Thank you for buying a Digital LA30 Companion Printer. You can expect years of reliable
service with very little maintenance. The information provided in this guide applies both to
the Digital LA30N Companion Printer (80-column printer) and to the Digital LA30W
Companion printer (136-column printer). However, illustrations are of LA30N Companion
Printer. This guide explains how you can use your printer to full advantage. It is written for
both new and experienced printer users.
This guide consists of two parts: Setting Up Your Printer and User Guide. The former
describes how to install and set up your printer. This part is easily identifiable, as each page
has a gray border. The latter, this part, describes how to use your printer and printer options,
how to keep the printer in good working condition, and what to do should something go
wrong. Detailed procedures are provided for first-time users. Experienced users can skip
some of the details, using the table of contents and chapter introductions to locate specific
information.
This part has several appendixes, a glossary, and an index. Appendix A lists supplies and
options available from your dealer or authorized representative of Digital Equipment
Corporation.
Preface
Printer Models and Options
Model LA30N is an 80-column printer and model LA30W is a 136-column printer. Both
models have a dual interface made up of Bitronics parallel and DEC-423 serial. The power
supply of the printer is either for 100-120 VAC input or for 220-240 VAC input. You must
specify the print line and the power rating when purchasing the printer. Other options
include a color print feature which you can add by yourself after purchasing the printer. The
configuration is:
LA30N/LA30W
Basic specifications
Print line at 10 cpi*: 80 columns for LA30N
Interfaces: Bitronics parallel and DEC-423 serial
Alternative specification
Power supply: 100–120 VAC or 220–240 VAC
User add-on options
Color Kit
* cpi: characters per inch
#00_3 Preface23/05/96, 13:557
136 columns for LA30W
vii
The LA30N and LA30W Model Specifications
The main difference between the LA30N and the LA30W is the “print span”.
The LA30N is an 80-column printer and the LA30W a 136-column printer. As shown in the
following figure, the physical specifications are thus different (size, weight, ...).
Digital LA30N Companion PrinterDigital LA30W Companion Printer
Some minor differences concern mechanical internal parts that do not impact the general
uses of the printer (top cover hinges, bail rollers mechanism, ...). The only visible difference
concerns the accurate location of the notch scale of the paper thickness lever.
Specification differences are clearly identified further in this User Guide.
Organization
The user guide is organized as follows:
1 - Introduction
This chapter introduces the printer and identifies key features and options that enhance the
printer’s capabilities.
2 - Paper Handling
This chapter explains how to load your printer and use paper with it.
3 - Printing
This chapter covers basic printing operations and provides detailed descriptions of everyday
operations from the printer’s control panel, including print feature selection.
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#00_3 Preface23/05/96, 13:558
4 - Using Set-Up Mode
This chapter describes how to change the printer’s optional settings, such as print features,
hardware options, and top-of-form. Most settings only affect print features such as the type
style and page format. Note that certain settings directly affect hardware and software
compatibility. Refer to this chapter as indicated in the part Setting Up Your Printer or as
required.
5 - Maintenance
This chapter explains basic maintenance procedures for this printer.
6 - Trouble-Shooting
This chapter describes problem-solving techniques. Before you contact your dealer for help,
check the list of problems and solutions provided in this chapter.
At the end of this guide, you will find several appendices, a glossary, and an index.
Appendix A gives order numbers for printer supplies and options, explaining how to install
them. Other appendices provide additional technical information about the printer.
Notes, Cautions and Warnings
The text contains three different types of annotation which should always be read.
Note:This NOTE annotation provides you with additional information, or indicates
where you can find it.
Caution:This CAUTION annotation should catch your attention, advising you of a
particular situation/problem which may occur/be avoided as a result of a certain
sequence of operations. It may also contain a reminder to execute a particular
operation.
Warning: This WARNING annotation indicates a specific procedure which must be strictly
observed. Failure to comply with the instructions given may result in injury to the
operator and/or damage to the printer.
