Elecraft PX3 User Manual
ELECRAFT
PX3
H
IGH-PERFORMANCE
P
ANADAPTER
OWNER’S MANUAL
Revision A2, October 1, 2014
Copyright © 2014, Elecraft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
For Owners of the Elecraft K3
Transceiver and P3 Panoramic Display:
The PX3 has nearly all of the same features as the
P3*, including the same high-resolution color display,
2 to 200 kHz SPAN, fast sweep rates, and eight
programmable “hot keys” to do quick setup. The
primary difference between the two is in the interface
to the transceiver. The P3 digitally down-converts the
K3’s 8.215-MHz I.F. signal, while the PX3 uses
quadrature baseband demodulation (I/Q) to convert
signals from the KX3’s RX I/Q output jack. The
PX3’s method requires less interface and
demodulation circuitry, resulting in a significantly
lower-cost unit with lower power consumption
(consistent with portable use). For details on how
baseband I/Q demodulation impacts performance, see
PX3 Compared to the P3 and PC-Based Panadapters
on page 32
* “Fixed tune" mode is not yet available in the PX3.
If this feature is added at a future date, it may have
somewhat different performance than in the P3, in
terms of displayed bandwidth and allowed offset from
the currently-tuned frequency.
2
Contents
If you purchased the PX3 Kit, go directly to page 35 to assemble your PX3
Key to Symbols and Text Styles ...................... 4
In the Box ........................................................ 5
Serial Data Cable ................................................. 5
PX3-KX3 Interface Cable (PX3CBL) ................. 5
DC Power Cable (E850524) ................................ 5
Quick-Start Guide ............................................ 6
Introduction .................................................... 10
PX3 Features ..................................................... 10
Easy Set-Up ................................................... 10
Display .......................................................... 10
Ergonomic Design ......................................... 10
Field Upgradable ........................................... 10
Front Panel ..................................................... 11
Control Groups .................................................. 11
Display .............................................................. 12
Primary Controls ............................................... 12
Menu ................................................................. 13
Programmable Function Keys ........................... 13
Side Panel Connectors ................................... 14
Basic Operation ............................................. 15
Using Tap/Hold Switches ................................. 15
Initial Power-Up ................................................ 15
Configuring the Display .................................... 15
Using the Menu ................................................. 15
Programmable Functions .................................. 15
Adjusting the Amplitude ................................... 16
Adjusting the Frequencies Displayed ................ 16
Using Markers ................................................... 16
Waterfall Markers ............................................. 17
Using Cursors .................................................... 17
Noise Blanker .................................................... 18
How to Set Up and Interpret the PX3 Display
....................................................................... 19
Spectrum Display .............................................. 19
Waterfall Display .............................................. 20
Averaging and Peak Hold ................................. 20
Span ................................................................... 20
Typical Spectra .................................................. 20
Advanced Operating Features ........................ 22
Remote-Control Commands .............................. 22
PX3 Utility Program ......................................... 22
Configuring the Power Switch .......................... 22
Firmware Upgrades ........................................ 23
Checking your Firmware Revision ................... 23
Forcing a Firmware Download ......................... 23
Updating KX3 Firmware .................................. 23
Opposite Sideband Nulling ............................ 24
Getting Ready ................................................... 24
Setting up the PX3 and KX3 to use the PX3
Internal Calibration Signal ................................ 27
Menu Functions ............................................. 28
PX3 Menu ......................................................... 28
Troubleshooting ............................................. 30
Power On/Off Issues ......................................... 30
Display Issues ................................................... 30
Parameter Initialization .................................. 31
PX3 Compared to the P3 and PC-Based
Panadapters .................................................... 32
Theory of Operation ....................................... 33
RS-232 Serial Interface Cable ....................... 34
Kit Assembly Instructions ............................. 35
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage ..... 35
Tools Required ................................................. 35
Parts List ........................................................... 36
PX3 Front Panel Assembly Bag E850621 .... 36
Individually Wrapped Components .............. 36
PX3 Misc Bag - E850615 ................................ 37
PX3 Hardware Envelope – E850614 ................ 38
Assembly Procedure ......................................... 39
Overview of the Kit ...................................... 39
Servicing the PX3 .......................................... 50
Accessing the PC Boards .................................. 50
Cleaning the LCD Bezel ................................... 50
Replacing the LCD ........................................... 51
Specifications ................................................. 52
Customer Service and Support....................... 53
Technical Assistance .................................... 53
Repair / Alignment Service .......................... 53
Elecraft manuals with color images may be downloaded from
www.elecraft.com
3
.
