Manual EPXT

USER’S MANUAL
EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

Part No. 910-264A
August 2006
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 col-
lected separately. Refer to your local Olympus NDT distributor for return and/or collection systems avail-
able in your country
Copyright © 2006 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 NDTTM, 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.

Warranty
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 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.
Part # 910-264A
EPOCH XT
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).
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Warranty
Table of Contents
1 Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 About this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Typographic Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5 If You have Documentation Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.6 Revision History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.7 Technical Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 EPOCH XT Physical Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.1 Transducer Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Hardware Input/Output Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Pipestand/Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Bidirectional Handstrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.5 Battery Door and Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.6 Office Connector Door. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.7 O-Ring, Gasket, and Membrane Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.8 D-Ring Clips for Chest Harness Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.9 Display Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.10 IP67 Environmental Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Operating the Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.1 Using AC Line Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Using Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3 Operating Time for the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.4 Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.5 Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.6 Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4 Managing Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.1 Powering Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2 The EPOCH XT Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.2.1 Adjustment Using Enter and Slewing Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.2 Direct Access Adjustment Using Parameter and F Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2.3 Direct Entry of Parameter Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.3 Summarizing Keypad Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.4 Display Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.4.1 Full Screen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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EPOCH XT
4.4.2 Split Screen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.4.3 Display Flags and Markers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.5 Menu Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.6 Instrument Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.6.1 General Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.6.2 Editable Parameter Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.6.3 Status Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.6.4 Splash Screen Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.7 Display Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.7.1 Color Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.7.2 A-scan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.8 Measurement Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.8.1 EPOCH EX Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.8.2 MEAS Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.8.3 Gates Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.8.4 Options Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5 Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

5.1 System Sensitivity (Gain). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.2 Using the AUTO-XX% Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.3 Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.4 Pulser Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.4.1 Pulse Repetition Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
5.4.2 Pulser Frequency Selection (Pulse Width). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.4.3 Pulse Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.4.4 Damping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.4.5 Test Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.5 Receiver Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.5.1 Digital Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.5.2 Waveform Rectification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
5.6 Custom Filter Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
6 Managing Special Waveform Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

6.1 Reject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
6.2 Peak Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
6.3 Peak Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
6.4 Display Freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7 Gates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.1 Positioning Gates 1 and 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.2 Gate Measurement Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
7.3 Taking Thickness Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Table of Contents
7.4 Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

7.5 Locating Flaws with an Angle Beam Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
7.6 Measuring Signal Amplitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
7.7 Operating in Time of Flight Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
7.8 Using the Zoom Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
7.9 Gate Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.9.1 Threshold Alarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.9.2 Minimum Depth Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.9.3 Minimum Depth Alarm with a Single Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.9.4 Minimum Depth Alarm with Gate 2 Tracking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.9.5 Alarm Condition Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
8 Calibrating the EPOCH XT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

8.1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
8.2 Calibrating with a Straight Beam Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
8.3 Calibrating with a Delay Line Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
8.4 Calibrating with a Dual Element Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
8.5 Calibrating with an Angle Beam Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
8.5.1 Locating the Beam Index Point (B.I.P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
8.5.2 Verifying the Refracted Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
8.5.3 Calibrating for Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
8.5.4 Calibrating for Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
9 Managing the Instrument Datalogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

9.1 Datalogger Storage Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
9.2 Datalogger Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
9.2.1 Creating Data Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
9.2.2 Data File Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
9.2.3 Opening Data Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
9.2.4 Saving to Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
9.2.5 File Summary and Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
9.2.6 Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibrations) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
9.3 Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
9.3.1 Report Header Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
9.3.2 Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
9.3.3 Instrument Resets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
10 Software Features and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

10.1 Defining Active/Inactive Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
10.2 DAC/TVG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
10.2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
10.2.2 Option Activation and Reference Correct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
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10.2.3 ASME and ASME-3 DAC/TVG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

10.2.4 ASME III DAC Setup Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
10.2.5 Gain Adjustment Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
10.2.6 Curve Adjustment Gain - (DAC or TVG Gain). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
10.2.7 Transfer Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
10.2.8 JIS DAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
10.2.9 20%-80% DAC Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
10.2.10 Custom DAC Curves Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
10.2.11 TVG Table Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
10.2.12 TVG Table Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
10.3 DGS/AVG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
10.3.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
10.3.2 Option Activation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
10.3.3 Relative Attenuation Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
10.4 AWS D1.1/D1.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
10.4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
10.4.2 AWS D1.1 and the EPOCH XT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
10.4.3 Operating the AWS D1.1 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Appendix A – Cable Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Appendix B – Sound Velocities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Appendix C – Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Appendix D – Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Appendix E – Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Documentation Comments
Preface
1 Preface
The preface provides the following introductory topics:
• Product Description
• About this Document
• Audience
• Typographic Conventions
• Related Documentation
• If You have Documentation Comments
• Revision History
• Technical Help
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The EPOCH XT is a high-performance, lightweight, portable ultrasonic flaw detector
offering excellent ultrasonic performance, large dynamic range, superior measurement
resolution, a color liquid crystal display, and an all-new user interface. The EPOCH XT is
a completely new instrument offering many performance, durability, and operational
enhancements over previous EPOCH Flaw Detector models:
• 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.
• Digital filters – Broadband, Narrow-Band, 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 maximize 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.
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EPOCH XT
• Hardware I/O port for alarm outputs, trigger in/out, and encoder compatibility.
These are just some of the advancements that have been developed for the EPOCH XT.
The EPOCH XT sets a new performance benchmark for portable flaw detection.
This manual is written in a functional format. The information contained within can be
read in a modular format to answer questions about how to perform specific functions. 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 actual use of the
instrument.
1.2 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

This document is the Instruction Manual for the EPOCH XT. The Instruction 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, and 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 any operator 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.
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 that appear in this
document.
Warning: This information indicates danger and the possibility of personal

injury.
Caution: This information indicates that equipment damage can occur.
2
Preface
Note: This information provides explanatory information.
Tip: This information provides helpful guidelines for easy operation.
Convention 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 Used for instrument keys on the keypad.
Bold)
<Italics> (Angle Brackets) With italics text, used for variable data.
→ Used for showing the next sequential step.

Table 1 Typographic Conventions
1.5 If You have Documentation Comments

Olympus NDTTM 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.
Part # 910-264A 3
EPOCH XT
1.6 Revision History

This document may require updating because of corrections or changes to the product.
Publication dates are updated when a change is made to this document. In addition, the
document number is also changed to reflect the revision.
The table below shows a list of revisions for this document.
Date Issue Release version
August 2006 910-264A First release

Table 2 Revision History
1.7 Technical Help

Call Olympus NDT and ask for a sales engineer to assist you.
4
EPOCH XT Physical Features
2 EPOCH XT Physical Features

The EPOCH XT has many physical features that are either completely new or improved
over 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 and Caps

• Optional Hardware Input/Output Port
• Pipestand/Handle Design
• 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 operator’s
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 since the BNC connectors are sealed and the Large LEMO connectors are
not. The EPOCH XT’s 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/OUPUT PORT

EPOCH XT instruments are available with an optioanl 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 Outputs – for details see section 7.7
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EPOCH XT
• Trigger In/Out – for 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 may enter the instrument. Olympus NDT offers an EPOCH XT
Hardware I/O cable as an accessory with the EPOCH XT with the part numbers EPXT-C-
16HW-6 (6’) and EPXT-C-16HW-20 (20’).
2.3 PIPESTAND/HANDLE
The EPOCH XT has a new pipestand/handle design. This design has been chosen for its
light weight, compact design, durability, and ease of adjustment. To adjust the position of
the pipestand/handle it is no longer necessary to pull out or push in at the instrument
mounting points. 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 if the operator does not require it. This will require a ½
inch 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 the instrument may
be held in the operator’s 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.
The hand strap may be reversed easily through the following steps:
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.
6
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 has been designed to allow the operator quick access to the
battery compartment without 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 may 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 instrument’s
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 instrument’s 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 instrument’s
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 adaptor 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 hex wrench to manipulate these thumb screws as needed.
2.7 O-RING, GASKET, and MEMBRANE SEALS

The EPOCH XT contains seal that are used to protect the instrument’s 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
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EPOCH XT
• The gaskets located in the transducer connector plate assembly

These seals must be maintained to assure environmental durability. Instrument seals will
be evaluated and replaced as needed during the instrument’s 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 instrument’s seal is intact without the D-rings.
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 the part number EPXT-DP.
Please keep in mind that the display window in the EPOCH XT is permanently bonded to
the upper half of the instrument case. This is necessary 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.
For added instrument and display protection,Olympus NDT 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
instrument’s 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. 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 his
8
best judgment and take proper precautions before exposing the instrument to a harsh
environment.
Part # 910-264A 9
EPOCH XT
10
Operating the Power Supply
3 Operating the Power Supply

This chapter describes how to operate the EPOCH XT using different power supply
options. Topics are as follows:
• Using AC Line Power

• Using Battery Power
• Battery Operating Times
• Battery Replacement
• Battery Charging
• Using C-Cell Alkaline Batteries
3.1 USING AC LINE POWER

AC line power is supplied via the Charger/Adaptor (part number EP4/MCA). The EP4/
MCA has a universal AC Power input, so it operates with any line voltage from 100-120
or 200-240 volts AC and with 50 to 60 Hz line frequency.
To use AC line power, follow these steps:
1. Connect the power cord to the charger/adaptor 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/adaptor to the charger/AC
adaptor input jack inside the door (top connection).
4. Turn on the EPOCH XT using the keypad.
5. Proceed with normal operation.
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.
Part # 910-264A 11
EPOCH XT
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.
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 of this manual to
remove the battery door. Be cautious 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.
3.5 CHARGING THE BATTERY