#00_3 Preface23/05/96, 13:559
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#00_3 Preface23/05/96, 13:5510
Introduction
1
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing a Digital LA30 Companion Printer. This printer is a
compact, versatile printer that offers maximum compatibility with today’s software packages
and personal computers. The 24-wire print head provides crisp, clear printing for business,
office, and home environments. This printer is also easy to install and use.
Features
Key printer features and options are listed in the next two sections.
•Software compatibility. This printer, which operates with the DEC PPL2 protocol, the
IBM Proprinter X24E (LA30N) or IBM Proprinter XL24E (LA30W) protocol and the
Epson ESC/P2 protocol (for Epson LQ870 or LQ1170 printers or equivalent).
•Various character sets. For the DEC PPL2 protocol, 31 character sets (twenty-five 94-
character sets and six 96-character sets) are available. For IBM Proprinter X24E and
XL24E protocol, set 1, set 2, and 30 default sets (code pages and specific character sets)
are available. For Epson ESC/P2 protocol, 15 national character sets and 30 default sets
(code pages and specific character sets) are available.
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Digital LA30 Companion Printer
1-1
Introduction
•Multiple fonts. The printer has eighteen resident fonts: Ten bit-map fonts — Draft,
High-speed (HS) Draft, High-impact (Hi) Draft, Courier 10, Pica 10, Prestige Elite 12,
Compressed 17, Boldface PS, OCR A, and OCR B; six outline fonts — Timeless and
Nimbus Sans, each in upright, italic, and bold; three outline fonts — Courier in upright,
italic, and bold (available for the Epson ESC/P2 protocol only); and nine Barcode fonts
— Code 3 of 9, Industrial 2 of 5, Interleaved 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, EAN 8, EAN 13,
UPC-A, Codabar, and Postnet.
•High-speed printing. At 10 cpi, print speed ranges from 100 cps for letter quality to
333 cps for high-speed draft quality.
•64K bytes of input buffer. 64K bytes are available for storing input data and
downloading custom fonts. A minimum download buffer capacity is available separately.
•Simple switching of paper types. The ability to “park” continuous forms makes it easy
to switch between continuous forms and single sheets.
•Bottom feeding capability. The tractor unit is removable and can be converted to push-
feed or pull-feed. Installing the tractor unit on the platen allows the paper to be fed
through the slot at the bottom of the printer.
•Automatic tear-off advancing. With factory settings of the Set-Up mode, continuous
forms’ perforations are automatically advanced up to the tear bar at the end of each job
so that forms can be torn off. The tear-off feed can be also activated by pressing the
Pause button.
•Auto viewing. Paper (continuous forms or single sheets) is automatically advanced at
the end of each printing so that the last printed line can be read.
•Maintenance-free. The printer only requires periodic cleaning and changing of the
ribbon cartridge.
•Windows printer driver. Printer drivers for Windows 3.x and Windows 95 are
delivered with your printer. The printer driver is a control program to be installed on
your computer for controlling document printing on your printer (for example,
controlling the page size, the paper orientation, and so on). It receives print data from
your application software, converts the data into commands that the printer can execute,
and sends the commands to the printer.
Options
Printer add-on options are listed below. For details, see Appendix A “Supplies and
Options”.
•Color kit. You can turn your monochrome printer into a color printer. Seven-color
printing using a color ribbon is possible if supported by your software.
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#01 Chapter 123/05/96, 14:122
Paper Handling
This chapter explains how your printer uses paper. Topics covered are:
•Getting to know the printer’s major parts and the control panel
•Selecting paper
•Overview of paper operations
•Adjusting for paper thickness
•Using single sheets
•Using continuous forms (push-tractor feed and pull-tractor feed)
•Feeding and positioning paper
•Switching paper types
Paper Handling
2
Tips for paper handling are given at the end of this chapter. Check that section if you are
using multipart forms, envelopes, or labels.
Getting to Know the Printer’s Major Parts and the Control Panel
This section describes the major parts and controls of the printer and operations of the
control panel. Take a moment to become familiar with the printer.
