Manual Olympus Epoch XT

EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
Users Manual
Manual Version D
910-264D-EN March 2007
In accordance with European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic

Equipment, this symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste, but should be collected separately. Refer to your local Olympus NDT
distributor for return and/or collection systems available in your country.
Copyright 2007 by Olympus NDT. All rights reserved.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of Olympus NDT, except
where permitted by law. For information, contact: info@OlympusNDT.com.
Panametrics, Panametrics-NDT, and the Panametrics-NDT logo are trademarks of
Panametrics Inc.
Other product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks of their
respective companies, and are mentioned for identification purposes only.
Printed in the United States of America.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................... iii

Warranty ............................................................................................................. ix
1.
Preface ........................................................................................................... 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
Product Description ...........................................................................................................

About This Document .......................................................................................................
Audience ............................................................................................................................
Typographic Conventions .................................................................................................
If You Have Documentation Comments ...........................................................................
Revision History ................................................................................................................
Technical Help ...................................................................................................................
1
2
2
3
4
4
5
2. EPOCH XT Physical Features ...................................................................... 7

2.1 Transducer Connections .................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Optional Hardware Input/Output Port ............................................................................... 8
2.3 Pipestand/Handle ............................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Bi-Directional Hand Strap ................................................................................................. 8
2.5 Battery Door and Compartment ........................................................................................ 9
2.6 Office Connection Door .................................................................................................. 10
2.7 O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals ............................................................................ 10
2.8 D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use ............................................................................... 10
2.9 Display Protection ........................................................................................................... 11
2.10 IP 67 Environmental Rating ........................................................................................... 11
3. Operating the Power Supply ....................................................................... 13

3.1 Using AC Line Power ..................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Using Battery Power ....................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Operating Time for the Battery ....................................................................................... 14
Table of Contents
iii
3.4 Replacing the Battery ...................................................................................................... 15

3.5 Charging the Battery ........................................................................................................ 15
3.6 Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries ...................................................................................... 16
4. Managing Basic Operations ........................................................................ 17

4.1 Powering Up ....................................................................................................................
4.2 The EPOCH XT Keypad .................................................................................................
4.2.1 Adjustment Using Enter and Slewing Keys .........................................................
4.2.2 Direct Access Adjustment Using Parameter and F Keys .....................................
4.2.3 Direct Entry of Parameter Values .........................................................................
4.3 Summarizing Keypad Functions .....................................................................................
4.4 Display Arrangement .......................................................................................................
4.4.1 Full-Screen Display ..............................................................................................
4.4.2 Split Screen Display .............................................................................................
4.4.3 Display Flags and Markers ...................................................................................
4.5 Menu Navigation .............................................................................................................
4.6 Instrument Setup Menu ...................................................................................................
4.6.1 General Tab ...........................................................................................................
4.6.2 Editable Parameters (EditPara) Tab ......................................................................
4.6.3 Status Tab ..............................................................................................................
4.6.4 Splash Screen Tab .................................................................................................
4.7 Display Setup Menu ........................................................................................................
4.7.1 Color Tab ..............................................................................................................
4.7.2 Ascan Tab .............................................................................................................
4.8 Measurement Setup Menu ...............................................................................................
4.8.1 EPOCH XT Measurements ...................................................................................
4.8.2 Meas Tab ...............................................................................................................
4.8.3 Gates Tab ..............................................................................................................
4.8.4 Options Tab ...........................................................................................................
17
17
18
18
18
19
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
34
34
36
37
38
42
42
46
47
50
5. Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver .................................................................... 51

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain) .........................................................................

Using the AUTOXX% Feature .....................................................................................
Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain ....................................................................
Pulser Adjustment ...........................................................................................................
5.4.1 Pulse-Repetition Frequency ..................................................................................
5.4.2 Pulser Frequency Selection (Pulse Width) ...........................................................
5.4.3 Pulse Energy .........................................................................................................
5.4.4 Damping ...............................................................................................................
5.4.5 Test Mode .............................................................................................................
5.5 Receiver Adjustment .......................................................................................................
iv
Table of Contents
51
52
53
53
53
54
55
55
56
56
5.5.1 Digital Filters ........................................................................................................ 56

5.5.2 Waveform Rectification ........................................................................................ 57
5.6 Custom Filter Sets ........................................................................................................... 58
6. Managing Special Waveform Functions .................................................... 59

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Reject ...............................................................................................................................
Peak Memory ..................................................................................................................
Peak Hold ........................................................................................................................
Display Freeze .................................................................................................................
59
60
61
62
7. Gates .............................................................................................................. 63
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
Positioning Gates 1 and 2 ................................................................................................

Gate Measurement Modes ...............................................................................................
Taking Thickness Readings .............................................................................................
Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings ......................................................................
Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer ...........................................................
Measuring Signal Amplitude ..........................................................................................
Operating in Time-of-Flight Mode ..................................................................................
Using the Zoom Feature ..................................................................................................
Gate Alarms .....................................................................................................................
7.9.1 Threshold Alarms .................................................................................................
7.9.2 Minimum-Depth Alarm ........................................................................................
7.9.3 Minimum Depth Alarm with a Single Gate .........................................................
7.9.4 Minimum-Depth Alarm with Gate 2 Tracking .....................................................
7.9.5 Alarm-Condition Storage .....................................................................................
63
64
64
64
65
66
68
69
69
69
70
70
71
71
8. Calibrating the EPOCH XT ........................................................................ 73

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Getting Started .................................................................................................................

Calibrating with a Straight-Beam Transducer .................................................................
Calibration with a Delay-Line Transducer ......................................................................
Calibration with a Dual-Element Transducer ..................................................................
Calibrating with an Angle-Beam Transducer ..................................................................
8.5.1 Locating the Beam Index Point (BIP) ..................................................................
8.5.2 Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta) ...................................................................
8.5.3 Calibrating for Distance .......................................................................................
8.5.4 Calibrating for Sensitivity ....................................................................................
74
75
79
84
89
90
91
93
97
9. Managing the Instrument Datalogger ...................................................... 101

9.1 Datalogger Storage Capacity ......................................................................................... 102
9.2 Datalogger Menu ........................................................................................................... 103
9.2.1 Creating Data Files ............................................................................................. 103
Table of Contents
9.2.2 Data File Types ...................................................................................................

9.2.3 Opening Data Files .............................................................................................
9.2.4 Saving to Data Files ............................................................................................
9.2.5 File Summary and Review ..................................................................................
9.2.6 Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibration) .........................................................
9.3 Reporting .......................................................................................................................
9.3.1 Report Header Setup ...........................................................................................
9.3.2 Printing ...............................................................................................................
9.3.3 Instrument Resets ................................................................................................
104
120
123
123
126
128
128
129
132
10. Software Features and Options ................................................................ 133

10.1 Defining Active/Inactive Options .................................................................................
10.2 DAC/TVG .....................................................................................................................
10.2.1 Description .........................................................................................................
10.2.2 Option Activation and Reference Correct ..........................................................
10.2.3 ASME & ASME3 DAC/TVG ........................................................................
10.2.4 ASME III DAC Setup Example .........................................................................
10.2.5 Gain Adjustment Options ..................................................................................
10.2.6 Curve Adjustment GainAlso Called DAC Gain or TVG Gain ...............
10.2.7 Transfer Correction .............................................................................................
10.2.8 JIS DAC ..............................................................................................................
10.2.9 20%80% DAC Option ......................................................................................
10.2.10 Custom DAC Curves Option ............................................................................
10.2.11 TVG Table Option ............................................................................................
10.2.12 TVG Table Setup ..............................................................................................
10.3 DGS/AVG .....................................................................................................................
10.3.1 Description .........................................................................................................
10.3.2 Option Activation ...............................................................................................
10.3.3 Relative Attenuation Measurement ....................................................................
10.4 AWS D1.1/D1.5 ............................................................................................................
10.4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................
10.4.2 AWS D1.1 and the EPOCH XT ..........................................................................
10.4.3 Operating the AWS D1.1 Software ....................................................................
133
135
135
136
137
137
142
144
145
145
146
147
149
150
153
153
154
159
160
160
161
161
Appendix A: Cable Assembly ......................................................................... 165

Appendix B: Sound Velocities ......................................................................... 167
Appendix C: Glossary ..................................................................................... 171
Appendix D: EPOCH XT EN12668-1 Technical Specifications .................. 181
vi
Table of Contents
Appendix E: Parts List .................................................................................... 225

Documentation Comments .............................................................................. 229
Table of Contents
vii
viii
Warranty
The EPOCH XT Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector has been designed and manufactured as a
high quality instrument.
Inspect the unit thoroughly upon receipt for evidence of external or internal damage that may
have occurred during shipment. Notify the carrier making the delivery immediately of any
damage, since the carrier is normally liable for damage in shipment. Preserve packing
materials, waybills, and other shipping documentation in order to establish damage claims.
After notifying the carrier, contact Olympus NDT so that we may assist in the damage claims
and provide replacement equipment, if necessary.
Olympus NDT guarantees the EPOCH XT to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one year (twelve months) from date of shipment. This warranty
only covers equipment that has been used in a proper manner as described in this instruction
manual and has not been subjected to excessive abuse, attempted unauthorized repair, or
modification. DURING THIS WARRANTY PERIOD, Olympus NDT LIABILITY IS
STRICTLY LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITS
OPTION. Olympus NDT does not warrant the EPOCH XT to be suitable of intended use, or
fitness for any particular application or purpose. Olympus NDT accepts no liability for
consequential or incidental damages including damage to property and/or personal injury. In
addition to our standard one year warranty, Olympus NDT also offers an optional two year
warranty (call for further details).
The warranty does not include transducers, transducer cables, battery(ies), or seals. The
customer must maintain the condition of seals in the battery door and office connection doors.
The customer will pay shipping expense to the Olympus NDT plant for warranty repair;
Olympus NDT will pay for the return of the repaired equipment. (For instruments not under
warranty, the customer will pay shipping expenses both ways.)
In this manual, we have attempted to teach the proper operation of the EPOCH XT consistent
with accepted flaw detection techniques. We believe the procedures and examples given are
accurate. However, the information contained herein is intended solely as a teaching aid and
Warranty
ix
should not be used in any particular application without independent testing and/or verification
by the operator or the supervisor. Such independent verification of procedures becomes more
important as the criticality of the application increases.
For these reasons, we make no warranty, expressed or implied, that the techniques, examples,
or procedures described herein are consistent with industry standards or that they will meet the
requirements of any particular application. Olympus NDT expressly disclaims all implied
warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any particular application.
Olympus NDT reserves the right to modify all products without incurring the responsibility for
modifying previously manufactured products. Olympus NDT does not assume any liability for
the results of particular installations, as these circumstances are not within our control.
THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND ARE IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER STATUTORY, EXPRESS, OR IMPLIED
(INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING
OR USAGE OR TRADE).
Warranty
1.
Preface
The preface contains the following introductory topics:
Product Description
About This Document
Audience
Typographic Conventions
If You Have Documentation Comments
Revision History
Technical Help
1.1
Product Description
The EPOCH XT is a high-performance, lightweight, and portable ultrasonic flaw detector.

This detector offers excellent ultrasonic performance, large dynamic range, superior
measurement resolution, a color-liquid crystal display, and an all-new user interface. The
EPOCH XT sets a new performance benchmark for portable flaw detection and is a completely
new instrument offering many performance, durability, and operational enhancements when
compared to previous EPOCH Flaw Detectors. Enhancements include:
Case sealed to IP67 to assure environmental durability.
Complies with EN12668-1.
High Performance PerfectSquare Pulser Technology The instrument electronics

control both the leading and trailing edges of the pulse for precise width control and
excellent near surface resolution while maintaining the superior penetration power
expected with a square wave pulser.
A 100% digital, high dynamic-range receiver design with unprecedented TVG

performance.
Preface
Digital filters: Broadband, Narrowband, and High-Pass filters for application flexibility.
Five customizable measurement-display locations for time and amplitude measurements

from either Gate 1 or Gate 2.
New rapid parameter adjustment methods maximizing effectiveness of operator inputs.
Large datalogger for instrument setups and inspection data. Allows operator to use
corrosion thickness-gage file types.
USB client port for high speed data transfer to a PC.
USB host port for printing and for USB drive storage.
Hardware I/O port for alarm outputs, trigger in/out, and encoder compatibility.
We suggest reading through the information completely at least once with your EPOCH XT in
hand so that you can combine reading the descriptions and examples with the actual use of the
instrument.
1.2
About This Document
This document is the Users Manual for the EPOCH XT. This manual describes routine tasks
for operating the EPOCH XT. These tasks include:
Operating the power supply
Managing basic operations
Adjusting the pulser receiver
Managing special waveform functions
Using the gates
Calibrating the EPOCH XT
Managing the datalogger and data communication features
Using software options
1.3
Audience
This document is intended for any operator using the EPOCH XT. Olympus NDT
recommends that all operators have a thorough understanding of the principles and limitations
of ultrasonic testing. We assume no responsibility for incorrect operational procedure or
interpretation of test results. We recommend that all operators seek adequate training prior to
using this equipment. Olympus NDT offers a full range of training courses including Level I
and Level II Ultrasonic Testing, Advanced Detection and Sizing, and Ultrasonic Thickness
Gaging. For further information regarding training courses, contact Olympus NDT.
2
Chapter 1
While the EPOCH XT is a continuously self-calibrating instrument, the user must determine
regulatory requirements. Olympus NDT offers calibration and documentation services.
Contact Olympus NDT or your local representative with any special requests.
1.4
Typographic Conventions
The following notes and table describe typographic conventions, which appear in this
document.
WARNING
This information indicates danger and the possibility of personal injury.
CAUTION
This information indicates that equipment damage can occur.
Note: This information provides explanatory information.
Tip: This information provides helpful guidelines for easy operation.
Preface
Table 1 Typographic conventions

Convention
1.5
Description
Courier Font
Used for file names, lines of code, names of

processes, and commands.
Heavy courier
Used for command line user input.
Bold
Used for textual parts of graphical user

interface, including menu items, buttons,
toolbar names, modes, options, and tabs.
Italics
Used for screen/window names, dialog boxes

and document titles.
Bold Italics
Used for emphasis.
[BOLD] (Square Brackets with Bold)
Used for instrument keys on the keypad.
<Italics> (Angle Brackets)
With italics text, used for variable data.
Used for showing the next sequential step.
If You Have Documentation Comments
Olympus NDT is always interested in improving its documentation. We value your comments
about this manual and other Olympus NDT documentation.
Complete the survey at the back of this manual and send your documentation comments to
Olympus NDT by using one of the following methods:
Send comments to Olympus NDT. Attention: Technical Publications
Contact us at: info@OlympusNDT.com.
In all your correspondence, please include the title of the document, its part number, release
date, and the specific section upon which you are commenting.
1.6
Revision History
This document may require updating because of corrections or changes to the product.
4
Chapter 1
Publication dates are updated when a change is made to the document. In addition, the
document number is also changed to reflect the revision.
The following table shows a list of revisions for this document.
Table 2 Revision history
Date
1.7
Issue
Release version
August 2006
910-264A-EN
First release
October 2006
910-264B-EN
Update
January 2007
910-264C-EN
Update
February 2007
910-264D-EN
Update
Technical Help
For assistance, call Olympus NDT and ask to speak to a sales engineer.
Preface
Chapter 1
2. EPOCH XT Physical Features
The EPOCH XT has many physical features that are either completely new or improved
compared to previous EPOCH Flaw Detectors. It is important for the operator to be familiar
with the use and maintenance of these items.
This section covers the following topics:
Transducer Connections
Optional Hardware Input/Output Port
Pipestand/Handle
Bi-Directional Hand Strap
Battery Door and Compartment
Office Connection Door
O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals
D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use
Display Protection
IP 67 Environmental Rating
2.1
Transducer Connections
The EPOCH XT is supplied with either BNC or large LEMO transducer connectors. The type
of transducer connector is chosen when the instrument is ordered. If necessary, it is possible to
change the type of transducer connection at the factory for a small charge.
While the selection of transducer connector is typically based on the operators preference, it is
important to note that the performance of these two connector types is not equal. The
environmental durability of the EPOCH XT depends in part on the connector style chosen
because the BNC connectors are sealed and the large LEMO connectors are not. The
EPOCH XT Physical Features
EPOCH XTs IP 67 Environmental Rating is applicable to instruments with BNC connectors

only. Instruments with large LEMO connectors have not been certified to any IP
Environmental Rating.
2.2
Optional Hardware Input/Output Port
EPOCH XT instruments are available with an optional 16 pin LEMO hardware input/output
(I/O) port next to the transducer connections. This port serves the following functions as of the
first EPOCH XT production run:
Alarm Outputsfor details see section 7.9 on page 69
Trigger In/Outfor details see section 10.4.7
This LEMO connection is sealed to IP 67 when the supplied cap is in place (and in good
condition) or when the mating connector is plugged in. If the connector is left open then it is
not sealed and liquids might enter the instrument. Olympus NDT offers an EPOCH XT
Hardware I/O cable as an accessory with the EPOCH XT with part numbers EPXT-C-16HW-6
(6) and EPXT-C-16HW-20 (20).
2.3
Pipestand/Handle
The EPOCH XT has a new pipe stand/handle design chosen for its light weight, compact
design, durability, and ease of adjustment. To adjust the position of the pipestand/handle, the
ball-detent mechanisms that locate the pipestand/handle allow the position to be adjusted
simply by pulling on the lower part of the pipestand/handle.
The pipestand/handle is removable. This requires a 0.5 in. Crescent wrench to remove the
locator pins on both sides of the instrument. Once these have been removed, the operator can
slide the pipestand/handle out of the ball-detent mechanisms and then replace them with the
locator pins. This arrangement allows the use of the D-rings for a chest harness and removes
the weight of the pipestand/handle.
2.4
Bi-Directional Hand Strap
The EPOCH XT has been designed with a bi-directional hand strap so that the instrument may
be held in the operators left or right hand. There are three mounting points for the hand strap
on the instrument; left, right, and bottom-center. The bottom-center point should not need to be
adjusted except for the removal or replacement of the hand strap.
Chapter 2
To reverse the hand strap

1.
Peel back the outer leather area that is held with Velcro to the adjustment strap and the
center leather section.
2.
Peel the adjustment strap upward to remove it from the center leather section.
3.
Replace the outer leather section now that the adjustment strap has been removed.
4.
Gently pull the adjustment strap downward to remove it from between the pin and the
body of the instrument.
5.
Pull the adjustment strap under the instrument and around to the opposite-side pin and
place it between the pin and body of the instrument in the upward direction.
6.
Peel back the outer leather area (formerly the inner leather area).
7.
Adjust the hand strap to a comfortable position by pulling the adjustment strap and sliding
the leather section.
8.
Attach the adjustment strap to the center leather section and close the other leather section
over the adjustment strap.
2.5
Battery Door and Compartment
The EPOCH XT battery door allows the operator quick access to the battery compartment
without the need for tools. There are two quick-release buttons on the battery door (on the left
when looking at the back of the instrument). To open the door, these buttons must be pressed
fully and released, then the door can be slid out to the left. It is important to do this carefully to
avoid damaging the four plastic tabs that hold the right side of the door in place.
When replacing the battery door these steps are reversed. It is important to slide the door all the
way to the left before attempting to re-engage the quick release connectors. The operator must
also take care to keep the battery door seal in place or the instruments environmental seal can
be damaged and stop functioning as designed.
The battery door also has a small hole that is covered on the inside by an environmentally
sealed membrane vent. This vent is a safety feature that is required in the event that the
instrument battery fails and emits gas. There is also a sticker on the outside of the battery door
explaining that this location contains a membrane vent. This vent must not be punctured
because it is part of the instruments environmental seal.
The EPOCH XT has been designed to accept three battery types: Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal
Hydride, or alkaline C-Cells. The instrument is supplied with a foam block to help hold C-Cell
type batteries in place, but this is not required for their use.
2.6
Office Connection Door
On the lower-right side of the EPOCH XT there is a door that covers all of the instruments
office type connections. The door has an integral O-ring seal to keep liquids away from the
unsealed connections behind the door. These connections are: the AC adapter input, USB
client port, and USB host port.
The Office Connection door is held in place by two thumb screws. The operator may also use a
hexagonal wrench to manipulate these thumb screws as needed.
2.7
O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals
The EPOCH XT contains seals that are used to protect the instruments internal hardware from
the environment. These include:
Battery door seal
Office connection door seal
Membrane vent
The main O-ring seal between the top and bottom halves of the case
The O-ring seal under the transducer connector plate
The gaskets located in the transducer connector plate assembly
These seals must be maintained to assure environmental durability. Instrument seals are
evaluated and replaced as needed during the instruments annual calibration. This should be
performed by an authorized Olympus NDT service center.
2.8
D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use
The EPOCH XT has four D-ring clips that may be used as mounting points for a chest harness.
These D-ring clips have been mounted at ruggedized locations to ensure their integrity and
prevent instrument damage. If a chest harness is being used, then the operator must use all four
points to support the weight of the instrument. You must not expect that two D-rings will
reliably support the instrument.
The D-rings may be removed if they are not required. The mounting points do not penetrate the
instrument case, so the instruments seal rests intact without the D-rings.
10
Chapter 2
2.9
Display Protection
All EPOCH XT gages are shipped from the factory with a clear plastic sheet protecting the
instrument display window. It is advised that the operator leave this sheet in place.
Replacements are available in packages of ten with part number EPXT-DP.
The display window in the EPOCH XT is permanently bonded to the upper half of the
instrument case to fully seal the instrument. If the display window becomes damaged, the
entire upper half of the case must be replaced along with the instrument keypad.
Olympus NDT also offers a rubber protective case with an integrated (and replaceable) plastic
display shield. Contact Olympus NDT or your local representative for more information.
2.10 IP 67 Environmental Rating

The EPOCH XT has been designed to provide customers with an extremely rugged and
durable instrument that may be used in harsh environments. In order to classify the
instruments durability in wet or damp environments, many manufacturers, including
Olympus NDT, have adopted the IP (Ingress Protection) system to rate how well the
instrument is sealed.
The EPOCH XT has been tested to the requirements of IP 67. All instruments ordered with
BNC transducer connectors are designed to meet this level of ingress protection when they
leave the factory. In order to maintain this level of protection, the operator is responsible for
the proper care of all routinely exposed seals, O-rings, membranes, etc. (discussed in section
2.7 on page 10). Additionally, the operator is responsible for returning the instrument to an
authorized Olympus NDT service center each year to ensure that the instrument seals are
properly maintained. Olympus NDT cannot guarantee any level of ingress protection
performance once the instrument seals have been manipulated. The operator must use sound
judgment and take proper precautions before exposing the instrument to harsh environments.
11
12
Chapter 2
3. Operating the Power Supply
This chapter contains sections describing how to operate the EPOCH XT using different power
supply options. The topics are as follows:
Using AC Line Power
Using Battery Power
Operating Time for the Battery
Replacing the Battery
Charging the Battery
Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries
3.1
Using AC Line Power
AC line power is supplied via the Charger/Adapter (part number EP4/MCA). The EP4/MCA
has a universal AC Power input, so it operates with any line voltage from 100120 VAC or
200240 VAC and with 50 Hz to 60 Hz line frequency.
To use AC line power
1.
Connect the power cord to the charger/adapter unit and to an appropriate line power
source.
2.
Open the sealed Office Connection door on the right side of the EPOCH XT.
3.
Connect the DC output power cable from the charger/adapter to the charger/AC adapter
input jack inside the door (top connection).
4.
Turn on the EPOCH XT using the keypad.
5.
Proceed with normal operation.
Operating the Power Supply 13
3.2
Using Battery Power
The EPOCH XT is offered with the choice of Lithium Ion (Li Ion) or Nickel Metal Hydride
(NiMH) batteries. alkaline C-Cell batteries may also be used. All EPOCH XT instruments
have been designed to accept these three battery types without any modifications or
adjustments.
The battery-life symbol is always present at the upper-right corner of the instrument display.
The battery indicator contains five bars to communicate the remaining battery life. Each bar
represents 20% life remaining: 5 bars equals 100%, 4 bars equals 80%, and so on. The battery
indicator will be accurate after 5 to 10 minutes of use.
3.3
Operating Time for the Battery
Battery operating time depends on the type of battery being used, the age of the battery, and the
instrument settings. In order to provide realistic battery operating times, we have tested the
EPOCH XT with mid-level operating parameters: Pulse Energy 200 V, Pulse Frequency
(width) 5.00 MHz, PRF 500 Hz, and Display Brightness 50 % (default setting). The nominal
battery operating times for new batteries are:
Li Ion: 9-10 hours
NiMH: 4-5 hours
C-Cell: 1-2 hours
Note: It may take several cycles of complete charging and discharging of the
battery to bring the battery to full capacity. This conditioning process is normal for these
types of rechargeable batteries.
14
Chapter 3
3.4
Replacing the Battery
WARNING
The EPOCH XT Charger/Adapter is designed to charge EPOCH XT batteries only. Do
not attempt to charge any other batteries. Doing so may cause an explosion and injury!
Do not attempt to charge other electronic equipment. This will cause permanent damage.
To replace the EPOCH XT battery, follow the steps in section 2.5 on page 9 of this manual. Be
careful to avoid any damage to the door seal or membrane vent. The battery should be removed
by pulling the top of the battery away from the instrument.
To insert a new battery the operator should put the top of the battery in first to assure proper
connection with the instrument and then drop the bottom of the battery into the compartment.
The battery door should be replaced with care as described in section 2.5 on page 9.
3.5
Charging the Battery
The EPOCH XT battery may be charged internally using the EP4/MCA Charger/Adapter or
externally using the optional standalone battery charger with part number EPXT-EC.
To charge the battery internally, the operator must open the office connection door and plug in
the EP4/MCA Charger/Adapter. The battery will charge when the instrument is ON or OFF,
but the rate of charge is slower when the instrument is ON.
When the EPOCH XT is connected to AC power and powered ON, the battery indicator will
display a lightning bolt symbol instead of the standard indicator with 5 bars showing
remaining battery life.
The operator may also choose to use the external battery charger, EPXT-EC, to charge one
battery, while using another in the instrument. For more information about this external
charger, contact Olympus NDT or your local sales representative.
If the battery is used daily (or frequently), connect it to the Charger/Adapter when not in use.
Whenever possible, the battery should remain connected to the EP4-MCA Charger/Adapter
(overnight or over a weekend), so that it achieves 100 % of full charge. The battery must reach
full charge on a regular basis for proper capacity and cycle-life maintenance.
Operating the Power Supply 15
Recharge discharged batteries as soon as possible after use. Give a full recharge, as described
above.
Note: Never place discharged batteries in storage without a full recharge.