The EPOCH XT battery may be charged internally using the EP4/MCA Charger/Adaptor
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/Adaptor. The battery will charge when the instrument is
ON or OFF, but the rate of charge is slower when the instrument is ON.
12
Operating the Power Supply
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.
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, 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

All EPOCH XT’s 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/Adaptor.
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.
There are no special settings or adjustments required.
Part # 910-264A 13
EPOCH XT
14
Managing Basic Operations
4 Managing Basic Operations

This chapter describes how to get started with basic EPOCH XT operation. Topics are as
follows:
• Powering Up
• Keypad Operation
• Summarizing Keypad Functions
• Editable Parameters
• Display Arrangement
• EPOCH XT Menu Navigation Instructions
• Instrument Setup Menu
• Display Setup Menu
• Measurement Setup Menu
4.1 POWERING UP
Pressing the [ON/OFF] key causes an initial beep.The instrument’s startup screen will
appear. The instrument then goes through a series of self-tests for 45 to 60 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 user’s left thumb. This arrangement is
similar to the EPOCH 4 series and EPOCH LT.
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
Part # 910-264A 15
EPOCH XT
• 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 step back one setup
parameter.
Each setup parameter can be adjusted with the arrow keys [ ] and [ ] or [ ] and [ ].
For most parameters, [ ] and [ ] provide fine adjustment and the [ ] and [ ] provide
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 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 also has a new parameter adjustment method that has not been available
on EPOCH flaw detectors in the past. This new rapid adjustment method is called direct
entry. This 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
instrument’s alphanumeric keys, and press [ENTER].
For example, if the operator would like to set the instrument range to 650 mm, the operator
should take the following steps:
1. Press the [RANGE] key.

2. Press the [ALPHA/NUM] key.
3. Type 6,5,0 on the alphanumeric keypad.
4. Press [ENTER].
16
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.
EPOCH XT English Keypad
Part # 910-264A 17
EPOCH XT
EPOCH XT International Keypad
ENGLISH INTL COLOR FUNCTION
BLUE Adjusts system sensitivity.
Table 1 Keys
18
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.
Table 1 Keys
Part # 910-264A 19
EPOCH XT
BLUE Display freeze holds the displayed

waveform until [FREEZE] is pressed
again.
PURPLE Saves instrument measurements, setup

parameters, and A-scans to selected file
and ID.
PURPLE General purpose key to get back to live

measurement screen. Can be used to
escape from menus and to accept
parameter adjustments.
PURPLE Moves from one parameter to the next

and also accepts parameter adjustments.
RED Gate key allows the operator to control

both instrument gates on screen.
RED Gate Alarm activates threshold or min

depth alarms for both instrument gates.
Table 1 Keys
20
ORANGE Pulser key toggles through pulser

parameters.
ORANGE Receiver key toggles through receiver

parameters.
RED Peak Memory Function allows

continuous accumulation of peak
envelope data with the live waveform.
RED Peak Hold Function: Allows capture of

A-scan while viewing live waveform on
top of the captured A-scan.
YELLOW Initiates the EPOCH XT Auto-

Calibration feature.
YELLOW Zero Offset adjusts the instrument’s

calibrated zero position.
Table 1 Keys
Part # 910-264A 21
EPOCH XT
YELLOW Zoom zooms in to Gate 1 Width.
YELLOW Adjusts the instrument’s material sound

velocity.
YELLOW Linear Reject
YELLOW Adjusts the instrument’s range

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

calibrated Zero Offset.
Table 1 Keys
22
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.
BLUE ID allows the operator to manually enter

or adjust an ID within the currently
active file.
BLUE Accesses the instrument’s data logger.
BLUE ALPHA/NUM begins direct entry of

parameter values on the live screen.
Table 1 Keys
Part # 910-264A 23
EPOCH XT
BLUE Print function allows direct printing to

compatible USB printers (PCL5).
Table 1 Keys
4.4 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
operator’s selection).
Note: When the EPOCH XT is powered on and has completed its self test
procedure, the split screen view will open to allow the operator to review the
setup parameters.
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.
24
Top of the Screen:

• Filename, ID, Measurements, Battery Indicator, and Units (Metric, Standard,
µsec) are constantly displayed.
• 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.
• 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 and Range always appear under the A-scan. These tell the operator where in
time the display window begins and ends.
• Gain and Velocity are always displayed.
• The active function (if not Delay, Range, Gain, or Velocity) will be displayed.
• Preset values for the selected instrument parameter are displayed on the bottom of
the screen.
Part # 910-264A 25
EPOCH XT
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 A-scan.
The instrument setup parameters have been arranged into three main columns. The left
column 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 table below shows these flags and
provides a description of each.
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.
Table 2 Display Flags and Markers
26
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 Memory is active.
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.
Part # 910-264A 27
EPOCH XT
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 adaptor.
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 themselves are constructed with TABS, SUB-LEVEL 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.
SUB-LEVEL TABS – In some of the TABS that the operator selects, there are 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 INST
SETUP MENU are examples of this. The operator must use the UP and DOWN Arrow
Keys to select the desired SUB-LEVEL TAB. Once the proper SUB-LEVEL TAB has
been highlighted, the operator must press the [ENTER] key to ENTER the SUB-LEVEL
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
28
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, 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 GROUPS. 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
the instrument up according to local requirements and based on user preferences. This
menu also allows the operator to lock instrument functions if required, check the status of
the EPOCH XT, and edit the instrument start-up 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
[INST 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
instrument’s user interface.
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EPOCH XT
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 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].
• TEWP CAL - Allows selection of automatic or manual temperature calibration .
• LOCALE - Allows the operator to select his global location. The instrument uses
this information to properly format numeric displays (radix) and the date.
• DATE - Sets the instrument date.
30
• TIME - Sets the instrument time.
4.6.2 EDITABLE PARAMETERS TAB
Editable parameters are standard on all EPOCH XT instruments. This feature allows the
operator to customize the values that appear above the function [F1] to [F5] keys for the
setup parameters below. These items are listed as SUB-LEVEL TABS, and each contains
1-3 Control Groups with parameters.
• Gain
• Gain Step – This is the universal setting for the coarse (up and down arrows) and
fine (left and right arrows) Gain adjustment.
• Reject
• Zero Offset
• Frequency – This is the pulse width setting.
• Velocity
• Range
• Delay - Display Delay
• Angle
• Thickness
• Auto XX – Customizable value for the AUTO-80% feature discussed in Section 5
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, the operator takes the following steps:
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EPOCH XT
1. Press the [ENTER] key to select the Edit Para Tab.

2. Use the up and down Arrow keys to select a Sub-Level Tabfor 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 Sub-Level Tabs.
4.6.3 STATUS TAB
The instrument status tab provides the operator with useful information related to internal
temperature, battery capacity, and hardware/software versions. This information may be
used by Olympus NDT™ to help support the product.
32
4.6.4 SPLASH SCREEN TAB
The Splash Scr (splash screen) 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
owner’s company information and contact information. An example is shown below.
4.7 DISPLAY SETUP MENU

The EPOCH XT Display Setup Menu contains functions that control the EPOCH XT’s
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 may 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
Part # 910-264A 33
EPOCH XT
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 bring the operator back to the live screen.
time. This key will bring you back to the live screen from any location within
the instrument’s user interface.
4.7.1 COLOR TAB
The COLOR tab allows the operator to set the display brightness and to 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
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 instrument’s battery
life. The default brightness setting is 50%
34
4.7.2 A-SCAN TAB
The A-scan tab is used to modify the appearance of the EPOCH XT’s A-scan to meet
application needs or the operator’s preferences. The available settings are listed below:
• Baseline Break – This feature modifies the appearance of the EPOCH XT’s 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-scan’s 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.
– Outline – Captured A-scans and Peak Envelopes are drawn as a single line.
– Filled – Captured A-scans and Peak Envelopes are filled.
• 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. 0-10 appear along bottom of A-scan.
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EPOCH XT
– Standard – 10 equally spaced grid lines.
– SoundPath – 5 equally spaced grid lines with sound path values.
36
– Leg – Up to 4 grid lines showing sound path legs (half paths) based on part
thickness and angle.
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EPOCH XT
• Waveform Height – The EPOCH XT always measures amplitude up to 110% Full

Screen Height. The operator can choose to display the Y-Axis on the A-scan
display from 0 to 100% or from 0 to 110% FSH. Examples are shown below:
100% Grid
110% Grid
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
38
arrow keys to move from one tab to the next. To enter a selected tab, the operator must
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
instrument’s user interface.
4.8.1 EPOCH XT MEASUREMENTS

The EPOCH XT is capable of displaying up to five (5) measurements on the live screen.
The operator has the ability to choose which measurements to display in each of the 5
measurement locations. The measurement locations are shown in the screenshot below.
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
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EPOCH XT
chooses to take an Echo-to-Echo measurement. The list of available measurements and

their icons from the live screen are shown in the table below.
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 1SOUNDPATH Sound path (Angular) Distance in Gate 1.

