GREAT PLANES F1 Rocket Evo Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Wingspan:
Length: Weight:
Wing Area:
Wing Loading:
WARRANTY
Great Planes® Model Manufacturing Co. guarantees this kit to
be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Great Planes’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Great Planes reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.
In that Great Planes has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return
52 in [1320mm] 44 in [1120mm] 6– 7 lb [2720– 3170 g]
2
448 in 31 oz /ft
[28.9 dm2]
2
[95 g/dm2]
Radio: Four channel
(minimum) with 5 servos
Engine: .46 -.55 cu in [7 – 9cc]
two-stroke, .70 cu in [11.5cc] four-stroke
Electric Power: RimFire 55
this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:
Hobby Services
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822 USA
Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.
READ THROUGH THIS MANUAL BEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.
Entire Contents © 2013 Hobbico,® Inc. All rights reserved.
Champaign, Illinois
(217) 398-8970, Ext 5
airsupport@greatplanes.com
GPMA1030 Mnl
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Academy of Model Aeronautics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Motor Battery Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Radio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Engine Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adhesives and Building Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Optional Supplies and Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KIT CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PREPARATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
BUILD THE WING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Finish the Wing Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BUILD THE FUSELAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Assemble the Tail Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Install Landing Gear & Wheel Pants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Install the Servos and Pushrods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
INSTALL THE POWER SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Glow Engine Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Install the Electric Motor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Optional Method for Securing the Canopy. . . . . . . . . 19
Install the Cowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Complete the Radio Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Finishing Touches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Install & Connect the Motor Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Battery Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Set the Control Throws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Balance the Model Laterally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Identify Your Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Balance Propellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
AMA SAFETY CODE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Radio Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
CHECKLIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Fuel Mixture Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
INTRODUCTION
The F-1 Rocket is another in a line of homebuilt aircraft for
general aviation enthusiasts. We think you will enjoy this model rendition of the Rocket. Though it is a “scale” model
you will fi nd its performance to be on par with typical aerobatic
airplanes. You will enjoy putting the Rocket through loops, rolls, etc. For the latest technical updates or manual corrections to the F-1 Rocket visit the Great Planes web site at www. greatplanes.com. Open the “Airplanes” link, then select the F-1
Rocket ARF. If there is new technical information or changes
to this model a “tech notice” box will appear in the upper left corner of the page.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
If you are not already a member of the AMA, please join! The AMA is the governing body of model aviation and membership
provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’ rights and interests and is required to fl y at most R/C sites.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5151 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
Or via the Internet at: http://www.modelaircraft.org
IMPORTANT!!! Two of the most important things you can do to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over groups of people.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF & OTHERS...
FOLLOW THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Your F-1 Rocket should not be considered a toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities, the F-1 Rocket, if not assembled and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or spectators and damage to property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an unsafe or unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written instructions should be considered as correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R /C radio system that is in good con dition, a correctly sized engine, and other components as specifi ed in this instruction manual. All components must be correctly installed so that the model operates correctly on the ground
2
and in the air. You must check the operation of the model and all components before every fl i g h t .
5. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this type of model before, we recommend that you get the assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for your fi rst fl ights.
If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has
information about clubs in your area whose membership includes experienced pilots.
6. While this kit has been fl ight tested to exceed normal use, if the plane will be used for extremely high stress fl ying, such as racing, or if an engine larger than one in the recommended range is used, the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the high stress points and/or substituting hardware more suitable for the increased stress.
7. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part
(wheel pant, cowl) to remove fi berglass dust, as the dust will blow back into your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a
particle mask and rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding fi berglass parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after working with fi berglass parts.
Electronic Speed Control
A brushless ESC (electronic speed control) is required for
the recommended motor set-up. We recommend using the ElectriFly Silver Series SS-60 Brushless ESC 60A Hi Voltage or Flight Power 60A LiPo Brushless ESC
GPMM1850 ElectriFly SS-60 Brushless ESC
60A Hi Voltage
FPWM0234 Flight Power 60A LiPo Brushless ESC
Optional Voltage Regulator (CSEM0005) eliminates the need for a receiver battery.
Recommended Charger
A LiPo compatible charger is required to charge the LiPo
battery. The Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2 EQ AC/DC Charger is designed for LiPo packs, but is also capable of charging NiCd, NiMH, Pb acid and LiFe batteries.
GPMM3156 Great Planes ElectriFly Triton2
EQ AC/DC Charger.
