AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLER TIMER
Owner’s Manual PC-306/PC-406PS
For use with standard 24 VAC automatic sprinkler valves. These timers are designed for use in any 110
VAC /60 Hz ±10% AC outlet (240 VAC, 50 HZ for international version). The PC Sprinkler Series
Timers provide simple programming and flexible schedules to meet your landscape watering needs.
We recommend you read this Owner's Manual completely before installing the timer to ensure proper
operation and safety.
Thank you for choosing the OPTIMA PC-306, PC-406PS Timer. Several innovative features allow you
the flexibility to tailor your program to fit a variety of watering requirements; and, best of all, it is easy to
program!
• Simple to use dials and buttons.
• Three available start times for each program to give you maximum flexibility.
• Off feature allows you to keep all your program settings while turning off your system when you want!
Just in case, if you have questions, please call us toll free at 1-800-742-9922. (U.S.A., Canada & Mex-
ico only).
Optima's PC Series Sprinkler Timer is the central unit that controls watering times for your automatic
sprinkler system. The following infromation provides an overview of how the timer works.
ABOUT YOUR LAWN
Stations
To meet the different watering requirements of your lawn, trees, flowers, and other landscaping, you
can divide your yard into separate areas called "stations" or "zones".* Each "station" has one valve that
controls multiple spray heads or sprinklers. For example, if you have 4 valves, you can divide your lawn
into 4 "stations". See the figure below. (You cannot link more than one valve to one "station.") You can
however, select a different length of watering time for each "station".
* In the sprinkler industry, the terms "stations” and “zones” have the same meaning.
Station
3
Station
4
House
Station
1
"Legend" for this manual is located on the next page.
Station
2
1
LEGEND:
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
Confirm Arrow
Indicator Symbol
M
/
A
/
B
Days of the Week
Starts
SKIP
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
A
AM
B
PM
C
Stations
MO WE FR
MANUAL
TU TH SA
S
Water Icon
Manual On/Advance
DURATION1 2 3 4 5 6
Dual Program Button
Watering Schedule (Days)
You can choose how often to water your lawn in one of three ways: 1) by Specific Days of the Week
(MO, TU, WE, etc.), 2) by Day Intervals (Every day, Every 2 days or Every 3 days), or 3) by a choice of
MO, WE and FR or TU, TH and SA. A schedule of Specific Days of the Week is especially useful if you
live in an area with local water restrictions that limit you to water, for example, on Mondays and Fridays
only.
Start Times
You can program your timer to start watering up to three times in one day. For example, you could set
watering Start Times of 3 a.m.,6 a.m., and 6 p.m. The system would then turn on the lowest numbered
station at 3 a.m., and would sequentially turn on the next station when that one has finished. Only one
station is watered at a time. The same cycle would repeat, beginning at the next scheduled Start Time,
in this example at 6 a.m.
A
Watering Duration
Each "station" can be scheduled to water for a different length of time, from 1 to 99 minutes. For example, you might program Station 1 (your front lawn) to water for 5 minutes and program Station 2 (your
flower bed) to water for 10 minutes at each Start Time.
TOOLS YOU NEED
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Four #10 screws 11/4")
• 9 volt alkaline battery
• 18 gauge color-coded, multi-strand direct burial wire for runs of less than 800 feet
(For longer than 800 feet runs, use 14 gauge color-coded, multi-strand direct burial wire)
• Watertight splice connectors
• Plastic mounting anchors - optional
2
HOW TO INSTALL
STEP 1: CHOOSE TIMER LOCATION
Select an INDOOR location near a standard 120 volt AC electrical outlet (240 Volt outlet for 50 HZ
units). The location should be completely protected from moisture, direct sunlight and below freezing
temperatures. (Important: DO NOT plug in the transformer until you hove made all wiring con-
nections.)
WARNING: When choosing a location, to avoid possible damage to the timer:
• DO NOT install in area where temperatures are less than 32° F or higher than 120° F.
• DO NOT install on same wall socket as other high current draw products such as garage door opener,
washer/dryer, air conditioner, etc.
• DO NOT install on outlet controlled by on/off switch.
A
B
NOTE: You may install the timer using two screws aligned horizontally.
1. Screw two #10 screws into the wall 3 1/2" (88 mm) apart leaving 1/8" to
1/4" (3.2-6.4 mm) of the head extended from the wall. If mounting on plaster or masonry walls, plastic
anchors may be required.
2. Place the two keyholes "A" on the back of the timer over the screws.
3. To further secure the unit, open compartment cover and place screws (1 1/4" minimum length)
through the lower two "B" holes.
STEP 3: WIRE VALVES
1. Choose Wire (wire not included)
For runs of less than 800 feet, use 18 gauge color-coded, multi-strand direct burial wire. For runs of
longer than 800 feet, use 14 gauge color-coded, multi strand direct burial wire. Be sure the wire has
the number of strands equal to the number of valves used PLUS ONE for the Common Wire (e.g.
use 5 strand wire if there are 4 valves).
TIP: Spare wire strands maybe taped off for possible future expansion or trouble shooting use. Wire that will be buried underground should have watertight connections and be approved for underground use. Avoid placing underground wire in locations
where it may be disturbed by digging or other movement.