DISTANCE
GATE 2 SOUNDPATH
DISTANCE Sound path (Angular) Distance in Gate 2.
GATE 1DEPTH TO Depth to reflector in Gate 1. Used with

REFLECTOR Angle.
GATE 2 DEPTH TO Depth to reflector in Gate 2. Used with

REFLECTOR Angle.
GATE 1SURFACE Horizontal distance to reflector in Gate 1.

DISTANCE Used with Angle.
GATE 2 SURFACE Horizontal distance to reflector in Gate 2.

DISTANCE Used with Angle.
GATE 1 SURFACE DIST Horizontal distance minus X-Value

- X VALUE (distance from beam index point to front of
wedge) in Gate 1. Used with Angle.
GATE 2 SURFACE DIST Horizontal distance minus X-Value

- X VALUE (distance from beam index point to front of
wedge) in Gate 2. Used with Angle.
GATE 1MINIMUM Minimum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate

DEPTH adjustment, most pulser/receiver
adjustments, and on press of [MEAS/
RESET] key.
Table 3 Measurements and Icons
40
GATE 2 MINIMUM Minimum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate

RESET] key.
GATE 1MAXIMUM Maximum Depth in Gate 1. Resets on gate

RESET] key.
GATE 2 MAXIMUM Maximum Depth in Gate 2. Resets on gate

RESET] key.
GATE 1 CURRENT Amplitude measurement in Gate 1.

AMPLITUDE Displays as % of Full Screen Height (FSH).
GATE 2 CURRENT Amplitude measurement in Gate 2.

AMPLITUDE Displays as % of Full Screen Height (FSH).
GATE 1MAX Maximum Amplitude in Gate 1. Resets on

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

RESET] key.
GATE 1MIN Minimum Amplitude in Gate 1. Resets on

RESET] key.
GATE 2 MIN Minimum Amplitude in Gate 2. Resets on

RESET] key.
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EPOCH XT
GATE 1AMP TO CURVE Amplitude measurement in Gate 1.

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

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

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

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

(Echo-to-Echo measurement).
AWS D1.1/D1.5 WELD D rating calculated for the gated echo.

RATING (D)
FLAT BOTTOM HOLE Flat bottom hole (FBH) size (Equivalent

SIZE Reflector Size) for DGS/AVG evaluation.
OVERSHOOT Overshoot value in dB comparing echo

height to DGS/AVG curve.
42
4.8.2 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:
• UNIT – Select from Inches, Millimeters, or Microseconds.

• RESOLUTION – Select from DEFAULT or reduced time/thickness
measurement resolution.
• 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 DIAMETER - 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”.
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EPOCH XT
4.8.3 GATES TAB
The GATES tab allows the operator to setup 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:
• GATE 2 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.
• GATE 1 & GATE 2 MEASUREMENT MODE: As discussed in Section 4.4.3,
the EPOCH XT allows three different measurement modes for each gate. The
44
three modes are PEAK, 1st PEAK, and EDGE (also known as FLANK). The
screenshots below show examples of the three modes:
• GATE 1 & GATE 2 RF SETUP: When the EPOCH XT rectification is set to RF,
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 setup software features and options like DAC/
TVG, DGS/AVG, and AWS D1.1/D1.5. Details regarding these software features/
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EPOCH XT
options are found in Section 10 of this manual. The OPTIONS tab is shown in the
screenshot below:
46
ADJUSTING THE PULSER/RECEIVER
5 ADJUSTING THE PULSER/RECEIVER

This chapter describes how to adjust the EPOCH XT’s Pulser/Receiver. Topics are as
follows:
• Adjusting System Sensitivity (GAIN)

• Using the AUTO-XX% Feature
• Setting Reference Gain and Scanning Gain
• Pulser Adjustments
• Receiver Adjustments
5.1 SYSTEM SENSITIVITY (GAIN)

To adjust the system sensitivity, follow these steps:
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 Editable Parameters.
– 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.
5.2 USING THE AUTO-XX% FEATURE

The AUTO-XX% feature was formerly known as the AUTO-80% feature in the EPOCH
4 Series. The default setting for AUTO-XX% in the EPOCH XT is 80% Full Screen
Height (FSH). Using the Editable Parameters feature described in Section 4.5.2 in this
manual, the operator can adjust the value to meet his application needs. In the remainder
of this section, AUTO-XX% will be described as AUTO-80% for simplicity.
The AUTO-80% feature is used to quickly adjust the instrument’s gain (dB) setting to
bring the gated peak echo to 80% FSH. AUTO-80% is especially useful for bringing the
echo from a reference indication to 80% FSH to establish the instrument’s Reference Gain
Level (See section 5.3).
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EPOCH XT
You can use the AUTO-80% feature to bring an echo to 80% FSH in either Gate 1 or Gate
2.
To use AUTO-80% with Gate 1, follow the steps below:
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 instrument’s gain setting.
To use AUTO-80% with Gate 2, follow the steps below:

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 instrument’s gain setting.
Note: You can use AUTO-80% 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 may be necessary to activate the
AUTO-80% function more than once. To do this, the operator only needs to
press the [F5] key again.
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
6dB) 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] key, “Add” - Adds the scanning gain to the reference gain and deactivates the
reference gain feature.
• [F2] key, “Scan dB” – Toggles the scanning gain from the active level to 0.0 dB
(reference level) allowing a direct amplitude comparison to the reference
indication.
48
• [F3] key, “OFF” – Exits the Reference Gain function without adding the scanning
gain to the base instrument gain.
5.4 PULSER ADJUSTMENTS

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 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 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] key “Optimum”. The
instrument will select the optimal PRF for the instrument RANGE setting. This optimum
setting is for typical applications. It may 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.
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EPOCH XT
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 INST 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 may vary due to the test material and/or variation in the
transducer center frequency. It is recommended that various settings are
tried with a transducer and test piece to maximize ultrasonic performance.
5.4.3 PULSE ENERGY

The EPOCH XT allows the operator to adjust the pulse energy from 50 V to 475 V in
increments of 25 V. This flexibility in adjustment allows the operator to use only 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 lifetime, it is recommended that the
operator use lower energy settings when the application allows it. For most applications,
the energy setting does not need to exceed 200 V.
5.4.4 DAMPING
The damping control lets you 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 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 instrument’s
penetration power.
To select a damping option, follow these steps:
1. Press [PULSER] to access the damping parameter.

2. Use the function keys for direct access or the [ ] and [ ] keys to toggle through the
four available damping selections.
50
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, follow these steps:
1. Press [PULSER] to access the test mode parameter.

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 ADJUSTMENTS

The receiver settings in the EPOCH XT are accessed by pressing the [RECEIVER] 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 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 allow the instrument to provide the dynamic range (dB) required by
EN12668-1 and also to improve the instrument’s 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 to 21.5 MHz (Broadband 1)

• 0.2 to 10.0 MHz (Broadband 2)
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EPOCH XT
• 0.2 to 1.2 MHz

• 0.5 to 4.0 MHz
• 1.5 to 8.5 MHz
• 5.0 to 15.0 MHz
• 8.0 to 26.5 MHz (High-Pass)
In most cases, the operator should select either a broadband filter or a narrow band 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 may be
necessary to adjust the filter settings to maximize instrument performance. Every material
is differen, 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, follow these steps:
1. Press [RECEIVER] once to display the current screen rectification. This is

highlighted and displayed at the bottom of the screen.
different waveform rectification modes.
5.6 CUSTOM FILTER SETS

As discussed in Section 4.5.1 of this manual, the EPOCH XT is capable of storing custom
filter sets that are developed at a customer’s request by Olympus NDT. For more
information, please contact Olympus NDT.
52
Managing Special Waveform Functions
6 Managing Special Waveform Functions

This chapter describes how to manage special waveform functions. The topics covered 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: In the EPOCH XT, it is possible to use the Reject function in the RF display
mode.
To access the Reject function the operator must follow the steps below:
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 screenshots below:
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6.2 PEAK MEMORY

The Peak Memory 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
angle beam inspection. An example is shown below:
Note: The Peak Memory function cannot be activated in the unrectified, RF

display mode.
To activate Peak Memory, follow the steps below:
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 waveform’s 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
54
Managing Special Waveform Functions
in the waveforms can be noted to help determine the unknown material’s acceptability
status. To activate Peak Hold, follow these steps:
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 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 functions are active.
• Printing is active.
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.
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56
Gates
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, soundpath 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-to-echo thickness measurements.
Gate Positioning is controlled using the [GATES] key.
To access 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 AUTO-XX%
function discussed in Section 5.2 of this manual.
To access 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 (2-Level). The [F5] key controls the AUTO-XX% function discussed in Section 5.2
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.
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7.2 GATE MEASUREMENT MODES