Key to Symbols and Text Styles
Identifies important information.
Operating or kit assembly tip.
-100
DISP
AVERAGE
MENU:Font
Characters displayed on the LCD screen
Tap switch function (labeled above a switch)
Hold switch function (labeled below a switch; hold for 1/2 sec. to activate)
Typical menu entry
4
In the Box
In addition to the PX3 display itself, check the shipping box for the following contents.
Serial Data Cable
Connects the PX3 to a serial port on your personal computer to upload updated firmware and provide other
functions. If needed a serial cable with an RS232 interface is available (order the KXSER). These cables are
identical to and interchangeable with the serial interface cable used with the KX3 transceiver. If desired, you can
make your own RS232 serial interface cable. See page 34 for the schematic diagram.
PX3-KX3 Interface Cable (PX3CBL)
Connects the PX3 to your KX3 (See Figure 2 on page 8 or Figure 3 on page 9).
Do not substitute different or longer cables for the PX3CBL set supplied. Doing so may degrade the
performance of your PX3. See PX3 Compared to the P3 and PC-Based Panadapters on page 32 for details.
DC Power Cable (E850524)
Connects the PX3 your 9 to 16 Vdc power supply with tinned leads to connect to your power supply. Optionally
you can purchase the PX3 DC Power Supply that plugs into a mains outlet as shown below. Order the
(PWR121A-US).
The optional power supply comes with a right angle extension (PWR2.1RA)
5
Quick-Start Guide
To get started using your PX3 right away, please read this page and the pages that follow, to connect your PX3
to your KX3 and explore the features and controls.
Figure 1. PX3 Front Panel.
Prepare your
KX3
Ensure your KX3 is equipped with Firmware version 2.19 or later: See your KX3 Owner’s
Manual for information about checking and updating the firmware if needed.
In the KX3 menu, set RX I/Q: On and exit the menu.
Setup and
Connections
Position the KX3 and PX3 as shown in the photograph on the cover, with the PX3 on the left
side of the KX3. This keeps the PX3 away from the RF fields around the KX3’s antenna
connectors that can interfere with the PX3.Do not substitute longer cables for the PX3CBL set
provided. Doing so may allow noise pickup from various sources, including switching power
supplies, 60-Hz AC, ground loops, and interface cables. You can pass the PX3CBL cables
connecting the KX3 and PX3 under or behind the PX3.
When adjusting the legs to position on your PX3, be sure the thumb screws are loose.
They thread into the legs, and forcing a leg into position without loosening the thumb
screw may tighten the thumb screw so much it becomes very difficult to loosen.
Connect a dc power supply to the
Specifications, page. 10 for more about the power requirements). A power cable with a right
angle 2.1 mm barrel connector is supplied. Connect the wire with the white strip to the positive
(+) terminal on your power supply. If you purchased the optional PWA121V1A-US power
supply for your PX3, plug it into a 100 to 240 volt mains outlet. It is provided with a rightangle cable adapter (PW2.1RA) that you can use for a neater cable installation.
We recommend that you turn off the external supply before connecting power to the
PX3. Some power connectors have an exposed center terminal that can create a short
circuit if it touches the metal ground when it is being inserted.
If your KX3 installation includes the Elecraft KXPA100 amplifier connected using the
KX3 to KXPA100 Adapter Cable, connect the PX3 as shown in Figure 3on page 9.
If you do not have the KXPA100 and adapter cable, connect the PX3 as shown in Figure
2 on page 8.
9-16 VDC input jack on the PX3 side panel (see
6
The Basics
Other
Features
TAP AND HOLD: Most PX3 switches have two functions, similar to the KX3.Tap (press
briefly) to activate the function labeled on the switch. Hold (press for 1/2 second) activates the
function labeled below the switch. In the text, tap functions are shown like this:
DISP while a
hold function is shown like this: AVERAGE. Additional typographical conventions are shown
on the previous page.
The controls and indicators shown in Figure 1 are identified by the circled numbers in the
following text (e.g.
