Moultrie M-550 (Gen 2) Instructions Manual

Instructions for M-550 (Gen2)
Digital Game Camera

THANK YOU for your purchase of an M-550 (Gen 2) Digital Game Camera. Please read this
booklet before using the unit. If you should have any questions about this product or any other
Moultrie product, please contact us using the information on the back of this booklet.

Please

register your camera at www.moultriefeeders.com/warranty to activate your warranty.

CAMERA OVERVIEW

A

Page 1

M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

FRONT VIEW

BOTTOM VIEW

Status Indicator

LCD Display

Infrared LED Flash

QUICK START

CUSTOM START

AIM / OFF

OK/Select Button

Menu Button

Navigation Buttons

External Power Port

Push Button Release for battery compartment

USB Port

SD Card Slot

Camera Lens

Motion Sensor

Battery Tray

1/4” 20 Mount

Important Battery lnformation

- Only use Alkaline or Lithium batteries. We recommend the use of Duracell or Energizer batteries.

- Do not mix old and new batteries. Always replace ALL the batteries at the same time.

- When the camera is not in use, please remove the batteries.

Moultrie Limited Warranty

This product has been thoroughly tested and inspected before shipment. It is guaranteed from
defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase for 1 year. Under this limited
guarantee we agree to replace or repair free of charge any part or parts which have been found to
be defective in original material or workmanship. Should you require in-warranty service, call our
Customer Service Department. If your problem cannot be addressed over the telephone, we may
need you to send us your defective product plus proof of purchase.

You must register your camera at www.moultriefeeders.com/warranty to activate
your 1-year warranty.

Troubleshooting

Please visit www.moultriefeeders.com/contact-us for troubleshooting and helpful tips.

Returns and Repairs

Please visit http://www.moultriefeeders.com/return-policy and complete the form or

our
Service Department will gladly answer any questions you have. Call 800-653-3334,
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST.

www.moultriefeeders.com

FCC Statements

Moultrie Products
MCG-12717

Note: changes and modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible could void the user’s authority to operate this device.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS
EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: This device complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable

protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates,

uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy

and, if not installed

and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no

guarantee that interference

will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- lncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

10232014 / MCG-12717

M-550 (Ge n2)

PRADCO Outdo or Brands • 3280 Highw ay 31, Ste B • Calera, AL 35040

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

Using a Tree Mount

The camera can also be mounted directly to a
tree using a mounting bracket that attaches
directly to a tree or pole. Strap the tree mount
to the tree and secure, then attach the camera
to the tree mount using the tree mount socket
located on the back of the camera.

Using the Moultrie Camera Power Panel

Place near the tree where the camera is mounted.
Place for best exposure to sun. To attach to a
tripod secure the power panel to the tripod
angled upward for best exposure. Plug the power
panel to the Power Panel Plug. This will extend the
life of your camera in the field.

Note: Leave internal batteries in the camera
during use. The Camera Power Panel needs
4 hours of sunlight to fully power the camera.

Using the Moultrie Battery Box

Extend the eld life of your Moultrie camera with a
long-lasting, rechargeable external power source.
Place near the tree where the camera is mounted.
Plug the Battery Box to the Power Panel Plug.
This will extend the life of your camera in the field.

MOULTRIE ACCESSORIES (Sold Separately)

M

Using the Moultrie AC Adapter

Keep your Moultrie camera running in the eld with
the constant power of an AC adapter. Plug into a
standard 110-240VAC 50-60Hz electrical outlet and
then connect to the External Power Port on your
Moultrie camera.

Note: Leave internal batteries in the camera during
use. In the event of power loss to the outlet into which
the AC adapter is plugged, the internal batteries will
keep your camera running.

General

DATE/TIME: 11/11/14 11:11pm

PHOTO QUALITY: HIGH (4 MP)

VIDEO LENGTH: 10 SECONDS

MOTION FREEZE: ON (FAST FLASH)

CAMERA NAME: MOULTRIECAM

INFOSTRIP ACTIVE: YES

TEMPERATURE: FAHRENHEIT

AC CONNECTED?: NO

PROGRAM SECURITY CODE: 00000

ERASE ALL IMAGES: NO

FACTORY RESET: NO

MOULTRIE M-550 SERIES

DEFAULT SETTINGS

RESET

OPTIONS

INFOSTRIP

OPTIONS

MOTION + T.L.