#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:151
2-1
Paper Handling
Parts of the Printer
i
!8
o
u
!0
!1
q
w
e
r
t
y
!2
!7
2-2
#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:162
!6
!3
!4
!5
Front and Rear Views
Paper Handling
The figures on the previous page show front and rear views of the printer. The following
parts are indicated:
Front View
1.Front cover (to protect the print head)
2.Cut sheet stand (to hold printing and printed pages)
3.Paper thickness lever (to adjust the print head gap)
4.Platen knob (to manually advance the paper)
5.Platen (to support the paper)
6.Interface connector (to connect the printer to the host system)
7.Control panel (to load and feed paper, select print features, or change the
printer’s optional settings)
8.Power switch (to switch the printer on/off)
9.Paper select lever (to switch the paper source)
10.Print head (to apply ink to the page)
11.Print guide (to indicate the print line)
Rear View
12.Acoustic cover (to reduce sound noise)
13.Paper guide (to insert single sheets and envelopes)
14.Rating label (to indicate the printer power specifications)
15.Power connector (to connect the printer to the power supply)
16.Forms tractors (to hold and feed continuous forms)
17.Back cover (to protect forms tractors)
18.Top cover (to protect the platen and serve as the tear bar)
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2-3
Paper Handling
Operations of the Control Panel
This section summarizes status indications and operations of the control panel in Normal
mode. For details on Set-Up mode, see Chapter 4 “Using Set-Up Mode”.
Normal mode operation includes everyday operations, such as paper handling, font
selection, macro selection, and protocol selection. The first table lists basic states
represented by the Ready and Fault indicators. The second table lists Normal mode
operations and required user response. Operations are listed by functions.
Basic States of the Printer
IndicatorStatusPrinter Status
Ready
OnThe printer is ready for printing
or
The printer is receiving or printing data.
BlinkingThe printer is not ready and holds printing data.
OffThe printer is not ready and it does not hold printing data.
FaultOnThe printer is out of paper.
Blinking slowly The printer has software errors (paper jam, interface
error, carriage error, paper unloading error, etc.).
Blinking fastThe printer detected diagnostic errors at power-up.
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#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:164
Paper Handling
Control Panel Operations
—: This operation has no connection with this condition.
N/A: The condition does not apply because this operation is executed before powering on.
*1
OperationRequired Conditions
ReadyPrinting
Load continuous forms paper—Not printingOnPress FF/Load.
Load single sheet paper—Not printingOnPress FF/Load if single sheet
Feed paper a page—Not printingOffPress FF/Load.
Feed paper a line—Not printingOffPress LF.
*2
Required Action
Fault
load is switched from AUTO
to MANUAL in Set-Up mode.
Advance perforation to tear bar—Not printingOff
Press
Pause
if the TEAR
option is switched from AUTO
to MANUAL in Set-Up mode,
or
press FF/Load.
Advance paper for viewing—Not printingOff
Press
Pause
if the TEAR
option is switched from AUTO
to MANUAL in Set-Up mode.
Return paper to previous position —Not printingOff
Press
Pause
if the TEAR
option is switched from AUTO
to MANUAL in Set-Up mode,
or
press FF/Load.
Eject single-sheet paper—Not printingOffPress FF/Load or Park or turn
paper
Pause printingOnPrintingOffPress Pause.
Resume printingBlinking Not printingOffPress Pause.
Resume printing after a faultOffNot printingOnClear error and press Pause.
Resume printing after paper-outOffNot printingOnLoad paper.
Place printer in Ready stateOffNot printingOffPress Pause.
Place printer in pause stateOn—OffPress Pause.
Enter Normal modeN/AN/AN/ATurn power on without
Printing testN/AN/AN/ATurn power on while pressing
#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:165
pressing any buttons
FF/Load.
2-5
Paper Handling
*1
OperationRequired Conditions
Ready Printing
*2
Fault
Required Action
Select a resident font—Not printingOffPress Font.
Enter Macro selection mode—Not printingOffPress Macro. (M1 and M2
will turn blinking
alternately for 3 seconds.)