See Section 4.7.3 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, take the following steps:
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 setup 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 steps above 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. To
take an Echo-to-Echo thickness measurement, the operator must take the following steps:
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 Peak measurements. It must break 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 4.7.3 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.
58
Gates
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 XT’s 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. This is shown in
the screenshot below:
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 screenshot above also displays the soundpath leg as part of the A-scan grid. This is
setup in the DISPLAY SETUP menu > ASCAN tab as detailed in Section 4.6.2 of this
manual.
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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 smaller amplitude may indicate a smaller
reflector and a signal with higher amplitude may indicate a larger reflector than the
reference standard.
To measure signal amplitude, the operator must select either Gate 1 Current Amplitude or
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 min and max 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 setup 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 screenshot below shows some
amplitude measurements along with a part thickness to reflector measurement (defect
depth).
60
Gates
7.7 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 (µs).
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.
Note: Unlike other measurement modes, 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 passes through the part twice.
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 screen’s left side 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.
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Zoom is especially useful in certain flaw detection applications. For example, when
detecting branches of cracking such as inter-granular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC),
the inspector’s 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 (from 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 inspector’s 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 instrument’s 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. To set a threshold alarm on Gate 1
follow these steps:
1. Press the [GATE] 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].
62
Gates
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, follow the steps below:
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 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) followed by the [F1] key to turn off the alarm.
7.9.4 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 setup 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, follow the steps below:
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
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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 condition 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.
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Calibrating the EPOCH XT
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 Mode, DAC, or TVG.
Topics are as follows:
• Getting Started
• Calibrating with a Straight Beam Transducer
• Calibrating with a Delay Line Transducer
• Calibrating with a Dual Element Transducer
• Calibrating with an Angle Beam Transducer
8.1 GETTING STARTED

Until you are completely comfortable operating the EPOCH XT, we recommend that a
basic review and set-up 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, follow these steps:
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.
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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 C - Sound Velocities of 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" or 0.00
mm. Press [F1] or use the slewing keys to adjust the value to zero.
7. Press [ZERO OFFSET] 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°, 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 Sections 5.4 and 5.5 in this manual for information on adjusting the
Pulser Receiver.
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" (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 Olympus NDT standard 5-step steel test block (part
number 2214E). The steps measure 0.100", 0.200", 0.300", 0.400", and 0.500".
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, follow these steps:
1. Follow the initial set-up 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 Cal 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.
66
3. Couple the transducer to the THIN calibration block step. For this example, the
transducer is coupled to the 0.200" step (depending on the frequency of the contact
transducer being used, it may 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
approximately 80%.
Calibrating for a Thin Block Using a Straight Beam Transducer
5. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan. Once a steady reading is
achieved, press [ZERO]. The screen freezes and a pop-up 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 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. Press [F1] to continue.
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Entering a Thin Standard Value

6. Couple the transducer to the THICK calibration block step. For this example, the
transducer is coupled to the 0.500" step.
approximately 80%.
Calibrating for a Thick Block Using a Straight Beam Transducer

8. 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 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], or [.] [5]. 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.
68
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 CALIBRATING 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" (6 mm). The calibration requires a test block with two known
thicknesses, made from the material to be measured. Ideally, the two thicknesses
measurements are both below and 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", 0.200", 0.300", 0.400", and 0.500".
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, follow these steps:
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1. Follow the initial set-up procedure outlined in Section 7.2. 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 µs, 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 Cal symbol will appear 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.
transducer will be coupled to the 0.100" step.
approximately 80%. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-scan.
Note: Make sure it is the first backwall echo being gated, not a multiple echo from
the end of the delay line tip.
Calibrating for a Thin Block Using a Delay Line Transducer

5. Press [ZERO] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a pop-up box appears
on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the
test sample. For this example, press [0], [.] [1], [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.
70

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" step.
approximately 80%. A thickness reading appears in large text above the A-Scan.
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]
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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 enter the correct soundpath thickness (2, 3, 4, etc. multiple of the first
backwall echo) during the velocity portion of the calibration.
8.4 CALIBRATING 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" (6 mm). 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
to be inspected. For this example, we are using Olympus NDT standard 5-step steel test
block (part number 2214E). It has steps measuring 0.100", 0.200", 0.300", 0.400", and
0.500".]
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.
72
Note: Due to the acoustic characteristics of dual transducers, a non-linearity 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 may be some
non-linearity 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, follow these steps:
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.
XT is in the Auto-Calibration Mode. To exit the Auto-Calibration Mode at any point,
press [CAL] again.
transducer will be coupled to the 0.100" 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.
Part # 910-264A 73
EPOCH XT
Calibrating for a Thin Block Using a Dual Element Transducer

5. Press [ZERO] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a pop-up box appears
on the screen. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the exact known thickness of the
test sample. For this example, press [0], [.], [1], [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.

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" 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 A-scan.
74
Calibrating for a Thick Block Using a Dual Element Transducer

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]

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.
Part # 910-264A 75
EPOCH XT
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" x 0.625". 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, follow these steps:
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°.
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/µs (3251 mm/µs 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 7.5.1 -
7.5.4 for the following procedures:
– Locating the Beam Index Point (B.I.P.) of the probe
– 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 (B.I.P.)

To locate the BIP, follow these steps:
1. Couple the probe to the test block at the “0” mark.
76
Reference Block Displaying the “0” Mark

2. 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" (100 mm).
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 figure below for a detailed schematic of using the Peak Memory feature
to find the BIP. Press [PEAK MEM] again to turn off the feature.
Locating the Beam Index Point

4. 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.
Part # 910-264A 77
EPOCH XT
8.5.2 Verifying the Refracted Angle (Beta)

The refracted angle of the probe should already have been entered in the EPOCH XT in the
initial steps of the calibration procedure. Although the wedge may be marked 45°, for
example, the actual refracted angle may 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 the EPOCH XT’s soundpath calculations are accurate.
To verify the refracted angle, follow these steps:
1. Position the probe over the appropriate angle mark on the block, which is 45° in this
example.
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. 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 via the [ANGLE] key and the slewing keys.
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" (100 mm) and 9" (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" and 4" on the screen. The
procedure below uses the Olympus NDT IIW Type I carbon steel calibration block, part
number TB7541-1.
We recommend that the EPOCH XT’s Range parameter be set to 10" (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.
78
To calibrate for distance, follow these steps:
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.
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" 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.
Calibrating for Distance

5. Press [ZERO OFFSET] once the reading is steady. The screen freezes and a pop-up
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 pop-up box. If you enter an incorrect number, press the [ZERO]
Part # 910-264A 79
EPOCH XT

6. Press [F1] to continue.The display returns to the live A-scan.
7. Position Gate 1 so that the echo from the 1" 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 may 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. Make sure Gate 1 is
not over this echo.
Adjusting the Gain
80
known 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.

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.
1. Couple the probe to the IIW calibration block so that the transducer is aimed at the
0.060" diameter side drilled hole, which is used as a reference reflector.
IIW Calibration Block with 0.060" Diameter Drilled Hole
Part # 910-264A 81
EPOCH XT
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.
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 0.1dB or 6.0 dB increments.
Locking the Reference Gain to Add/Subtract Scanning Gain
82
Managing the Instrument Datalogger
9 Managing the Instrument Datalogger

This chapter describes how to manage the EPOCH XT’s internal datalogger. Olympus
NDT has designed the datalogger for ease of use while providing 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
– 2D Matrix Grid Files
– 2D EPRI
– 2D Matrix Grid Files with Custom Point
– 3D 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
Topics are as follows:

• Datalogger Storage Capacity
• The Datalogger Menu
• Creating Data Files
• Opening Data Files
• Saving Data to Files
• File Summary and Review
• Recalling Instrument Setups (Calibrations)
• Page Setup
• Printing
Part # 910-264A 83
EPOCH XT
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.
9.2 DATALOGGER MENU

The EPOCH XT’s 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 INST SETUP menus discussed in this manual. The EPOCH XT Datalogger Menu has
four tabs organizing datalogger functions: OPEN, CREATE, PAGE SETUP, and
RESETS. These tabs will be covered in detail in the sections below. When the operator
first enters the datalogger, the operator sees a screen similar to the screenshot below:
84
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 below:
On this screen the operator performs the following operations:

• Choose file type to create
• Enter a file name – File names in the EPOCH XT are 8 characters
• Enter an ID prefix – ID prefixes in the EPOCH XT are up to 11 characters
• Create IDs based on the file type selected
• Enter a File Description, if desired
• Enter an Inspector ID ,if desired
Part # 910-264A 85
EPOCH XT
• Enter a Location Note, 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 instrument’s
list of available files shown in Section 9.2 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 sections below 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 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 you do
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 Example
1 below.
86
Example 1: Automatically Generated Incremented ID Number Series

To create an Incremental File, follow these steps:
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].
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.
Part # 910-264A 87
EPOCH XT
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.
Start ID# = ABC123

End ID# = ABC135
Resulting file would contain
the following list of ID
numbers:
ABC123
ABC124
ABC125
.
.
.
ABC135
Example 2 Start ID# = ABC123
Start ID# = XY-GY

End ID# = XY-IB
numbers:
XY-GY
XY-GZ
XY-HA
.
.
.
XY-IB
Example 3 Start ID# = XY-GY
88
To create an Sequential File, follow these steps:

CREATE tab.
3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Sequential “SEQ” file type. To continue,
press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
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.
9.2.2.3 SEQUENTIAL WITH CUSTOM POINT

A Sequential File with Custom Point 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.
Part # 910-264A 89
EPOCH XT
Starting ID# =XYZ1267