Store batteries in a cool and dry environment. Avoid long-term storage under sunlight or in
other excessively hot places such as an automobile trunk. While in storage, fully recharge
batteries at least once every two (2) months.
3.6
Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries
EPOCH XTs are shipped with the positive and negative contact points inside the battery
compartment to use standard alkaline C-Cell batteries. These batteries cannot be recharged
using the EP4/MCA Charger/Adapter.
The EPOCH XT also ships with a foam block that can be inserted to hold C-Cell batteries in
place when the battery door is removed. This foam block is not required for C-Cell battery use.
The EPOCH XT automatically recognizes that alkaline C-Cell batteries are being used. No
special settings or adjustments are required.
16
Chapter 3
4. Managing Basic Operations
This chapter describes how to get started with the basic EPOCH XT operation. Topics are as
follows:
Powering Up
The EPOCH XT Keypad
Summarizing Keypad Functions
Display Arrangement
Menu Navigation
Instrument Setup Menu
Display Setup Menu
Measurement Setup Menu
4.1
Powering Up
Pressing the [ON/OFF] key causes an initial beep.The instruments startup screen will appear.
The instrument then goes through a series of self-tests for 4560 seconds and starts up.
4.2
The EPOCH XT Keypad
The keypad functions have been grouped and color-coded according to function. Most major
instrument setup parameters can be accessed by pressing the corresponding key or by pressing
[2ND F] and the corresponding key.
The most commonly used keys on the keypad ([GAIN], [FREEZE], [SAVE], [ENTER],
[MEAS/RESET], and the arrows) are located in a group next to the users left thumb. This
arrangement is similar to the EPOCH 4 series and EPOCH LT.
Managing Basic Operations
17
The keys on the right side of the keypad that are surrounded by the gray line, are used for
access to their setup parameters as labeled and also as an alphanumeric keypad.
The top row of keys are the [F1] through [F5] software function keys used for direct access to
various parameter settings.
There are three methods for adjusting instrument setup parameters in the EPOCH XT:
Adjustment using the [ENTER] and slewing keys
Direct access adjustment using the parameter keys and F keys
Direct entry of parameter values
4.2.1
Adjustment Using Enter and Slewing Keys
These keys can be used to control all instrument functions that appear on the main screen. The
[ENTER] key will toggle from one setup parameter to the next and then cycle through them
again. By pressing [2ND F] then [ENTER], the operator can go back one setup parameter.
Each setup parameter can be adjusted with the arrow keys left and right or down and up. For
most parameters, left and right provide a fine adjustment and the down and up provide a coarse
adjustment. This new feature has been developed to allow more rapid adjustment of
parameters.
4.2.2
Direct Access Adjustment Using Parameter and F Keys
Most commonly used parameters have their own assigned key or a 2nd function position on the
instrument keypad. These keys allow direct access to the given parameter. This method
allows operators to quickly locate and activate a given instrument function for adjustment.
Once a parameter has been selected, the operator may adjust its value using the slewing keys as
described in section 4.2.1 on page 18 or by using the preset function [F1][F5] keys on the top
of the instrument keypad. The function keys appear below preset values for the selected
parameter.
4.2.3
Direct Entry of Parameter Values
The EPOCH XT rapid parameter adjustment method is called direct entry. This method should
be used when the operator knows the exact value to use for a selected parameter. To execute a
direct entry of a value, the operator must press the appropriate parameter key, press the
[ALPHA/NUM] key, enter the parameter value on the instruments alphanumeric keys, and
then press [ENTER].
18
Chapter 4
To set the instrument range to 650 mm (an example)

1.
Press the [RANGE] key.
2.
Press the [ALPHA/NUM] key.
3.
Type 6,5,0 on the alphanumeric keypad.
4.
Press [ENTER].
4.3
Summarizing Keypad Functions
The EPOCH XT is available with four different keypads. The most common are the English
keypad and the International keypad. Chinese and Japanese versions are also available.
Figure 4-1 EPOCH XT English Keypad
19
Figure 4-2 EPOCH XT International Keypad
Table 3 Keys
ENGLISH
20
Chapter 4
INTL
COLOR
FUNCTION
BLUE
Adjusts system sensitivity.
Table 3 Keys(continued)
BLUE
Locks reference gain level and allows

scanning gain to be used.
GRAY
Accesses instrument setup menu to

control operator preferences, local
settings, clock, startup screen setup, and
provides instrument status information.
GRAY
Accesses setup area for measurement

boxes, gate setup, and software option
setup.
GRAY
Accesses setup menu for the instrument

display and A-scan appearance.
GRAY
Toggles between full-screen display

mode and split-screen display mode.
BLUE
Display freeze holds the displayed

waveform until [FREEZE] is pressed
again.
21
22
Chapter 4
PURPLE
Saves instrument measurements, setup

parameters, and A-scans to selected file
and ID.
PURPLE
[MEAS/RESET] is a general purpose

key to get back to the live measurement
screen. Can be used to escape from
menus and to accept parameter
adjustments.
PURPLE
[ENTER] moves from one parameter to

the next and also accepts parameter
adjustments.
RED
[GATES] allows the operator to control

both instrument gates on screen.
RED
[2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS]

activates threshold or min depth alarms
for both instrument gates.
ORANGE
[PULSER] toggles through pulser

parameters.
ORANGE
[RCVR] toggles through receiver

parameters.
RED
[PEAK MEM] allows continuous

accumulation of peak envelope data
with the live waveform.
RED
[PEAK HOLD] Allows capture of

A-scan while viewing live waveform on
top of the captured A-scan.
YELLOW
[CAL] initiates the EPOCH XT AutoCalibration feature.
YELLOW
[ZERO] adjusts the instruments

calibrated zero position.
YELLOW
[ZOOM] zooms in to Gate 1 Width.
YELLOW
Adjusts the instruments material sound

velocity.
23
24
Chapter 4
YELLOW
Linear Reject
YELLOW
Adjusts the instruments range

according to the sound velocity setting.
YELLOW
Display delay that does not affect the

calibrated Zero Offset.
YELLOW
Adjustment for refracted angle within

the test material. Used for the angle
beam sound path calculator.
YELLOW
Adjusts part thickness settings. Used for

the angle beam sound path calculator.
4.4
BLUE
With [ID] the operator can manually

enter or adjust an ID within the currently
active file.
BLUE
Accesses the instruments datalogger.
BLUE
[ALPHA/NUM] begins direct entry of

parameter values on the live screen.
BLUE
Print function allows direct printing to

compatible USB printers (PCL5).
Display Arrangement
The EPOCH XT main screen can be displayed in two different modes: split screen and full
screen A-Scan. The split-screen view simultaneously displays the live A-Scan, measurements,
and all instrument setup parameters. The full-screen A-scan view displays a large A-scan,
measurements, and the active setup parameter (based on the operators selection).
When the EPOCH XT is powered on and has completed its self test procedure, the split screen
view opens to allow the operator to review the setup parameters.
25
To switch between the split-screen and full-screen A-scan views, press [2ND F], then
[DISPLAY SETUP].
4.4.1
Full-Screen Display
The full-screen A-scan view presents the operator with a large, high-resolution A-scan, up to
five user-selected measurements, time base information, the gain setting, the velocity setting,
and the active parameter as selected by the operator.
Top of the Screen

The filename, ID, measurements, battery indicator, and units (metric, Standard, s)
are constantly displayed.
The measurement boxes are customized by the operator. Each of the measurement
locations (up to 5) displays a symbol that lets the operator know what type of
measurement is being displayed.
Middle of the Screen
The A-scan waveform is displayed.
A grid is typically displayed behind the A-scan. The operator may choose between
several grid modes based on application needs and/or preference.
26
Chapter 4
Gate measurement icons are displayed on the right side of the screen. These icons tell
the operator the measurement mode for each gate and also flash when an alarm is
triggered.
On the right side of the display and below the gate measurement icons, the instrument
displays flags and markers that notify the operator when options are active, when
[FREEZE] is active, and other conditions.
Bottom of the Screen
Delay (Dly) and Range (Rng) always appear under the A-scan. These tell the operator
where in time the display window begins and ends.
Gain (Ref) and Velocity (Vel) are always displayed.
The active function (if not Dly, Rng, Gain, or Vel) will be displayed.
Preset values for the selected instrument parameter are displayed on the bottom of the
screen.
4.4.2
Split Screen Display
The split-screen display presents a condensed waveform along with all instrument setup
parameters. This screen is useful when establishing the initial instrument setup as it enables a
quick check of all setup information and allows rapid adjustments while viewing the live Ascan.
The instrument setup parameters have been arranged into three main columns. The left column
27
contains calibration settings. The center column contains pulser settings and can be directly
accessed using the [PULSER] key. The right column contains receiver information and can be
directly accessed using the [RCVR] key. Gate settings are displayed below these three
columns of setup parameters.
4.4.3
Display Flags and Markers
To indicate when particular display functions are active, the EPOCH XT displays a set of flags,
or markers, to the right of the A-scan display. The following table shows these flags and
provides a description of each.
Table 4 Display flags and markers

FLAG
DESCRIPTION
This indicates that the [2ND F] key has been pressed.
Gate 1 is in Peak Measurement Mode.
Gate 2 is in Peak Measurement Mode.
Gate 1 is in Edge (or Flank) Measurement Mode.
Gate 2 is in Edge (or Flank) Measurement Mode.
Gate 1 is in First Peak Measurement Mode.
Gate 2 is in First Peak Measurement Mode.
[PEAK MEM] is active.
28
Chapter 4
Table 4 Display flags and markers (continued)
[2ND F] [PEAK MEM] Peak Hold (Ref Echo) is active.
Display [FREEZE] is active.
The Recall Freeze is active. Press [MEAS/RESET] to deactivate.
[ZOOM] is active.
Indicates that the gate alarm has been triggered. Flashes on and off alternating
with gate measurement indicator.
DAC/TVG is active.
DGS/AVG is active.
AWS D1.1/D1.5 is active.
Battery life indicator when running on battery power.
Battery indicator when running on AC adapter.
4.5
Menu Navigation
The three setup menus in the EPOCH XT have been designed to allow rapid access to
important instrument setup functions. All of these menus share a general navigation
philosophy using the [ENTER] key and the up, down, left, and right arrow keys. The menus
29
themselves are constructed with tabs, sublevel tabs, control groups, and parameters.
Tabs These are used for group related functions within a setup menu. When the operator
enters a menu, there will be a row of tabs running across the top of the screen. The operator
must use the left and right arrow keys to select the desired tab. Once the proper tab has been
highlighted, the operator must press the [ENTER] key to enter the tab.
Sublevel tabs In some of the tabs that the operator selects, there is another sub-group of tabs.
These tabs run vertically from the top to the bottom of the display. The OPTIONS tab in the
[MEAS SETUP] menu and the EditPara tab in the INSTR [SETUP MENU] are examples of
this. The operator must use the up and down arrow keys to select the desired sublevel tab. Once
the proper sublevel tab has been highlighted, the operator must press the [ENTER] key to
enter the sublevel tab.
Control Groups The parameters inside a tab are organized into control groups containing
related functions. These control groups are surrounded by a box to divide one control group
from another. The operator must use the [ENTER] key to move from a tab to the first control
group, then the next control group. When the last control group in a tab is active and the
operator presses the [ENTER] key, and the instrument will highlight the tab again. The
operator may also use [2ND F], [ENTER] to move back one control group.
Parameters These are found within the control group. When the operator selects a control
group with the [ENTER] key, the instrument will automatically select the first parameter in
the group. The operator uses the up and down arrow keys to select a parameter and the left and
right arrow keys to adjust the parameter value. In some cases the parameter will not have fixed
selections, and the operator can use the alphanumeric keys to directly enter text or values.
4.6
Instrument Setup Menu
The EPOCH XT Instrument Setup menu contains functions that the operator uses to set up the
instrument according to local requirements and based on user preference. This menu also
allows the operator to lock instrument functions if required, check the status of the
EPOCH XT, and edit the instrument startup screen (Splash Screen) with his company
information.
There are four individual tabs in the Instrument Setup menu. When the menu is accessed, the
first tab General will be highlighted. The operator must use the left and right arrow keys to
move from one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must press the [ENTER]
key. Once the tab has been accessed, the operator uses the [ENTER] key to move from one
control group to the next and the arrow keys to select and adjust parameters.
To exit the instrument setup menu, the operator should press [MEAS/RESET] or the
30
Chapter 4
[INSTR SETUP] key
Tip: The [MEAS/RESET] key can be used to exit any EPOCH XT menu at any
time. This key returns to the live screen from any location within the instruments user
interface.
4.6.1
General Tab
Pulser
Square Standard tunable square wave pulser.
Spike Locks the pulser to a narrow width to allow use with all transducers. This
setting is used to simplify the instrument setup when the performance advantages
of the tunable pulser are not required.
Filter Group
Standard This accesses the standard instrument filters when the user presses
the [RCVR] key on the live screen.
Other Filter Groups Olympus NDT produces other custom filter groups based
on customer requirements. These can be selected here. When an alternative filter
31
group is selected, the operator will only be able to use the custom filters when the
[RCVR] key is pressed on the live screen.
Language Standard Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish, and Custom language.
Key Beep When Key Beep is active, the instrument will beep whenever a key is
pressed.
Alarm Beep Toggles the alarm horn on and off.
All Lock When active, this function locks all keys other than [2ND F],
[DISPLAY SETUP], and [ON/OFF]. A padlock symbol appears on the live screen
when this is active.
Cal Lock When active, this function locks the following keys: [GAIN], [CAL],
[ZERO], [RANGE], [VEL], [ANGLE], [PULSER], and [RCVR].
Temp Cal Used to select the automatic or manual temperature calibration.
Locale Used to select the global location. The instrument uses this information to
properly format numeric displays (radix) and the date.
Date Sets the instrument date.
Time Sets the instrument time.
4.6.2
Editable Parameters (EditPara) Tab
Editable parameters are standard on all EPOCH XT instruments. With this feature the operator
can customize the values that appear above the function [F1][F5] keys for the setup
32
Chapter 4
parameters below. These items are listed as sublevel tabs, and each contains 13 control groups
with parameters.
Gain
Gain Step Universal setting for the coarse (up and down arrows) and fine (left and right
arrows) gain adjustment
Reject
Zero Offset
Freq (Frequency) Pulse-width setting
Vel (Velocity)
Rng (Range)
Dly (Delay) Display delay
Angle
Thickness
AutoXX Customizable value for the AUTO80% feature discussed in section 5. on

page 515 of this manual
Note: Parameters that contain text such as rectification cannot be adjusted. Also,
parameters that are limited by hardware and/or software constraints such as damping
cannot be adjusted.
To setup the editable parameters
1.
Press the [ENTER] key to select the EditPara tab.
2.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select a sublevel tab for the parameters to be adjusted.
3.
Press the [ENTER] key to move to the control group and then use the up and down arrow
keys to select the parameter to be adjusted.
4.
Press the left and right arrow keys to adjust the setting.
5.
Press the [ENTER] key to move to the next control group or to the sublevel tabs.
33
4.6.3
Status Tab
The instrument Status tab provides the operator with useful information related to internaltemperature, battery capacity, and hardware/software versions. This information may be used
by Olympus NDT to help support the product.
4.6.4
34
Splash Screen Tab
Chapter 4
The splash screen (Splash Scr) tab allows the operator to customize the EPOCH XT startup
sequence. At the end of the startup sequence there is a splash screen where the information
entered here will appear. This is typically used to enter the instrument owners company
information and contact information. An example is shown below.
35
4.7
Display Setup Menu
The EPOCH XT Display Setup menu contains functions that control the EPOCH XTs display
appearance. These functions include color scheme, display brightness, and A-scan appearance.
There are two individual tabs in the Display Setup menu. When the menu is accessed, the first
tab Color will be highlighted. The operator can use the arrow keys or the [F1] and [F2] keys to
move from one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must press the [ENTER]
key. Once the tab has been accessed, the operator uses the [ENTER] key to move from one
setting to the next and the arrow keys to adjust settings.
To exit the Display Setup menu, the operator should highlight one of the tabs and press the
[F5] key. This will return the operator to the live screen.
time. This key will return you to the live screen from any location within the instruments
user interface.
36
Chapter 4
4.7.1
Color Tab
With the Color tab the operator can set the display brightness and choose the color scheme for
the instrument. There are three color-scheme choices:
Factory as shown above
EL Display similar in appearance to electroluminescent displays
Outdoor white background to maximize visibility in sunlight as shown above
When the operator selects a color scheme, the instrument displays an example of the color
scheme within the tab.
It is important to note that the display brightness can greatly affect the instruments battery life.
The default brightness setting is 50%.
37
4.7.2
Ascan Tab
The Ascan tab is used to modify the appearance of the EPOCH XTs A-scan to meet
application needs or the operators preferences.
The available settings are listed below:
Baseline Break This feature modifies the appearance of the EPOCH XTs A-scan
in fullwave rectified mode. When Baseline Break is active, the instrument locates all
zero cross points in the RF waveform and forces the fullwave rectified mode to
display these zero cross points by pulling the A-scan to the baseline. This feature
helps the operator to see small defects that are close to the back surface of the test
piece, especially at large ranges.
Live Display
Outline The live A-scan will be drawn as a single line.
Filled The A-scan outline is filled in with the A-scans color (except in RF
mode). This helps to increase visibility in certain lighting conditions.
Peak Display This setting affects the appearance of A-scans and Peak Envelopes
that are captured with the Peak Hold and Peak Memory functions. Peak Hold captures
a single reference A-scan, and the live A-scan is displayed in the foreground. Peak
Memory tracks the highest peak on the live A-scan and draws an envelope across the
peak positions.
38
Outline Captured A-scans and Peak Envelopes are drawn as a single line.
Filled Captured A-scans and Peak Envelopes are filled.
Chapter 4
Grid Display The EPOCH XT has four display modes for the X-Axis grid. These
four settings are designed to provide the operator with a convenient display mode for
the application. The modes and examples are shown below:
Grid Off No grid lines are displayed. 010 appear along bottom of A-scan.
Standard 10 equally spaced grid lines.
39
SoundPath 5 equally spaced grid lines with soundpath values.
Leg Up to 4 grid lines showing soundpath legs (half paths) based on part
thickness and angle.
Waveform Height The EPOCH XT always measures amplitude up to 110% fullscreen height. The operator can choose to display the Y-Axis on the A-scan display
from 0100% or from 0110% FSH. Examples are shown below:
40
Chapter 4
100% Grid
110% Grid
41
4.8
Measurement Setup Menu
The EPOCH XT Measurement Setup menu allows the operator to choose how the EPOCH XT
takes and displays measurements. The operator uses this menu to select which measurements
to display for the application, to choose how the gates perform their measurement, and to setup
special measurement features and options like DAC/TVG and DGS/AVG.
There are three individual tabs in the Measurement Setup menu. When the menu is accessed,
the first tab Meas is highlighted. The operator must use the left and right arrow keys to move
from one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must press the [ENTER] key.
Once the tab has been accessed, the operator uses the [ENTER] key to move from one control
group to the next, the up and down arrow keys to select parameters, and the left and right arrow
keys to adjust parameters.
To exit the Measurement Setup menu, the operator should press the [MEAS SETUP] key.
time. This key returns to the live screen from any location within the instruments user
interface.
4.8.1
EPOCH XT Measurements
The EPOCH XT can display up to five (5) measurements on the live screen. The operator has
the ability to choose which measurements to display in each of the five measurement locations.
The measurement locations are shown in the screen below.
42
Chapter 4
Note: If the operator chooses to leave measurement location #5 OFF in the

Measurement Setup menu, then the instrument will display measurement #4 in large
numerals. If measurement #5 is turned ON, then location #4 is split in half horizontally to
accommodate both measurements. Measurement location #5 is typically used to display
specialized measurements for DAC/TVG, DGS/AVG, or AWS D1.1 defect sizing, but it
may be used for any measurement as needed.
The EPOCH XT is capable of making several types of measurements using either Gate 1 or
Gate 2. The two gates are completely independent of each other unless the operator chooses to
take an echo-to-echo measurement. The list of available measurements and their icons from
the live screen are shown in the following table.
Table 5 Measurements and Icons

MEASUREMENT
ICON
DESCRIPTION
Gate 1 THICKNESS
Thickness in Gate 1. Not used with Angle.
Gate 2 THICKNESS
Thickness in Gate 2. Not used with Angle.
Gate 1 SOUNDPATH
Soundpath (Angular) distance in Gate 1.
DISTANCE
43
Table 5 Measurements and Icons (continued)
Gate 2 SOUNDPATH
Soundpath (Angular) distance in Gate 2.
DISTANCE
Gate 1 DEPTH TO
REFLECTOR
Gate 2 DEPTH TO
REFLECTOR
Gate 1 SURFACE
DISTANCE
Gate 2 SURFACE
DISTANCE
Gate 1 SURFACE DIST

X VALUE
Gate 2 SURFACE DIST

X VALUE
Depth to reflector in Gate 2. Used with

Angle.
Horizontal distance to reflector in Gate 1.
Used with Angle.
Horizontal distance to reflector in Gate 2.
Used with Angle.
Horizontal distance minus X-Value
(distance from beam index point to front of
wedge) in Gate 1. Used with Angle.
Horizontal distance minus X-Value
(distance from beam index point to front of
wedge) in Gate 2. Used with Angle.
Gate 1 MINIMUM DEPTH
Minimum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate

adjustment, most pulser/receiver
adjustments, and on press of
[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 2 MINIMUM DEPTH
Minimum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate

[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 1 MAXIMUM
Maximum Depth in Gate 1. Resets on gate

[MEAS/RESET] key.
DEPTH
Gate 2 MAXIMUM
DEPTH
44
Depth to reflector in Gate 1. Used with

Angle.
Chapter 4
Maximum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate

[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 1 CURRENT
AMPLITUDE
Gate 2 CURRENT
AMPLITUDE
Amplitude measurement in Gate 1.

