EPC designs and manufacturers printers, data acquisitions systems, and print utilities for the geophysical, military and imaging marketplaces. Visit us today on the World Wide Web: http://www.epclabs.com

In this Issue:

1. Quote of the Month

" Innomor - manufacturer of subbottom profiler SES-96 - feel that it would be a good idea to give our customers the possibility to connect the EPC1086 to our device, thus enabling them to use the brilliant quality of EPC's thermal printer."

Sabine Muller
Managing Director
Innomar Technologue GmbH

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2. Show Reviews: UI 2001 & Hypack

EPC recently participated in the two back -to - back shows, HYPACK 2001 (New Orleans, LA) and UNDERWATER INTERVENTIONS 2001 (Tampa, FL).  The HYPACK Conference was held at the Fairmont Hotel near the french Quarter in New Orleans.  Pat Sanders and the gang at Coastal Oceanographics have been holding this Users Conference annually at different sites around the US and seems to always get it right.  Low cost to exhibit, low cost hotel and in a fun city, none better than the "Big Easy".  Although a smaller show compared to some of the larger "Ocean" shows its an impressive turnout for one companies set of users.  Only drawback, inconsistent traffic flow when customers are in session.  A minor consideration when you can entertain customers on Bourbon Street.  Out a possible 10 Badges, HYPACK receives: 7 Badges

Underwater International moved from its comfortable enclave of Houston and New Orleans to Tampa, FL.  A welcome change for us on the trade show circuit.  The brand new Marriott Waterside proved to be an impressive venue within walking distance to the convention.  The show was well attended in the mornings of the first two days but traffic dropped precipitously the final day.  A nightmare scenario occurred on registration with computer problems, leaving many in long lines and some going without a badge for the entire week!  All the exhibitors seemed un-phased with the move from the Gulf to the Sunshine State.  Its too bad the same couldn't be said for the customers, more treasure hunters than survey companies.  Out of a possible 10 badges, UI 2001 receives:  5 badges

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3. Sales Rep Profile: SMD

SMD Telecommunications CC South Africa are professionals in Marine Electronics and have represented EPC in the region since 1995.  They have head quarters in Cape Town with  branch offices in Durban and Richard's Bay.  Among the other manufactures the Sales Division represent are, TSS (UK), Sonar R&D (UK), Lilley & Gillie (UK), JRC (Japan), KVH Industries (USA), STN Atlas Marine GmbH (Germany), McMurdo Marine (UK), Marine Data (UK), Octopus (UK), SG Brown (UK), Mobile Telesystems Inc. (USA), Walker Marine (UK), Submetrix (UK), AMI-GFV Marine (UK), SI-TEX Marine Electronics (USA), Chelsea Instruments Ltd. (UK), and Consilium AB (Sweden). 

In addition to supporting sales and service for EPC in the region, SMD are proud members of the International Ship Electrical Engineering Service Association (I.S.E.S.) Limited and are associated with Inmarsat.  http://home.pix.za/kp/kp18/index.html

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4. FAQ: GSP-1086-2 VS. GSP-1086-0

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "What's the difference between the -2 and the -0?"  When EPC first introduced the GSP-1086 Series in 1995, it had three Models, the GSP-1086-0 (parallel interface), GSP-1086-1 (analog interface) and GSP-1086-2 (analog and parallel interface).  About a year into production, EPC upgraded the electronics from separate analog and parallel boards, to one combined interface board.  This eliminated the "analog only" GSP-1086-1.  The only differences now between the "-0" and the "-2" is the Connector Panel, Menus on the Control Panel and the Software.  It is possible to upgrade a GSP-1086-0 to a GSP-1086-2.  Contact EPC or your local sales representative for a quotation.  sales@epclabs.com

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5. GSP-1086-2 700 Series To Debut at OI

Last month's newsletter (VOL. 2 NO. 24) referenced things to come in 2001.  The GSP-1086-2 700 Series will make its debut at the upcoming Oceanology International 2001 Americas in Miami, FL April 3-5th.  The 700 Series will replace the 500 Series and incorporate new features, most notably:  A Network and a VGA Interface. The internal electronics will also be updated to a 32 Bit architecture to optimize data throughput. EPC plans to have a tour de force of equipment at OI Americas.  Along with the GSP-1086 700 Series, EPC will showcase the Model 9206, a high speed parallel only wide bed (20" display) previously shown only at military shows.  EPC may also have the MP-1086 and HSP-100 to round out the TGR line.

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6. Sales Analysis: 6 Months Into FY '01

EPC is half way through Fiscal Year 2001 (our fiscal year runs from August to July).  Things are looking up with a sales increase of 23% when compared to the first half of Fiscal Year 2000.  A closer look at the numbers show why.  Both the number of recorders sold (24% increase) and the total sales dollars in recorders (15% increase) are improvements from the August - January schedule.  This is due mainly to a big jump in HSP-100 sales and an increase in sales from our reliable GSP-1086 Series.  Sales in the first six months for the HSP-100 has already equaled all of last years entire total. The GSP-1086, first half total, is up 21%. 

EPC has also seen a 35% surge in spares.  Spares for EPC constitute: thermal paper and film, electrosensitive paper, rentals, subassemblies & parts, and services.  EPC has been able to provide thermal paper and film for the defunct Alden 9315CTP and for the unsupported Raytheon LSRs.   Overall, EPC has also benefited from the slow infusion of new applications for its line of thermal printers like DNA sequencing, microscopy and synthetic aperture radar.

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7.  Bulletin Board

For pricing contact: Martha Slettten, Bennex Norway E-mail: Martha.Sletten@transmark.nl

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Next Issue: February 26, 2001