Ending ID# = XYZ1393
Custom Points = TOP

BOTTOM
LEFT
RIGHT

numbers:
XYZ1267TOP
XYZ1267BOTTOM
XYZ1267LEFT
XYZ1267RIGHT
XYZ1268TOP
XYZ1268BOTTOM
XYZ1268LEFT
.
.
.
XYZ1393RIGHT
Example 4 Starting ID# =XYZ1267
You can enter up to 20 custom points. The total number of characters in an ID with Custom
Point is 19.
To create a Sequential with Custom Point file, follow these steps:

CREATE tab.
3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Sequential with Custom Point
“SEQ+CPT” file type. To continue, press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
90
[ENTER].
6. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to enter the desired increment step.
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
9. Enter the first Custom Point with the alphanumeric keypad. Press [F1] to insert the
Custom Point into the list below the entry box.
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.
9.2.2.4 2D MATRIX GRID

A grid is a sequence of ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a two-dimensional
or three-dimensional 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 poin, 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.
Part # 910-264A 91
EPOCH XT
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 below.
92
One Grid for 75 Identical Parts
Alternatively, the rows and columns of a grid may refer to a two-dimensional map
measurement points on the surface of one part. In this case, a different grid is made for
each part. See figure below:
Part # 910-264A 93
EPOCH XT
Different Named Grid for Each Part
To create a 2D Grid File, follow these steps:

CREATE tab.
3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 2D Grid “2D” file type. To continue,
press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
8. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Row (ID). To continue, press
[ENTER].
94
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.
file has been placed in the file list the operator can use the file for data storage.
9.2.2.5 2D EPRI
The 2D EPRI file type is the same as the standard 2D Grid file type except for a minor
change in the way alpha characters increment:
1. Standard 2D 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.
2. EPRI 2D 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 2D MATRIX GRID WITH CUSTOM POINT

A grid is a sequence of ID numbers arranged to describe a path through a two-dimensional
or three-dimensional matrix. Each part of the ID number corresponds to a particular
matrix dimension. See 2-D Matrix Grid in Section 9.2.2.4 in this manual for more
information.
Custom points allow multiple readings per Grid ID number to be assigned.
Part # 910-264A 95
EPOCH XT
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
Numbers:
A01LEFT
A01CENTER
A01RIGHT
A02LEFT
.
.
.
J17RIGHT
Example 5 2D Matrix Grid with Custom Point
To create a 2D Grid with Custom Points file, follow these steps:

CREATE tab.
3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 2D Grid with Custom Points “2D+CPT”
file type. To continue, press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
96
[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].
Custom Point in the list below the entry box.
13. To enter another Custom Point,edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press
Point.
9.2.2.7 3D MATRIX GRID

A 3-D Matrix Grid is a sequence of multi-part ID numbers arranged to describe a path
through a three-dimensional 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 three-dimensional 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.
Part # 910-264A 97
EPOCH XT
Start Col =A
End Col = F
Start Row = 1
End Row = 4
Start Point = X
End Point = Z

numbers:
A1X
A1Y
A1Z
A2X
.
.
.
A4Z
B1X
B1Y
.
.
.
F4Z
Example 6 3-D Grid
To create a 3D Grid file, follow the steps below:
CREATE tab.
3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the 3D Grid “3D” file type. To continue,
press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
98
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].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
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 three dimensional
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:
Part # 910-264A 99
EPOCH XT
Elevations = 10ft-, 20ft-, 45ft-

. 100ft-
Start 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.)
Example 7 Boiler
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To create a Boiler file, follow these steps:

CREATE tab.
3. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the Boiler “BOILER” file type. To continue,
press [ENTER].
[ENTER].
[ENTER].
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].
[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].
Custom Point into the list below the entry box.
12. To enter another Custom Point, edit the name with the alphanumeric keypad and press
Point.
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.
17. Use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the Start Column (ID). To continue press
[ENTER].
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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 screenshot below shows the OPEN tab:
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 shown below:
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.
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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, there are four choices
that are displayed above the function keys (shown above):
• First – Jumps to the first ID in the active file.
• Last – Jumps to the last ID in the active file.
• Find – Allows the operator 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 – Allows the operator to 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.
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 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)
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• 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 & 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.
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).
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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 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, µsec) 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.
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The full file review screen for the example file shown in the screenshot above has been
combined and displayed below. The entire instrument setup and all other data are
displayed for operator review.
9.2.6 RECALLING INSTRUMENT SETUPS (CALIBRATIONS)

To recall a stored instrument setup (calibration), the operator must access the File Review
screen discussed in Section 9.2.5 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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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 screenshot
below:
At this point, the EPOCH XT’s 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.
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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 instrument’s USB host port. In order to
generate on onboard report, the operator must be able to setup 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 setup the report header in the Datalogger Menu > Page Setup tab. The
Datalogger Menu is accessed by pressing [2nd F], [ID]. The Page Setup tab is shown
below:
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 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 setup the printer in the Datalogger Menu > Page Setup tab shown below:
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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 on the next page.
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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.
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• Database – Clears the instrument datalogger.

• Editable Parameters – Returns all function key presets to factory defaults.
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Software Features and Options
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 screenshot 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.
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 ships or can be done remotely with
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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 below:
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 affects,
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, allowing the operator the freedom to use both techniques
during a single inspection. When the 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.
The flexible DAC/TVG software feature for the EPOCH XT allows users to customize
DAC/TVG setups to their unique application requirements. The DAC/TVG feature
incorporates several DAC/TVG modes that adhere to ASME, ASME-3 and JIS sizing
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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. This
is shown below:
The user may also choice 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. This allows the operator to 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 below. Any differences in the procedure to set up
other DAC/TVG modes will be discussed in the section for that mode.
10.2.3 ASME & ASME-3 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
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peak on the reference reflectors and two warning curves at -6dB and -14dB 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 below:
To capture DAC points the operator must move Gate 1 to the echo, press [F5] (AUTO-
80%) to bring the echo to 80% FSH, and press F1 to capture the point. The screenshot
below shows the first point captured. An “X” symbol has been placed on the echo peak.
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The screenshot below shows the EPOCH XT display when the second point has been
captured:
The instrument has drawn the three DAC curves from the first point to the second. The
operator has used the AUTO-80% 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 -6dB warning curve extend downward to the second point
from off-screen.
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 screenshot below shows the DAC setup after 5 points have been captured. All points
were brought to 80% FSH before capture.
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If the operator would like to continue from the point and capture additional points, the
opeator 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:
• Amp to Curve” and “dB to Curve” – The operator may now use Amplitude and dB
to Curve measurements. These are activated in the MEAS SETUP menu > MEAS
tab. See section 4.7.1 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 screenshot above, the Gate 1 Amp to
Curve measurement is active in Measurement Location 5.
• TVG VIEW above [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:
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• The DAC curves have become TVG lines across the screen.
• DAC GAIN 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 the next section.
• GAIN STEP above [F3] – This selects the step (0.1, 1, 3, 6, 12 dB) for the DAC
GAIN adjustment.
• NEXT DAC above [F5] – This selection allows the operator to 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. This allows the operator to focus on areas of interest within the DAC setup. The
screenshot below 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 set up. 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, follow the steps below:
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).
The screenshot below shows an ASME DAC setup with 3dB of scanning gain added:
Note: 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.
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The screenshot 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.
10.2.6 Curve Adjustment Gain - Also 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 allow 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 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, and is adjusted using the following steps:
1. Press the GAIN STEP Function Key [F3] to choose the increment of the gain
adjustment desired.
2. Press the DAC GAIN Function Key [F2] and use the up and down arrows to adjust the
Curve Adjustment Gain by the selected increment either positive or negative.
The screenshot 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, follow the steps below:
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 ADD Function Key [F1] to add
the scanning gain to the base gain and 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:
• 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
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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 [2ndF], [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 AUTO-80%
function 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 has the ability to 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,
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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, follow the steps below:
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 total curves).
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.
The Custom DAC/TVG setup and functionality are the same as ASME & ASME III
discussed earlier in this section. The screenshot below shows a completed Custom DAC/
TVG.
Once the Custom DAC Curve points have been captured and completed, the operator has
the full capability to toggle between DAC and TVG views, manipulate RANGE, DELAY,
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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.
10.2.11 TVG Table Option