Radio Equipment
We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the quality and fl yability of your fi nished model depends on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the performance of your completed model, and no representa­tions are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of your completed model.
REMEMBER: Take your time and follow the instructions to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE
This is a partial list of items required to fi nish the F-1 Rocket
that may require planning or decision making before starting to build. Order numbers are provided in parentheses.
Motor / Battery Recommendations
The Evo Rocket comes with a motor box for the ElectriFly
RimFire .55 and the O.S. Brushless Motor.
GPMG4715 RimFire .55 42-60-480 Brushless Motor
OSMG9550 O.S. Brushless Motor
GPMQ4610 O.S. 6mm Propeller Adapter
The Evo Rocket was fl own with two ElectriFly 3S, 11.1, 3200
mAh 25C Lithium-Polymer Batteries.
Using these two batteries in series will require the use of the (GPMM 3143) ElectriFly Series 2 Deans® male, Ultra /1 Deans Female Ultra Adapter
IMPORTANT: Before experimenting with different battery combinations and connecting multiple battery packs with adapter plugs, refer to the Battery Precautions on page 22.
The Evo F-1 Rocket requires a minimum of four channels. The
airplane requires the use of fi ve servos for the glow engine installation, or four servos for the electric motor installation.
A servo with a minimum 54oz-in of torque is required on all
of the control surfaces. A lower torque servo is acceptable on the throttle servo. We used the Futaba 9001 (FUTM 0 075 ) throughout our testing. Additionally, two 6" [150mm] servo extensions (HCAM2701 for Futaba) are required for the aileron servos and one 6" Y-harness (FUTM4135 for Futaba).
Engine Recommendations
The recommended engine size range for the F-1 Rocket
is .46 -.55 cu in [7 – 9cc] two-stroke, or .70 cu in [11.5cc] four-stroke. If an engine in the upper end of the size range is used, remember that this is a scale model that is intended to fl y at scale-like s peeds, so throttle manag ement shoul d be practiced. A Pitts style muffl er specifi c to your engine choice is recommended.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
Adhesives and Building Supplies
This is the list of Adhesives and Building Supplies that are
required to fi nish the F-1 Rocket
1/2 oz. [15g] Thin Pro CA (GPMR6001)
1 oz. [30g] Medium Pro CA+ (GPMR6008)
Pro 30-minute epoxy (GPMR6047)
Pro 6-minute epoxy (GPMR6045)
Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 7/64" [2.8mm]
6-32 tap and drill set (GPMR8102)
Thread locker thread locking cement (GPMR6060)
3
Optional Supplies and Tools
Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that
will help you build the F-1 Rocket.
R/C foam rubber 1/4" [6mm] - (HCAQ1000)
Mixing sticks 50, (GPMR8055)
Mixing cups (GPMR8056)
21st Century sealing iron (COVR2700)
21st Century iron cover (COVR2702)
2 oz. [57g] spray CA activator (GPMR6035)
CA applicator tips (HCAR3780)
Hobbico Soldering Iron 60 Watt (HCAR0776)
#1 Hobby knife (HCAR0105)
#11 blades (5-pack, HCAR0211)
Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES
There are three types of screws used in this kit:
Sheet Metal Screws are designated by a number and a length. For example #6 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number six screw
that is 3/4" [19mm] long.
Machine Screws are designated by a number, threads per inch, and a length. For example
4-40 3/4" [19mm].
This is a number four screw
that is 3/4" [19mm] long with
forty threads per inch.
Socket Head Cap Screws (SHCS) are designated by a number, threads per inch, and a length. For example 4-40 3/4" [19mm].
This is a 4-40 SHCS that
is 3/4" [19mm] long with
forty threads per inch.
Photos and sketches are placed before the step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following steps to get another view of the same parts.
The F-1 Rocket is factory-covered with Top Flite MonoKote
fi lm. Should repairs ever be required, MonoKote can be patched with additional MonoKote purchased separately. MonoKote is packaged in six-foot rolls, but some hobby shops also sell it by the foot. If only a small piece of MonoKote is needed for a minor patch, perhaps a fellow modeler would give you some. MonoKote is applied with a model airplane covering iron, but in an emergency a regular iron could be used. A roll of MonoKote includes full instructions for application. Following are the colors used on this model and order numbers for six foot rolls.