Apply power to the PX3 and tap
refers to the display screen).
PWR
to turn it on.
Tap DISP to cycle between spectrum and waterfall display modes (Page 15).
Activating many functions enables the SELECT knob so you can adjust the
parameter associated with the function. The current parameter value is shown on the screen
. You can exit and save the parameter by tapping the same key a second time, even for
hold functions.
For hold functions, you can also hold the key a second time to exit parameter-entry mode.
Holding the four keys along the right edge of the front panel
, , , , a second time
de-activates the function itself. For example, holding CENTER a second time returns
the display center frequency to the transceiver frequency and holding MKR B a second
time turns off marker B.
Tap MENU
and use the
SELECT knob to scroll through the menu.
Tapping the SELECT knob while the menu is active causes the currently-selected
menu function to execute. For example, select
LCD Brt from the menu and tap the knob.
The knob now adjusts the brightness of the LCD display backlight. Tap the knob again to
exit the selection or tap
MENU
to select a different menu item. Some menu items are
toggle functions. Instead of changing the parameter by turning the SELECT knob, it
changes automatically whenever the knob is tapped. The new value is displayed briefly
near the top of the spectrum display. Menu items are listed on page 28.
As you become familiar with the menu options, you may find that you want to adjust
certain items frequently. You can assign up to eight menu items to the function keys
, , , . Tap FN1 through FN4 or hold FN5 through FN8 to assign the function key
to a menu item while the menu item is displayed.
Hold LABELS
to display the labels you have assigned to the switches (page 15). They
are displayed at the bottom of the screen, just above the function keys (Pages 12 and 13).
Hold LABELS
Tap MKR A or hold MKR B
again to toggle the labels off.
to turn on marker A or B. Rotate the
SELECT knob to
place the selected marker at a desired frequency on the display. Markers may be used to
measure the frequency of an interesting signal and tapping the
(change the frequency of) the KX3 to that frequency.
MKR A controls the KX3's VFO A
SELECT knob will QSY
and MKR B controls VFO B. The marker colors match the corresponding VFO cursors to
emphasize the correspondence. Whichever marker is currently selected is the one that
causes the KX3 to QSY (Page 12).
To return from the last QSY to the original frequency ("undo" function), hold the
SELECT knob pushbutton while the marker is selected.
To turn off the markers, tap MKR A while marker A is selected or hold MKR B while
marker B is selected.
7
Tap
Hold CENTER
Tap
Hold SCALE
Hold AVERAGE to turn on display averaging and allow adjustment of the averaging
SPAN
displayed at the top (left and right edge respectively) of the spectrum window (Page 13).
(Page 13). This function may be disabled by selecting
SELECT knob pushbutton to toggle between CENTER Key ON and CENTER Key OFF.
REF
displays. The reference level is the signal level corresponding to the bottom of the
spectrum display (Page 13).
waterfall displays. For example, Scale (dB): 60 means that the bottom of the display is 60
dB below the top (Page 13).
time by turning the
to set the frequency span of the display. The start and stop frequencies are
and turn the
to set the amplitude reference level of both the spectrum and waterfall
to set the scale, or signal amplitude range, of both the spectrum and
SELECT knob (Page 13).
SELECT knob set the center frequency of the display
MENU:CenterEn and tapping the
Figure 2. Basic KX3-PX3 Cabling.
8
When used with the KXPA100 Amplifier as shown here, the PX3 RS232 data rate must be set
to 38400 baud (see menu entry RS232 on page 29).
Figure 3. PX3 Signal Cabling with KXPA100 Amplifier and KX3 to KXPA100 Adapter Cable.
.
9
Introduction
This comprehensive manual covers all the features and capabilities of the Elecraft PX3 panoramic display. We
recommend that you begin with the Quick-Start Guide (page 6). The Front Panel (page. 11) and Side panel
Connectors (page 14) sections are for general reference. Basic Operation (page 15) and Advanced Operating
Features (page 22) fill in the details of the full capabilities of the PX3.
PX3 Features
The PX3 Integrates very closely with the Elecraft KX3 with point-and-click QSY and an “undo” feature with
simple control press to return to the previous frequency. A number of advanced features enhance the PX3’s
performance and versatility:
Easy Set-Up
Only three cables for basic operation (I/Q for signal, ACC1 for frequency data and power). Cables are
provided with the PX3.