Displays as % of full-screen height (FSH).
Displays as % of full-screen height (FSH).
Gate 1MAX AMPLITUDE
Maximum Amplitude in Gate 1. Resets on

gate adjustment, most pulser/receiver
[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 2 MAX AMPLITUDE
Maximum Amplitude in Gate 2. Resets on

[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 1MIN AMPLITUDE
Minimum Amplitude in Gate 1. Resets on

[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 2 MIN AMPLITUDE
Minimum Amplitude in Gate 2. Resets on

[MEAS/RESET] key.
Gate 1AMP TO CURVE

Displays echo height as a percentage of
DAC/TVG curve height.
Gate 2 AMP TO CURVE

Displays echo height as a percentage of
DAC/TVG curve height.
Gate 1 DB TO CURVE

Displays echo dB value compared to curve
height where the curve equals 0 dB.
Gate 2 DB TO CURVE

Displays echo dB value compared to curve
height where the curve equals 0 dB.
45
4.8.2
Gate 2 - Gate 1
Gate 2 thickness minus Gate 1 thickness

(echo-to-echo measurement).
AWS D1.1/D1.5 WELD

RATING (D)
D rating calculated for the gated echo.
FLAT BOTTOM HOLE

SIZE
Flat-bottom hole (FBH) size (equivalent

reflector size) for DGS/AVG evaluation.
OVERSHOOT
Overshoot value in dB comparing echo

height to DGS/AVG curve.
Meas Tab
The Operator uses the upper control group in the Meas tab to choose which measurements to
display and in which location to display them on the live screen. This tab is shown below.
The lower control group in the Meas tab contains several settings that can affect the
measurements taken by the EPOCH XT. Descriptions of these settings are shown below:
46
Unit Select from Inches, Millimeters, or Microseconds.
Resolution Select from DEFAULT or reduced time/thickness measurement resolution.
Chapter 4
Amp Resolution The EPOCH XT measures amplitude to 0.25% FSH. The operator
may change this to 0.5% or 1% if desired.
Calibration The EPOCH XT allows the operator to perform an angle-beam calibration

using either the Sound Path to a reflector or the Depth to a reflector as the known
reference.
X Value This is the distance from the Beam Index Point on a wedge to the front of the
wedge. When using Gate 1 Surface Dist X Value or Gate 2 Surface Dist X Value
measurements, this number is the correction that is used for the displayed measurement.
Curved Surface Correction (CSC) This is a standard feature on all EPOCH XT

instruments. This feature is used when inspecting with an angle beam transducer on a
surface that is curved in the direction of the sound path. This feature corrects the
horizontal distance and depth to reflector measurements based on part thickness and outer
diameter. This function currently works on the outer diameter only.
Outer Dia. User entered value for Curved Surface Correction calculations.
Trigger Choose between Internal, External, and Single. For most applications, this
setting should be left on Internal.
4.8.3
Gates Tab
The Gates tab allows the operator to set up measurement modes for Gate 1 and Gate 2. Gate 1
and Gate 2 can be used independently as required by the operator, or Gate 2 can track the echo
in Gate 1 allowing Gate 1 to act as an interface gate. The selections within the Gates tab are
detailed below:
47
48
Gate2 Tracking: This is typically used for taking echo-to-echo thickness measurements.
The operator can setup Gate 1 and Gate 2 on the display with a specific distance between
Gate 1 Start and Gate 2 Start. When Gate 2 Tracking is active, this distance will be
maintained between an echo breaking Gate 1 and Gate 2 Start.
Gate1 Measurement Mode and Gate2 Measurement Mode: As discussed in section

4.4.3 on page 28, the EPOCH XT allows three different measurement modes for each
gate. The three modes are Peak, First Peak, and Edge (also known as FLANK). The
following screens show examples of the three modes:
Chapter 4
Gate1 RF Setup and Gate2 RF Setup: When the EPOCH XT rectification is set to RF,
49
the operator has three choices for Gate Positioning: Positive, Negative, or Dual Gate. In
Positive mode, the gate will appear above the baseline. In Negative mode, the gate will
appear below the baseline. In Dual Gate mode, the gate will be mirrored above and below
the baseline.
4.8.4
Options Tab
The Options tab allows the operator to set up software features and options like DAC/TVG,
DGS/AVG, and AWS D1.1/D1.5. Details regarding these software features/options are found
in section 10. on page 133 of this manual. The Options tab is shown in the screen as follows:
50
Chapter 4
5. Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver
This chapter describes how to adjust the EPOCH XTs Pulser/Receiver. The topics are as
follows:
Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain)
Using the AUTOXX% Feature
Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain
Pulser Adjustment
Receiver Adjustment
Custom Filter Sets
5.1
Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain)
To adjust the system sensitivity

1.
Press [GAIN].
2.
Use one of the three adjustment methods to adjust the gain setting:
Arrow Keys up and down for coarse adjustment, left and righT for fine adjustment.
Function Keys Jump to preset values defined in EditPara.
Direct Entry Press the [ALPHA/NUM] key, enter the desired gain value on the
keypad, and press [ENTER].
Note: The total system sensitivity is 110 dB.
Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver
51
5.2
Using the AUTOXX% Feature
The AUTO-XX% feature was formerly known as the AUTO80% feature in the EPOCH 4
Series. The default setting for AUTO-XX% in the EPOCH XT is 80% full-screen height
(FSH). Using the EditPara feature described in section 4.6.2 on page 32 in this manual, the
operator can adjust the value to meet his application needs. In the remainder of this section,
AUTOXX% will be described as AUTO80% for simplicity.
The AUTO80% feature is used to quickly adjust the instruments gain (dB) setting to bring
the gated peak echo to 80% FSH. AUTO80% is especially useful for bringing the echo from a
reference indication to 80% FSH to establish the instruments Reference Gain Level (See
section 5.2 on page 52).
You can use the AUTO-80% feature to bring an echo to 80% FSH in either Gate 1 or Gate 2.
To use AUTO80% with Gate 1
1.
Press the [GATES] key.
2.
Use the arrow keys or the direct entry method to position the gate over the desired echo. It
is not necessary for the echo to break the gate threshold.
3.
Press [F5]. The highest peak within the gate will be brought to 80% FSH automatically by
adjusting the instruments gain setting.
To use AUTO80% with Gate 2

1.
Press the [GATES] key twice. This selects Gate 2.
2.
Use the arrow keys or the direct entry method to position the gate over the desired echo. It
is not necessary for the echo to break the gate threshold.
3.
Press [F5]. The highest peak within the gate will be brought to 80% FSH automatically by
adjusting the instruments gain setting.
tt
Note: You can use AUTO80% when an echo exceeds the desired amplitude.
The echo can be either above or below 80% FSH. If a signal is very high in
amplitude (above 500% FSH), then it might be necessary to activate the AUTO
80% function more than once. To do this, the operator simply presses the [F5] key
again.
52
Chapter 5
5.3
Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain
To establish the current system gain as the reference (base) level, press [2ND F], [GAIN]
[REF]. This is useful for inspections that require the establishment of a reference gain level
and then the addition or subtraction of scanning gain.
After accessing the reference gain function, the gain display will read: REF XX.X + 0.0 dB.
You can now add or subtract scanning gain as needed independent of the reference level.
To add scanning gain, use the up and down arrow keys for coarse adjustment (default 6 dB)
and the left and right arrow keys for fine adjustment.
While using the reference gain and scanning gain, the following functions are also available:
[F1] (Add) key Adds the scanning gain to the reference gain and deactivates the
reference gain feature.
[F2] (Scan dB) key Toggles the scanning gain from the active level to 0.0 dB (reference
level) allowing a direct amplitude comparison to the reference indication.
[F3] (Off) key Exits the reference gain function without adding the scanning gain to the
base instrument gain.
5.4
Pulser Adjustment
The pulser settings in the EPOCH XT are accessed by pressing the [PULSER] key on the
instrument keypad. Alternatively, the operator may press the [ENTER] key as needed to reach
the pulser parameter settings. The pulser setup parameters are:
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)
Pulser frequency selection (pulse width)
Pulse energy
Damping
Test mode
Pressing the pulser key multiple times will access the functions listed above in the same order.
5.4.1
Pulse-Repetition Frequency
Pulse-repetition frequency (PRF) is a measure of how often the transducer is being pulsed by
the electronic circuitry in the EPOCH XT. PRF is typically adjusted based on the test method
53
or test piece geometry. For parts with long sound paths, it is necessary to lower the PRF to
avoid wrap-around interference that results in spurious signals on the display. For applications
with rapid scanning, it is often necessary to use a high PRF rate in order to assure that small
defects will be detected as the probe moves past the part.
The EPOCH XT allows the operator to adjust the PRF from 10 Hz to 1000 Hz in steps of either
10 Hz (fine adjustment with left and right arrow keys) or 50 Hz (coarse adjustment with up and
down arrow keys). The operator may also use the direct entry method to set the PRF.
When the PRF setting is selected, the operator may press the [F1] (Optimum) key. The
instrument will select the optimal PRF for the instrument range (RNG) setting. This optimum
setting is for typical applications. It might be necessary for the operator to adjust from this
setting.
Note: The EPOCH XT is a single-shot instrument. This means that the

instrument acquires, measures, and draws the complete A-scan with each pulse rather
than using multiple acquisitions to construct a full waveform. The measurement rate in
the EPOCH XT is always equal to the PRF rate unless the operator is using a multiplexer.
5.4.2
Pulser Frequency Selection (Pulse Width)
Pulser Frequency Selection, which sets the Pulse Width, is applicable only when the Pulser
Square selection is active in the General tab of the [INSTR SETUP] menu. This frequency
selection is designed to tune the square-wave pulser to obtain the best performance from the
transducer being used. In general, the best performance is achieved by tuning the Pulser
Frequency as close to the center frequency of the transducer being used as possible.
Note: Actual results could vary due to the test material and/or variation in the
transducer-center frequency. It is recommended trying various settings with a transducer
and test piece to maximize ultrasonic performance.
54
Chapter 5
5.4.3
Pulse Energy
The EPOCH XT operator can adjust the pulse energy from 50 V to 475 V in increments of
25 V. Because of this flexibility in adjustment, the operator only uses the necessary level of
energy to perform the test while also providing a very high power pulser for the most difficult
materials.
To maximize instrument battery life and transducer life, it is recommended that the operator
use lower energy settings when the application permits it. For most applications, the energy
setting does not need to exceed 200 V.
5.4.4
Damping
The damping control lets the operator optimize the waveform shape for high resolution
measurements via an internal resistive circuit. There are four damping settings:
50 ohms
63 ohms
150 ohms
400 ohms
Tip: Generally, the lowest ohm setting increases the system damping and
improves near-surface resolution, while the highest ohm setting decreases system
damping and improves the instrument penetration power.
Selecting the correct damping setting fine tunes the EPOCH XT in order to operate with a
particular transducer selection. Depending on the transducer being used, the various damping
settings either improve near-surface resolution or improve the instruments penetration power.
To select a damping option
1.
Press [PULSER] to access the damping parameter.
2.
Use the function keys for direct access or the up and down keys to toggle through the four
available damping selections.
55
5.4.5
Test Mode
The EPOCH XT can operate in three test modes:

Pulse-Echo mode: Single element transducers. Use either transducer connector.
Through mode: Two separate transducers, typically on opposite sides of the test specimen.
Use the red-transducer connector as the transmitter.
Dual mode (Pitch and Catch): One connector acts as a transmitter; the other acts as a
receiver. The red-transducer connector is designated as the transmitter.
To select a Test mode
1.
Press [PULSER] to access the test mode parameter.
2.
Use the function keys for direct access or the up and down keys to toggle through the three
selections.
Note: To compensate for the one-way soundpath in Through mode, the

EPOCH XT does not divide transit time by two when calculating thickness
measurements.
5.5
Receiver Adjustment
The receiver settings in the EPOCH XT are accessed by pressing the [RCVR] key on the
instrument keypad. Alternatively, the operator may press the [ENTER] key as needed to reach
the receiver parameter settings. The receiver setup parameters are:
Digital filters
Waveform rectification
Pressing the receiver key multiple times will access the functions listed above in the same
order.
5.5.1
Digital Filters
The EPOCH XT has a total instrument bandwidth of 26.5 MHz at 3 dB. The instrument has
several broadband, narrow-band, and high-pass digital filter settings. These are designed to
56
Chapter 5
allow the instrument to provide the dynamic range (dB) required by EN12668-1 and also to
improve the instruments signal-to-noise ratio by filtering out unwanted high and/or low
frequency noise outside of the test frequency spectrum.
The Digital Filter setting is accessed by pressing the [RCVR] key on the instrument keypad.
The available settings are:
2.0 MHz to 21.5 MHz (broadband 1)
0.2 MHz to 10.0 MHz (broadband 2)
0.2 MHz to 1.2 MHz
0.5 MHz to 4.0 MHz
1.5 MHz to 8.5 MHz
5.0 MHz to 15.0 MHz

8.0 MHz to 26.5 MHz (high-pass)
In most cases, the operator should select either a broadband filter or a narrowband filter that
covers the frequency of the transducer being used. For example, with a 5 MHz transducer the
operator should use either one of the broadband settings or the 1.5 to 8.5 MHz setting. Due to
the shifting of the frequency spectrum in most materials, it might be necessary to adjust the
filter settings to maximize instrument performance. Every material is different, and the
operator must optimize the receiver settings based on the application.
5.5.2
Waveform Rectification
The EPOCH XT can operate in one of four different rectification modes:
Full-wave
Half-wave positive
Half-wave negative
RF (unrectified)
The RF mode is not active while operating in DAC mode or Peak Memory.
To select a waveform rectification mode
1.
Press [RCVR] once to display the current screen rectification. This is highlighted and
displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.
Use the function keys for direct access or the up and down keys to toggle through the
different waveform rectification modes.
57
5.6
Custom Filter Sets
As discussed in section 4.6.2 on page 32 of this manual, the EPOCH XT is capable of storing
custom filter sets that are developed at a customers request by Olympus NDT. For more
information, contact Olympus NDT.
58
Chapter 5
6. Managing Special Waveform Functions
This chapter describes how to manage special waveform functions. The topics are as follows:
Reject
Peak Memory
Peak Hold
Display Freeze
6.1
Reject
The REJECT function eliminates unwanted, low-level signals from the display. The
REJECT function is linear and adjustable from 0% to 80% FSH. Increasing the reject level
does not affect the amplitude of the signals above the reject level.
Note: The REJECT function can be used in RF Display mode.

To access the REJECT function
1.
Press [2ND F], [VEL] [REJECT].
2.
Use the function keys, arrow keys, or the direct entry method to set the reject level.
The reject level is displayed as a dashed horizontal line on the instrument display (or two lines
in the case of the RF Display mode). See following screens:
Managing Special Waveform Functions
59
6.2
Peak Memory
The [PEAK MEM] function enables the display to capture and store on the screen the
amplitude of each display point. The display updates each pixel if a signal of greater amplitude
is acquired. When a transducer is scanned over a reflector, the signal envelope (echo dynamic
as a function of transducer position) is held on the screen. In addition, the current, live
waveform is displayed at the appropriate place within the echo envelope.
This function is useful when it is necessary to find the peak from an indication during an anglebeam inspection. An example is shown as follows:
60
Chapter 6
Note: The [PEAK MEM] function cannot be activated in the unrectified, RF

display mode.
To activate Peak Memory
1.
Press [PEAK MEM]. A P symbol appears at the right side of the display to indicate that
the function is active.
2.
Scan over a reflector to acquire the echo envelope.
3.
Press [PEAK MEM] again to turn off the peak memory function.
6.3
Peak Hold
The Peak Hold function is similar to Peak Memory as it captures the current screen that is
displayed on the EPOCH XT when the function is accessed. The difference is that with Peak
Hold, the captured waveform is frozen on the screen and will not update even if the live
waveform exceeds the frozen waveforms amplitude.
Peak Hold is useful when an operator wants to obtain a waveform from a known sample and
compare it to a waveform from an unknown test piece. Similarities and/or differences in the
waveforms can be noted to help determine the unknown materials acceptability status.
Managing Special Waveform Functions
61
To activate Peak Hold

1.
Obtain an echo on the EPOCH XT screen that you want to capture.
2.
Press [2ND F], [PEAK MEM] [PEAK HOLD]. This captures the screen and still allows
viewing of the live waveform. A PH appears on the right side of the A-scan display
indicating that the function is active.
3.
Select the captured waveform to view as a single trace by pressing [F1], or as a filled-in
trace by pressing [F2].
4.
Press [2ND F], [PEAK MEM] [PEAK HOLD] again to shut off Peak Hold.
6.4
Display Freeze
The Display Freeze function holds or freezes the information on the screen at the moment the
[FREEZE] key is pressed. Once the Freeze function is activated, the pulser/receiver of the
EPOCH XT becomes inactive and does not acquire any further data. A F symbol appears on
the right side of the screen indicating that the function is active.
The Freeze function is useful when storing waveforms as it holds the current A-scan allowing
the transducer to be removed from the test piece. Once the display is frozen, the operator can
use a variety of instrument functions. These include:
Gate Movement Used to position the gate(s) over area(s) of interest to obtain
measurement data.
Gain Used to amplify signals of interest or to reduce the amplitude of signals when high
scanning gain values are being used.
Range, Delay, and Zoom The EPOCH XT time base can be manipulated to focus on
areas of interest. The total instrument range may not be increased.
Datalogger
Printing
When Freeze is active, the following parameters cannot be changed/accessed:
Zero (Offset)
Range (cannot be increased)
Pulser/Receiver settings other than Gain
To disable the Freeze function and return to normal operation, press [FREEZE] again.
62
Chapter 6
7. Gates
This chapter describes how to use the gates in the EPOCH XT. The topics covered are as
follows:
Positioning Gates 1 and 2
Gate Measurement Modes
Taking Thickness Readings
Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings
Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer
Measuring Signal Amplitude
Operating in Time-of-Flight Mode
Using the Zoom Feature
Gate Alarms
7.1
Positioning Gates 1 and 2
The EPOCH XT has two independent flaw gates. Both gates can be used to take thickness
measurements with straight-beam transducers, sound-path measurements with angle-beam
transducers, measure signal amplitude, measure time-of-flight in microseconds, or to trigger
threshold and minimum-depth alarms. The gates may also be used together to take echo-toecho thickness measurements.
Gate Positioning is controlled using the [GATES] key.
To access the Gate 1 controls, the operator must press the [GATES] button once. The operator
can then use the [ENTER] key or the [F1]-[F3] keys to access Gate Start (1-Start), Gate Width
(1-Width), and Gate Level (1-Level). The [F5] key controls the AUTOXX% function
discussed in section 5.2 on page 52 of this manual.
Gates
63
To access the Gate 2 controls, the operator must press the [GATES] button twice. If Gate 2 is
not turned on, the operator can press the [F4] key to turn it on and then use the [ENTER] key
or the [F1][F3] keys to access Gate Start (2-Start), Gate Width (2-Width), and Gate Level (2Level). The [F5] key controls the AUTOXX% function discussed in Section 5.2 on page 52
of this manual.
To adjust the position of a gate, the operator must access the appropriate gate function and use
the arrow keys or the direct-entry method to move the gates. The up and down arrow keys
allow rapid adjustment in coarse increments and the left and right arrow keys allow fine
adjustment.
7.2
Gate Measurement Modes
See section 4.4.3 on page 28 in this manual for details regarding the three gate-measurement
modes available for each gate (Peak, First Peak, Edge).
7.3
Taking Thickness Readings
To take a thickness reading with Gate 1

1.
In [MEAS SETUP] > Meas tab The operator must select Gate 1 Thickness as one of the
active measurements in the 5 measurement display locations. Typically, this would be
displayed in measurement location 4, and location 5 would be turned off.
2.
In [MEAS SETUP] > Gates tab The operator must set up the Gate 1 Measurement
mode to Peak, First Peak, or Edge as required by the application.
3.
On the live screen The operator must position Gate 1 over the echo of interest. The echo
does not need to break the gate for Peak measurements. It must break the gate for First
Peak or Edge measurements.
To take a thickness reading with Gate 2, the previous steps are the same but the Gate 2 controls
are used and the Gate 2 Thickness Measurement must be selected.
7.4
Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings
The operator can take echo-to-echo thickness measurements with the EPOCH XT whenever it
is required for an application. This is a standard feature in the EPOCH XT.
64
Chapter 7
To take an Echo-to-Echo thickness measurement