MAIN SCREEN

TIME LAPSE

MAIN SCREEN

MOTION DETECT

MAIN SCREEN

DATE & TIME

START MOTION +

T.L. CAPTURE

START TIME

LAPSE CAPTURE

START MOTION

DETECT CAPTURE

CAMERA NAME

*If Timelapse Program #1 is set to Always On,
settings for Program #2 will be disabled.

T.L. PROGRAM #1

START TIME

TIMELAPSE

INTERVAL

DETECTION

DELAY

MULTI-SHOT

PHOTO OR

VIDEO

T.L. PROGRAM #1

STOP TIME

T.L. PROGRAM #2

START TIME

T.L. PROGRAM #2

STOP TIME

RESET

OPTIONS

*Set options in the respective menus.

TEMPERATURE

(ºF OR ºC)

INFOSTRIP

ACTIVE

PHOTO/VIDEO

OPTIONS

PHOTO QUALITY

MOTION FREEZE

VIDEO LENGTH

MEMORY
OPTIONS

ERASE ALL IMAGES

SYSTEM

OPTIONS

AC CONNECTED

PROGRAM

SECURITY CODE

UPGRADE

FIRMWARE

FACTORY RESET

CONFIRM

SECURITY CODE

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

Page 3

M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

There are a number of ways for you download and view
the pictures, videos in the eld or at another location.

Removing the SD Card

To remove the SD Memory Card, open the camera cover
and push gently on the SD card and it will pop out slightly
allowing you to remove it. Load the SD card into the
player or card reader to view or move stored images to
another location.

Important

Make sure that the camera is in the OFF position before
removing SD card.

ln the Field

You can download the pictures, videos, and time lapse
pictures with the aid of external devices. To download,
use an external player or card reader that is
supported by 12V DC or Mini USB Jack.

At Home

Remove the entire camera and transport to another location to download images. To connect the
camera to a PC computer, turn the camera ON, press the MENU button once to change to SETUP
Mode. Connect the USB cord (not included) between the USB out port and the PC computer. The
computer will recognize the camera as a removable drive. The unit works with Windows XP/Vista/7 or
Mac OS X 10.1 or higher. Copy the images and videos from the camera onto your PC for further
editing or printing. When the USB cable is disconnected, the camera will go back to SETUP mode.

VIEWING YOUR IMAGES

L

See the full line of Moultrie camera accessories at www.moultriefeeders.com

INFOSTRIP

OPTIONS

MOTION + T.L.

MAIN SCREEN

TIME LAPSE

MAIN SCREEN

MOTION DETECT

MAIN SCREEN

DATE & TIME

START MOTION +

T.L. CAPTURE

START TIME

LAPSE CAPTURE

START MOTION

DETECT CAPTURE

CAMERA NAME

TIMELAPSE

INTERVAL

DETECTION

DELAY

*Set options in the respective menus.

TEMPERATURE

(ºF OR ºC)

PHOTO/VIDEO

OPTIONS

PHOTO QUALITY

MOTION FREEZE

VIDEO LENGTH

MEMORY
OPTIONS

ERASE ALL IMAGES

SYSTEM

OPTIONS

AC CONNECTED

PROGRAM

SECURITY CODE

FACTORY RESET

CONFIRM

SECURITY CODE

MENU MAP

Motion Detect Time Lapse

RESET OPTIONS?: DO NOT RESET TIME LAPSE INTERVAL: 10 SECONDS

DETECTION DELAY: 10 SECONDS TIME LAPSE PROGAMS/DAY: 2 PROGRAM

PIR SENSITIVITY: HIGH T.L. PROGRAM #1 START TIME: 6 AM

MULTI-SHOT: 1 (OFF) T.L. PROGRAM #1 STOP TIME: 9 AM

PHOTO OR VIDEO: PHOTO T.L. PROGRAM #2 START TIME: 4 PM

T.L. PROGRAM #2 STOP TIME: 7 PM

QUICK START / CUSTOM START / AIM / OFF

Aim - When Aim is ON and the PIR Motion Sensor detects motion, the Status Indicator’s red LED on

the front of the camera will come on and remain lit as long as motion is detected.