DAC/TVG’s 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 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
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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.
The TVG Table feature of DAC/TVG, including customized TVG point setup, is
activated and defined using the following steps:
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 screenshot below:
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Alternatively, the operator can press the [F5] key (EDIT) to enter the TVG Table:
The screenshot above shows the live A-scan with an empty TVG Table below it. To build
a TVG Table, the operator must take the following steps:
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-of-Flight (TOF) and in the selected unit (in or mm). These are tied together for
adjustment purposes. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor across the top of the
screen to the first TVG point.
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 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 screenshot below shows a TVG Table with 19 points. The operator can
setup up to 50 points.
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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 point’s corresponding soundpath time (in µsec),
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] (EDIT)
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. A completed TVG Table is shown below in two screenshots. This setup is
designed to allow good near and far surface resolution by minimizing the initial pulse
size and the backwall echo size. This also allows 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 allows complete DGS/AVG setups to
be performed on the instrument. The DGS/AVG method allows the operator to size
defects based upon a calculated DGS/AVG curve for a given transducer, material, and
reflector size. This method requires that the operator only has 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.
To allow the operator to setup DGS/AVG curves on the instrument very quickly, Olympus
NDT™ has developed a transducer library that is stored in the instrument’s 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 instrument’s memory for
each transducer in the library. If an operator would like to use a probe that is not in the
default library, the operator 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 583-2 : 2001. It is extremely important that the operator is 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 setup the EPOCH
XT’s Pulser/Receiver settings for the transducer that will be used. The operator should
also perform an instrument calibration. After the instrument is properly setup and
calibrated, the operator should take the following steps to activate the DGS/AVG option.
Step 1: The DGS/AVG option is activated in the EPOCH XT’s MEAS SETUP Menu >
OPTIONS tab. The operator must select DGS, press the [ENTER] key, and press
[F2] (ON).
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Step 2: The operator must now choose the transducer and reference reflector that will be
used for the DGS AVG setup. The operator can navigate through the transducer
library easily.
– 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.
– 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.
– Under Reflector Type, the operator will find all of the potential reference
reflectors for the chosen probe.
o For straight beam and dual probes, the available reflectors are:
• Backwall
• Side Drilled Hole (SDH) – The operator must enter the reflector size.
o For angle beam probes, the available reflectors are:
• K1-IIW Block Arc – If this 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 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 reflector size.
• Flat Bottom Hole (FBH) – The operator must enter reflector size.
130
Step 3: The operator must now adjust several DGS/AVG setup parameters so the
instrument can draw the curves accurately. A screenshot of this menu is shown
below:
– Delta Vk (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.
– Delta Vt – Transfer Correction. This value is used to compensate in amplitude
differences as a result of coupling variation (surface condition) from the
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.
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– 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.
– ACVSPEC – 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.
– ACVCALBLK - 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

ACVSPEC and ACVCALBLK. 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.
Step 4: Capture the reference reflector.
After pressing [MEAS/RESET] at the DGS/AVG Setup menu, the operator will be
brought to the live A-Scan screen similar to the screenshot above. 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 screenshot below:
132
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 (Delta Vt) 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 screenshot 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 may be more suitable methods available. The
operator must decide the most appropriate method to arrive at the values for ACVSPEC
and ACVCALBLK based on the application and local requirements.
Measurements:
Δ Vg = Gain difference between two successive backwall echoes (d and 2d)
Δ Ve = From DGS/AVG diagram. Gain difference on backwall curve from d to 2d

Calculations:
Δ Vs = Δ Vg - Δ Ve [mm]
Sound Attenuation Coefficient α = Δ Vs / 2d * 1000 [dB/m]
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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:
A–B–C=D
A = Discontinuity Indication Level (dB)
B = Reference Indication Level (dB)
C = Attenuation Factor: 2*(soundpath in inches – 1 inch) (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 inspector’s 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.
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 allowing the inspector to document discontinuities in the
EPOCH XT’s 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 instrument setup
parameters, the waveform generated by a discontinuity, the discontinuity’s 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, please see the calibration section of this manual or the
appropriate guidelines from the American Welding Society.
134
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:
[F1]: REF – Allows the operator to store the REF B dB value from a reference
reflector.
[F2]: No Function.
[F3]: No Function.
[F4]: SCAN DB – Allows the operator to toggle the scanning gain between an
operator-selected value and zero dB.
[F5]: AUTO-80 – Allows the operator to 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
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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. This allows the operator to 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 of scanning gain necessary to perform the inspection as outlined by the AWS
Code. Once the scanning gain has been setup, 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 scanning gain and 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.
136
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 shown below.
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 may 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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138
Appendix A – Cable Assembly
Appendix A – Cable Assembly
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140
Appendix B – Sound Velocities
Appendix B – Sound Velocities

The following table lists the ultrasonic velocity in a variety of common materials. This is
only a guide. The actual velocity in these materials may 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.
Material V (in./µsec) 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
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
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Material V (in./µsec) V (m/sec)
Tin 0.131 3320
Titanium, Ti 150A 0.240 6100
Tungsten 0.204 5180
Water (20°C) 0.0580 1480
Zinc 0.164 4170
Zirconium 0.183 4650
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.
142
Appendix C – Glossary
Term Definition
Acoustic Impedance A material property defined as the product of sound

velocity (C) and the material’s 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.
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 wave’s 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.
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Term Definition
Beam Index Point The point on the base of an angle beam probe’s 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.
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 Ω)

Low damping = High damping ohms (400 Ω)
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:
P
n = 10 log10 ⎛⎝ -----2-⎞⎠
P1
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.
144
Term Definition
Detectability The ability of a test system (instrument and transducer)

to detect or “see” a given size reflector. This is also
known as “sensitivity.”
Distance Amplitude A method of flaw evaluation that uses a test block with
Correction (DAC) 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).
Gate An electronic baseline display used to electronically
monitor portions of the displayed range with reference
to distance or amplitude.
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Term Definition
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 α (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.
Linearity, Vertical or The characteristics of an ultrasonic test system
Amplitude indicating its ability to respond in a proportional
manner to a range of echo amplitudes produced by
specified reflectors.
Linearity, Horizontal or The characteristics of an ultrasonic test system
Distance 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.
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Term Definition
Mode Conversion Changing a portion of a sound beam’s 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 by-
pass 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 The frequency with which the clock circuit sends its
Pulse Repetition Frequency trigger pulses to the sweep generator and the
transmitter, usually quoted in terms of pulses per
second (pps).
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.
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Term Definition
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.
Scanning Level The number of dB’s 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.
148
Term Definition
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 A probe which transmits the sound into the material
(Normal Beam Probe) 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.
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).
Part # 910-264A 149

EPOCH XT
Term Definition
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 λ
(lambda).
150
Appendix D – EPOCH XT Technical Specifications According to EN12668-1
Appendix D – EPOCH XT Technical Specifications According to

EN12668-1
EPOCH XT Technical Specifications

Description
Acceptance Symbol Units Min Typical Max Technical
Criterion Specific-
Test Condition EN12668-1
Parameters and ation
Comment
INSTRUMENT
Size In 10.91x7.35
x2.79
Weight w/battery lbs 4.5
Storage Temp w/battery °C -20 60
wo/battery °C -40 70
Operating w/battery °C -30 50

Temp
Warmup @25°C min 30

period
Power Battery
supplies (main)
External
power
Voltage range LiON V 9 10.8 12

for battery battery
operation
NiMH 10 12 14
battery
6 xC pack 6 9 9.5
alkaline
battery
6 xC pack 6 7.2 8.4

NiMH
battery
Voltage range V 23.5 24 24.5

with external
power supply
Power W 6 7 11
consumption
Environment- IP67
al protection
Shock Tests to be TBD

resistivity performed
Vibration Tests to be TBD

performed
Part # 910-264A 151

EPOCH XT

Description
Test Condition EN12668-1 Criterion Specific-
Comment
Battery Operating Time
LiON battery hour 9.5 10 10.5

(Smart)
NiMH hour 5
6 xC cell hour 2
alkaline
6 xC cell hour 2.3

NiMH
Stability after After 30 9.3.2

warmup time min.
Amplitude <|±2| % 0.5 0.5 1 |±1|
Time of Flight <|±1| % 0.02 0.02 0.05 |±5|
Stability 8.2 <|±5| %/10°C 0 0.5 1 |±2.5|

against
temperature 8.2 <|±1| %/10°C 0.002 0.05 0.03 |±5|
variation
Stability Amplitude 9.3.4 <|±2| % 0.5 0.5 0.5 |±1|

against
voltage Time of 9.3.4 <|±1| % 0.002 0.002 0.05 |±0/5|
variation flight
Low battery No yes

warning warning w/
C-cell
batteries
Type of Sockets
Probe BNC/
connection LEMO
I/O interface USB

client/host
Alarm outputs 16-pin

LEM conn
External Minipower Switchcraft

power supply jack 712A
Case VALOX Plastic
Documentation Technical
reference
manual
152

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Transmitter
Shape Square
wave pulse
Frequency MHz 1
band
MHz 2
MHz 4
MHz 5
MHz 10
MHz 12.5
MHz 20
Spectrum for Energy=50V 8.3.4 Fig.1

square Damp=50
(F=1.0 MHz) Energy=50V 8.3.4 Fig.2

Damp=400
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.3

V; Damp=50

V;
Damp=400

square Damp=50

Damp=400

VDamp=50

VDamp=400

square Damp=50

Damp=400
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.11

VDamp=50
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.12

VDamp=400
Part # 910-264A 153

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Transmitter (cont.)

square Damp=50

Damp=400
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.15

VDamp=50
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.16

VDamp=400

square Damp=50
(F=10.0 MHz) Energy=50V 8.3.4 Fig.18

Damp=400
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.19

VDamp=50
Energy=475 8.3.4 Fig.20

VDamp=400

square Damp=50
(F=12.5 MHz) Energy=50V 8.3.4 Fig.22

Damp=400
Energy=300 8.3.4 Fig.23

Damp=50
Energy=300 8.3.4 Fig.24

Damp=400

square Damp=50
(F=20.0 MHz) Energy=50V 8.3.4 Fig.26

Damp=400
Energy=300 8.3.4 Fig.27

Damp=50
Energy=300 8.3.4 Fig.28

Damp=400
154

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Transmitter (cont.)
Damping Ω 50
Ω 63
Ω 150
Ω 400
Energy V 50
V 100
V 150
V 200
V 300
V 400
V 475
Pulse 8.3.2 Hz 10 Optimum 1000

Repetition
Frequency
Pulse Range<80 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 999.9 1000 1000.1 1000

Repetition µS
Frequency in
Manual Mode Range 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 529.9 540 540.1 540
<200µS
Range 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 259.9 260 260.1 260

<500µS
Range 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 139.9 140 140.1 140

<1000µS
Range 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 69.9 70 70.1 70

<2000µS
Range 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 39.9 40 40.1 40

<30000µS
Range 8.3.2 ±20%TS Hz 29.9 30 30.1 30

<4000µS
Part # 910-264A 155

EPOCH XT
Operating Pulse-Echo
modes test mode
Dual test
mode
Through
test mode

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Characteristics of Transmitter Pulse
Pulse voltage Damping = 9.4.2 ±10%TS | V50| V 275 250 225 250±10%
50 Ω ;
Pulse rise time energy= 9.4.2 <maxTS tr nS 10 <25
475V;
Pulse duration freq=1 9.4.2 ±10%TS td nS 450 495 550 500±10%
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

50 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
400 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

400 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
156
50 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Characteristics of Transmitter Pulse (cont.)