Select Macro 1—
*4
OffPress M1 within 3 seconds
after pressing Macro.
Select Macro 2—
*4
OffPress M2 within 3 seconds
after pressing Macro.
Switch the protocol—Not printing *4OffPress Protocol.
Enter Top-of-Form Adjustment mode
—Not printingOff
Press
Set-Up/Quit
and
Top
Move paper by 1/60 inchOff—OffPressorbutton.
Use the adjustment temporarilyOff—OffPress Set-Up/Quit.
Use the adjustment permanently
Off—OffPress Exit/Save.
Clear the adjustmentOff—OffPress Top.
Enter Set-Up modeN/AN/AN/ATurn power on while
pressing Set-Up/Quit.
Move cursor to selectOffNot printingOffPress or button.
a Set-Up Function or Value
Move cursor to selectOffNot printingOffPress or button.
a Set-Up Option
Select a Set-Up FunctionOffNot printingOffPress or button.
or Value
Select a Set-Up Value andOffNot printingOffPress Exit/Save.
move cursor to SAVE&EXIT
Clear software-detected errors——Blinking Press Pause.
Initialize the printer———
Turn power off and on again.
.
*1 In Normal mode operation, all buttons except Pause are inactive in the Busy state in which the printer is receiving
or printing data.
*2 Not printing includes the following situations: the printer is ready and awaiting data, or the Pause button is
pressed and the printer is awaiting data, or the Pause button is pressed during printing.
*3 This operation is available in the rear-feeding push-tractor mode.
*4 Switching is not done if the printer is holding printing data.
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#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:166
Printer Acoustical Feed-Backs
Except for paper handling and when the factory setting for beep is not changed, the printer
beeps in the following ways when you press a control panel button, as follows.
•A short beep indicates that the printer accepts your pressing or specification.
•A longer beep indicates that your specification is invalid.
•In a certain mode, a middle long beep indicates that the specified mode becomes active
and a short beep indicates the end of the mode.
•When the Fault indicator lights, the printer also makes a longer beep.
Selecting Paper
The printer can handle either single sheets or continuous forms. Single sheets, also called
cut sheets, include envelopes and noncontinuous, multipart forms. Continuous forms
include labels and multipart forms fed into the printer using the forms tractors.
For best results, use paper that meets the specifications listed in the following table. (See
Appendix B “Printer and Paper Specifications” for detailed specifications.) If you are
unsure of the suitability of a particular type of paper, try testing the paper or consult your
dealer.
Paper Handling
Paper Specifications
Paper Size
LA30NLA30W
ContinuousWidth102 to 267 mm (4 to 10.5 in)102 to 420 mm (4 to 16.5 in)
formsLength102 mm (4 in) or greater102 mm (4 in) or greater
Cut sheetsWidth102 to 267 mm (4 to 10.5 in)102 to 420 mm (4 to 16.5 in)
Length76 to 364 mm (3 to 14.3 in)76 to 420 mm (3 to 16.5 in)
Paper Thickness and Number of Copies
Description
Thickness0.35 mm (0.014 in) maximum total thickness.
Copies1 to 5 copies, including the original.
For carbon-interleaved paper, the carbon counts as a copy.
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2-7
Paper Handling
Overview of Paper Operations
The following levers and buttons are used in paper handling:
•Paper select lever q at the top left corner of the printer
•Paper thickness lever w at the top right corner of the printer
•All buttons y on the control panel e (Primary and alternative functions are labelled
respectively above and under each button.)
The following figure shows the location of each lever, indicators, and buttons:
q
w
e
Draft
HSDraft
HiDraft
r
Courier 10Bold PS
Prestige 12
Comp. 17
Ready
Pause
Set-Up/QuitTop
Time PS
Nimb. PS
Soft Ctrl.
Font
t
Fault
DEC
EP2
PPX24
M1
M2
ProtocolParkLFFF/Load
Macro
M1
M2
Exit/Save
y
Paper select lever qFont indicators r
Paper thickness lever wMacro indicators t
Control panel eButtons y
Printer Levers and Buttons
The following table summarizes the use of levers and buttons in paper handling. More
detailed information is provided later in this chapter.