1.
In [MEAS SETUP] > Meas tab The operator must select Gate 2-1 as one of the active
measurements in the 5 measurement display locations. Typically this would be displayed
in measurement location 4 and location 5 would be turned off.
2.
In [MEAS SETUP] > Gates tab The operator must setup the Gate 1 and Gate 2
Measurement modes to Peak, First Peak, or Edge as required by the application. These
are typically the same for both gates, but this is not required.
3.
On the live screen The operator must position Gate 1 over the first echo of interest and
Gate 2 over the second echo of interest. The echo does not need to break the gate for the
peak measurements. It must break, however, the gate for First Peak or Edge
measurements.
The operator can choose to activate Gate 2 Tracking in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Gates
tab. As discussed in section 4.4.3 on page 28 of this manual, this function allows Gate 2 Start
to track the position of an echo in Gate 1 to maintain the preset blanking period between Gate 1
Start and Gate 2 Start.
7.5
Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer
During an angle-beam inspection, you can obtain accurate and reliable soundpath information
using the EPOCH XTs high-resolution distance calculator.
If a refracted angle is entered into the EPOCH XT and the operator has chosen Soundpath,
Surface Distance, and Depth measurements to be displayed in the measurement display
locations, then the instrument will automatically display all angular soundpath components
once the operator places the gate over the echo of interest (see following screen).
Gates
65
Amplitude
Depth
Surface
distance
Soundpath
Leg
Indicator
The soundpath leg indicator is displayed in the lower-right corner of the instrument display.
The first number indicates gate number, L means leg, and the second number indicates
soundpath leg. Examples: 1L2 means Gate 1 Leg 2, 2L2 means Gate 2 Leg 2. In order to
properly display the soundpath leg and the depth to reflector, the operator must enter the proper
part thickness. This is accomplished by pressing [2ND F], [ANGLE] [THICKNESS] and
entering the value.
The screen also displays the soundpath leg as part of the A-scan grid. This is set up in the
[DISPLAY SETUP] menu > Ascan tab as detailed in section 4.6.2 on page 32 of this manual.
7.6
Measuring Signal Amplitude
When estimating discontinuity size, the instrument is adjusted so that a particular gain setting
and screen height represent the echo amplitude produced by a known size reflector in a
reference standard. In general, a signal with a smaller amplitude could indicate a smaller
reflector and a signal with higher amplitude could indicate a larger reflector than the reference
standard.
To measure signal amplitude, the operator must select either Gate 1 Current Amplitude or
66
Chapter 7
Gate 2 Current Amplitude as a displayed measurement in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Meas
tab depending on which gate will be used for the measurement.
The EPOCH XT can also display Min amplitude and Max amplitude measurements for each
gate. If the operator wishes to use these measurements for inspection, they can be activated as
well. These measurements track the minimum and maximum measurements in the gate and are
reset by adjusting the gate, gain, pulser/receiver, or by pressing the [MEAS/RESET] key.
The Gate Measurement Mode will affect how the EPOCH XT measures signal amplitude:
Peak mode:
Amplitude measurement made on highest peak in gate
Signal does not have to break gate threshold
First Peak mode:
Amplitude measurement from first peak in gate
Signal must break gate threshold
Edge mode:
Amplitude measurement from highest peak in gate
Signal must break gate threshold
Once the operator has set up the displayed measurements and the gate measurement modes, the
operator needs to position the gate over the echo of interest. The echo-amplitude
measurement(s) will be displayed. The following screen shows some amplitude measurements
along with a part thickness to reflector measurement (defect depth).
Gates
67
Current
amplitude
7.7
Max
amplitude
Min
amplitude
Thickness
Operating in Time-of-Flight Mode
The EPOCH XT is capable of displaying time-of-flight (TOF) soundpath data for an echo that
breaks Gate 1 or Gate 2. Time-of-flight is the location of the reflector in terms of microseconds
(s).
When the time-of-flight mode is activated by going to the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Meas tab
> Unit = us, all distance measurements in the EPOCH XT will be displayed in microsecond
values instead of inches or millimeters.
Time-of-flight mode does not divide the reading by two. The entire time-of-flight through the
test piece in both directions is displayed.
As a reminder, when taking thickness measurements, the EPOCH XT must divide the product
of material velocity and time-of-flight by two in order to calculate the thickness of the part. If
this were not done, then the unit would display twice the actual thickness because the sound
energy would pass through the part twice.
68
Chapter 7
7.8
Using the Zoom Feature
To zoom in on an indication, position Gate 1 over the area of interest and press [2ND F],
[RANGE] [ZOOM]. The instrument automatically uses screen delay to bring the point that
corresponds to the gate start to the left side of the screen and also adjusts the displayed range to
match the gate width. The new range equals the unzoomed gate width. The lowest achievable
value of the expanded range is equivalent to the minimum range of the instrument at the
current material-velocity setting.
Zoom is especially useful in certain flaw detection applications. For example, when detecting
branches of cracking such as intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IGSCC), the inspectors
job can be complicated by the geometry of the test specimen and also by the specific
characteristics of the defect itself. In instances where the pipe counterbore is close to the weld
root, it is possible to have three signals that all appear quite close to each other (the weld root,
the counterbore, and the crack itself). Use the Zoom function to improve the visual resolution
of the EPOCH XT display so that each individual signal can be more easily identified.
When evaluating a crack signal, the inspectors attention is usually focused on the leading edge
of an indication. By observing the number and location of small peaks along the leading edge
of the signal, it is possible to make some assumptions regarding the presence and location of
different branches of cracking. Use the Zoom function to get a much more detailed view of an
indication and to make better judgements regarding flaw location and depth.
Zoom is useful when inspecting particularly large or thick components when detail is lost due
to using long screen ranges. Use the Zoom function to look at small sections of the test piece
without disturbing the instruments original calibration.
7.9
Gate Alarms
The EPOCH XT features a variety of alarm configurations for Gate 1 and Gate 2. In RF mode,
these alarms can be used in Positive, Negative, or Dual Gate modes. The three types of gate
alarms are Positive Threshold, Negative Threshold, and Minimum Depth.
7.9.1
Threshold Alarms
Threshold alarms can be set on Gate 1 and/or Gate 2.
Gates
69
To set a threshold alarm on Gate 1

1.
Press the [GATES] key and use the Start, Width, and Level parameters to position the
gate over the desired area.
2.
Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS]. The alarm options are now displayed above the
function keys.
3.
Press [F2] for positive logic or [F3] for negative logic. A positive logic alarm is triggered
when a signal breaks the gate threshold. A negative logic alarm is triggered when a signal
drops out of the gate threshold. Gate 1 and Gate 2 can both be set to either positive or
negative logic.
When the operator sets a threshold alarm on Gate 1 or Gate 2, the appearance of the tick marks
at the end of the gate will change. For positive logic alarms, the tick marks will point upward
and for negative logic alarms they will point downward.
To setup a threshold alarm on Gate 2, the operator must follow the steps above with the
exception of pressing [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] twice to access Gate 2 alarms.
To deactivate an alarm, the operator must access the gate alarm control and press [F1].
7.9.2
Minimum-Depth Alarm
The EPOCH XT is equipped with a minimum-depth alarm that is triggered whenever the
current thickness reading falls below an operator defined level. The minimum depth alarm may
be used either with a single gate or with two gates in Echo-to-Echo Measurement mode.
7.9.3
Minimum Depth Alarm with a Single Gate
Minimum depth alarms can be set on either Gate 1 or Gate 2.

To set a minimum depth alarm on Gate 1
70
1.
Press the [GATES] key and use the Start, Width, and Level parameters to position the
gate over the desired area. Be sure the Gate Start position is set to cover a range below the
minimum-depth alarm value.
2.
Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] to display the alarms in the function boxes at the
bottom of the screen. Press [F4] to activate the minimum-depth alarm.
3.
Use the arrow keys to set the desired minimum value. The range of minimum-depth values
is limited by the Gate Start and Gate Width settings. This minimum-depth alarm value
must be greater than the Gate Start value and less than the Gate Width value. Once
Chapter 7
activated, a marker appears on the gate to indicate the current setting. Any indication that
exceeds the gate threshold to the left of the marker will trigger the alarm.
4.
7.9.4
Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] followed by the [F1] key to turn off the alarm.
Minimum-Depth Alarm with Gate 2 Tracking
You may use the minimum-depth alarm when making echo-to-echo thickness measurements
with Gate 2 tracking as well. Whenever Gate 2 Tracking is active (located in [MEAS SETUP]
menu > GATES tab) all Gate 2 settings (Start, Width, Depth, and Min Depth Alarm
Threshold) are relative to the position of the echo in Gate 1. Gate 2 will move side-to-side,
tracking the position of an echo in Gate 1. When you set up a minimum-depth alarm on Gate 2
with Gate 2 tracking activated, the value for the alarm threshold is the distance from Gate 1
Start or the distance from the echo being measured by Gate 1.
To setup a minimum depth alarm on Gate 2
1.
Press the [GATES] key twice and use the Start, Width, and Level parameters to position
Gate 2 over the desired area. Be sure the Gate 2 Start position is set to cover a range
below the minimum- depth alarm value.
2.
Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] twice to display the Gate 2 alarms in the function
boxes at the bottom of the screen. Press [F4] to activate the minimum-depth alarm.
3.
Use the arrow keys to set the desired minimum value. The range of minimum-depth values
is limited by the Gate 2 Start and Gate 2 Width settings. This minimum-depth alarm
value must be greater than the Gate 2 Start value and less than the Gate 2 Width value.
Once activated, a marker appears on the gate to indicate the current setting. Any indication
that exceeds the gate threshold to the left of the marker will trigger the alarm.
4.
Press [2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] twice followed by the [F1] key to turn off the
alarm.
7.9.5
Alarm-Condition Storage
When an alarm is active on a gate, the gate indicator will flash between the measurement mode
icon and a red A symbol. Alarm conditions are stored in the EPOCH XT data logger. All saved
IDs with an active alarm display A1 for Gate 1 alarm and/or A2 for Gate 2 alarm.
Gates
71
72
Chapter 7
8. Calibrating the EPOCH XT
This chapter describes how to calibrate the EPOCH XT. Calibration is the process of adjusting
the unit so that it measures accurately on a particular material, using a particular transducer at a
particular temperature. You must adjust the Zero (Offset) and Velocity parameters of the
EPOCH XT during calibration. Zero (Offset) (sometimes referred to as probe delay)
compensates for the dead time between the firing of the main bang and the entry of the sound
into the test piece. The unit must be programmed with the correct Velocity setting so that it
matches the material velocity of the test piece.
The EPOCH XT has an advanced Auto-Calibration feature, which provides for a fast and easy
calibration process. The following section details the procedure to calibrate the EPOCH XT
when using the four basic transducer configurations: straight beam, delay line, dual element,
and angle beam.
Note: Do not use the Auto-Calibration feature when the EPOCH XT is in the
following modes: Microsecond time-of-flight, DAC, or TVG.
Calibration is explained in detail in following sections:
Getting Started
Calibrating with a Straight-Beam Transducer
Calibration with a Delay-Line Transducer
Calibration with a Dual-Element Transducer
Calibrating with an Angle-Beam Transducer
73
8.1
Getting Started
Until you are completely comfortable operating the EPOCH XT, we recommend that a basic
review and setup procedure be used prior to starting the actual calibration. The split-screen
feature of the EPOCH XT is useful for this as it lets you simultaneously view the waveform
display and all instrument calibration data.
To setup the EPOCH XT before calibrating
1.
Press [2ND F], [DISPLAY SETUP] to select the split-screen display.
2.
Press [2ND F], [VEL] [REJECT] to set the reject level to 0%. Press [F1] or use the
slewing keys to adjust the value to zero.
3.
Press [GAIN] to select an initial gain value that is appropriate for the calibration and
adjust the value by using the direct access function keys or the slewing keys. If the
appropriate gain level is unknown, set the initial gain at 20 dB and adjust it as necessary
during calibration.
4.
Press [VEL] to enter an approximate velocity for the test material and adjust the value
with the function keys or the slewing keys. If the velocity value is unknown, find a value
for the material being tested in Appendix CSound Velocitiesof this manual.
5.
Press [RANGE] to set the range and then adjust the value using the function keys or the
slewing keys.
6.
Press [2ND F], [ANGLE] [THICKNESS] to set the material thickness to 0.00 in or 0.00
mm. Press [F1] or use the slewing keys to adjust the value to zero.
7.
Press [ZERO] to set the zero offset value to 0.00 sec. Press [F1] or use the slewing keys to
bring the initial pulse to the left side of the instrument screen.
8.
Press [ANGLE] to enter the correct refracted angle for the probe (0 for a straight beam or
90 probe, 45 for a 45 probe, etc.) Use the function keys to access preset values or adjust
in 0.1 adjustments using the slewing keys.
9.
Once the transducer is coupled to the block, adjust the pulser and filter settings to create a
clean A-scan. Press [PULSER] multiple times to allow access to the various pulser
functions. Press [RCVR] to go directly to the filter settings. Adjust each function with the
function keys or the slewing keys.
Note: Refer to section 5.4 on page 53 and section 5.5 on page 56 in this
manual for information on adjusting the Pulser Receiver.
74
Chapter 8
8.2
Calibrating with a Straight-Beam Transducer
Use Olympus NDT transducer (part number A109S-RM), with a frequency of 5.0 MHz and an
element diameter of 0.50 in (13 mm) to perform the sample straight-beam calibration. The
calibration requires a test block with two known thicknesses made from the material to be
measured. Ideally, the two thicknesses should represent thicknesses that are both below and
above the expected thickness of the material being inspected.
For this example, we are using

standard 5-step steel test block (part number
2214E). The steps measure 0.100 in, 0.200 in, 0.300 in, 0.400 in, and 0.500 in.
Olympus NDT
Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to metric units, the calibration process is exactly the
same, except that the entries below will be in millimeters rather than inches.
To calibrate using a Straight-Beam transducer
1.
Follow the initial setup procedure outlined above. Connect the transducer to an
appropriate cable and then connect the cable to either of the transducer posts on the
EPOCH XT.
2.
Press [CAL]. A calibration symbol appears to the right of the A-scan, signifying the
EPOCH XT is in the Auto-Calibration mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration mode at any
point, press [CAL] again.
3.
Couple the transducer to the THIN calibration block step. For this example, the transducer
is coupled to the 0.200 in step (depending on the frequency of the contact transducer being
used, it might be impossible to obtain a proper reading on very thin material).
4.
Position Gate 1 so that the first backwall echo from the known thickness step is exceeding
the gate threshold. Adjust the gain setting so that the echo amplitude is at approximately
80%.
75
Figure 8-1 Calibrating for a thin block using a straight-beam transducer
5.
76
A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan. Once a steady reading is
achieved, press [ZERO]. The screen freezes and a popup box appears on the screen. Use
the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the test sample. For this
example, press [0] [.] [2] [0] [0], or [.] [2]. The entry appears in the popup box. If you
enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clear the
entry and then type the correct thickness. Press [F1] to continue.
Chapter 8
Figure 8-2 Entering a thin standard value
6.
Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration block step. In this example, the transducer
is coupled to the 0.500 in step.
7.
the gate threshold. Adjust the gain setting so that the echo amplitude is approximately
80%.
77
Figure 8-3 Calibrating for a thick block using a straight-beam transducer
8.
78
A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan. Once a steady reading is
achieved, press [CAL], then [VEL]. The screen freezes and a popup box appears again on
the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the test
sample. For this example, press [0] [.][5] [0] [0], or [.] [5]. The entry appears in the popup
box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times
to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.
Chapter 8
Figure 8-4 Entering a thick standard value
9.
Press [F2] to calculate and complete the calibration. The Zero (Offset) and Velocity
parameters adjust automatically, and the correct thickness reading of any gated echo
displays on the screen.
Note: It is possible to use the Auto-Calibration feature on a single test block

of known thickness. You can use multiple backwall echoes instead of coupling on
both a thin step and a thick step. You can leave the transducer coupled on the thin
step, move the gate over to one of the multiple backwall echoes, and enter the correct
soundpath thickness (2, 3, 4, etc. multiple of the first backwall echo) during the
velocity portion of the calibration.
8.3
Calibration with a Delay-Line Transducer
The sample delay line calibration described below is performed using Olympus NDT
transducer part number V202-RM, with a frequency of 10.0 MHz and an element diameter of
0.25 in (6 mm). The calibration requires a test block with two known thicknesses, made from
the material to be measured. Ideally, the two thickness measurements are both below and
79
above the expected thickness of the material to be inspected.
For this example, we are using Olympus NDT standard 5-step steel-test block, part
number 2214E. The steps measure 0.100 in, 0.200 in, 0.300 in, 0.400 in, and 0.500 in.
Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to work in metric units, the calibration process is
exactly the same, except that the entries below will be in millimeters, rather than inches.
To calibrate using a Delay Line Transducer
1.
Follow the initial setup procedure outlined in section 7.2 on page 64. Connect the
transducer to an appropriate cable and then connect the cable to the transducer post on the
EPOCH XT. With a zero offset of 0.000 s, the main bang (or excitation pulse) should
appear on the left side of the screen. Increase the zero offset until the main bang moves off
the left side of the screen and the interface echo from the end of the delay-line tip appears
on the screen. Verify that the echo represents the end of the delay by tapping your finger
on the end of the couplant-coated delay line. This dampens the signal and the echo should
jump up and down on the screen. Use the zero offset to move this echo to the left side of
the screen so that it is barely visible.
2.
Press [CAL]. A calibration symbol will appear to the right of the A-scan, signifying the
3.
will be coupled to the 0.100 in step.
4.
80%. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan.
Note: Ensure that it is the first backwall echo being gated, not a multiple echo
from the end of the delay-line tip.
80
Chapter 8
Figure 8-5 Calibrating for a thin block using a delay-line transducer
5.
Press [ZERO] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box appears on
sample. For this example, press [0] [.] [1] [0] [0]. The entry appears in the popup box. If
you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clear
the entry and then type the correct thickness.
81
82
6.
Press [F1] to Continue.
7.
The display returns to the live A-scan. Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration
block step. For this example, the transducer is coupled to the 0.500 in step.
8.
80%. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan.
Chapter 8
Figure 8-7 Calibrating for a thick block using a delay line transducer
9.
Press [CAL], then [VEL] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a pop-up box
appears again on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known
thickness of the test sample. For this example, press [0] [.] [5] [0] [0]. The entry appears in
the pop-up box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key
multiple times to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.
83
10. Press [F2] to calculate and complete the Auto-Calibration. The Zero (offset) and Velocity
parameters adjust automatically, and the correct thickness reading of any gated echo is
displayed on the screen.
Note: It is possible to use Auto-Calibration on a single test block of known

thickness. You can use multiple backwall echoes instead of coupling on both a thin
step and a thick step. You can leave the transducer coupled on the thin step, and
instead move the gate over to one of the multiple backwall echoes and then enter the
correct soundpath thickness (2, 3, 4, etc. multiple of the first backwall echo) during
the velocity portion of the calibration.
8.4
Calibration with a Dual-Element Transducer
The sample delay line calibration described below is performed using Olympus NDT
transducer (part number DHC711-RM) with a frequency of 5.0 MHz and an element
diameter of 0.25 in (6 mm). The calibration requires a test block with two known
thicknesses made from the material being measured. Ideally, the two thicknesses
84
Chapter 8
should represent thicknesses that are both below and above the expected thickness of
the material to be inspected. For this example, we are using Olympus NDT standard 5step steel test block (part number 2214E). It has steps measuring 0.100 in, 0.200 in,
0.300 in, 0.400 in, and 0.500 in.]
Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to work in metric units, the calibration process is
exactly the same, except that the entries below will be in millimeters, rather than inches.
Note: Due to the acoustic characteristics of dual transducers, a nonlinearity in the

distance calibration occurs as the thickness of the material decreases. The point of
maximum sensitivity is determined by the roof angle of the particular dual transducer.
We recommend that the distance calibration is carried out using a step block that covers
the range of interest. Be careful when interpreting thickness readings made outside the
calibrated range. The EPOCH XT does not have V-Path Correction; therefore, there might
be some nonlinearity within the calibrated range depending on the minimum thickness
used in the calibration process.
The zero offset value of dual-element transducers can vary significantly at extreme
temperatures. If the temperature changes more than a few degrees from the temperature at
which the zero offset value was established, recheck its value. If thickness measurements are to
be made over a wide temperature range, we strongly recommend the use of Olympus NDT
dual transducers that are designed for high- temperature applications and that have built-in
delay lines with a stable sound velocity that does not change significantly with temperature.
Specific recommendations are Olympus NDT D790-SM and D791 dual element transducers.
To calibrate using a Dual Element transducer
1.
transducer to an appropriate cable and then connect the cable to the transducer posts on the
EPOCH XT. Change the test mode to Dual. Also, when using a dual-element transducer,
the Gain setting is generally set very high so that the leading edge of the backwall echoes
appear as nearly vertical lines on the screen. The leading edge is then used when making
thickness measurements. For this reason, the EPOCH XT should be set to Edge Detection
mode.
85
2.
Press [CAL]. A Calibration symbol appears to the right of the A-scan, signifying the
3.
will be coupled to the 0.100 in step. As noted above, a higher Gain setting is required to
produce a clean leading edge of the signal. Do not be concerned with the jagged peaks of
the echo. Concentrate on the leading edge only.
4.
Position Gate 1 so that the leading edge of the backwall echo from the known thickness
step is exceeding the gate threshold. A thickness reading appears in large text above the
A-scan.
Figure 8-9 Calibrating for a thin block using a dual-element transducer
5.
86
Press [ZERO] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box appears on
sample. For this example, press [0] [.] [1] [0] [0]. The entry appears in the popup box. If
you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clear
the entry and then type the correct thickness.
Chapter 8
Figure 8-10 Entering a Thin Standard Value
6.
Press [F1] to continue.
7.
The display returns to the live A-Scan. Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration
block step. For this example, the transducer is coupled to the 0.500 in step.
8.
Position Gate 1 so that the leading edge of the backwall echo from the known thickness
step is exceeding the gate threshold. A thickness reading appears in large text above the Ascan.
87
Figure 8-11 Calibrating for a thick block using a dual-element transducer
9.
88
Press [CAL], then [VEL] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box
thickness of the test sample. For this example, press [0] [.] [5] [0] [0]. The entry appears in
the popup box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key
multiple times to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.
Chapter 8
10. Press [F2] Calculate to complete the Auto-Calibration. The Zero (Offset) and Velocity
parameters adjust automatically, and the correct thickness reading of any gated echo is
displayed on the screen.
8.5
Calibrating with an Angle-Beam Transducer
The sample angle beam calibration described below is performed using Olympus NDT
transducer part number A430S-SB with a frequency of 2.25 MHz and an element diameter of
0.625 in x 0.625 in. The transducer is mounted on a 45 wedge, part number ABWS-6-45. We
recommend using either an ASTM E-164 IIW Type I or a U.S. Air Force IIW Type II
calibration block for this calibration procedure. The steps below use Olympus NDT IIW Type I
carbon-steel calibration block, part number TB7541-1.
To calibrate using an Angle Beam transducer
1.
transducer to an appropriate cable and then connect the cable to the transducer post on the
EPOCH XT.
2.
Enter the correct refracted angle for the transducer/wedge combination. For this example,
enter 45.
89
3.
Enter the approximate shear-wave velocity of the material being inspected. For this
example using carbon steel, enter a velocity of 0.1280 in/s (3251 mm/s if working in
metric units).
4.
Enter an appropriate range for the test block being used. For this example, enter a range of
10.000 in (250.00 mm if working in metric units).
Review sections 8.5.1 to 8.5.4 for the following procedures:

Locating the Beam Index Point (BIP)
Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta)
Calibrating for Distance
Calibrating for Sensitivity
Note: If the EPOCH XT is set to work in metric units in each procedure listed
above, the calibration process is exactly the same, except that the entries below will
be in millimeters, rather than inches.
8.5.1
Locating the Beam Index Point (BIP)
To locate the BIP