50 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
400 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

400 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
50 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
Part # 910-264A 157

EPOCH XT

50 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
400 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

400 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=10
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
50 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

50 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
158
400 Ω ;
475V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment

400 Ω ;
50V;
MHz;
PRF=1000
Effective
output
Hz 8.3.3 ±20%TS Z0 Ω 24 30 36 30±20%
impedance
Receiver
Crosstalk 8.4.2 >=80 dB 83 90 92 >80

damping from
transmitter to
receiver
Accuracy of Fine gain 9.5.4 <|±1| dB -0.2 0 0.2 |±0.5|

calabrated attenuator
attenuator
Course 9.5.4 <|±2| dB |0.1| |0.2| |0.33| |±1.5|
gain
attenuator
Amplifier Frequency
Filter 0.2 MHz-1.2 MHz
Lower 9.5.2 TI MHz 0.2

frequency
range
Max 9.5.2 fmax MHz 0.57

frequency
Upper 9.5.2 fµ MHz 1.21

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 0.49 0.48

frequency
range
Bandwidth 9.5.2 ±10%TS Δf MHz 1.02 1.0
Part # 910-264A 159

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Amplifier Frequency (cont.)
Filter 0.5 MHz-4 MHz

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 1.39 1.4

frequency
range

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 3.55 3.6

frequency
range

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 8.45 8.45

frequency
range
Bandwidth 9.5.2 ±10%TS Δf MHz 10.00 10
160

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment

frequency
range
Max 9.5.2 fmax MHz 15

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 14.44 14.6

frequency
range
Bandwidth 9.5.2 ±10%TS Δf MHz 18 18.0
Filter 2.0 MHz-21.5 MHz - Broadband

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 6.27 6.3

frequency
range
Filter 2.0 MHz - ”Axle Inspection FR”

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 2.16 2.2.

frequency
range
Part # 910-264A 161

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Filter 3.0 MHz -”Axle Inspection FR”

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 3.37 3.4

frequency
range
Filter 5.0 MHz -”Axle Inspection FR”

frequency
range

frequency

frequency
range
Center 9.5.2 ±5%TS f0 MHz 5.27 5.2

frequency
range
162

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Dynamic Range
Fo= 0.5 MHz Filter 0.2 8.4.4 >=100 dB 120 106

MHz-1.2
MHz
Fo= 1.4 MHz Filter 0.5 8.4.4 >=100 dB 117

MHz-4.0
MHz
Fo= 3.6 MHz Filter 1.5 8.4.4 >=100 dB 114

MHz-8.5
MHz
Fo= 8.45 MHz Filter 5.0 8.4.4 >=100 dB 115

MHz-15.0
MHz
Fo= 14.6 MHz Filter 8.0 8.4.4 >=100 dB 109

MHz-26.5
MHz
Fo= 6.6 MHz Filter 2.0 8.4.4 >=100 dB 109

MHz-21.5
MHz
Fo= 2.2 MHz Filter 2.0 8.4.4 >=100 dB 121 120

MHz
Fo= 3.4 MHz Filter 3.0 8.4.4 >=100 dB 121 120

MHz
Fo= 5.3 MHz Filter 5.0 8.4.4 >=100 dB 121 120

MHz
Part # 910-264A 163

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Equivalent Input Noise
Fo= 0.5 MHz Filter 0.2 9.5.3 <80 nin nV ν Hz 38.4 44.1 72
MHz-1.2
MHz
Fo= 1.4 MHz Filter 0.5 9.5.3 <80 nin nV ν Hz 25.3 46.6
MHz-4.0
MHz
MHz-8.5
MHz
Fo= 8.45 MHz Filter 5.0 9.5.3 <80 nin nV ν Hz 29.1 50

MHz-15.0
MHz
Fo= 14.6 MHz Filter 8.0 9.5.3 <80 nin nV ν Hz 33.5 56

MHz-26.5
MHz
MHz-21.5
MHz
MHz
MHz
MHz
164

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Dead Time After Transmitter Pulse
Fo= 0.5 MHz Filter 0.2 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.27 1.00 2.0
MHz-1.2
MHz
Fo= 1.4 MHz Filter 0.5 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.27 1.00

MHz-4.0
MHz
Fo= 3.6 MHz Filter 1.5 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.25 0.27

MHz-8.5
MHz
Fo= 8.45 MHz Filter 5.0 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.28 1.00

MHz-15.0
MHz
Fo= 14.6 MHz Filter 8.0 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.54 1.00

MHz-26.5
MHz
Fo= 6.6 MHz Filter 2.0 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.28 0.54

MHz-21.5
MHz
Fo= 2.2 MHz Filter 2.0 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.02 0.25

MHz
Fo= 3.4 MHz Filter 3.0 8.4.3 >=10 µS 0.04 0.25

MHz
Part # 910-264A 165

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Receiver Input Impedance
Dual Mode, Through Mode
Rmax@Gain
=Max
|Rmax-
Rmin|/
8.4.5 Rmax Ω 461 464 R_D<=
0.05
Rmax=R_
D<=0.1@
Rmax@Gain
=Min F=4MHz
8.4.5 Rmin Ω 461 464
Cmax@Gain |Cmax- 8.4.5 Cmax pF 104 105 C_D<=

=Max Cmin|/ 0.075
Cmax=C_
Cmax@Gain D<=0.15@ 8.4.5 Cmin pF 103
=Min F=4MHz
P/E Mode
Rmax@Gain
=Max
|Rmax-
Rmin|/
8.4.5 <=0.1 Rmax Ω 152 162 R_PE<=
0.1
Rmax=R_
PE<=0.1@
Rmax@Gain
=Min F=4MHz
8.4.5 Rmin Ω 152 162
Cmax@Gain |Cmax- 8.4.5 <=0.15 Cmax pF 128 132 C_PE<=

=Max Cmin|/ 0.075
Cmax=C_
Cmax@Gain PE<=0.15 8.4.5 Cmin pF 128 132
=Min
Monitor
Number of 2
Gates
Alarm Logic Off
Pos
Neg
Mindep
Alarm Beeper, Audio

Warning alarm
outputs,
visual
Gate edge
measurement
points peak
first peak
Start (gate) Steel mm 0 within 12700

longitud- range
inal
velocity
Steel in 0 within 500

longitud- range
inal
velocity
µS 0 within 4500
range
166

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Width (gate) Steel mm 0.12 within 12700

longitud- range
inal
velocity
Steel in 0.005 within 500

longitud- range
inal
velocity
µS 0.04 within 4500

range
Zoom Full screen mm 1.82 12700

width
in 0.072 500
µS 0.63 4500
Gates with Adjustable Threshold
Switching Filter 2.0 8.5.3 <|±2| % 0.25 0.5 <|±1.0|

hysteresis MHz-21.5
with MHz for
adjustable Gate 1,
threshold Gate 2
Hold time for PRF=10 8.5.4 ±20%TS mS 101.25 100

switched Hz
output
PRF=1000 8.5.4 ±20%TS mS 0.9854 1
Hz
Gates with Fixed Threshold
Switching No anaolg 8.5.2 N/A

hysteresis output
with fixed
threshold
Impedance of 8.6.1 N/A

proportional
gate output
Linearity of 8.6.2 N/A

proportional
gate output
Frequency of 8.6.3 N/A

proportional
gate output
Noise of 8.6.4 N/A

proportional
gate output
Influence of 8.6.5 N/A

signal position
within the gate
Effect of pulse 8.6.6 N/A

shape on
proportional
gate output
Rise, fall, and 8.6.7 N/A

hold time
Part # 910-264A 167

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Display
Type Active,
color
QVGA
Full and
split screen
Display mm 74.76Hx
dimensions 101.28W
in 2.943Hx
3.987W
Resolution Number of 320x240

pixels
Backlight Yes
A-scan display
Linearity of All meas

vertical w/ Gain=
display 40 dB
Filter 0.2 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

MHz - 1.2
MHz
Filter 0.5 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

MHz - 4.0
MHz
Filter 1.5 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

MHz - 8.5
MHz
Filter 5.0 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

MHz - 15.0
MHz
Filter 8.0 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

MHz - 26.5
MHz
Filter 2.0 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 1 <|±2|

MHz - 21.5
MHz
Filter 2.0 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0 0.5 <|±2|