MENU BUTTON

The Menu Button selects Camera Setup or Main Screen. When camera mode is selected, the LEFT and
RIGHT buttons navigate through the menu options. The Menu Button is also used to wake-up the
camera and turn on the display when the camera is in power saving (or sleep) mode.

OK, UP/DOWN and LEFT/RIGHT BUTTONS

The OK button selects the item to be changed. The UP/DOWN and LEFT/RIGHT buttons are used
to step through and modify the menu options. Pressing the OK button again, selects the option
indicated on the display. The OK button is also used to manually take a picture.

BATTERY COMPARTMENT

The camera is powered by eight (8) AA alkaline or lithium batteries. Push the battery compartment
release button to eject the battery tray. Install batteries as indicated on the engravings on the battery
tray, taking care to note the correct polarity.

See Important Battery Information section on the back page of this manual.

SD CARD SLOT

Accepts up to a 32GB SD Card

(Class 4 or higher)

for photo and video storage.

NOTE: A

Class 4 or higher

SD Card must be installed for the camera to operate (sold separately).

USB PORT

Download still pictures and video onto your computer by connecting a micro-B to USB cable
(not included) to the USB port.

EXTERNAL POWER PORT

Accepts the Moultrie PowerPanel, Moultrie AC Adapter or Moultrie Battery Box accessories
(sold separately) only. Refer to www.moultriefeeders.com for more information.

NOTE: The use of any other power source will void your warranty and possibly harm your camera.

CAMERA OVERVIEW (cont.)

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

Memory & Storage

Your camera supports external SD memory cards ONLY and will accept up to a 32GB card
(Class 4 or higher). Using large memory cards can slow the camera response. The camera
cannot capture any photo or video without external memory. Please insert an SD memory card
to operate camera. Estimates are based on the most common types of memory cards that can be
purchased at electronic stores, office supply stores, or online. Estimates may vary based on camera
settings or environmental conditions.

Important

Always turn the unit o when inserting or removing an SD memory card to avoid damage and ensure
that the camera properly updates the memory information.

Actual capacity will vary based on image properties.

CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS

K

Specications

Operational Mode Motion Detect / Time Lapse / Motion + Time Lapse

Resolution 7.0 MP

Still Resolutions JPEG
Low 640 x 480, Med 1600 x 1200,
High 2304 x 1728, Enhanced 3048 x 2286

Video Resolutions VGA- 640 x 480

SD Memory Card Up to 32 GB SD card, Class 4 or higher (not included)

Format JPEG - Still pictures, AVI - Video clips

Power Supply 8 AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries (not included)

Photo Mode

SD Card Size: 2 GB 16 GB

ENHANCED 3048 x 2286 2250 20100

HIGH 2304 x 1728 3900 40000

MED 1600 x 1200 8000 73000

LOW 640 x 480 50000 400000

Video Mode

SD Card Size: 2 GB 16 GB

VGA 640 x 480 (based on 10 sec video) 310 2480

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

Use the steps below as a guide to quickly set up your camera so it will function using the factory
default settings.

STEP 1

Open camera cover. Press the battery chamber release button. Install eight (8) AA size alkaline or
lithium batteries with polarities as indicated in the Battery Tray. Re-install the Battery Tray and insert
your SD card. We recommend that you erase the SD card (ERASE IMAGES) inside the camera before
taking pictures: this will not only erase all images, but will also format your SD card for use in the

camera.

STEP 2

Insert SD Memory Card until you hear an audible click. Camera will not operate without SD Card.
Slide the power switch to Quick Start. Press the Left button to set the time and date.

STEP 3

Mount camera in desired location using a mounting
strap. NOTE: Camera must be attached to a stable

object for motion detection to function properly.
Mounting camera on an unstable structure may
result in excess image captures with no subject
(false triggers).

STEP 5

Close cover. The camera will operate using Default settings. You may also customize the settings if
desired in Custom Start.

QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS

B

STEP 4

Switch camera to Aim. Aim camera using motion
detection to determine target area. Walk in front of the
camera at the desired distance and the camera LED will ash
showing the covered area. Switch camera to Quick Start.

Setting Run Mode

When you choose Quick Start, the only settings that
you will be able to change will be Date and Time, allowing
for rapid setup. Other settings are:

UPGRADE FIRMWARE
4M550-130903 NO

Upgrade Firmware

The firmware version is displayed. Press

Up/Down to choose setting.

YES - To upgrade rmware.