Caution:To load or feed paper, the printer must be:
• In the Ready state but not receiving or printing data
• In the Pause state
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#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:168
Levers and Buttons Used for Paper Handling
Lever/ButtonPurposeAction
Paper Handling
FF/Load
Form feedPress FF/Load to execute a form feed.
Continuous forms are fed forward by one
page. Single sheets are ejected.
Load paperPress FF/Load to feed paper to the top of
form position.
LFLine feedPress LF to feed paper forward by one line.
ParkUnload formsPress Park to retract continuous forms to
the “park position.”
Set-Up/Quit + TopPress Set-Up/Quit and Top at the same time
Press thebutton to feed paper forward
Exit/SaveSave TOF valuePress Exit/Save to permanently store the
Enter Top-of-Form
(TOF) Adjustment
mode
Increase TOF value by
1/60 inch
Decrease TOF value by
1/60 inch
to enter TOF Adjustment mode where the
paper loading position can be adjusted.
by 1/60 inch in TOF Adjustment mode.
Press thebutton to feed paper backward
by 1/60 inch in TOF Adjustment mode.
TOF position adjusted by thebutton and
thebutton in TOF Adjustment mode.
PausePress Pause to advance the forms
Advance forms to the
tear bar when forms
are at Top-of-Form
(TOF) position
perforation to the tear bar. Tear off the
forms, then press Pause again to return the
forms to the previous position.
Paper select lever *Select paper pathMove the paper select lever forward for
Paper thickness leverSelect the number corresponding to the
*The following graphics are engraved on the casing.
#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:169
Adjust for paper
thickness or number of
copies
Continuous forms
Single sheets
single sheets.
Move the paper select lever backward for
continuous forms.
number of copies (including the original).
Vary the setting upward or downward
(including A to D) to optimize printing.
Select D when replacing ribbon or clearing
a paper jam.
2-9
Paper Handling
Adjusting for Paper Thickness
The printer can handle paper with different thicknesses, including multipart forms with up to
five parts (original plus four copies). For details on paper thickness specifications, see
Appendix B “Printer and Paper Specifications.”
The paper thickness lever, located at the top right corner of the printer, allows you to adjust
for different paper thicknesses. Be sure to adjust the paper thickness lever whenever you
change the number of copies being printed.
The paper thickness lever q has nine settings: 1 to 5 and A to D. Use the following table
to determine the appropriate setting for your paper; then, move the paper thickness lever to
the appropriate position.
*1 For carbon-interleaved paper, the carbon counts as one copy.
*2 Vary the position upward or downward (including A to D) to optimize printing. Select D when replacing a
ribbon or clearing a paper jam. For labels and envelopes, use the trial-and-error approach to determine a
satisfactory position.
Caution:If printing is messy, the ribbon misfeeds, or the paper jams, move the lever one
position higher.
Using Single Sheets
This section describes how to load paper in the cut sheet stand. The cut sheet stand allows
paper to be loaded manually, one sheet at a time.
Loading a Single Sheet of Paper
To load a sheet of paper into the cut sheet stand:
1. Make sure that the printer is turned on. Check that rear-fed continuous forms are
retracted to the park position. (For details, see the section “Unloading Continuous
Forms” later in this chapter.)
2. If necessary, reset the paper thickness lever. (See the section “Adjusting for Paper
Thickness” earlier in this chapter.)
3. Move the paper select lever forward. (This lever is at the top left part of the printer.)
4. Raise the cut sheet stand. Position the left paper guide in accordance with the Note
below. Note that the movable range of the paper guide is limited.