1.
Couple the probe to the test block at the 0 mark.
Figure 8-13 Reference block displaying the 0 mark
2.
90
Manipulate the probe until a high-amplitude signal appears on the screen after the main
bang. This is the reflection from the large arc of the block that is located on the Type I
block at 4 in (100 mm).
Chapter 8
3.
Move the probe forward and backward to bring the echo to its maximum amplitude
(peak). Make sure the echoes do not exceed 100%. Reduce the Gain setting if necessary.
Note: The Peak Memory feature on the EPOCH XT is an excellent tool to aid
in finding the BIP. Press [PEAK MEM] to turn on the feature. This feature draws
and collects the echo envelope of the signal while also drawing the live waveform.
Match the live waveform with the maximum point corresponding to the previously
accumulated echo-dynamic curve. Refer to the following figure for a detailed
schematic of using the Peak Memory feature to find the BIP. Press [PEAK MEM]
again to turn off the feature.
Figure 8-14 Locating the beam index point
4.
8.5.2
Hold the probe stationary once you have peaked up the signal and mark the side of the
transducer wedge directly over the 0 mark on the block. This is the BIP the point at
which the sound leaves the wedge and enters the material with maximum energy.
Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta)
The refracted angle of the probe should already have been entered in the EPOCH XT in the
91
initial steps of the calibration procedure. Although the wedge may be marked 45, for example,
the actual refracted angle could be slightly different due to the properties of the test material or
the amount of wear on the wedge. It is necessary to verify the actual angle. This ensures that
the EPOCH XTs soundpath calculations are accurate.
To verify the refracted angle
1.
Position the probe over the appropriate angle mark on the block, which is 45 in this
example.
Figure 8-15 Verifying the refracted angle
2.
Move the probe backward and forward to peak up the echo coming from the large
circular hole in the side of the block. The circular hole may be filled with Plexiglas, but
the procedure is the same.
Tip: The Peak Memory feature on the EPOCH XT is an excellent tool to aid
in finding the peak of the signal.
3.
92
Hold the probe stationary once you have peaked up the signal. Note the degree mark on
the block that lines up with the BIP, which you marked on the side of the wedge in the
previous step. This is the actual refracted angle (Beta) for this particular transducer and
wedge in steel. If this value for Beta differs from the value entered previously, enter the
corrected angle now using the [ANGLE] key and the slewing keys.
Chapter 8
8.5.3
Calibrating for Distance
Note: This step differs depending on which type of IIW calibration block is used.
The ASTM E-164 IIW Type I Block, which has a crescent cut in the side, produces echoes at
4 in (100 mm) and 9 in (225 mm) on the screen. The U.S. Air Force IIW Type II Block, which
has a large cutout in the side, produces echoes at 2 in and 4 in on the screen. The procedure to
follow uses the Olympus NDT IIW Type I carbon steel calibration block, part number
TB7541-1.
We recommend that the EPOCH XTs Range parameter be set to 10 in (250 mm) for this step.
Regardless of whether a Type I or Type II Calibration block is used, this should ensure that the
echoes from the block are visible on screen.
To calibrate for distance
1.
Couple the probe to the block so that the BIP is directly over the 0 mark on the ASTM
test block (or the Air Force block). Do not move the transducer from this point during this
step.
2.
Press [CAL]. A calibration symbol appears to the right of the A-scan, signifying the
EPOCH XT is in Auto-Calibration mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration mode at any point,
press [CAL] again.
3.
Position Gate 1 so that the echo reflection from the 4 in. arc (this should be the first large
echo after the main bang) is exceeding the gate threshold.
4.
Adjust the Gain setting so that the echo amplitude is approximately 80%. A thickness
reading appears in large text above the A-scan.
93
Figure 8-16 Calibrating for distance
5.
94
Press [ZERO] (OFFSET) once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box
appears on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known soundpath
distance for this arc. For this example, press [4] [.] [0] [0] [0]. The entry appears in the
popup box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple
times to clear the entry and then type the correct thickness.
Chapter 8
6.
Press [F1] to continue. The display returns to the live A-scan.
7.
Position Gate 1 so that the echo from the 1 in crescent is exceeding the gate threshold.
This echo is generally located at approximately the ninth or tenth screen division and is
usually the 3rd echo after the main bang.
8.
Adjust the Gain setting so that this echo amplitude is approximately 40%. A thickness
reading appears in large text above the A-scan.
Note: Another echo might be present on the screen at approximately the

eighth or ninth screen division. Disregard this echo as it is usually the result of beam
spreading and sound bouncing off the side of the block. Ensure Gate 1 is not over
this echo.
95
Figure 8-18 Adjusting the gain
9.
96
Press [CAL], then [VEL] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a popup box
soundpath distance for this crescent. For this example, press [9], [.], [0], [0], [0]. If you
enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO] [DELETE] key multiple times to clear the
entry and then type the correct thickness.
Chapter 8
10. Press [F2] to calculate and complete the Auto-Calibration. The Zero (Offset) and Velocity
parameters adjust automatically, and the correct soundpath readings of any gated echoes
are displayed on the screen.
8.5.4
Calibrating for Sensitivity
The final step in the angle beam calibration is to calibrate for sensitivity. This lets you set up a
reference gain level.
To calibrate for sensitivity
1.
Couple the probe to the IIW calibration block so that the transducer is aimed at the
0.060 in diameter side-drilled hole, which is used as a reference reflector.
97
Figure 8-20 IIW calibration block with 0.060 in diameter drilled hole
2.
Move the probe forward and backward until you have peaked up the return signal from
the hole (that is, found the maximum amplitude). Do not confuse the reference reflector
echo from the side of the block.
Tip: The Peak Memory feature on the EPOCH XT is an excellent tool to aid in
finding the peak of the signal.
98
3.
Adjust the system sensitivity (Gain) up or down once the echo is peaked up to bring the
reference reflector signal to a predetermined reference line on the screen. In this example,
the echo is brought to 80% of full-screen height.
4.
Press [2ND F], [GAIN] [REF] to lock in the reference-gain level and add/subtract
scanning gain separately.
5.
Press the function keys once the reference-gain functions are activated to select between
adding or subtracting in 0.1 dB or 6.0 dB increments.
Chapter 8
Figure 8-21 Locking the reference gain to add/subtract scanning gain
99
100
Chapter 8
9. Managing the Instrument Datalogger
This chapter contains describes how to manage the EPOCH XTs internal datalogger.
Olympus NDT has designed the datalogger for ease of use and a wide range of file types and
features for flaw detection and corrosion thickness gaging requirements. It includes the
following capabilities:
Data organized by file and identifier (ID) codes
Alphanumeric filenames and identifier (ID) codes
File Description, Inspector ID, and Location Note field for every file
File types similar to corrosion thickness gages:
Incremental Files
Sequential Files
Sequential Files with Custom Point
2-D Matrix Grid Files
2-D EPRI
2-D Matrix Grid Files with Custom Point
3-D Matrix Grid Files
Boiler Files
Ability to edit files and add and delete IDs, rename files, clear file contents, and
delete files
On-screen review of all file contents
File summary screen for measurement review without A-scan and Setup
Ability to transfer data between the EPOCH XT and a PC or printer
The titles for the following sections are as follows:
Datalogger Storage Capacity
Datalogger Menu
Managing the Instrument Datalogger
101
Creating Data Files

Data File Types
Opening Data Files
Saving to Data Files
File Summary and Review
Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibration)
Reporting
Report Header Setup
Printing
Instrument Resets
9.1
Datalogger Storage Capacity
The EPOCH XT datalogger is designed to store the following information every time the
operator presses the [SAVE] key:
File name
Identifier (ID) code
Alarm conditions
Gate measurement modes
Soundpath leg for each gate
0 to 5 measurements Instrument saves all active measurements selected by the
operator to display on the instrument screen.
A-scan waveform
Peak Memory envelope or Peak Hold waveform, if active
Complete setup parameters
Flag status ([FREEZE], [ZOOM], [PEAK MEM], etc.)
Active software feature(s) (DAC/TVG, DGS/AVG, AWS D1.1/D1.5)
The EPOCH XT datalogger can store up to 10,000 IDs with the information listed above. All
data is stored for every ID that the operator chooses to save.
102
Chapter 9
9.2
Datalogger Menu
The EPOCH XTs Datalogger menu is accessed by pressing [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. This will
bring the operator to a tabbed menu similar to the [DISPLAY SETUP], [MEAS SETUP], and
[INSTR SETUP] menus discussed in this manual. The EPOCH XT Datalogger menu has four
tabs organizing datalogger functions: Open, Create, PageSetup, and Resets. These tabs will
be covered in detail in the sections to follow. When the operator first enters the datalogger, the
operator sees a screen similar to the screen below:
9.2.1
Creating Data Files
The operator must create a data file before any information can be stored in the EPOCH XT.
This can be done onboard, or the file(s) can be created in the GageView Pro Interface Program
and downloaded to the instrument. To create files onboard the instrument, the operator must
enter the Datalogger menu and access the Create tab shown in the following illustration:
103
On this screen the operator performs the following operations:

Chooses file type to create
Enters a file name File names in the EPOCH XT are 8 characters
Enters an ID prefix ID prefixes in the EPOCH XT are up to 11 characters
Creates IDs based on the file type selected
Enters a File description, if desired
Enters an inspector ID (Ins Id), if desired
Enters a location note (LOC-NT), if desired
Once the operator has entered all of the desired information in the Create tab, the operator can
press [F1] (Create) to create the data file and place it in the instruments list of available files
shown in section 9.2 on page 103 of this manual.
9.2.2
Data File Types
The EPOCH XT allows the operator to create many file types based on application
requirements. The file types that are available are similar to the EPOCH 4 series of Ultrasonic
Flaw Detectors and to the 37DL Plus Corrosion Thickness Gage from Olympus NDT. The
following sections provide information about each file type.
9.2.2.1
INCREMENTAL
After entering a starting ID number (up to 11 alphanumeric characters in the ID Prefix and up
104
Chapter 9
to 10 alphanumeric characters in the ID number itself), the EPOCH XT will automatically

increment the subsequent ID numbers using the following incrementing rules:
Only that portion of an ID number consisting of digits and letters (no punctuation
marks) beginning with the right-most character and extending leftward to the first
punctuation mark or to the left-most character (whichever comes first) can increment.
Digits are cycled 0, 1, 2, ..., 9, 0, etc. The 9 to 0 transition is done only after
incrementing the character to the left. Letters are cycled A, B, C, ..., Z, A, etc. The Z
to A transition is done only after incrementing the character to the left. In either case,
if there is no character to the left or if the character to the left is a punctuation mark,
then the ID number cannot increment.
If an ID number cannot increment, then after a reading is saved, an error beep sounds
and the momentary message CANNOT INCREMENT is shown on the display
above the function keys. Subsequent saves overwrite readings if the operator does not
manually change the ID number first.
Note: To make the instrument increment through a range of numbers several digits
wide while beginning with a single digit ID number, the maximum number of digit
positions must be entered initially using leading zeroes. See Figure 9-1 on page 106.
105
Figure 9-1 Example of automatically generated incremented ID number series
To create an Incremental file
106
1.
Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens.
2.
Press [F1] [NEXT] to highlight the Create tab. Press [ENTER] to access the Create tab.
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Incremental (INC) file type. To continue,
press [ENTER].
4.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired file name. To continue, press [ENTER].
Chapter 9
5.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the desired ID prefix. To continue, press [ENTER].
6.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Starting ID. To continue, press [ENTER].
7.
Enter file header information, if desired.
8.
Press [F1] to Create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has
been placed in the file list, the operator can use the file for data storage.
9.2.2.2
Sequential
A sequential file is defined by a starting and an ending ID number. The resulting file is
inclusive of the starting and ending points and all points in between.
Table 6 Example of start ID# = ABC123

Start ID# = ABC123
End ID# = ABC135
Resulting file would
contain the following
list of ID numbers:
ABC123
ABC124
ABC125
.
.
.
ABC135
Table 7 Example of start ID# = XY-GY

Start ID# = XY-GY
End ID# = XY-IB
list of ID numbers:
XY-GY
XY-GZ
XY-HA
.
.
.
XY-IB
107
To create an Sequential File

1.
2.
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Sequential SEQ file type. To continue, press
[ENTER].
4.
5.
6.
Use the up and down arrow keys to enter the desired increment step.
7.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue, press
[ENTER].
8.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Column (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
9.
Enter file header information if desired.
10. Press [F1] to Create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has
9.2.2.3
Sequence with Custom Point
A sequential file with Custom Points is defined by a starting and an ending ID number plus a
series of custom points. The resulting file is inclusive of the starting and ending points and all
points in between. In addition, multiple measurements per ID number location are assigned
using the assigned custom points.
The following example describes measurements along a pipe or tube where at each ID number
location you can take measurement at top, bottom, left, and right of the pipe.
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Chapter 9
Table 8 Example of starting ID# = XYZ1267

Starting ID# = XYZ1267
Ending ID# = XYZ1393
Custom Points = TOP
BOTTOM
LEFT
RIGHT
list of ID numbers:
XYZ1267TOP
XYZ1267BOTTOM
XYZ1267LEFT
XYZ1267RIGHT
XYZ1268TOP
XYZ1268BOTTOM
XYZ1268LEFT
.
.
.
XYZ1393RIGHT
You can enter up to 20 custom points. The total number of characters in an ID with Custom
Points is 19.
To create a Sequential with Custom Points file
1.
Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger Menu opens.
2.
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Sequential with Custom Points
(SEQ+CPT) file type. To continue, press [ENTER].
4.
5.
6.
Use the up and down arrow keys to enter the desired increment step.
7.
[ENTER].
8.
9.
Enter the first custom point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the custom
point into the list below the entry box.
109
10. To enter another Custom Point, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press
insert. Repeat until all custom points are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2]
[PREVIOUS] and [F3] [NEXT] keys. Use [F4] [DELETE] to remove a custom point.
11. When all custom points have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.
12. Enter file header information, if desired.
13. Press [F1] to create the file. The instrument will return to the Open tab. Once the file has
9.2.2.4
2-D Matrix Grid
A grid is a sequence of ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a 2-D or 3-D matrix.
Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular matrix dimension.
A 2-D (two-dimensional) sequence begins with the ID number that refers to the first column
and the first row. Then the column (or row) increments one value at a time until the sequence
reaches the last column (or row) value while the other dimension value stays constant. At this
point, the other dimension increments from its first to its next value. This continues until the
ID number that refers to the last column and last row is reached.
Note: Either the columns or the rows can be selected to increment first. Refer to
the following figure.
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Chapter 9
How is a grid used? A grid structure may associate one dimension of the grid (for example, the
columns) with the physical parts whose wall thickness is to be measured. The particular
measurement points on each part are then associated with the other dimension of the grid (for
example, the rows). See Figure 9-2 on page 112.
111
Measurement
Location
ID Number
Row
Column
Figure 9-2 One grid for 75 identical parts
Alternatively, the rows and columns of a grid may refer to a 2-D map measurement points on
the surface of one part. In this case, a different grid is made for each part. SeeFigure 9-3 on
page 113.
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Chapter 9
Name: Elbow
Rows: 01 thru 10
Columns: A thru E
IDs: Elbow/A0 thru Elbow/E10
Name: Tee
Rows: 1 thru 4
Columns: 1 thru 3
IDs: Tee/11 thru Tee/34
Figure 9-3 Different named grid for each part
To create a 2-D Grid File

1.
2.
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 2-D Grid 2D file type. To continue, press
[ENTER].
4.
5.
6.
[ENTER].
7.
113
8.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
9.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
10. Select the Pattern Type for ID incrementing (Standard or ZigZag). To continue, press
[ENTER].
11. Select the Increment Order (Row or Column). To continue, press [ENTER].
12. Enter file header information if desired.
been placed in the file list the operator can use the file for data storage.
9.2.2.5
2-D EPRI
The 2-D EPRI file type is the same as the standard 2-D Grid file type except for a minor
change in the way alpha characters increment:
14. Standard 2-D Grid File: Refers to the standard incrementing columns that start at A and
extend past Z. Example: Start Column: A; End Column: AD; Column Result: A, B, C...X,
Y, Z, AA, AB, AC, AD.
15. EPRI 2-D Grid File: Refer to custom incrementing columns that start at A and extend
past Z. Example: Start Column: A; End Column: CC; Column Result: A, B, C...Z, AA,
BB, CC.
9.2.2.6
2-D MATRIX GRID WITH CUSTOM POINT
A grid is a sequence of ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a 2-D or 3-D matrix.
Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular matrix dimension. See 2-D Matrix Grid
in section 9.2.2.4 on page 110 in this manual for more information.
Custom Points allow multiple readings per grid ID number to be assigned.
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Chapter 9
Table 9 Example of 2-D matrix grid with custom point

Start Column A
End Column J(Start Grid
Coordinate = A01)
Start Row 01
End Row 17 (End Grid
Coordinate = J17)
Custom Points = LEFT
CENTER
RIGHT
contain the
following list of
ID Numbers:
A01LEFT
A01CENTER
A01RIGHT
A02LEFT
.
.
.
J17RIGHT
To create a 2-D Grid with Custom Points file

1.
2.
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 2-D Grid with Custom Points (2D+CPT)
file type. To continue, press [ENTER].
4.
5.
6.
[ENTER].
7.
8.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
9.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Row (ID). To continue press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
11. Select the Increment Order (Row or Column). To continue, press [ENTER].
115
12. Enter the first custom point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the custom
point in the list below the entry box.
13. To enter another custom point, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press
insert. Repeat until all custom points are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2]
14. When all custom points have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.
9.2.2.7
3-D MATRIX GRID
A 3-D Matrix grid is a sequence of multipart ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a
3-D matrix. Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular matrix dimension.
A 3-D (three-dimensional) sequence begins with the ID number that refers to the first column,
the first row and the first point. Then the point (or column, or row) increments one value at a
time until the sequence reaches the last point (or column, or row) value while the other two
dimension values stay constant. At this point another dimension increments from its first to its
next value. This continues until the ID number that refers to the last column, last row and last
point is reached. You can select either columns, rows or points to increment first and one of the
remaining two selections to increment second.
How is a 3-D grid used? A 3-D grid structure may associate two dimensions of the grid (for
example, the columns and rows) with the physical coordinates on the part whose wall
thickness is to be measured. The particular measurement points on each part are then
associated with the third dimension of the grid. This scenario allows multiple readings to be
stored at each grid coordinate.
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Chapter 9
Table 10 Example of 3-D grid

Start Col =
End Col = F
Start Row =
End Row = 4
Start Point
End Point =
A
1
= X
Z

contain the
following list of
ID numbers:
A1X
A1Y
A1Z
A2X
.
.
.
A4Z
B1X
B1Y
.
.
.
F4Z
To create a 3-D Grid file

1.
Press [2ND F], [ID] [FILE]. The Datalogger menu opens. ([ID] .)
2.
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 3-D Grid (3D) file type. To continue, press
[ENTER].
4.
5.
6.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Point (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
7.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Point (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
8.
[ENTER].
9.
10. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
117
11. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Row (ID). To continue, press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
13. Select which ID component with increment first. To continue, press [ENTER].
14. Select which ID component with increment second. To continue, press [ENTER].
9.2.2.8
Boiler
A Boiler file is a special file type designed specifically for boiler applications. A common
method for identifying a thickness measurement location is by a 3-D approach. The first
dimension is Elevation, which refers to the physical distance from the bottom to the top of the
boiler. The second dimension is Tube Number, which refers to the number of boiler tubes that
need inspection. The third dimension is the Custom Point, which refers to the actual thickness
reading location at the specified elevation on the specified tube. When these three dimensions
are combined, a single ID number is formed to precisely identify the exact location of each
thickness reading. For example:
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Chapter 9
Table 11 Example of Boiler

Elevations = 10ft-,
20ft-, 45ft-.
100ftStart Tube = 01
End Tube = 73
Custom Points = L,C, R
(left, center,
right)
The resulting file
would contain the
following list of
ID numbers:
10ft-01L
10ft-01C
10ft-01R
10ft-02L
.
.
.
10ft-73R
20ft-10L
.
.
.
100ft-73C
100ft-73R
(This example assumes
that you have
chosen to increment
the custom points
first, tube number
second, and
elevation third.
You can choose
alternate
incrementing
methods.)
To create a Boiler file

1.
2.
119
3.
Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Boiler (BOILER) file type. To continue,
press [ENTER].
4.
5.
6.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Tube. To continue, press [ENTER].
7.
Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the End Tube. To continue, press [ENTER].
8.
Select the Pattern Type for ID incrementing (Standard or ZigZag). To continue, press
[ENTER].
9.
Select which ID component with increment first. To continue, press [ENTER].
10. Select which ID component with increment second. To continue, press [ENTER].
11. Enter the first custom point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the custom
point into the list below the entry box.
12. To enter another custom point edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press
insert. Repeat until all Custom Points are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2]
13. When all custom point have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.
14. Enter the first elevation with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the elevation
into the list below the entry box.
15. To enter another elevation, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press insert.
Repeat until all Elevations are entered. The list can be reviewed using the [F2]
[PREVIOUS] and [F3] [NEXT] keys. Use [F4] [DELETE] to remove a elevation.
16. When all elevations have been created, press the [ENTER] key to continue.
9.2.3
Opening Data Files
The EPOCH XT lists all files that have been created or downloaded to the instrument in a list
within the Datalogger menu > Open tab. This screen provides the operator with a list of files,
their file type (INC, SEQ, 2D, etc.), the date and time of creation, and any file header
information that was entered when the file was created.
The screen below shows the Open tab:
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Chapter 9
The highlighted file TEST is an Incremental file. To open this file, the operator simply needs to press the [F1] (Open) key. This will bring the operator back to the live
screen and the active file will now be TEST. This is illustrated as follows:
121
Note: The Open function does not recall any instrument setup or calibration to the
live screen. This function simply opens the selected file so the operator may save data.
Once the file has been opened, the operator may begin saving data by pressing the [SAVE] key.
The EPOCH XT will attempt to save data to the ID displayed. In most cases the ID will not
already contain data. However, in some cases the ID will already contain saved information. If
this happens the EPOCH XT will display the prompt below to warn the operator and to ask if
the existing data should be overwritten.
When there is an active file open and the operator presses the ID key, four choices are
displayed above the function keys:
First Jumps to the first ID in the active file.
Last Jumps to the last ID in the active file.
Find The operator is able to enter an ID number and have the instrument search for
it within the active file. If it is located, the instrument will jump there.
Insert The operator is able insert a new ID within the active file. If the operator
attempts to insert an ID when there is no active file, the EPOCH XT will display a
message No Survey Selected at the bottom of the display.
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9.2.4
Saving to Data Files
The EPOCH XT allows the operator to save data whenever there is an active file (survey) and
an ID has been entered. Files are created in the Datalogger menu as described in section 9.2.1
on page 103 of this manual or in GageView Pro and then transferred to the EPOCH XT.
In order to save data within a file, the operator must press the [SAVE] key. If there is no active
ID then the instrument will display the error message No active ID at the bottom of the
display. The operator must have an active file (survey) and an ID entered before saving data.
When the operator presses the [SAVE] key, the EPOCH XT saves the following information:
Filename
ID
Up to 5 measurements (operator selected)
A-scan waveform
All instrument setup parameters
Alarm information
Any display flags
Gate Measurement mode icons
Leg Indicators for both gates
Any displayed Peak Memory envelopes or Peak Hold A-scans
Software feature/option setups
9.2.5
File Summary and Review
The EPOCH XT allows the operator to review inspection data and calibrations on the
instrument. There are two main methods for this: File Summary and File Review.
File Summary shows the operator a table that lists IDs and all saved measurements in
each ID location. This view does not show the instrument setup or the A-scan. This
feature is typically used to review data files where the inspector is primarily interested
in thickness measurements. This function is also used to review saved measurements
for other applications since the EPOCH XT is capable of storing many measurement
types and up to 5 measurements may be saved within each ID.
File Review is typically used to review instrument setups (calibrations) and to
examine captured A-scans along with measurements, software option/features, echo
envelopes, etc. This view displays everything that has been saved with each ID within
the selected file.
123
To access File Summary and File Review, the operator must enter the Datalogger menu >
Open tab and then select the file to review. This is shown in the screen below:
To enter the File Summary screen, the operator must press the [F3] key (Summary). To enter
the File Review screen, the operator must press the [F2] key (Contents).
The File Summary screen is shown below:
Each set of two rows in the File Summary screen represents data from one ID. In the example
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above there are 5 saved IDs: ID001, ID002, ID003, ID004, and ID005. Each ID was saved
with 4 measurements listed in separate columns with their measurement icon. For each ID, the
unit (in., mm, s) is also displayed in the fourth column, upper row.
Within this view, the operator has the option to [F1] [CLEAR], [F2] [DELETE], and [F5]
[CANCEL]. [CLEAR] will remove all ID data from the file. [DELETE] will delete the entire
file, and [CANCEL] will return the operator to the previous screen.
The File Review screen is shown below:
This window is scrollable using the up and down arrow keys. The left and right arrow keys are
used to jump from one ID to the next. Alternatively, the operator can use the [F1] (First), [F2]
(Last), and [F5] (Find) functions to jump to particular areas within the file. This is useful
when many IDs have been saved within a file. The [F4] (Clear) function will clear the data
from the selected ID. The ID itself will remain so new data can be saved in that location.
The full file review screen for the example file shown in the screen above has been combined
and displayed below. The entire instrument setup and all other data are displayed for operator
review.
125
9.2.6
Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibration)
To recall a stored instrument setup (calibration), the operator must access the File Review
screen discussed in section 9.2.5 on page 123 of this manual (previous section).
Once the operator has selected the file of interest and entered the File Review screen, the
operator must select the ID that contains the instrument setup to be recalled. The File Review
screen is shown below:
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Chapter 9
The operator must locate the proper ID by using the left and right arrow keys or the [F1]
(First), [F2] (Last), and [F5] (Find) functions to jump to particular areas within the file. The
operator then presses [F3] (Recall).
Once the file has been recalled, the operator will be brought back to the main instrument screen
and the instrument setup will be displayed. The setup is not active. The state of the display is
now RECALL FREEZE. An R flag indicates this to the operator. To return to the live screen,
the operator must press the [MEAS RESET] key. See following screen:
127
At this point, the EPOCH XTs stored setup has been recalled, and the operator may begin to
use the instrument. It is always recommended that the operator recheck the calibration as probe
and wedge wear, temperature changes, and other factors can affect the accuracy of the
calibration.
9.3
Reporting
The EPOCH XT has been designed to allow the operator to create basic reports on the
instrument and print them out in the field over the instruments USB host port. In order to
generate on onboard report, the operator must be able to set up the Report Header, setup the
printer output, and have access to a PCL5 compatible USB printer.
9.3.1
Report Header Setup
The operator can set up the report header in the Datalogger menu > PageSetup tab. The
Datalogger menu is accessed by pressing [2ND F], [ID]. The PageSetup tab is illustrated as
follows:
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Chapter 9
All of the header titles and data can be customized by the operator. The information displayed
above is just an example. The information in the header will be placed at the top of the reports
that are printed from the instrument.
9.3.2
Printing
The EPOCH XT is designed to directly print to any PCL5 compatible USB printer. The
operator must set up the printer in the Datalogger menu > PageSetup tab shown below:
129
The operator may choose between PCL Laser or PCL Inkjet printer types. Draft Mode
allows the operator to print with less ink/toner if desired. The operator may also choose to print
in color or black and white.
Reports may be printed either from the live A-scan screen or from the File Review and File
Summary areas by pressing [2ND F], [ALPHA/NUM] [PRINT]. If the operator prints from
the live screen, a preview that looks like the file review screen will appear first. An example
report is shown as follows:
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Chapter 9
131
9.3.3
Instrument Resets
The EPOCH XT can be reset to factory parameters if needed. The instrument resets are located
in the Datalogger menu > Resets tab. There are three choices available:
Parameters Resets all instrument setup parameters to factory settings.
Database Clears the instrument datalogger.
Editable Parameters Returns all function-key presets to factory defaults.
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Chapter 9
10. Software Features and Options
The EPOCH XT comes standard with DAC/TVG and has two onboard software options:
DGS/AVG and AWS D1.1/D1.5. These features are accessed within the [MEAS SETUP]
menu under the Options tab. The screen below shows this location:
10.1 Defining Active/Inactive Options