Optional additional connections provided for transceiver communications, a personal computer and
optional accessories.
Simple configuration and calibration for optimum performance with your KX3.
Display
Bright, high-resolution, full color display.
Efficient LED backlight for long life and low power consumption.
The frequency display tracks the KX3.
Both Spectrum and Waterfall display s.
Fast display update.
Up to 200 kHz span.
Frequency resolution automatically increases as span is decreased.
Excellent sensitivity and dynamic range.
Ergonomic Design
Uncluttered interface.
No unused controls on the screen.
Adjustable legs to match the viewing angle of the KX3.
Field Upgradable
Software defined architecture so many new features will require only a simple firmware update using the
provided PX3 utility program that can be downloaded from www.elecraft.com.
10
Front Panel
This section describes all front panel controls and the liquid crystal display (LCD). Operating instructions are
covered in later sections.
Figure 4. PX3 Control Groups.
Control Groups
Primary Controls (see page 12): These switches
are hard-coded with permanent function
assignments. They provide the most important
operational features needed for basic panadapter
operation, including display options, amplitude
scaling, frequency control and markers.
Programmable Function Switches (see page 13):
The function keys may be assigned to any of the
functions in the
operational features, test functions, and setup and
calibration routines.
MENU list. These include less-used
11
Display
The 480x272-pixel, color TFT-LCD display is used
both for the panadapter spectrum and waterfall
graphics as well as for general-purpose information
needed by the operator. All graphics and text are
bit-mapped and so are software-defined. The
display brightness and the text size can be changed
via
MENU entries (Page 28).
Figure 5. PX3 Display.
Primary Controls
PWR turns the PX3 on or off. The PX3 may be
configured to turn on automatically whenever
power is applied by moving a jumper inside the
PX3 enclosure (see Configuring the Power Switch
on page 22for details). Holding the
more than 20 seconds places the PX3 in boot-load
mode, ready to receive new firmware. If you do this
accidentally, simply cycle the
again to restore normal operation.
MKR A and MKR B each cause a marker to appear
on the display, using different colors for A and B.
MKR A controls the KX3's VFO A and MKR B
controls VFO B. The marker colors match the
corresponding VFO cursors to emphasize the
correspondence.
The
symbol next to the marker frequency means
the frequency can be adjusted by selecting it with
the MKR A or MKR B switch and turning the
PWR switch for
PWR off, then on
SELECT knob. Tapping the SELECT knob
changes (QSY) the frequency of the corresponding
KX3 VFO to the marker frequency. To undo the
QSY and return to the original VFO frequency,
select the marker and hold the
SELECT knob
pushbutton.
To turn off markers, tap
MKR A while marker A is
selected or hold MKR B while marker B is selected.
When a marker is turned back on after having been
turned off, it will come back at the same frequency
unless it is off-screen, in which case the marker
defaults to the center frequency.
When another function that uses the
SELECT
knob is activated, the marker(s) will stay visible and
when that other function is de-selected the last
active marker automatically becomes active again.
12
SPAN sets the frequency span of the display. The
available range is 2 kHz to 200 kHz. The start and
stop frequencies are displayed at the top (left and
right edge respectively) of the spectrum window.
For example, a 200 kHz span will be displayed with
-100.0 in the upper left and +100.0 in the upper
right corners.
CENTER sets the center frequency of the display,
which is also displayed at the top center of the
spectrum window. The center frequency of the
display may be offset from the KX3’s frequency
with the
SELECT knob. The center frequency
will then track changes in the KX3’s frequency,
maintaining the same offset.
Menu
MENU accesses an alphabetical list of functions
(see Menu Functions, page.28). Scroll through the
list with the
select an item. For items with only two or three
values, tapping the
between the parameter values. For other items, turn
the
SELECT knob to choose the parameter value.
Tapping the
selects the item and exits the menu. If you wish to
terminate the item but keep the menu active, tap
MENU. When you wish to exit the menu, tap
MENU again.
SELECT knob and tap the knob to
SELECT knob toggles
SELECT knob a second time un-
Hold CENTER a second time to return the center
frequency to the KX3's VFO A frequency.
This function is disabled if
MENU:CenterEn is set
to OFF.