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2-11
Paper Handling
Note:Below the left paper guide q, the cut sheet stand has a scale graduated in units
of 0.1 inch. When the left paper guide is positioned all the way to the right, the
left margin is 5 mm (0.2 inch). To help align paper, also use the inch-based ruler
on the top cover w of the printer. The gradations on the ruler are for 10
columns per inch.
w
q
5. Adjust the right paper guide e to the width of paper. Insert the paper into the cut sheet
stand. Make sure that the bottom edge of the paper engages snugly with the platen. The
paper will automatically advance to the top-of-form position if the Single Sheet Load
option of the Set-Up mode is set to Automatic.
Note:The factory setting for the Single Sheet Load option is automatic loading, two
seconds after paper detection. If you set this option to manual, you will have to
press FF/Load to feed the paper.
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#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:1612
Setting Paper Select Lever and Left Paper Guide
Paper Handling
e
Loading a Sheet of Paper
6. If you want to slightly adjust the Top-of-Form position, the first line on which printing
can start, adjust the Top-of-Form position of the paper using control panel buttons. Press
the Set-Up/Quit and the Top buttons at the same time. The M1 and M2 indicators flash
alternately with the DEC and PPX24 indicators, indicating Top-of-Form Adjustment
mode. Press thebutton or thebutton. The paper will move forward or backward
in 1/60-inch increments. Press the Set-Up/Quit button after adjusting the position. Note
that this adjustment is temporarily saved. It will not be active at next power-up of the
printer. For permanent adjustment, see the section “Feeding and Positioning Paper” later
in this chapter.
7. Place the printer in the Ready state. Print a sample page and check the page margins.
Make the following adjustments, as necessary:
•Horizontal alignment. Readjust the paper guides if required.
•Top-of-form setting. Use the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4 “Using Set-Up
Mode”) or the TOF Adjustment mode (see the section “Feeding and Positioning
Paper” later in this chapter).
•Margin settings. Use your software or the printer Set-Up mode (see Chapter 4
“Using Set-Up Mode”).
Ejecting Single Sheets
If you print using software, each sheet is ejected automatically upon the completion of the
page printing. To manually eject sheets of paper:
•Press the FF/Load button to execute a forward form feed.
•Turn the platen knob.
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2-13
Paper Handling
Using Continuous Forms
Continuous forms paper, fanfolded at the horizontal perforations, is ideal for printing rough
drafts and long files. The paper is fed into the printer using the forms tractor unit. The
forms tractor unit, which is removable, can be used in two different ways. If the forms
tractor unit is mounted at the rear of the printer, it pushes paper from the rear to the platen.
This is called push-tractor feeding. If the forms tractor unit is mounted at the top of the
printer, it pulls paper from the bottom or rear of the printer to the platen. This is called pulltractor feeding.
Caution:When using continuous forms with the cut sheet stand in up position, always
spread the cut sheet stand paper guides to their extreme position before feeding
the paper. This will prevent the paper from jamming against the acoustic cover.
2-14
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Paper Handling
Positioning the Paper Stack
Place the stack of continuous forms paper directly below the rear of the printer q for push,
rear feed or below the bottom slot of the printer w for pull, bottom feed.
Caution:
When using paper-stapled multipart forms in push feed, raise the cut sheet stand e.
After the paper is installed in the printer, the paper path should look like this:
Good placement
q
Push-feed, from rear slotPush-feed, from rear slot
with paper-stapled multipart forms
w
e
Pull-feed, from bottom slot
Bad placement
#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:1615
Placement of Continuous Forms
2-15
Paper Handling
Loading Continuous Forms (Push Tractor and Rear Feed)
This section explains how to use continuous forms when the tractor unit is installed at the
rear of the printer. The tractor unit pushes continuous forms. This condition applies when
you first use the printer.
To load continuous forms paper:
1. Make sure that the printer is turned on. Remove any single-sheet paper from the printer.
2. If necessary, readjust the paper thickness lever for continuous forms. (See the section
“Adjusting for Paper Thickness” earlier in this chapter.)
3. Move the paper select lever q to the rear of the printer.
e
r
w
q
Preparing to Load Continuous Forms Paper
4. To access the forms tractors w, lock the cut sheet stand e and the back cover r
together and raise them in the up position.
2-16
#02 Chapter 223/05/96, 14:1616
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