All of the available options are listed in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab. If an option
is active in the instrument, then the operator will be able to highlight it and see the option setup
parameters on the right side of the tab. If the option is not active, the instrument will display a
red line through the option, and the option will not be available.
Software Features and Options
133
The software options can be added to the EPOCH XT at an additional cost. This activation can
be performed at the factory before the instrument is shipped or it can be done remotely with an
access code. You must contact Olympus NDT to have access codes generated. These codes are
entered in the [INST SETUP] menu > Status tab shown as follows:
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Chapter 10
10.2 DAC/TVG
10.2.1 Description
A Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC) curve is used to plot amplitude variations of signals
from reflectors of the same size, but at different distances from the transducer. Normally, these
reflectors produce echoes of varying amplitude due to material attenuation and beam spread as
the sound beam travels through the part. The purpose of the DAC curve is to graphically
compensate for material attenuation, nearfield effects, beam spread, and surface roughness.
After plotting a DAC curve, reflectors of the same size as those used for creation of the curve
produce echoes that peak along the curve despite different locations within the test piece.
Similarly, reflectors that are smaller than those used to create the curve fall below the level,
while larger reflectors exceed the curve level.
When a DAC curve is created in the EPOCH XT, the instrument also creates a Time-Varied
Gain (TVG) setup. TVG is used to compensate for the same factors as DAC, but the
presentation is different. Instead of drawing a curve across the display that follows the
reference reflector peaks downward as sound is attenuated, the TVG setup amplifies the gain
as a function of time (distance) to bring the reference reflectors to the same screen height (80%
FSH).
The EPOCH XT DAC/TVG feature allows the user to toggle between DAC and TVG views in
many of its modes, giving freedom to use both techniques during a single inspection. When the
135
operator switches from DAC to TVG view, the DAC curves are displayed as TVG lines across
the screen. The Time-Varied Gain effectively amplifies the signals across the time base to
make the DAC curves appear as straight lines across the screen.
Users can customize DAC/TVG setups to their unique application requirements using the
flexible DAC/TVG software feature for the EPOCH XT. The DAC/TVG feature incorporates
several DAC/TVG modes that adhere to ASME, ASME-3, and JIS sizing codes. The software
offers direct control of gain, range, zero offset, and delay, as well as scanning gain and transfer
correction. In addition, the DAC/TVG option provides new features such as 20%80% DAC
curves, customizable DAC curves, and a user-defined TVG table to meet advanced and unique
inspection needs.
10.2.2 Option Activation and Reference Correct

Prior to the activation of any options associated with DAC/TVG, the instrument must be
properly calibrated to the material being inspected. The DAC/TVG option is located under the
[MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab. To begin the activation process, enter the
[MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab, highlight DAC/TVG and press the [ENTER] key. Use
the arrow keys or the function keys to highlight the desired DAC/TVG function. An example
of this is shown as follows:
The user may also choose to apply a feature known as reference correction REF CORRECT
to the digital analysis of the live A-scan and DAC/TVG option. The reference correction
feature, when activated, allows full gain manipulation of either the live echo peaks or the DAC
curve while providing the % amplitude or dB comparison of the actual peak-to-curve ratio. In
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Chapter 10
this way, the operator can use scanning gain, while maintaining an accurate digital
measurement of the ratio of the gated peak to the DAC curve for sizing purposes. The gated
echo amplitude is corrected back to the Reference Gain level for amplitude evaluation
compared to the DAC curve.
Once the operator has selected the type of DAC/TVG setup for his application, the operator
must press the [MEAS RESET] key to return to the live A-scan screen to begin DAC/TVG
setup.
In the sections below, all DAC/TVG modes are covered. The DAC/TVG setup procedure is the
same for all modes with the exception of TVG table. The setup will be covered in detail in the
ASME / ASME III section to follow. Any differences in the procedure to set up other
DAC/TVG modes will be discussed in the pertinent section for that particular mode.
10.2.3 ASME & ASME3 DAC/TVG

The ASME DAC mode is a single DAC curve drawn from peak to peak on reference
reflectors. The ASME III mode draws three DAC curves: one main curve from peak to peak on
the reference reflectors and two warning curves at 6 dB and 14 dB compared to the main
curve.
10.2.4 ASME III DAC Setup Example

Once the operator has entered the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab and selected
ASME III as the DAC/TVG mode, the operator must press [MEAS/RESET] to return to the
live instrument screen. The instrument screen will appear as follows:
137
To capture DAC points, the operator must move Gate 1 to the echo, press [F5] (AUTO80%)
to bring the echo to 80% FSH, and press [F1] to capture the point. The screen below shows the
first point captured. An symbol has been placed on the echo peak.
The screen as follows shows the EPOCH XT display when the second point has been captured:
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Chapter 10
The instrument has drawn the three DAC curves from the first point to the second. The
operator has used the AUTO80% function to bring the second point to 80% full-screen
height. This assures that the point is captured accurately because amplitude resolution is better
at greater echo heights. This also pushes the first captured echo over 110% FSH so the Main
DAC curve and the 6 dB warning curve extend downward to the second point from offscreen.
While the operator is capturing DAC points (after 2 have been captured), the operator has the
option to:
[F2] (Delete) Deletes the last captured point.
[F3] (Erase) Erases the entire DAC setup.
[F4] (Done) Completes the DAC setup.
The following screen shows the DAC setup after 5 points have been captured. All points were
brought to 80% FSH before capture.
139
If the operator would like to continue from the point and capture additional points, the operator
may increase the instrument range or increase the display delay to view echoes further out in
time. If the setup is complete, then the operator presses [F4] (Done) to complete the setup. The
instrument will return to its base gain and display the DAC setup. This is shown below:
Now that DAC is active, the instrument has some special settings available for operator
adjustment:
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Amp to Curve and dB to Curve The operator may now use Amplitude-to-Curve
and dB-to-Curve measurements. These are activated in the [MEAS SETUP] menu >
Meas tab. See section 4.8.1 on page 42 for more details. These measurements can
always be selected by the operator, but they will not display measurements unless a
DAC/TVG or DGS/AVG curve is on-screen. In the screen above, the Gate 1 Amp-toCurve measurement is active in measurement location 5.
TVGView [F1] key The operator may press [F1] to activate the TVG view for the
active DAC/TVG setup. The TVG view for the setup above is shown below:
The DAC curves have become TVG lines across the screen.
DACGain above [F2] This is a gain setting that affects the DAC curves and the
onscreen echoes allowing amplitude comparison at code compliant screen levels
across the time base. More details are given in section 10.2.5 on page 142.
GainStep above [F3] This setting selects the step (0.1, 1, 3, 6, 12 dB) for the DAC
GAIN adjustment.
NextDAC above [F5] With this setting the operator can cycle through the available
DAC curves (if more than one is available) for amplitude comparison with on-screen
echoes.
While DAC/TVG is active, the operator has full control of the Range, Delay, and Zoom
settings. With this the operator can focus on areas of interest within the DAC setup. The
following screen shows a reduced range with delay:
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10.2.5 Gain Adjustment Options

The DAC/TVG software features three separate types of gain adjustment for each DAC/TVG
setup. These gain adjustments allow for better inspection precision, easy manipulation of
curves and live peak information, and transfer correction.
In order to quickly find and identify potential defects, it is commonly required by code to
increase the gain (scanning gain) on the EPOCH XT from the Reference (calibration) Gain for
scanning purposes. However, once a potential defect is identified, this gain is usually removed
to view the reflector at REF Gain level, set at calibration. The DAC/TVG software for the
EPOCH XT is fully capable of adding temporary scanning gain for inspection purposes. This
scanning gain only affects the live A-scan and does not adjust the level of the DAC curve(s) set
up on screen.
To add temporary scanning gain
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1.
Press the [GAIN] key.
2.
Use the up and down arrow keys for coarse adjustment or the left and right arrow keys for
fine adjustment to bring the scanning gain to the desired level. The scanning gain is
displayed at the lower-left area of the screen.
3.
Once the desired scanning gain level is set, the operator may press [GAIN] and use the
Scan DB function key ([F2]) to toggle between the base (reference) gain or the adjusted
scanning gain.
4.
Scanning gain is disabled by pressing [GAIN] and then [F3] (Off).
Chapter 10
The screen below shows an ASME DAC setup with 3 dB of scanning gain added:
When reference correction is active, the digital comparison between a captured reflector and
the DAC curve will be accurate even with scanning gain applied to the inspection provided that
the gated echo is not saturated. The screen below shows the same setup as above but with
Reference Correction active. Notice that the scanning gain has been removed from the
dB-to-Curve measurement in location 5. The instrument compares the echo height to the DAC
curve, compensates for the added scanning gain, and reports the true-amplitude comparison
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10.2.6 Curve Adjustment GainAlso Called DAC Gain or

TVG Gain
The overall gain level of the entire DAC curve and TVG line setup can be adjusted higher or
lower from the Reference Gain. Most inspection codes do not permit reflectors to be sized
below 20% of FSH. Therefore, to inspect beyond a certain depth/sound path time within a part,
it is necessary to raise the gain of both the live A-scan and the DAC curve to continue the
inspection. This is accomplished on the EPOCH XT using the DAC Curve Adjustment Gain.
This gain adjustment is displayed below the live A-scan next to the Delay setting at all times.
To adjust the gain
1.
Press the [F3] (GainStep) key to choose the increment of the gain adjustment desired.
2.
Press the [F2] (DACGain) key and use the up and down arrows to adjust the Curve
Adjustment Gain by the selected increment either positive or negative.
The screen below shows a DAC setup with DAC gain in use to provide accurate echo
amplitude measurement by placing the echo close to 80% FSH.
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10.2.7 Transfer Correction

Transfer Correction is an adjustment in the Reference Gain setting during calibration of the
instrument, and is typically added when the surface conditions between a calibration block and
test piece are different. The coupling conditions on the test surface can often cause signal loss
after calibrating a DAC curve, which results in inaccurate comparisons of the test reflectors
with the calibrated DAC curve. The EPOCH XT can easily adjust for this potential difference
by adding transfer correction to the calibrated base gain after completing the DAC curve setup.
To add transfer correction to a completed DAC curve
1.
Press the [GAIN] key.
2.
Use the up and down arrow keys for coarse adjustment or the left and right arrow keys for
fine adjustment to bring the scanning gain to the desired level for Transfer Correction. The
scanning gain is displayed at the lower left area of the screen.
3.
Once the desired scanning gain is displayed, press the Function Key [F1] (ADD) to add
the scanning gain to the base gain and to apply the transfer correction.
10.2.8 JIS DAC

The Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) DAC mode is designed to meet the requirements of JIS
Z3060. The JIS DAC curve setup is identical to the standard DAC/TVG setup. However, there
are some minor functionality differences when compared to other DAC/TVG modes:
145
Only the main DAC curve is viewable in TVG mode.

Any of the six curves can be used to trip the alarm when in the JIS DAC mode.
Additionally, you can set the alarm to positive or negative. To select which curve will
be used as the alarm reference level, first activate JIS DAC and then use the [F5]
function key to select which curve to use for the alarm threshold. The selected curve
appears as a double thickness line. Once a curve has been selected, an alarm can be
activated and set to be either positive or negative threshold detection by pressing
[2ND F], [GATES] [ALARMS] and following the prompts.
10.2.9 20%80% DAC Option

This DAC/TVG mode incorporates a combination of the DAC curve and TVG techniques. For
most sizing and inspection codes that utilize a DAC curve, the inspector cannot interrogate a
potential defect that does not rise above 20% of FSH. In the past, scanning gain is added to
inspect these defects that appear further into a part and only reflect below 20%. The necessary
gain adjustment is then noted to calculate the flaw size.
The 20%80% DAC feature takes advantage of the TVG functionality of DAC/TVG to create
a DAC curve that only falls between 20% and 80% screen height. Any echo that falls below
20% FSH during setup has 12 dB added to it automatically. A new DAC curve section starting
at 80% FSH is created. This setup divides the screen into 12 dB DAC Gain regions. The DAC
Gain is displayed based on the location of the gated echo in time.
The setup procedure for the 20%80% DAC is the same as the ASME & ASME III setup
described earlier. The only difference is that the operator cannot use the AUTO80% function
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during the setup. The instrument automatically compensates for falling-echo amplitude once
an echo is captured below 20% screen height.
Once the 20%-80% DAC curve is completed, the operator can toggle between DAC and TVG
views, manipulate Range, Delay, Zero (Offset) and Angle, and also to add necessary scanning
gain or transfer correction. 20%80% DAC also incorporates the reference correction
functionality, if desired.
10.2.10 Custom DAC Curves Option

The DAC/TVG software option for the EPOCH XT features a customizable DAC curve setup
that allows operators to define up to three additional reference curves from the primary curve
at varying levels from 24 dB to +10 dB. The Custom DAC Curves option is ideal for unique
sizing inspections and procedure development. The Custom DAC Curve function also allows
the option of either a straight-line connection or a curved, polynomial connection of each point
of the DAC curve to meet various international or customer-specific requirements.
To activate and set up the customized curves
1.
Enter the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab.
2.
Select DAC and press the [ENTER] key. Select the Custom DAC mode.
3.
Select the curve type Polynomial (curved) or Straight-line segments.
4.
Select the Number of Warning Curves that will be used in addition to the Main Curve (for
example, if three (3) curves are activated, the operator will see 4 curves in total).
5.
Set the dB level for each warning curve compared to the main curve.
6.
Press [MEAS/RESET] to return to the live screen and begin to capture DAC points.
147
The Custom DAC/TVG setup and functionality are the same as ASME & ASME III discussed
earlier in this section. The following screen shows a completed Custom DAC/TVG.
Once the Custom DAC Curve points have been captured and completed, the operator has full
capability to toggle between DAC and TVG views, manipulate Range, Delay, Zero (Offset),
and Angle, and also to add necessary scanning gain, curve gain adjustment or transfer
correction. The TVG view of any Custom DAC Curve includes the user-defined reference
curves as well as the primary DAC curve. Custom DAC Curve also incorporates the reference
correction functionality, if desired.
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10.2.11 TVG Table Option

DAC/TVGs TVG Table option for the EPOCH XT is a powerful tool designed to facilitate
manual definition of TVG setups, including gain manipulation, fine gain adjustment, and TVG
point addition or deletion. The TVG Table option is the only feature in DAC/TVG that is
exclusively TVG and does not toggle between a DAC and TVG view. The TVG Table function
of the EPOCH XT visually displays the slope of the change in gain across the defined screen
range using a line, allowing the operator to easily visualize the relationship between the
indications and any custom gain modifications made during the TVG Table setup. The
EPOCH XT TVG Table function has a number of primary uses.
10.2.11.1 Immersion Inspection

One of the main uses for the TVG Table function is in immersion setups. A standard TVG
curve can be created using a reference block to aid in flaw sizing prior to immersion
inspection. However, the interface echo during an immersion inspection can be very high in
amplitude, which can severely decrease the near-surface inspection capabilities of the
instrument. Using a TVG Table, the operator can manually adjust the gain in the screen range
right around the interface echo to suppress the effects of the interface echo. Other echoes near
the surface are then easier to see and size.
10.2.11.2 Manual TVG Setup

In many circumstances, a part must be inspected for flaws using a TVG curve to determine the
rejectability of any flaws found within the part, but the part is too large or expensive to have a
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reference block of equal size and composition. The TVG Table feature allows the operator to
manually add points along the TVG curve and manipulate the gain slope across the screen
range to create an accurate TVG curve without a reference block (typically this is
accomplished using the DGS diagram that corresponds to the particular material and
transducer being used).
10.2.11.3 Highly Attenuating Material

In many highly attenuating materials, such as many composites, it takes a large amount of gain
to successfully penetrate to the backwall of a particular part. This high level of gain can cause
significant noise in nearer areas of the part and completely obscure any potential defects in the
beginning half of the inspected material. A TVG Table can be used to modify the gain
throughout the part to allow for clear visibility of the backwall for thickness measurement and
clearer inspection of near-surface reflectors. An initial gain can be established and a slope
defined to ramp the gain up from the interface of the part to the backwall.
10.2.12 TVG Table Setup

The TVG Table option can be used simply to define a TVG curve using a test block and size
reflectors without ever entering and/or editing specific TVG points. This operation is similar to
any of the DAC setups described earlier in this section.
To activate and define the TVG Table feature of DAC/TVG, including customized
TVG point setup
150
1.
Enter the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab.
2.
Select DAC and press the right arrow key.
3.
Select TVG Table and press the [MEAS/RESET] key to return to the live screen.
4.
The operator may now begin capturing points using Gate 1 and the [F1] key. This is
shown in progress in the following screen:
Chapter 10
Alternatively, the operator can press the [F5] (Edit) key to enter the TVG Table:
The previous screen shows the live A-scan with an empty TVG Table below it.
To build a TVG Table
1.
Press [F1] (Add) to add a point to the TVG Table. This will become Point No. 1.
2.
Press [ENTER] to select the position adjustment. The instrument shows depth in time-offlight (TOF) and in the selected unit (in. or mm). These are tied together for adjustment
151
purposes. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor across the top of the screen to the first
TVG point.
152
3.
Press [ENTER] to select the gain adjustment (dB from REF). Use the arrow keys to adjust
the gain from REF setting. A TVG line will appear on the screen as a visual reference to
show the gain level. In relation to the TVG line, the Y-Axis scale is 0 dB to 110 dB, or the
total dynamic range of the TVG system.
4.
The operator may continue to Add or Insert points as needed to complete the TVG Table.
The following screen shows a TVG Table with 19 points. The operator can setup as many
as 50 points.
5.
The TVG Table displays each point (from left to right on the screen) in sequential order
from top to bottom in the table. The points corresponding soundpath time (in s), distance
measurement (in inches or millimeters, if applicable), and gain level is displayed across
the screen.
6.
At any time during the TVG Table setup, the operator may press [F5] (Exit) to return to
the live screen with the TVG Table in its current state. This allows Range, Delay, Zero
(Offset), etc., to be adjusted as needed. The operator can then press [F5] (Exit) again to
return to the TVG Table setup.
7.
Once the TVG Table has been created, the operator must press [F5] (Exit), followed by
[F4] (Done). This completes the setup and locks the table. It cannot be edited further. An
illustration of a completed TVG Table follows in two screens. This setup is designed to
permit good near- and far-surface resolution by minimizing the initial pulse size and the
backwall echo size. This setup also permits easy monitoring of the backwall echo
amplitude using Gate 2.
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10.3 DGS/AVG
10.3.1 Description
The Onboard DGS/AVG option in the EPOCH XT permits complete DGS/AVG setups to be
performed on the instrument. With the DGS/AVG method the operator can size defects based
upon a calculated DGS/AVG curve for a given transducer, material, and reflector size. This
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method requires that the operator only have one reference reflector in order to create a DGS
curve for flaw sizing. This is much different than the DAC or TVG method that requires that
the operator have representative defects at various depths within a part in order to create a
curve for flaw sizing.
In order for the operator to setup DGS/AVG curves on the instrument very quickly,
Olympus NDT has developed a transducer library that is stored in the instruments memory.
This library contains the entire Atlas Series European specification transducers as well as
several other transducers that are commonly used by inspectors. The library includes five
categories:
1.
Straight Contact (includes protected face)
2.
Angle Beam Transducers
3.
Dual Transducers
4.
Custom Straight Contact
5.
Custom Angle Beam
All required data for building DGS/AVG curves is stored in the instruments memory for each
transducer in the library. If an operator would like to use a probe that is not in the default
library, he/she can enter the required transducer characteristics in the GageView Pro Interface
Program and download them to the EPOCH XT. Probes that are downloaded to the instrument
appear in the Custom Transducers section of the Transducer library.
The Onboard DGS/AVG option provides the operator with rapid setup times and easy flaw size
evaluation. This software option has been designed to meet the requirements of EN 5832:2001. It is extremely important that the operator be familiar with this specification and
others, and is qualified according to local standards to properly use this instrument function.
Since the curves used for defect sizing are calculated based upon many variables, a proper
instrument setup is required for accurate results.
10.3.2 Option Activation