REF sets the amplitude reference level of the
display, both spectrum and waterfall. The reference
level is the signal level in dBm that corresponds to
the bottom of the spectrum display and the
minimum (dark blue) signal level of the waterfall
display. The amplitude labels that appear along the
left edge of the spectrum display may be in S-units
plus dB over S9 or dBm, depending on the setting
of
MENU:Lvl Mode. The KX3's attenuator and
preamp have no affect on the displayed amplitude
when dBm is selected, but the effect of the
attenuator and preamp will be seen when the
display is in S-units.
SCALE sets the scale, or range, of both the
spectrum and waterfall displays. For example,
Scale (dB):
60
means that the bottom of the
display is 60 dB below the top.
DISP toggles between the spectrum, and
combination spectrum/waterfall display modes.
Programmable Function Keys
Most menu functions can be assigned to a function
key by tapping FN1 through FN4 or holding FN5
through FN8 while the menu item is displayed but
not selected. When a menu function is selected, the
text on the screen prompts you to either tap the
knob to select it or a FN key to assign it to the key.
If a function was previously assigned to a key,
assigning a new function over-writes the original
function.
LABELS displays the function assigned to each
key. Keys identified with the label FN number have
not been assigned to a menu function. LABELS
toggles the function key labels on and off. Note that
the function keys are still active even when the
labels are turned off.
AVERAGE allows you to turn on and adjust display
averaging. The averaging is adjusted in units of
display update periods. For example,
time:
every 20 update cycles. Tap
20 means the display is averaged over
DISP to exit the
Averaging
average parameter adjustment mode while
maintaining the selected averaging period. Hold
AVERAGE to turn off averaging.
13
Side Panel Connectors
Figure 6. PX3 Side Panels.
See Figure 2 on page 8 or on page 9 for normal cable interconnections between the PX3 and KX3.
The following describes the function and pin-out of each connector.
Power: 9-16 VDC is a standard 2.1 mm barrel connector for dc power. The center pin is the positive (+)
connection.
ACC1 PC is a 3.5 mm stereo jack that allows firmware updates, configuration, and remote control of the PX3
and KX3 via a personal computer. The tip connection is RX data coming from the computer and the ring is data
going to the computer. If needed, suitable cables for either a USB or RS232 computer interface are available
from Elecraft (see Firmware Upgrades on page 23 for more information).
ACC1 XCVR is a 3.5 mm stereo jack that allows communications between the PX3 and the KX3. When the
PX3 is turned off, data applied at ACC1 PC passed directly through the PX3 to the ACC1 XCVR connector.
The tip connection is RX data going to the KX3 and the ring is data coming from the KX3.
RX I/Q XCVR is a 2.5 mm stereo jack that receives quadrature outputs from the KX3 receive mixer (I=inphase, Q=quadrature).
RX I/Q PC is a 2.5 mm stereo jack that provides the quadrature (I/Q) outputs from the KX3 to a personal
computer. If you had a I/Q connection directly to the KX3 before installing the PX3, this connector feeds the
same signals through to your computer with the PX3 installed.
KEYBD is for future use.
CALIBRATOR SIGNAL OUTPUT on the right side panel is a single pin output that provides a signal
required to adjust the opposite sideband nulling for your KX3 (see page 24).
14
Basic Operation
This section covers the fundamentals of PX3
operation. Once you're familiar with the PX3,
please go on to Advanced Operating Features
(page 17).
Using Tap/Hold Switches
Most PX3 switches have two options. Tapping
(pressing for less than 1/2 second) activates the
function labeled in white on the switch. Holding
(pressing for more than 1/2 second) activates the
function labeled in yellow below the switch.
Initial Power-Up
Connect your PX3 to the KX3 as shown in
Figure 2 on page 8 or Figure 3 on page 9.
Apply power to the KX3 and enable operation
with the PX3 in the KX3’s menu:
I/Q On
Press PWR to turn the PX3 on, if it is not on
already. The screen should light and you should
see a spectrum or combined spectrum and
waterfall display. If a KX3 is connected via the
ACC1 cable you should see the correct
frequency at the top center of the display.
MENU: RX
Using the Menu
Tap MENU to access the menu. The menu
will appear near the top of the display .
Figure 7. Typical Display Showing a Menu
Selection.
Turn the
alphabetical list of available menu functions, as
documented in the Menu Functions section
(page.28).