MHz
Filter 3.0 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0 0.5 <|±2|

MHz
Filter 5.0 9.5.5 <|±2| %FSH 0 0 0.5 <|±2|

MHz
Linearity of Filter 2.0 9.6 <|±1| % 0 0 0.1 <|±0.5|

base time MHz - 21.5
MHz
All ranges
168

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Display jitter
Amplitude 9.3.3 <|±2| %FSH 0 0.5 <|±1|
Position 9.3.3 <|±1| %FSW 0 0.002 <|±0.1|
Measurement Resolution
Soundpath 0.001- mm 0.01

999.99
1000.0- mm 0.1
9999.9
10000.0- mm 1
12700
0.001- in 0.001
99.999
100.00- in 0.01
500.00
0.001- µS 0.001
99.999
100.00- µS 0.01
999.99
1000.0- µS 0.1
4500.0
Temporal Resolution
tA1 Filter 2.0 8.4.7 ns 130 135 144

MHz - 21.5
tA2 MHz 8.4.7 ns 150 135 161
Display width Steel mm 1.82 within 12700

(range) Longitud- range
inal
Velocity in 0.072 within 500
range
µS 0.63 within 4500

range
Display Delay Steel mm -57.7 within 12700

Longitud- range
inal
Velocity in -2.272 within 500
range
µS -20 within 4500

range
Automatic Zero offset Yes

calibration and
velocity
Material Resolution in/µS 0.025 0.6

velocity 0.0001 in/S
Resolution m/S 635 15240

1 m/S
Part # 910-264A 169

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Trigonometry
Angle of Resolution grad 10 85

refraction 0.1
Increments grad 0.1
Thickness to Calc. mm 0 635

Sound
Reflec. in 0 25
Path data
Pipe outside with mm 10 7620

Diameter Curved
Surface in 0.4 300
Correction
SW option
Image Processing
Reading to be For Gate1, 0 4 5

displayed Gate 2
Time of Flight Yes
Sound path Yes

difference
Surface Yes
distance
Depth Yes
position
Amplitude in Yes
% curve
Amplitude in with Yes

dB Reference
gain
Alarm For Gate1, Yes

Gate 2
Evaluation Yes
curve (DGS)
Evaluation Yes
curve (DAC/
TVG)
Legs Change of Yes

calculations grid lines
and leg
indicator
for each
gate
170

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Signal Display Mode
A-scan and outline

envelope
filled
Signal Processing
Screen freeze Yes
Peak memory Yes
A-scan with Peak Yes

compare Hold
Envelope with Peak Yes

mode Memory
Peak hold Yes
Zoom A-scan on Yes

full screen
width
Status Yes
information
Dialog 11
languages
Function lock Yes
Amplitude Evaluation
DAC Distance 8.4.6 <|±1.5| dB

Amp.
Correction
Number of 2 - 50
reference
echoes
Dynamin For TVG dB 0 110

range
Slope max dB/µS 0 600
DGS Distance Yes

Gain
Sizing
Number of Straight ea 13
probes beam
Angle ea 37
beam
Dual ea 14
Custom ea 14
program-
able w/
GageView
SW
Part # 910-264A 171

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Amplitude Evaluation (cont.)
Reference Backwall
reflectors
Side drilled
hole
K1-IIW
Block Arc
K2-DSC
Block Arc
Flat
Bottom
Hole
Attenuation Yes
correction
Transfer Yes
correction
Quadrant Yes
correcton
(Delta Vk)
DAC Mode Yes
Curve Evaluation Yes

curve
TVG Depth Yes

compens-
ation
Additional 3
curves
Curve offset Yes
Data Processing
A2D conversion
Sample MHz 100

frequency
Storage of Yes
data
Number of Waveform 10000

data sets s/
Thickness
Content of A-scan +
datasets identifiers
+ setup +
readings
Dataset Alpha-
description numeric
String length 8
(dataset name)
172

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Data Processing (cont.)
Identifier 20
Description 32
Inspector ID 32
Location 32
notes
Date and time Yes
Measurement Results
Sound path For Gate 1, Yes

(TOF) Gate 2
Trigono- Selectable
metrical
values
Amplitude Selectable
Function list For Gate 1, Yes

Gate 2
Test report Yes
Interfaces
Beeper For Gate 1, Yes

Gate 2
Digital Interface
USB Host USB Host Yes

port
USB Client USB Client Yes

port
Gate Alarm Two gates Yes

Outputs standard
Gate 1, 2, and
Combined
Part # 910-264A 173

EPOCH XT

Description
Criterion Specific-
Comment
Additional Tests for Digital Ultrasonic Instruments
Linearity of Filter 8.0 8.7.2 <|±1.5| % 0 0.1 0.2 |±0.5|

time-base MHz - 25.0
MHz all
ranges
Filter 2.0
MHz - 21.5
MHz
(Fo=MHz)
Digitization Rect. 8.7.3 <|±5| % 0.5 1.5 2.5 |±5|

sampling error Mode: RF
and FULL
(all filters)
Response time PRF=10 8.7.4 Manuf. mS 100 1/PRF

(does not Hz Spec ±10%
depend on the
filter settings PRF=100 8.7.4 Manuf. mS 10
by design) Hz Spec
PRF=1000 8.7.4 Manuf. mS 1

Hz Spec
174
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Part # 910-264A 175

EPOCH XT
Figure 3
Figure 4
176
Figure 5
Figure 6
Part # 910-264A 177

EPOCH XT
Figure 7
Figure 8
178
Figure 9
Figure 10
Part # 910-264A 179

EPOCH XT
Figure 11
Figure 12
180
Figure 13
Figure 14
Part # 910-264A 181

EPOCH XT
Figure 15
Figure 16
182
Figure 17
Figure 18
Part # 910-264A 183

EPOCH XT
Figure 19
Figure 20
184
Figure 21
Figure 22
Part # 910-264A 185

EPOCH XT
Figure 23
Figure 24
186
Figure 25
Figure 26
Part # 910-264A 187

EPOCH XT
Figure 27
Figure 28
188
Appendix E – Parts List
Appendix E – Parts List

.
Part Description
EPXT-BH-UEL EPOCH XT Flaw Detector with BNC Connectors, HW I/O, US

power supply, English keypad, and Lithium Ion battery
Table E-1 EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
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
Table E-2 Items Included with the EPOCH XT (Spares can be purchased)
Part Description
EPXT-AWS AWS Weld classification software

EPXT-DGS-AVG Onboard DGS/AVG option
Table E-3 Instrument Software Options
Part Description
GAGEVIEW- GageView PRO Interface Program

PRO-KIT-USB
GAGEVIEW- GageView PRO Interface Program (software only)
PRO
Table E-4 GageView PRO Interface Program and Accessories
Part # 910-264A 189

EPOCH XT
Part 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
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)
Table E-5 Optional Hardware Accessories
190
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USER’S MANUAL

EPOCH XT Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

Copyright © 2006 by Olympus NDT. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

2 EPOCH XT Physical Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Operating the Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4 Managing Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.4.2 Split Screen Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5 Adjusting the Pulser/Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

6 Managing Special Waveform Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

7.4 Taking Echo-to-Echo Thickness Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

8 Calibrating the EPOCH XT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

9 Managing the Instrument Datalogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

10 Software Features and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

10.2.3 ASME and ASME-3 DAC/TVG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Appendix A – Cable Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Appendix B – Sound Velocities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Appendix C – Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Appendix D – Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Appendix E – Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1.2 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

1.4 Typographic Conventions

Warning: This information indicates danger and the possibility of personal

Caution: This information indicates that equipment damage can occur.

Note: This information provides explanatory information.

Tip: This information provides helpful guidelines for easy operation.

Courier Font Used for file names, lines of code, names of

→ Used for showing the next sequential step.

1.5 If You have Documentation Comments

1.6 Revision History

Date Issue Release version

August 2006 910-264A First release

1.7 Technical Help

2 EPOCH XT Physical Features

• Transducer Connections and Caps

2.1 TRANSDUCER CONNECTIONS

2.2 OPTIONAL HARDWARE INPUT/OUPUT PORT

• Alarm Outputs – for details see section 7.7

• Trigger In/Out – for details see section 10.4.7

2.4 BI-DIRECTIONAL HAND STRAP

2.5 BATTERY DOOR and COMPARTMENT

2.6 OFFICE CONNECTION DOOR

2.7 O-RING, GASKET, and MEMBRANE SEALS

• The gaskets located in the transducer connector plate assembly

2.8 D-RING CLIPS FOR CHEST HARNESS USE

2.9 DISPLAY PROTECTION

2.10 IP 67 ENVIRONMENTAL RATING

3 Operating the Power Supply

• Using AC Line Power

3.1 USING AC LINE POWER

3.2 USING BATTERY POWER

3.3 OPERATING TIME FOR THE BATTERY

• Li Ion: 9-10 hours

3.4 REPLACING THE BATTERY

Warning: The EPOCH XT Charger/Adapter is designed to charge EPOCH XT

3.5 CHARGING THE BATTERY

Note: Never place discharged batteries in storage without a full recharge.

3.6 USING C-CELL ALKALINE BATTERIES

4 Managing Basic Operations

4.2 THE EPOCH XT KEYPAD

• Adjustment using the ENTER and slewing keys

• Direct entry of parameter values