NO - Keep current firmware.

NOTE: This operation should only be performed when prompted by a technician to do so.

CONFIRM SECURITY
CODE 00000

Conrm Security Code

Once a Security Code has been entered, the camera will prompt you to verify the code. This will keep
you from mis-entering a code or seting a code inadvertantly.

Reset to Default settings

You can reset your camera to the factory default settings. Press UP or DOWN to choose YES - all
setups restored to factory default or NO - keep custom settings. Press the OK button again to
make selection. Press the Right button to go to the Main Screen.

FACTORY RESET?

NO

Eyelet

Mounting

Strap

SYSTEM OPTIONS (cont.)

J

OPTION SETTING

Mode Motion Detect

Detection Delay 30 seconds

Multi-Shot 3-Triggered

Photo or Video Photo

CAPTURE MODES

C

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

SETTING MOTION DETECT OPTIONS

D

MOTION DETECT

<OPTIONS START>

Setup Selection Setting

Sliding the Mode Switch to Custom Start will enter the current capture mode’s Main Screen.
Press the Left button to move to the next setting. Using this method you can customize your
camera’s feature settings.

From this Main Screen, press OK to get to the Test Capture screen.

Page 11

M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

DETECTION DELAY

10 SECONDS

Event Delay Setting

Detection Delay determines the number of minutes between pictures when an animal is detected and
remains in range.

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between (5 sec, 10 sec,
30 sec, 1 min, 5min, 10min, or 30 min). Press OK to lock in your selection, then press Left button to go
to the next option.

MOTION DETECT

<OPTIONS START>

TIMELAPSE

<OPTIONS START>

MOTION+T.L.

<OPTIONS START>

Setting Capture Mode

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between operating modes.
This camera has 3 modes.

1. Motion Detect - Capture photo or video when
motion or heat is detected.

2. Time Lapse - Capture photo at periodic intervals
based on the Time Lapse program setting.

3. Motion + Time Lapse - Uses a combination of
Time Lapse and Motion Detect modes at dierent
times of the day. Press the Right button to move to
start motion capture.

NOTE: Options for Motion and Time Lapse
can be set in their respective option menus.

PROGRAM SECURITY
CODE 00000

Security Code

Press the

OK button. Use the Up/Down and Left/Right buttons to select a 5 digit security code

for your camera. Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to move to the
next option.

NOTE:

Please remember your security code. If the code is lost, you can contact Moultrie customer
support to reset the password (charges may apply). Also, use caution when navigating through
the Security Code option as not to set a code by mistake. For no Security Code, the setting should
remain as “00000”.

AC CONNECTED?

NO

AC Connected

Press the OK button. When the camera is connected to an AC power supply and this option is
selected, the camera will remain on instead of going to a sleep state between detection and capture
sequences. This will greatly improve camera speed and performance and can be used in conjunction
with most external supplies, but is only recommended when connected to an AC power supply.
In the event this option is selected but no external supply is detected, it will default to the NO state.
Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to move to the next option.

SYSTEM OPTIONS

J

Erase Images

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between Yes - erase all images, or
No - does not change stored images. Press the OK button to select. When your selections has been
made, press the Right button to move to the next option.

NOTE: This will also format your SD card for use in your camera.

ERASE ALL IMAGES

NO

MEMORY OPTIONS

I

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

SETTING MOTION DETECT OPTIONS (cont)

D

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

Setting Multi-Shot

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between settings. Choose how many
pictures you would like captured in a sequence when the camera is triggered (1 or 3).

Available options are:

1 (OFF) - Single photo taken per event.

3 BURST - Three rapidly captured photos taken per event. All 3 photos are captured within one second.

NOTE: Burst mode is only capable of up to 4MP captures, regardless of your resolution setting.

3 TRIGGERED - Up to three photos are captured per event with an approximate one second delay

between each capture. Each subsequent photo after the rst requires an individual trigger. This
allows for multiple potential image captures of the same event while reducing the chance of empty
images if the subject moves out of the eld of view after the rst shot.

Press OK to lock in your selection, then press Left button to go to the next option.

MULTI-SHOT

1 (OFF)

PHOTO OR VIDEO

PHOTO

Setting Photo or Video
Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between Photo, Video or Both. Press the
OK button. Press Left button to go to the Main Screen.

