calibration switch to 0 (inhibit) with SAMPLE and RE-ZERO, and press PRINT to store.

How do I connect the FX-120i to a computer?

Use the standard RS-232C port with matching baud rate, parity and data format, or add the FXi-02 Quick USB interface (not included), which types weight values into Excel or Word on Windows without a driver.

Does the FX-120i come with a calibration weight?

Only if the offer you buy lists one. A&D specifies a 100 g or 50 g external weight; the A&D 100 g calibration weight is sold separately. Calibration steps are in our FX-120i calibration guide.

Is the FX-120i NTEP approved?

No. The FX-120i is non-NTEP. The NTEP Class II version is the FX-120iN, which uses the same keypad. In Texas, 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.