Abstract: An eddy current-based test probe is used for checking especially the edges of rolled steel rods. It detects defects both in the transverse and also the longitudinal direction of these rods. The probe has a combination of several coils with which magnetic flux differences can be detected. The simultaneous sensitivity of the probe in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the test specimen is induced by its executing rotary motion around its vertical axis. An electrical induction motor is used as the drive for rotary motion. The electrical feed and receiving signals of the probe system are coupled and decoupled without contact via a rotary transformer.