Jet White TOPQ0204 Metallic Plum TOPQ0403 Cub Yellow TOPQ0220 Metallic Blue TOPQ0402
The stabilizer and wing incidences and engine thrust
angles have been factory-built into this model. However, some technically-minded modelers may wish to check these measurements anyway. To view this information visit the web site at www.greatplanes.com and click on
“Technical Data.” Due to manufacturing tolerances which
will have little or no effect on the way your model will fl y, please expect slight deviations between your model and the published values.
KIT INSPECTION
Before starting to build, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with assembly, contact Product Support. When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.
Great Planes Product Support
3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 Ph: (217) 398-8970, ext. 5 Champaign, IL 61822 Fax: (217) 398-7721
E-mail: airsupport@greatplanes.com
When you see the term test fi t in the instructions, it means
that you should fi rst position the part on the assembly
without using any glue, then slightly modify or custom
fi t the part as necessary for the best fi t.
Whenever the term glue is written you should rely upon
your experience to de cide what type of g lue to use. When
a specifi c type of adhesive works best for that step, the instructions will make a recommendation.
Whenever just epoxy is specifi ed you may use either
30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy or 6 -min ute e poxy. Wh en 30-minute epoxy is specifi ed it is highly recommended that you use only 30-minute (or 45-minute) epoxy, because you will need the working time and/or the additional strength.
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS
Replacement parts for the Great Planes F-1 Rocket ARF are available using the order numbers in the Replacement Parts List that follows. The fastest, most economical service can be provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.
To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Great Planes web site at
www.greatplanes.com. Select “Where to Buy” in the menu across the top of the page and follow the instructions provided to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.
Parts may also be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling (217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721, but full retail prices and shipping and handling charges will apply.
4
Illinois and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If ordering via fax, include a Visa® or MasterCard® number and expiration date for payment.
Mail parts orders Hobby Services and payments by 3002 N Apollo Drive, Suite 1 personal check to: Champaign IL 61822
Be certain to specify the order number exactly as listed in the Replacement Parts List. Payment by credit card or personal check only; no C.O.D.
If additional assistance is required for any reason, contact Product Support by e-mail at productsupport@greatplanes. com, or by telephone at (217) 398-8970.
KIT CONTENTS
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
Order No. Description
GPMA4320 GPMA4321 GPMA4322 GPMA4323 GPMA4324 GPMA4325 GPMA4326 GPMA4327 GPMA4328 GPMA4329
Fuselage Wing Tail Surfaces Cowl Hatch Landing Gear Wheel Pants Spinner EP Motor Mount Decals
1
7
8
6
5
9
10
2
3
4
13
12
17
11
14
15
16
Kit Contents
1. Cowl
2. Fuselage
3. Fin and Rudder
4. Stabilizers and Elevators
5. Canopy Hatch
6. Fuel Tank
7. Motor Mount
8. Spinner
9. Left Wing
10. Right Wing
11. Wing Fairing
12. Wing Spar
5
13. Landing Gear
14. Tail Wheel Assembly
15. Wheel Pants
16. Wheels
17. Electric Motor Box
PREPARATIONS
1. If you have not done so already, remove the major parts
of the kit from the box and inspect for damage. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact Product Support at the address or telephone number listed in the “Kit Inspection” on the previous page.
2. Use a covering iron with a covering sock on high heat
to tighten the covering if necessary. Apply pressure over sheeted areas to thoroughly bond the covering to the wood.
BUILD THE WING
Begin the wing assembly with the right wing panel so your assembly matches the photographs in the manual.
Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods
1. Cut three arms from a four-armed servo arm for each
❏ ❏
aileron servo. Enlarge the outer hole of the remaining servo horn arms with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit. Center the servos with
your radio system and install the servo arms to the servo
perpendi c ular to the servo case as show n. Be sure to rei nstal l the servo arm screws into the servos.
3/ 8 " [2 x 10mm] washer head wood screw into each hole a nd back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each hole to harden the wood. When the CA glue has dried, thread a 5/64" x 3/8" [2 x 10mm] washer head screw into each of the holes.
4. Attach a 6" [152mm] servo extension to each aileron
❏ ❏
servo and secure the connector using tape or heat shrink tubing (not included).
2. Place your servo onto the servo tray, using it as
❏ ❏
a guide for the installation of the aileron servo mounting blocks. Use epoxy to glue the 3/4" x 3/4" x 5/16" [19x19x8mm] hardwood servo mounting blocks to the inside of the hatch cover. Set the cover aside to allow the glue to harden.