Reset Options

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between a set of predened congurations
for the motion detect capture mode to quickly congure your camera for certain levels of performance.
Press OK to lock in your selection, then press Left button to go to the next option.

RESET OPTIONS?

DO NOT RESET

SETTING PHOTO/VIDEO OPTIONS

H

Setting Photo Quality

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between 4 image resolution settings.

1. Enhanced: 3048 x 2286

2. High: 2304 x 1728

3. Medium: 1600 x 1200

4. Low: 640 x 480
Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to move to the next option.

PHOTO QUALITY

HIGH(4MP)

MOTION FREEZE
ON (FAST FLASH)

Setting Motion Freeze

This feature maximizes the image clarity during night photos. When this feature is on the camera
will adjust the exposure time to reduce blur associated with motion. Other adjustments are made to
increase the brightness and clarity of the photo. When this feature is turned o the camera will use a
maximum exposure time that will not reduce blur, but will increase the eective ash range and image
brightness of night photos.

Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to

move to the next option.

VIDEO LENGTH

10 SECONDS

Setting Video Length

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between 5 video length settings
(5, 10, 30, 60 or 90 seconds). Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to
move to the next option. NOTE: Night videos are limited to a maximum of 30 seconds.

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

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M-550 (Gen2) Digital Game Camera

TIMELAPSE
INTERVAL 10 SEC

Interval Time Setting

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between 10, 30 seconds / 1, 5, 10, 15,

or

30 minutes / 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 hours or 1 day. When your selection has been made, press the Left but

ton

to go to the next option.

T.L. PROGRAM #1
START 6AM

Setting Program Wake up

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between 24 dierent settings: any hour
from MlDNlGHT to 11 PM. This will determine what time the camera will wake up during the program
and begin its time lapse program. Setting to ALWAYS ON will make the camera operate in timelapse
24 hours/day. Press Left button to go to the next option.

T.L. PROGRAM #1
STOP 10AM

Setting Program Sleep

When wakeup time is set, the camera will automatically move to the Sleep option. Set the sleep time
after the wakeup time you already set. This will set the wake up and sleep during the time lapse
photography. Press the OK button. Press Left button to go to the next option.

NOTE: Repeat the above steps for each Program #2 to be set.

Press Left button to go to the Main Screen.

WARNING: If Program #1 is set to Always On, settings for Program #2 will
be disabled.

SETTING TIMELAPSE OPTIONS

E

Reset Options

Press the OK button. Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between to reset your Timelapse options.

RESET OPTIONS?

DO NOT RESET

TIMELAPSE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Download your free Time Lapse software at www.moultriefeeders.com/timelapsesoftware

For PC users: Installation and operation instructions are available here, as well.

For Mac users: This software is not Mac-compatible. You can import your image les into a program

such as iMovie and create timelapse movies this way.

SETTING MOTION + TIMELAPSE OPTIONS

F

Setting Motion + Timelapse Features

When in this operating mode, the camera will operate on the Timelapse settings until it detects
motion. The camera will then wake and capture the photo or video and then return to the set
Timelapse program.

NOTE: The settings entered for both Timelapse and Motion Detect modes will be used when in
this mode. Settings can be made in their respective menus.

SETTING INFOSTRIP OPTIONS

G

TEMPERATURE

FAHRENHEIT

Temperature

The temperature is imprinted on each photo and can be in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
To change the temperature units, press the Up/Down buttons to highlight the desired setting.
Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to move to the next option.

Infostrip Active
Use the Up/Down buttons to choose between:

YES - Camera Name, Time, etc, information will be imprinted at the bottom of the image/video

as an infromation bar
Note: Remember to input the camera name in the setup and set the clock accordingly.

NO - No information bar will be imprinted.
Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to move to the next option.

INFOSTRIP ACTIVE

YES

Setting Date and Time
Press the OK button. Use the Left/Right buttons to move from one value to the next and the
Up/Down buttons to adjust each value. Press the OK

button to lock in selections. When all your

selections

have been made, and the date and time has been set, press the Right button to move to

the next option.

DATE & TIME
11/11/14 11:11pm

CAMERA NAME

MOULTRIECAM

Setting Camera Name

Press the

OK button. Use theUp/Down and Left/Right buttons to select an identity for your

camera. For example, you can use a name or a location; the identity you wish to use is up to you.
Press the OK button to conrm the selection. Press the Right button to move to the next option.