Tap the
Most functions have a parameter which can
then be changed with the
Those functions all start with the
the display.
SELECT knob to scroll through an
SELECT knob to select a function.
SELECT knob.
symbol on
Configuring the Display
Tap DISP to cycle between spectrum and combined
spectrum and waterfall displays.
Hold AVERAGE to turn on averaging and to set the
averaging time constant with the
You can hold AVERAGE again to turn off
averaging or just tap the same switch to clear the
parameter-entry text from the display while leaving
averaging enabled.
Hold LABELS to show or hide the function switch
labels.
There are also several MENU functions that
configure the display, such as LCD Brt (display
brightness), Peak hold, Freeze display, Font size
and Waterfall height.
SELECT knob.
Tap the
function.
Tap
Some menu items are toggle functions. The
parameter changes automatically every time
you tap the
SELECT knob again to exit the
MENU again to exit the menu.
SELECT knob.
Programmable Functions
Most menu functions can be assigned to any
programmable function switch, FN1 to FN8 to
allow quick access without using the menu.
Common examples of such functions you may wish
to access quickly are
15
Peak hold and Freeze display.
Tap or hold the desired function switch while the
function is visible on the display but not selected by
tapping the
then becomes the function switch label which can
be seen if labels are currently displayed.
Figure 8. PEAK assigned to Function Switch FN1.
Assigning a function to a previously-assigned key
overwrites the previous function. Optionally you
can remove any assignment from a function switch
with
MENU:FN Erase and tap or hold the function
switch you wish to erase.
SELECT knob. The function name
Adjusting the Amplitude
Tap REF to adjust the reference level, which is the
signal level that corresponds to the bottom of the
spectrum display and the low-signal level of the
waterfall display. Hold SCALE to adjust the
"vertical gain" of the display. For example if the
reference level is set to -100 dBm and the scale to
30 dB, then the top of the spectrum display is at -70
dBm and the bottom at -100 dBm.
The waterfall display is most useful if the reference
level is adjusted to place the noise level near the
bottom of the display and the scale is adjusted so
that the strongest signals of interest are near the top.
Adjusting the Frequencies Displayed
Tap SPAN to adjust the range of frequencies that
can be seen on the display at one time. The start and
stop frequencies in KHz are indicated at the top left
and right of the display. They are shown as offsets
from the center frequency.
Hold CENTER to adjust the display center
frequency by turning the
center frequency of the display is now offset from
the KX3’s VFO A frequency by the amount shown.
SELECT knob. The
The center frequency will then track changes in the
KX3’s frequency, maintaining the same offset.
Hold CENTER a second time to return the center
frequency to the KX3’s VFO A frequency.
The center function may be disabled in the menu:
MENU: CenterEn. Press the SELECT knob to
toggle the function on or off.
Hold CENTER again to re-center the display on the
transceiver VFO frequency.
The tic marks that appear along the top and bottom
edges of the spectrum and waterfall widows
indicate RF frequency in integer multiples of 0.5, 1,
2, 5, 10 or 20 kHz, depending upon the span.
Using Markers
Tap MKR A to turn on marker A and allow you to
change the marker frequency by rotating the
SELECT knob. To determine the frequency of a
signal, move the marker so that it overlays the
carrier and read the frequency from the display. For
single sideband signals, place the marker where the
carrier would be if it were transmitted, i.e. on the
lower frequency (left) edge of an upper sideband
signal and on the upper frequency (right) edge of a
lower sideband signal.
You can QSY (change the frequency of) the KX3’s
VFO A to the marker A frequency by tapping the
SELECT knob. To return to the previous
frequency, hold the knob. To turn off marker A, tap
MKR A again.
Similarly, marker B is turned on and off with the
MKR B switch and you can change the marker
frequency with the
SELECT knob changes the KX3’s VFO B
frequency in the same way
VFO A frequency
To turn off a marker you must first make it active, if
necessary, by tapping MKR A or holding MKR B.
Then tap or hold the switch a second time to turn
off the marker.
If some other function that uses the
knob is activated, the marker stays on and
automatically becomes active again (you can adjust
it with the knob) when the other function is
terminated. The tap-to-QSY function affects VFO
SELECT knob. Tapping the
MKR A changes the
SELECT
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