3. With the epoxy completely cured from step 2, drill
❏ ❏
1/16" [1.6mm] holes in the hatch covers through the mounting
blocks approximately 3/8" [9.5mm] deep. Thread a 5/64" x
5. Position the servos against the underside of the
❏ ❏
aileron servo hatch covers between the mounting blocks. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes through the mounting tabs on the servo cases into the blocks. Thread a servo mounting screw (i ncluded with the ser vo) into each hole a nd bac k it out. Apply a drop of thin CA to each hole to harden the wood. When the CA has dried, install the servos onto the hatch covers using the hardware supplied with the servos.
6
x 3/8" [2 x 10mm] washer head wood screw into each hole you drilled and back it out. Apply a drop of thin CA glue into each hole to harden the wood. When the CA glue has dried, thread a 5/64" x 3/8" [2 x 10mm] washer head screw into each of the four holes. When positioning the hatch be sure the servo arm is towards the wing tip.
8. Mark the location for the control horn onto the aileron
❏ ❏
with a fi ne tip, felt tip marker. The mark can be removed later with a paper towel and alcohol.
6. Use the strings taped inside the aileron servo hatches
❏ ❏
to pull the servo leads through the wing ribs. After pulling the servo leads through the wing, insert the connector through the hole in the top of the wing.
7. Position the aileron servo hatch covers in place. Drill
❏ ❏
1/16" [1.6mm] holes through each of the four holes in the
servo covers and into the hardwood blocks. Thread a 5/64"
Hinge Line Hinge Line
Correct Incorrect
9. Position the control horn centered on the mark you
❏ ❏
made, positioning it as shown. Drill a 1/16" [1.6mm] hole
7
through the mounting holes in the control horn, drilling through the aileron. Insert a 5/64" x 5/8" [2x16mm] machine screw through the control horn and the aileron. Secure the horn by threading the screws into the nylon back plate, tightening it to the aileron.
10. Thread a nylon clevis 20 complete turns onto each
❏ ❏
6" [152mm] pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer onto the clevis and connect the clevises to the outer holes of the control horn. Center the servo and aileron and then mark the pushrod where it aligns with the hole in the servo arm. Make a 90 degree bend on the mark. Cut the excess wire, leaving 3/8" [9.5mm] of wire. Insert the wire through the outer hole in the servo arm securing it with a nylon Faslink.
2. Examine the plywood and aluminum wing spar. The
photo indicates the top of the spar. Pay close attention while gl uing it in p lace in the n ext step to be sure yo u glue it pro perly into the wing panels.
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the left wing.
Finish the Wing Panels
1. Use epoxy to glue the 1/8" x 3/4" [3 x 19mm] anti-
rotation pin into the hole at the trailing edge of the root rib of the right wing panel. Half of the pin should be inserted into the wing. Use a paper towel dampened with denatured alcohol to wipe away any excess epoxy.
3. Apply 30 minute epoxy to the wing spar, the spar opening
in both wings and the root rib of both wings. Insert the spar into the right wing and then slide the left wing onto the spar. Push the wings together slowly, removing any excess epoxy as you go. Once the wings are together clean any excess epoxy with a paper towel and alcohol. Clamp the front of the wing together, tape the wing and insert two wing bolts in the holes in the trailing edge of the wing. Wrap a rubber band around the bolts to hold everything together while the glue hardens.
4. After the glue has hardened secure the wing to the
fuselage using two 1/4-20 x 2" [51mm] nylon wing bolts.
8
HOW TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA
Use a soldering iron to cut the covering from the stab. The tip of the soldering iron doesn’t have to be sharp, but a fi ne tip does work best. Allow the iron to heat fully.
Use a straightedge to guide the soldering iron at a rate that will just melt the covering and not burn into the wood. The hotter the soldering iron, the faster it must travel to melt a fi ne cut. Peel off the covering.
5. Locate the plastic wing fairing, place it on the bottom
of the wing and trace the position onto the wing with a fi ne tip felt tip marker.
6. Use a sharp hobby knife (or use the technique, “HOW
TO CUT COVERING FROM BALSA”, shown to the right) to
cut the covering away from the wing in the area you outlined. Be careful not to cut into the wing skin.
7. Lightly sand the inside of the fairing where it will contact
the wing surface. Wipe it clean with a paper towel and alcohol. Glue the fairing to the wing, tape it in place and allow the glue to harden.
Leave the wing in place on the fuselage for the next few steps.
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