Before activating the DGS/AVG option, the operator must properly set up the EPOCH XTs
Pulser/Receiver settings for the transducer that will be used. The operator should also perform
an instrument calibration.
To activate the DGS/AVG option after the instrument is properly setup and
calibrated
1.
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The DGS/AVG option is activated in the EPOCH XTs [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options
tab. The operator must select DGS, press the [ENTER] key, and press [F2] (On).
Chapter 10
2.
The operator must then choose the transducer and reference reflector that will be used for
the DGS AVG setup. The operator can navigate through the Transducer library easily.
a) Under Probe Type, the operator must select the proper library. For the example used
in this manual, we have selected Library Straight Beam. Press down to continue.
b) Under Probe List, the instrument will display all probes in the selected library. The
operator must scroll through the list and select the probe. Press down to continue.
c)
Under Reflector Type, the operator will find all of the potential reference reflectors
for the chosen probe.
For straight beam and dual probes, the available reflectors are:
Backwall
Side-drilled hole (SDH) The operator must enter the reflector size.
For angle beam probes, the available reflectors are:
K1-IIW Block Arc If this option is selected, the operator will be prompted to
enter a Delta Vk value later in the setup procedure. This value comes from the
DGS Diagram for the selected probe.
K2-DSC Block Arc If this option is selected, the operator will be prompted to
enter a Delta Vk value later in the setup procedure. This value comes from the
DGS Diagram for the selected probe.
Side-Drilled Hole (SDH) The operator must enter the reflector size.
Flat-Bottom Hole (FBH) The operator must enter the reflector size.
155
3.
156
The operator must now adjust several DGS/AVG setup parameters so the instrument can
draw the curves accurately. A screen of this menu is shown as follows:
DeltaVk (not shown above, used for Angle-Beam Setup) Correction value for
angle beam transducers. This value is located on the DGS/AVG diagram for the
selected transducer.
DeltaVt Transfer Correction. This value is used to compensate in amplitude

differences as a result of coupling variation (surface condition) from the
Chapter 10
calibration block to the test piece. EN 583-2:2001 provides methods for

calculating transfer correction.
Registration Level This is the height of the main DGS/AVG curve. The curve
represents the amplitude from a flat-bottom hole with a diameter of the
Registration Level at different depths. This is usually equal to the critical flaw
size for the application.
Warning Level This is the position of the secondary DGS/AVG warning

curve compared to the position of the main DGS/AVG curve. If this value is set
to zero, the warning curve will be turned off.
AcvSpecimen This is the attenuation value in dB/m for the test piece
(specimen). In some cases, it is necessary to calculate the relative attenuation
within the test piece and enter the value here.
AcvCalBlock This is the attenuation value in dB/m for the calibration block. In
some cases, it is necessary to calculate the relative attenuation within the
calibration block and enter the value here.
Note: Trained operators must be aware of when it is necessary to apply values to

AcvSpecimen and AcvCalBlock. These values affect the shape of the DGS/AVG curve
and will, therefore, affect the accuracy of defect sizing. A suggested method for the
measurement of relative attenuation can be found later in this manual.
The operator must use the up and down arrow keys to move from one parameter to the
next. The left and right arrow keys are used for adjusting the individual settings.
When this is complete, the operator must press the [MEAS/RESET] key to continue.
4.
Capture the reference reflector.
157
After pressing [MEAS/RESET] at the DGS/AVG Setup menu, the operator will be brought to
the live A-scan screen similar to the previous screen. The operator must bring the echo from
the reference reflector to 80% full-screen height and press the [F1] (Ref) key to capture the
echo. Once the reference echo has been captured, the instrument will adjust the gain as needed
and draw the DGS/AVG curves on the screen. This is shown in the following screen:
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Chapter 10
Note: Equivalent flat-bottom-hole size measurement is being used. This is

established in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Meas tab. The operator may also use the
Overshoot (OS) measurement to compare echo height to the DGS/AVG curve in dB.
Transfer Correction (DeltaVt) is adjustable on the live screen. Registration Level (Reg) is
adjustable on the live screen.
In the view above, the instrument range has been adjusted to properly position the DGS/AVG
curves on the screen. This screen shows the main DGS/AVG curve and a warning curve at
6 dB.
10.3.3 Relative Attenuation Measurement

There are several methods for measuring the ultrasonic attenuation within a material. Often the
procedure is designed to measure absolute attenuation in a material. This usually requires an
immersion test setup and a time-consuming set of measurements. For the purpose of flaw
sizing with the DGS/AVG method, it may be suitable in many conditions to measure relative
attenuation in your test piece or calibration block as needed. This section outlines one method
of relative attenuation measurement that is simple and has been found to be generally effective.
There might be more suitable methods available. The operator must decide the most
appropriate method to arrive at the values for AcvSpecimen and AcvCalBlock based on the
application and local requirements.
159
Measurements:
Vg = Gain difference between two successive backwall echoes (d and 2d)
Ve = From DGS/AVG diagram. Gain difference on backwall curve from d to 2d
Calculations:
Vs = Vg - Ve [mm]
Sound Attenuation Coefficient = Vs / 2d * 1000 [dB/m]
10.4 AWS D1.1/D1.5

10.4.1 Overview
The AWS D1.1 Software Option for the EPOCH XT has been created to assist operators
performing inspections covered under the American Welding Society D1.1 (or D1.5) Structural
Welding Code for steel. This code provides inspectors with a method to classify discontinuities
found in welds using ultrasonic inspection. This code uses the following formula to develop an
indication rating for a reflector found during an inspection:
ABC=D
A = Discontinuity Indication Level (dB)
B = Reference Indication Level (dB)
C = Attenuation Factor: 2*(soundpath in inches 1 in.) (dB)
D = Indication Rating (dB)
The AWS D1.1 inspector must take the Indication Rating (D) that is calculated based on A, B,
and C to an Ultrasonic Acceptance Rejection Criteria table produced by the AWS in order
to classify the severity of the discontinuity that has been located. As an inspection is
performed, the operator is required to develop an AWS report that lists the values for all
variables listed above as well as transducer information, discontinuity length and location, and
the inspectors overall evaluation of the discontinuity.
For further details regarding the test equipment, methods, interpretation, and classification
requirements for these inspections, please refer to the AWS D1.1 Code Book.
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10.4.2 AWS D1.1 and the EPOCH XT

Olympus NDT has developed the AWS D1.1 Software Option for the EPOCH XT with the
goal of simplifying inspector tasks and lowering the overall inspection time. This is
accomplished by having the EPOCH XT perform some required calculations automatically
and also by permitting the inspector to document discontinuities in the EPOCH XTs
datalogger for reporting purposes.
The EPOCH XT can also transfer inspection data to the GageView Pro Interface Program to
aid in report generation. This program allows the inspector to view the instruments setup
parameters, the waveform generated by a discontinuity, the discontinuitys soundpath and
location information, and all values for the AWS D1.1 formula variables.
10.4.3 Operating the AWS D1.1 Software

The first step in operating the EPOCH XT for AWS D1.1 inspections is to calibrate the
instrument for the transducer and test conditions. For information on the Angle Beam
Calibration of the EPOCH XT, see the calibration section of this manual or the appropriate
guidelines from the American Welding Society.
The AWS D1.1 Software Option is activated in the [MEAS SETUP] menu > Options tab as
shown below:
When AWS D1.1 is activated, the function keys on the EPOCH XT will take the following
assignments:
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[F1]: REF The operator can store the REF B dB value from a reference reflector.
[F2]: No Function.
[F3]: No Function.
[F4]: Scan dB The operator can toggle the scanning gain between an operator-selected
value and zero dB.
[F5]: AUTO80 The operator can bring a gated signal to 80% FSH.
After activation, the operator must set a REF B value in order to begin an inspection. This
number represents the gain level necessary to bring the echo from a reference reflector to 80%
full-screen height (FSH). The reference reflector will often be a side-drilled hole in the
calibration block used for the angle beam calibration. Other reference reflectors may be used
provided that they meet AWS requirements for these inspections
In order to store a REF B value, the operator must gate the echo from the reference reflector
and bring the echo to 80% FSH. This can be done by pressing the [GAIN] key and adjusting
the gain with the up and down arrow keys, or by pressing [F5] to automatically adjust the gain
to bring the echo to 80% FSH. Once the echo has the appropriate amplitude, press [F1] to store
the value.
10.4.3.1 Adding Scanning Gain

AWS codes require that an operator enter a certain amount of scanning gain to the REF B dB
value. In doing so the operator can locate flaws that may be smaller or deeper into the test
piece than the reference flaw. By pressing the [GAIN] key, the operator can enter the amount
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of scanning gain necessary to perform the inspection as outlined by the AWS Code. Once the
scanning gain has been set up, the operator can press the [F4] key to toggle the scanning gain
on and off as necessary.
When a discontinuity has been located within the test piece, the EPOCH XT will provide the
operator with a D value corresponding to the discontinuity. However, in order to display a D
value, the gated echo must peak at an amplitude less than 110% FSH. Often, the operator will
simply have to press the [F4] key to turn off the scanning gain and to bring the echo peak onto
the screen. In some cases, further gain adjustments may be necessary.
10.4.3.2 Calculating A and C Values

When a gated echo, whose peak is below 100% FSH, is present, the EPOCH XT will
automatically calculate the A and C values necessary to provide a D value to the operator. For
A, the EPOCH XT automatically calculates the required dB value to bring the gated echo to
80% FSH. To calculate C, the EPOCH XT uses the data in the soundpath calculator to generate
an attenuation factor.
Note: In order for this calculation to be accurate, the operator must enter the
correct thickness for the test piece. The EPOCH XT will display the value for D in the
measurement box chosen for the AWS D1.1 Rating. This is setup in the [MEAS SETUP]
menu > Meas tab. An example of this is seen in the following illustration
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10.4.3.3 Documentation
By pressing the [SAVE] key on the EPOCH XT, the operator can now save the data
for this discontinuity in the EPOCH XT Datalogger. At the bottom of an ID saved
with AWS D1.1 active, the operator will see the values for A, B, C, and D. This data is
viewable in the File Review Window.
Note: While using the EPOCH XT and the AWS D1.1 Software Option, it is the
responsibility of the operator to take into account any inspection conditions that could
cause variation in the displayed Indication Rating (D value). It is the responsibility of the
operator to interpret the meaning of echo indications and reported D values corresponding
to these indications properly.
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Appendix A: Cable Assembly
Cable Assembly
165
166
Appendix A
Appendix B: Sound Velocities
The table below lists the ultrasonic velocity in a variety of common materials. This is only a
guide. The actual velocity in these materials might vary significantly due to a variety of causes,
such as composition, preferred crystallographic orientation, porosity, and temperature. For
maximum accuracy, establish the sound velocity in a given material by first testing a sample of
the material.
Table 12 Ultrasonic Velocities in a Variety of Common Materials

Material
V (in./sec)
V (m/sec)
Acrylic resin (Perspex)
0.107
2730
Aluminum
0.249
6320
Beryllium
0.508
12900
Brass, naval
0.174
4430
Copper
0.183
4660
Diamond
0.709
18000
Glycerin
0.076
1920
Inconel
0.229
5820
Iron, Cast (slow)
0.138
3500
Iron, Cast (fast)
0.220
5600
Iron oxide (magnetite)
0.232
5890
Lead
0.085
2160
Sound Velocities
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Table 12 Ultrasonic Velocities in a Variety of Common Materials (continued)

Material
168
V (in./sec)
V (m/sec)
Lucite
0.106
2680
Molybdenum
0.246
6250
Motor oil (SAE 20/30)
0.069
1740
Nickel, pure
0.222
5630
Polyamide (slow)
0.087
2200
Nylon, fast
0.102
2600
Polyethylene, high density (HDPE)
0.097
2460
Polyethylene, low density (LDPE)
0.082
2080
Polystyrene
0.092
2340
Polyvinylchloride, (PVC, hard)
0.094
2395
Rubber (polybutadiene)
0.063
1610
Silicon
0.379
9620
Silicone
0.058
1485
Steel, 1020
0.232
5890
Steel, 4340
0.230
5850
Steel, 302 austenitic stainless
0.223
5660
Steel, 347 austenitic stainless
0.226
5740
Tin
0.131
3320
Titanium, Ti 150A
0.240
6100
Tungsten
0.204
5180
Water (20C)
0.0580
1480
Zinc
0.164
4170
Zirconium
0.183
4650
Appendix B
References
1.
Folds, D. L. Experimental Determination of Ultrasonic Wave Velocities in Plastics,

Elastomers, and Syntactic Foam as a Function of Temperature. Naval Research and
Development Laboratory. Panama City, Florida, 1971.
2.
Fredericks, J. R. Ultrasonic Engineering. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1965.
3.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Cleveland, Ohio: Chemical Rubber Co., 1963.
4.
Mason, W. P. Physical Acoustics and the Properties of Solids. New York: D.Van Nostrand
Co., 1958.
5.
Papadakis, E. P. Panametrics - unpublished notes, 1972.
Sound Velocities
169
170
Appendix B
Appendix C: Glossary
Table 13 Glossary
Term
Definition
Acoustic Impedance
A material property defined as the product of sound

velocity (C) and the materials density (d).
Acoustic Interface
The boundary between two media of different acoustic

impedance.
Acoustic Zero
The point on the CRT display that represents the entry

surface of the specimen.
Amplifier
An electronic device that increases the strength of a signal

fed into it by obtaining power from a source other than the
input signal.
Amplitude
Referring to an indication on the CRT screen, the vertical

height of an indication measured from the lowest to the
highest point on the indication. In wave motion, the
maximum displacement of the particles of the material.
Angle Beam Transducer
A transducer that transmits or receives the acoustic energy

at an angle to the surface to set up shear waves or surface
waves in the part being inspected.
Glossary
171
Table 13 Glossary (continued)

Term
172
Definition
A-scan
Pulse-echo format wherein the CRT display shows the

pulse travel time in the horizontal direction (left to right)
representing the corresponding sound paths. The vertical
direction (bottom to top) displays the maximum value of
the acoustic pressure echo amplitude received by the
probe.
Attenuation
The loss in acoustic energy that occurs between any two

points of travel. This loss may be due to absorption,
reflection, and other phenomena.
Attenuation (M.L.A.)
The loss of sound pressure in a travelling wavefront caused

by the scattering of some of the waves sound pressure by
the grain structure and/or porosity of the medium, and by
absorption, a conversion of sound energy into heat.
Back or Backwall Echo
The echo received from the side of the specimen opposite

the side to which the transducer is coupled. This echo
represents the thickness of the specimen at that point.
Background Noise
Extraneous signals caused by sources within the ultrasonic

testing system and the material being tested.
Beam Index Point
The point on the base of an angle beam probes wedge

from which the sound leaves the wedge and enters the
specimen.
Cal Block Velocity
Material sound velocity for the calibration block.
Couplant
A material (usually a liquid or gel) used between the

transducer and the test specimen to eliminate air from this
space and thus facilitate the passage of sound waves into
and out of the specimen.
Critical Defect
Either the largest tolerable defect or the smallest

intolerable defect. The critical defect size is usually given
by a specification or code.
Appendix C

Term
Definition
Cross Talk
An unwanted condition affecting dual element transducers

in which acoustic energy travels from the transmitting
crystal to the receiving crystal by routes other than the
intended path through the material.
Damping (Control)
A variable resistance across the pulser circuit output which

shapes the excitation pulse. Typically it is used to change
pulse characteristics to optimize either penetration (low
damping) or near surface resolution (high damping).
Note: High damping = Low damping ohms (50 )
Low damping = High damping ohms (400 )
Damping Material
Any gel, rubber-like substance, or other material which,

when used in the transducer, results in a shorter ringing
time of the piezoelectric crystal.
Decibel (dB)
A unit which compares levels of power. Two power levels

P1 and P2, are said to differ by n decibels when: n = 10
P
P1
log10 -----2-
This unit is often used to express sound intensities. In this
case, P2 is the intensity of the sound under consideration
and P1 is the intensity of some reference level.
In the case of the displayed voltages on a cathode ray tube
screen, the relationship becomes:
V
n = 20 log10 -----2-
V1
Delay Control
Subcircuit of the sweep generator that allows a variably

adjustable time period from the sending of the trigger pulse
to the start of the sweep across the CRT.
Detectability
The ability of a test system (instrument and transducer) to

detect or see a given size reflector. This is also known as
sensitivity.
Glossary
173

Term
174
Definition
Distance Amplitude
Correction (DAC)
A method of flaw evaluation that uses a test block with a

known size reflector at varying known distances from the
transducer. This allows you to plot a curve on the CRT
screen that represents the amplitude of that size reflector
throughout a given distance range. This curve compensates
for the loss of energy due to beam spreading and
attenuation.
Dual-Element Probe
A probe containing two piezoelectric elements, one which

transmits and one which receives.
Dynamic Range
The ratio of maximum to minimum reflective areas that

can be distinguished on the cathode ray tube (usually based
on decibel ratios).
Electronic Zero
The point in time when the pulser fires the initial pulse to
the transducer and the point on the cathode ray tube screen
where the electron beam leaves the baseline due to the
initial pulse signal coming from the transmitter.
First Critical Angle
The minimum incident angle in the first medium at which

the refracted longitudinal wave is eliminated from the test
specimen.
Flaw
A discontinuity that may be undesirable but does not

necessarily call for rejection.
Frequency
The number of complete cycles undergone or produced by

an oscillating body in one second.
Gain
Used in electronics with reference to an increase in signal

power; usually expressed as the ratio of the output power
(for example, of an amplifier) to the input power in
decibels.
Gain (Control)
Selects the amount of calibrated gain (dB) available within

the instrument. Usually consists of a coarse gain control
(additions at 20 dB increments), and a fine gain (additions
at 1 or 2 dB increments).
Appendix C

Term
Definition
Gate
An electronic baseline display used to electronically

monitor portions of the displayed range with reference to
distance or amplitude.
Hertz (Hz)
The derived unit of frequency defined as the frequency of a

periodic phenomenon of which the period is one second;
equal to one cycle per second.
Symbol Hz. 1 Kilohertz (KHz) = 103 cycles per second
1 Megahertz (Mhz) = 106 cycles per second.
Horizontal A
The smaller length (if rectangular) of the actual crystal.

The software will compute the affective length
automatically.
Immersion Testing
A test method, useful for testing irregularly shaped parts,

in which the part to be tested is immersed in water (or
other liquid) so that the liquid acts as a couplant. The
search unit is also immersed in the liquid, but not in
contact with the part being tested.
Incidence, Angle of
The angle between a sound beam striking an acoustic

interface and the normal (that is, perpendicular) to the
surface at that point. Usually designated by the Greek
symbol (alpha).
Indication
The signal displayed on the screen signifying the presence

of a sound wave reflector in the part being tested.
Indication (Defect) Level
The number of decibels of calibrated gain which must be

set on the instrument to bring the indication (defect) echo
signal to peak at the reference line on the screen.
Initial Pulse (IP)
The pulse of electrical energy sent by the pulser to the

transducer.
Leg
In angle beam testing, the path the shear wave travels in a

straight line before being reflected by the opposite surface
of the material being tested.
Glossary
175

Term
176
Definition
Linearity, Vertical or
Amplitude
The characteristics of an ultrasonic test system indicating

its ability to respond in a proportional manner to a range of
echo amplitudes produced by specified reflectors.
Linearity, Horizontal or
Distance
The characteristics of an ultrasonic test system indicating

its ability to respond in a proportional manner to a range of
echo signals, produced by specified reflectors, variable in
time, usually a series of multiple back reflections.
Longitudinal Wave
Mode of wave propagation characterized by particle

movement parallel to the direction of wave travel.
Main Bang
Term used to describe the Initial Pulse Voltage.
Mode Conversion
Changing a portion of a sound beams energy into a wave

of a different mode due to refraction at incident angles
other than zero degrees. In NDT, this usually involves
conversion of longitudinal waves into shear waves or
surface waves.
Peaking Up
Maximizing the height of any indication displayed on the

CRT screen by positioning the main axis of the sound
beam directly over the reflector.
Penetration
The ability of the test system to overcome material loss

attenuation, that is, the ability of the sound beam to bypass small reflectors such as grain boundaries and porosity
in the specimen.
Piezoelectric Elements
A family of materials (such as lead metaniobate, quartz,

lithium sulfate) that possess the characteristic ability to
produce: a) A voltage differential across their faces when
deformed by an externally applied mechanical force, and
b) A change in their own physical configuration
(dimensions) when an external voltage is applied to them.
Probe
Another name for transducer or search unit
Pulse Repetition Rate or Pulse

Repetition Frequency
The frequency with which the clock circuit sends its

trigger pulses to the sweep generator and the transmitter,
usually quoted in terms of pulses per second (pps).
Appendix C

Term
Definition
Range
The distance represented by the entire horizontal CRT

screen display.
Receiver
That circuit of a flaw detector that receives both the initial

pulse voltage from the transmitter and the returning echoes
(as voltages) from the transducer. By passing these
incoming signals through certain subcircuits, the signals
are rectified, filtered and amplified with the results send to
the screen for display.
Reference Echo
The echo from a reference reflector.
Reference Level
The number of decibels of calibrated gain which must be

set on the instrument to bring the reference reflector signal
to peak at the reference line on the screen.
Reference Line
A predetermined horizontal line (usually dictated by

specifications) on the screen representing some percentage
of total screen height, at which reference echoes and
indication echoes are compared.
Reference Reflector
A reflector of known size (geometry) at a known distance,

such as a flat-bottom hole.
Refraction, Angle of
The angle of sound reflection in the wedge which is equal

to the angle of incidence (also in the wedge.) The angle of
reflectance is measured from the normal to the reflected
sound beam.
Registration
The minimum detectable flaw size.
Reject (Control)
Also known as suppression, it limits the input sensitivity of

the amplifier in the receiver. Grass or scattering noise
can be reduced or eliminated from the screen by its use. On
most analog instruments it also destroys the vertical
linearity relationship between echo heights.
Resolution
The ability of the test system (instrument and transducer)

to distinguish reflectors at slightly different depths.
Glossary
177

Term
178
Definition
Scanning Level
The number of dBs of calibrated gain above the reference

level added to insure seeing potentially significant
reflectors at the end of the V-path in a weld inspection.
Second Critical Angle
The minimum incident angle in the first medium at which

the refracted shear wave leaves the body of the test
specimen.
Sensitivity
The ability of the test system (instrument and transducer)

to detect a given size reflector at a given distance.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
The ratio of amplitudes and indications from the smallest

defect considered significant and those caused by random
factors, such as grain scattering or instrument noise.
Single Element Probe
A probe containing only one piezoelectric element, which

is used to both transmit and receive sound.
Skip-Distance
In angle beam testing, the surface distance which

represents one V-path of sound in the material.
Sound Beam
The characteristic shape of the ultrasonic wave sent into

the material.
Sound Path Distance
The distance from the transducer beam index point to the

reflector located in the specimen, measured along the
actual path that the sound travels. Sometimes referred to as
angular distance in angle beam testing.
Straight Beam Probe

(Normal Beam Probe)
A probe which transmits the sound into the material

perpendicular to the entry surface.
Surface Wave
Mode of wave propagation characterized by an elliptical

movement of the particles (molecules) on the surface of
the specimen as the wavefront moves forward, this
movement penetrating the specimen to a depth of one
wavelength.
Appendix C

Term
Definition
Through Transmission
A test method in which the vibrations emitted by one

search unit are directed toward, and received by, another
search unit. The ratio between quantity of vibration sent
and received is a measure of the integrity, or quality of the
material being tested.
Time Varied Gain (TVG)
Circuit that automatically adjusts gain so that the echo

amplitude of a given size reflector is displayed at a
constant screen height regardless of the distance to that
given size reflector.
Transducer
A device that transforms one form of energy into another.
Transmitter
Circuit of the flaw detector that sends the initial pulse

voltage to both the transducer and receiver.
Ultrasonic
Of or relating to frequencies above the human audible

range; e.g., above 20,000 cycles/sec. (Hertz).
Ultrasonics
Study of pressure waves which are of the same nature as

sound waves, but which have frequencies above the human
audible limit, i.e., above 20,000 cycles/sec. (Hertz).
V-Path
The angular distance sound travels, measured from the top

surface of the material to the bottom, and reflecting back
up to the top surface.
Vertical B
The larger length (if rectangular) of the actual crystal. The

software will compute the affective length automatically.
Wavelength
The distance between like points on successive

wavefronts; i.e., the distance between any two successive
particles of the oscillating medium that are in the same
phase. It is denoted by the Greek letter (lambda).
Glossary
179
180
Appendix C
Appendix D: EPOCH XT EN12668-1 Technical

Specifications
Table 14 Instrument Technical Specifications

EPOCH XT Technical Specifications
Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
INSTRUMENT
Size
In
10.91x7.
35x2.79
4.5
Weight
w/battery
lbs
Storage Temp
w/battery
-20
60
wo/battery
-40
70
Operating
Temp
w/battery
-30
50
Warmup
period
@25C
min
Power
supplies
Battery
(main)
30
External
power
EPOCH XT EN12668-1 Technical Specifications
181
Table 14 Instrument Technical Specifications (continued)

Description
Test
Parameter
Voltage range
for battery
operation
Acceptance
Criteria
Units
Min
Typical
Max
10.8
12
NiMH
battery
10
12
14
6 xC pack
alkaline
battery
9.5
6 xC pack
NiMH
battery
7.2
8.4
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
LiON
battery
Symbol
Voltage range
with external
power supply
23.5
24
24.5
Power
consumption
11
Environmental protection
Technical
Specification
IP67
Shock
resistivity
Tests to be
performed
TBD
Vibration
Tests to be
performed
TBD
Battery Operating Time

LiON battery
(Smart)
hour
NiMH
hour
6 xC cell
alkaline
hour
6 xC cell
NiMH
hour
2.3
Stability after
warmup time
182
After 30
min.
9.5
10
10.5
9.3.2
Amplitude
<|2|
0.5
0.5
|1|
Time of
Flight
<|1|
0.02
0.02
0.05
|5|
Appendix D

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
Stability
against
temperature
variation
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
8.2
<|5|
%/
10C
0.5
|2.5|
8.2
<|1|
%/
10C
0.00
2
0.05
0.03
|5|
Stability
against
voltage
variation
Amplitude
9.3.4
<|2|
0.5
0.5
0.5
|1|
Time of
flight
9.3.4
<|1|
0.00
2
0.002
0.05
|0/5|
Low battery
warning
No
warning w/
C-cell
batteries
yes
Type of Sockets
Probe
connection
BNC/
LEMO
I/O interface
USB
client/
host
Alarm
outputs
16-pin
LEM
conn
External
power supply
Minipower
jack
Switchcraft
712A
Case
VALOX
Plastic
Documentation
Technical
reference
manual
Transmitter
Shape
Square
wave pulse
183

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Frequency
band
184
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
MHz
MHz
MHz
MHz
MHz
10
MHz
12.5
MHz
20
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.1
(F=1.0 MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.2
Energy=
475V;
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.3
Energy=
475V;
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.4
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.5
(F=2.0 MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.6
Energy=
475V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.7
Energy=
475V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.8
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.9
(F=4.0 MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.10
Appendix D
Max
Technical
Specification

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Energy=
475V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.11
Energy=
475V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.12
Max
Technical
Specification
Transmitter (cont.)
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.13
(F=5.0 MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.14
Energy=
475V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.15
Energy=
475V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.16
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.17
(F=10.0
MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.18
Energy=
475V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.19
Energy=
475V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.20
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.21
(F=12.5
MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.22
Energy=300
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.23
Energy=300
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.24
185

Description
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Spectrum for
square
Energy=50V
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.25
(F=20.0
MHz)
Energy=50V
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.26
Energy=300
Damp=50
8.3.4
Fig.27
Energy=300
Damp=400
8.3.4
Fig.28
Max
Transmitter (cont.)
Damping
Energy
Pulse
Repetition
Frequency
186
Appendix D
8.3.2
50
63
150
400
50
100
150
200
300
400
475
Hz
10
Optimum
1000
Technical
Specification

Description
Test
Parameter
Pulse
Repetition
Frequency in
Manual Mode
Operating
modes
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
Range<80
S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
999.
9
1000
1000.
1
1000
Range
<200 S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
529.
9
540
540.1
540
Range
<500 S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
259.
9
260
260.1
260
Range
<1000 S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
139.
9
140
140.1
140
Range
<2000 S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
69.9
70
70.1
70
Range
<30000 S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
39.9
40
40.1
40
Range
<4000 S
8.3.2
20%TS
Hz
29.9
30
30.1
30
275
250
225
25010%
Pulse-Echo
test mode
Dual test
mode
Through
test mode
Characteristics of Transmitter Pulse

Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Effective
output
impedance
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
10
<25
187

Description
Test
Parameter
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Condition
and
Comment
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Effective
output
impedance
188
Appendix D
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
275
250
225
25010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
EN12668-1
15
<25
<25
<25

Description
Test
Parameter
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Condition
and
Comment
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
225
250
275
25010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
225
250
275
25010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
EN12668-1
10
<25
Characteristics of Transmitter Pulse (cont.)

Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Effective
output
impedance
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
18
<25
10
<25
189

Description
Test
Parameter
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Condition
and
Comment
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=1
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Effective
output
impedance
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
450
495
550
50010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
270
295
330
30010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
EN12668-1
190
Appendix D
<25
12
<25
15
<25

Description
Test
Parameter
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Condition
and
Comment
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=10
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Effective
output
impedance
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
270
295
330
30010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
270
295
330
30010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
EN12668-1
10
<25
<25
15
<25
191

Description
Test
Parameter
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Condition
and
Comment
Damping =
50 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
475V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
Effective
output
impedance
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
270
295
330
30010%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
9.4.2
10%TS
| V50|
29
32
35
3210%
9.4.2
<maxTS
tr
nS
9.4.2
10%TS
td
nS
45
50
55
5010%
8.3.3
20%TS
Z0
24
30
36
3020%
8.4.2
>=80
dB
83
90
92
>80
EN12668-1
15
<25
10
<25

Pulse voltage
Pulse rise
time
Pulse
duration
Effective
output
impedance
Damping =
400 ;
energy=
50V;
freq=10
MHz;
PRF=1000
Hz
<25
Receiver
Crosstalk
damping
from
transmitter to
receiver
192
Appendix D

Description
Test
Parameter
Accuracy of
calibrated
attenuator
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
Fine gain
attenuator
9.5.4
<|1|
dB
-0.2
0.2
|0.5|
Course
gain
attenuator
9.5.4
<|2|
dB
|0.1|
|0.2|
|0.33|
|1.5|
Amplifier Frequency
Filter 0.2 MHz-1.2 MHz
Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
0.2
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
0.57
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
1.21
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
0.49
0.48
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
1.02
1.0
Amplifier Frequency (cont.)

Filter 0.5 MHz-4 MHz
Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
0.47
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
2.25
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
4.06
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
1.39
1.4
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
3.59
3.6
193

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
1.49
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
4.85
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
8.46
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
3.55
3.6
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
6.97
7.0

Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
4.80
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
9.89
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
14.86
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
8.45
8.45
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
10.00
10

194
Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
7.9
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
15
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
26.4
Appendix D

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
14.44
14.6
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
18
18.0
Filter 2.0 MHz-21.5 MHz - Broadband

Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
1.87
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
6.6
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
21.0
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
6.27
6.3
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
19.1
19.5
Filter 2.0 MHz - Axle Inspection FR

Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
1.69
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
2.22
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
2.74
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
2.16
2.2.
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
1.05
1.1

Filter 3.0 MHz -Axle Inspection FR
195

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
2.8
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
3.42
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
4.04
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
3.37
3.4
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
1.24
1.2
Filter 5.0 MHz -Axle Inspection FR

Lower
frequency
range
9.5.2
TI
MHz
4.25
Max
frequency
9.5.2
fmax
MHz
5.04
Upper
frequency
range
9.5.2
MHz
6.53
Center
frequency
range
9.5.2
5%TS
f0
MHz
5.27
5.2
Bandwidth
9.5.2
10%TS
MHz
2.28
2.2
Dynamic Range
196
Appendix D

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Fo= 0.5 MHz
Filter 0.2
MHz-1.2
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
120
Fo= 1.4 MHz
Filter 0.5
MHz-4.0
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
117
Fo= 3.6 MHz
Filter 1.5
MHz-8.5
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
114
Fo= 8.45
MHz
Filter 5.0
MHz-15.0
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
115
Fo= 14.6
MHz
Filter 8.0
MHz-26.5
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
109
Fo= 6.6 MHz
Filter 2.0
MHz-21.5
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
109
Fo= 2.2 MHz
Filter 2.0
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
121
120
Fo= 3.4 MHz
Filter 3.0
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
121
120
Fo= 5.3 MHz
Filter 5.0
MHz
8.4.4
>=100
dB
121
120
Max
Technical
Specification
106
Equivalent Input Noise
197

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Fo= 0.5 MHz
Filter 0.2
MHz-1.2
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
38.4
44.1
Fo= 1.4 MHz
Filter 0.5
MHz-4.0
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
25.3
46.6
Fo= 3.6 MHz
Filter 1.5
MHz-8.5
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
26.7
49.3
Fo= 8.45
MHz
Filter 5.0
MHz-15.0
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
29.1
50
Fo= 14.6
MHz
Filter 8.0
MHz-26.5
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
33.5
56
Fo= 6.6 MHz
Filter 2.0
MHz-21.5
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
28.5
49.2
Fo= 2.2 MHz
Filter 2.0
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
29.5
30.9
Fo= 3.4 MHz
Filter 3.0
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
27.4
35.6
Fo= 5.3 MHz
Filter 5.0
MHz
9.5.3
<80
nin
nV
Hz
27.6
33.2
Dead Time After Transmitter Pulse
198
Acceptance
Criteria
Appendix D
Max
Technical
Specification
72

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
2.0
Fo= 0.5 MHz
Filter 0.2
MHz-1.2
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.27
1.00
Fo= 1.4 MHz
Filter 0.5
MHz-4.0
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.27
1.00
Fo= 3.6 MHz
Filter 1.5
MHz-8.5
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.25
0.27
Fo= 8.45
MHz
Filter 5.0
MHz-15.0
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.28
1.00
Fo= 14.6
MHz
Filter 8.0
MHz-26.5
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.54
1.00
Fo= 6.6 MHz
Filter 2.0
MHz-21.5
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.28
0.54
Fo= 2.2 MHz
Filter 2.0
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.02
0.25
Fo= 3.4 MHz
Filter 3.0
MHz
8.4.3
>=10
0.04
0.25
Receiver Input Impedance

Dual Mode, Through Mode
Rmax@Gain
=Max
Rmax@Gain
=Min
Cmax@Gain
=Max
Cmax@Gain
=Min
|RmaxRmin|/
Rmax=R_
D<=0.1@
F=4MHz
|CmaxCmin|/
Cmax=C_
D<=0.15@
F=4MHz
8.4.5
Rmax
461
464
8.4.5
Rmin
461
464
8.4.5
Cmax
pF
104
8.4.5
Cmin
pF
103
R_D<=
0.05
105
C_D<=
0.075
199

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
<=0.1
Rmax
152
162
Rmin
152
162
Cmax
pF
128
132
Cmin
pF
128
132
Max
Technical
Specification
P/E Mode
Rmax@Gain
=Max
Rmax@Gain
=Min
Cmax@Gain
=Max
Cmax@Gain
=Min
|RmaxRmin|/
Rmax=R_
PE<=0.1@
F=4MHz
8.4.5
|CmaxCmin|/
Cmax=C_
PE<=0.15
8.4.5
8.4.5
8.4.5
<=0.15
Monitor
Number of
Gates
Alarm Logic
Off
Pos
Neg
Mindep
Alarm
Warning
Gate
measurement
points
Beeper,
alarm
outputs,
visual
Audio
edge
peak
first
peak
200
Appendix D
R_PE<=
0.1
C_PE<=
0.075

Description
Test
Parameter
Start (gate)
Width (gate)
Zoom
Acceptance
Criteria
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Steel
longitudinal
velocity
mm
within
range
12700
Steel
longitudinal
velocity
in
within
range
500
within
range
4500
Steel
longitudinal
velocity
mm
0.12
within
range
12700
Steel
longitudinal
velocity
in
0.00
5
within
range
500
0.04
within
range
4500
mm
1.82
12700
in
0.07
2
500
0.63
4500
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Full screen
width
Symbol
Technical
Specification
Gates with Adjustable Threshold

Switching
hysteresis
with
adjustable
threshold
Filter 2.0
MHz-21.5
MHz for
Gate 1,
Gate 2
8.5.3
<|2|
0.25
0.5
<|1.0|
Hold time for

switched
output
PRF=10
Hz
8.5.4
20%TS
mS
101.25
100
PRF=1000
Hz
8.5.4
20%TS
mS
0.9854
Gates with Fixed Threshold
201

Description
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
8.5.2
N/A
Impedance of
proportional
gate output
8.6.1
N/A
Linearity of
proportional
gate output
8.6.2
N/A
Frequency of
proportional
gate output
8.6.3
N/A
Noise of
proportional
gate output
8.6.4
N/A
Influence of
signal
position
within the
gate
8.6.5
N/A
Effect of
pulse shape
on
proportional
gate output
8.6.6
N/A
Rise, fall, and

hold time
8.6.7
N/A
Test
Parameter
Switching
hysteresis
with fixed
threshold
Condition
and
Comment
No analog
output
EN12668-1
Units
Min
Typical
Display
Type
Active,
color
QVGA
Full and
split screen
Display
dimensions
202
Appendix D
mm
74.76Hx
101.28
W
in
2.943Hx
3.987W
Max
Technical
Specification

Description
Test
Parameter
Resolution
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Number of
pixels
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
320x240
Backlight
Yes
A-scan display
Linearity of
vertical
display
Linearity of
base time
All meas
w/ Gain=
40 dB
Filter 0.2
MHz - 1.2
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 0.5
MHz - 4.0
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 1.5
MHz - 8.5
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 5.0
MHz - 15.0
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 8.0
MHz - 26.5
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 2.0
MHz - 21.5
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 2.0
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 3.0
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 5.0
MHz
9.5.5
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|2|
Filter 2.0
MHz - 21.5
MHz
All ranges
9.6
<|1|
0.1
<|0.5|
9.3.3
<|2|
%FSH
0.5
<|1|
Display jitter
Amplitude
203

Description
Test
Parameter
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
%FSW
0.002
<|0.1|
0.001999.99
mm
0.01
1000.09999.9
mm
0.1
10000.012700
mm
0.00199.999
in
0.001
100.00500.00
in
0.01
0.00199.999
0.001
100.00999.99
0.01
1000.04500.0
0.1
Condition
and
Comment
Position
EN12668-1
9.3.3
Acceptance
Criteria
<|1|
Symbol
Units
Min
Measurement Resolution
Soundpath
Temporal Resolution
tA1
tA2
Display width
(range)
204
Appendix D
Filter 2.0
MHz - 21.5
MHz
Steel
Longitudinal
Velocity
8.4.7
ns
130
135
144
8.4.7
ns
150
135
161
mm
1.82
within
range
12700
in
0.072
within
range
500
0.63
within
range
4500

Description
Test
Parameter
Display
Delay
Condition
and
Comment
Steel
Longitudinal
Velocity
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
mm
-57.7
within
range
12700
in
2.272
within
range
500
-20
within
range
4500
Automatic
calibration
Zero offset
and
velocity
Material
velocity
Resolution
0.0001 in/S
in/S
0.025
0.6
Resolution
1 m/S
m/S
635
15240
Resolution
0.1
grad
10
85
grad
0.1
to Calc.
Sound
Reflec.
Path data
mm
635
in
25
with
Curved
Surface
Correction
SW option
mm
10
7620
in
0.4
300
Technical
Specification
Yes
Trigonometry
Angle of
refraction
Increments
Thickness
Pipe outside
Diameter
Image Processing
205

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
Reading to be
displayed
For Gate1,
Gate 2
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Time of
Flight
Yes
Sound path
difference
Yes
Surface
distance
Yes
Depth
position
Yes
Amplitude in
% curve
Yes
Amplitude in
dB
with
Reference
gain
Yes
Alarm
For Gate1,
Gate 2
Yes
Evaluation
curve (DGS)
Yes
Evaluation
curve (DAC/
TVG)
Yes
Legs
calculations
Change of
grid lines
and leg
indicator
for each
gate
Yes
Signal Display Mode

A-scan and
envelope
outline
filled
Signal Processing
206
Screen freeze
Yes
Peak memory
Yes
Appendix D
Technical
Specification

Description
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
A-scan
compare
with Peak
Hold
Yes
Envelope
mode
with Peak
Memory
Yes
EN12668-1
Peak hold
Zoom
Max
Technical
Specification
Yes
A-scan on
full screen
width
Yes
Status
information
Yes
Dialog
languages
11
Function lock
Yes
Amplitude Evaluation
DAC
Distance
Amp.
Correction
8.4.6
<|1.5|
dB
Number of
reference
echoes
Dynamic
range
For TVG
Slope max
50
dB
110
dB/S
600
DGS
Distance
Gain
Sizing
Yes
Number of
probes
Straight
beam
ea
13
Angle
beam
ea
37
Dual
ea
14
Custom
programable w/
GageView
SW
ea
14
207

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Amplitude Evaluation (cont.)

Backwall
Reference
reflectors
Side
drilled
hole
K1-IIW
Block
Arc
K2-DSC
Block
Arc
Flat
Bottom
Hole
Attenuation
correction
Yes
Transfer
correction
Yes
Quadrant
correction
(Delta Vk)
Yes
DAC Mode
Yes
Curve
Evaluation
curve
Yes
TVG
Depth
compensation
Yes
Additional
curves
Curve offset
Yes
Data Processing
A2D conversion
Sample
frequency
208
Appendix D
MHz
100
Max
Technical
Specification

Description
Test
Parameter
Condition
and
Comment
Storage of
data
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
Max
Technical
Specification
Yes
Number of
data sets
Waveforms/
Thickness
Content of
datasets
A-scan +
identifiers
+ setup +
readings
10000
Dataset
description
Alphanumeric
String length
(dataset
name)
Data Processing (cont.)

Identifier
20
Description
32
Inspector ID
32
Location
notes
32
Date and time
Yes
Measurement Results
Sound path
(TOF)
For Gate 1,
Gate 2
Yes
Trigonometrical
values
Selectable
Amplitude
Selectable
Function list
Test report
For Gate 1,
Gate 2
Yes
Yes
Interfaces
209

Description
Test
Parameter
Beeper
Condition
and
Comment
EN12668-1
Acceptance
Criteria
Symbol
Units
Min
Typical
For Gate 1,
Gate 2
Yes
USB Host
USB Host
port
Yes
USB Client
USB Client
port
Yes
Gate Alarm
Outputs
Gate 1, 2, and
Combined
Two gates
standard
Yes
Max
Technical
Specification
Digital Interface
Additional Tests for Digital Ultrasonic Instruments

Linearity of
time-base
Filter 8.0
MHz - 25.0
MHz all
ranges
8.7.2
<|1.5|
0.1
0.2
|0.5|
0.5
1.5
2.5
|5|
Filter 2.0
MHz - 21.5
MHz
(Fo=MHz)
210
Digitization
sampling
error
Rect.
Mode: RF
and FULL
(all filters)
8.7.3
<|5|
Response
time (does not
depend on the
filter settings
by design)
PRF=10
Hz
8.7.4
Manuf.
Spec
mS
100
PRF=100
Hz
8.7.4
Manuf.
Spec
mS
10
PRF=1000
Hz
8.7.4
Manuf.
Spec
mS
1/PRF
10%
Figures
Figure D-1
Figure D-2
211
Figure D-3
Figure D-4
212
Figure D-5
Figure D-6
213
Figure D-7
Figure D-8
214
Figure D-9
Figure D-10
215
Figure D-11
Figure D-12
216
Figure D-13
Figure D-14
217
Figure D-15
Figure D-16
218
Figure D-17
Figure D-18
219
Figure D-19
Figure D-20
220
Figure D-21
Figure D-22
221
Figure D-23
Figure D-24
222
Figure D-25
Figure D-26
223
Figure D-27
Figure D-28
224
Appendix E: Parts List
Table 15 EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

Part
EPXT-BH-UEL
Description
EPOCH XT Flaw Detector with BNC Connectors, HW I/O, US
power supply, English keypad, and Lithium Ion battery
Table 16 Items Included with the EPOCH XT (spares can be purchased)

Part
Description
EPXT-BAT-L
Lithium Ion battery
EPXT-BAT-N
NiMH battery
EP4-MCA-X
Mini Charger Adapter (X= Power Cord Configuration)
EPXT-CELL
C-Cell Battery Foam Block
EPXT-MAN
Instruction Manual
EPXT-TC
Plastic Transport Case
EPXT-PS
Stainless Steel Pipe Stand
EPXT-HS
Hand Strap
Parts List
225
Table 17 Instrument Software Options

Part
Description
EPXT-AWS
AWS Weld classification software
EPXT-DGS-AVG
Onboard DGS/AVG option
Table 18 GageView PRO Interface Program and Accessories

Part
Description
GAGEVIEWPRO-KIT-USB
GageView PRO Interface Program
GAGEVIEW-PRO
GageView PRO Interface Program (software only)
Table 19 Optional Hardware Accessories

Part
226
Description
EP4P-C-USB-6
USB Connection Cable
EPXT-SEAL-KIT
Replacement seals for battery and office connection doors
EPXT-EC
External Stand-Alone Charger
EPXT-RPC
Rubber Protective Carrying Case
EPXT-SS
Sunshade
EPXT-CH
Chest Harness
EPXT-DP
Screen Protective Cover (Qty. 10)
EPXT-BNC-CAPS
Set of two (2) BNC Connector Caps
EPXT-LEMO-CAP
Rubber Cap for LEMO Transducer Connectors
EPXT-HWIO-B
HW I/O Option with BNC Connector Plate
EPXT-HWIO-L
HW I/O Option with LEMO Connector Plate
Table 19 Optional Hardware Accessories (continued)

Part
Description
EPXT-C-16HW-6
HW I/O Cable, 6
EPXT-C-16HW-20
HW I/O Cable, 20
EPXT-C-25PRL-6
Parallel Port Cable (25 pin to 25 pin)
Parts List
227
228
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Manual Olympus Epoch XT

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EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

In accordance with European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic

Copyright 2007 by Olympus NDT. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents ............................................................................................... iii

Product Description ...........................................................................................................

2. EPOCH XT Physical Features ...................................................................... 7

3. Operating the Power Supply ....................................................................... 13

3.4 Replacing the Battery ...................................................................................................... 15

4. Managing Basic Operations ........................................................................ 17

5. Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver .................................................................... 51

Adjusting the System Sensitivity (Gain) .........................................................................

5.5.1 Digital Filters ........................................................................................................ 56

6. Managing Special Waveform Functions .................................................... 59

Positioning Gates 1 and 2 ................................................................................................

8. Calibrating the EPOCH XT ........................................................................ 73

Getting Started .................................................................................................................

9. Managing the Instrument Datalogger ...................................................... 101

9.2.2 Data File Types ...................................................................................................

10. Software Features and Options ................................................................ 133

Appendix A: Cable Assembly ......................................................................... 165

Appendix E: Parts List .................................................................................... 225

The preface contains the following introductory topics:

About This Document

If You Have Documentation Comments

The EPOCH XT is a high-performance, lightweight, and portable ultrasonic flaw detector.

Case sealed to IP67 to assure environmental durability.

Complies with EN12668-1.

High Performance PerfectSquare Pulser Technology The instrument electronics

A 100% digital, high dynamic-range receiver design with unprecedented TVG

Five customizable measurement-display locations for time and amplitude measurements

New rapid parameter adjustment methods maximizing effectiveness of operator inputs.

USB client port for high speed data transfer to a PC.

About This Document

Operating the power supply

Managing basic operations

Adjusting the pulser receiver

Managing special waveform functions

Using the gates

Calibrating the EPOCH XT

Managing the datalogger and data communication features

Using software options

Note: This information provides explanatory information.

Tip: This information provides helpful guidelines for easy operation.

Table 1 Typographic conventions

Used for file names, lines of code, names of

Used for command line user input.

Used for textual parts of graphical user

Used for screen/window names, dialog boxes

Used for emphasis.

[BOLD] (Square Brackets with Bold)

Used for instrument keys on the keypad.

<Italics> (Angle Brackets)

With italics text, used for variable data.

Used for showing the next sequential step.

If You Have Documentation Comments

Send comments to Olympus NDT. Attention: Technical Publications

Contact us at: info@OlympusNDT.com.

2. EPOCH XT Physical Features

Optional Hardware Input/Output Port

Bi-Directional Hand Strap

Battery Door and Compartment

Office Connection Door