2. Connect Valve Wiring to Timer
To open wiring area on timer, push the cover down over bottom panel. To lift panel, push in on panel
and push bottom down. Each valve connects to the timer through two wires. One wire (usually the
white strand) is connected as the "common" wire. All common wires should be spliced together at the
valves to become a single wire that will connect to the terminal marked "COM". The second or "hot"
wire (usually the color-coded strand) from each valve connects to one of the terminals numbered 1-
6. See figure on next page.
3
Connect the one common wire (usually the white strand) to the terminal labeled "COM". Connect the
second "hot" wire (usually the color-coded strand) from each valve to one of the terminals numbered
1 -6 on the number of stations on your timer model. Connect wire from valve 1 to terminal 1, valve 2
to terminal 2, etc.
NOTE: Be sure the wire connections are tight and make good contact. Also, it is recommended that you
join all splices with watertight splice connectors to prevent corrosion.
CAUTION: Wire only one valve to each terminal. Wiring more than one could result in damage to the
timer. Also, if using more than one timer, do not share "common" wires between the multiple timers.
TIP: To avoid possible pump damage, "jumper" wire each unused terminal screw to a terminal screw in use,(if you are using
a pump start relay). See figure below.
NOTE: Check local regulations to ensure compliance with any wiring, electrical or installation codes.
4
STEP 4: CONNECT TRANSFORMER
1. Turn dial to Off.
NOTE: In Off position display will be blank.
2. Plug pigtail connector (located at the end of
transformer wire) into the two prongs to the left
of the battery holder located under the cover of
the timer.
3. Plug transformer into electrical socket.
4. Turn dial to Auto. The following display should
appear:
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
AM
TIP: If display does not come on, check the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: DO NOT plug in the transformer until
you have completed and checked all wiring connections. DO NOT link two or more timers together
Off
Auto
STEP 5: CONNECT BATTERY
Connect a 9 volt alkaline battery (not included) to the battery terminal and place it in the designated position. DO NOT USE A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY. In the event of a power outage, the battery will
temporarily preserve your Schedule (newly installed batteries can preserve programs for up to 1 month,
see note*). Watering will not occur until electrical power resumes.
(*NOTE: Battery operates memory back-up only. You can program your timer with battery power only;
however, the system will not operate the valves while on battery power.)
DEFAULT MODE: Should the battery fail during a power outage, the timer will default to watering every
day for 10 minutes per station, starting 8 hours after the power resumes, until reprogrammed.
TIP: Replace the battery once a year at the same time you would replace household smoke detector
batteries. When replacing, do not unplug the transformer, or you will lose all programmed settings.
CAUTION: Do not allow the battery to come in contact with the wire terminal strip.
You may now begin to program your new PC-306 timer.
Please turn to page 9 to program your PC-406PS timer.
5
PROGRAMMING THE PC-306
STEP 1: SETTING CURRENT DAY AND TIME
TURN DIAL TO Day/Clock POSITION
1.An indicator symbol will blink under SU. Use the Ý or
Þ arrow button to move the blinking symbol under the
current day. Press the Û button to confirm the correct
setting.
2.The hour numbers will now be flashing. Use the Ý or
Þ arrow button to adjust the hour number to the cur-
rent hour. Press the Û button to confirm the correct
setting. Be sure AM or PM is properly showing.
3.The minute numbers will now be flashing. Use the Ý
or Þ arrow button to adjust the minute number to the
current minute. Press the Û button to confirm that the
current settings are correct. (NOTE: If further editing
of the current time is needed press the Û button to
repeat the setting process.)
4.Return dial to Auto.
STEP 2: SET THE WATERING DAYS
Day/Clock
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
AM
Indicator Symbol
When shipped from the factory the timer is programmed
to water every day.
When setting the days to water, you can select specific
days of the week (i.e. MO, TU, etc.), or water on interval
of days (i.e. every third day) or water on a PRESET
schedule of (MO, WE, FR) or (TU, TH, SA).
A: WATERING ON SELECTED, SPECIFIC DAYS OF
THE WEEK
1.Turn the dial until it points to the Water Day position.
If you choose to select your watering days, continue
on to A-2. If you choose to water by interval days, proceed to step B-2.
2.The day indicator will be shown below SU and On or
Off will be flashing in the display.
3.If the display is correct, press the Û button to go to
the next day, or press the Ý or Þ arrow button to
change to the correct setting, then press the Û button
to go to the next day.
4.At this time, the Monday indicator symbol will be on
and the word On or OFF will be flashing in the display. Repeat step A-3 to continue on through the remainder of the week setting the days of the week to
be ON (days to water) or OFF (days to not water).
Water Day
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
6
5. Press the Û button to confirm the program. The
lights and display will be on steady to show how the
program is set.
6.Rotate the dial to Auto make sure there is not a sym-
bol showing under the SKIP, MO, WE, FR, or TU, TH,
SA position. If there is an indicator symbol under any
of the above mentioned positions, press the Ý arrow
button until there is no symbol showing under any of
the above mentioned positions. Leave dial in Auto to
run or change dial to next setting position.
B: WATERING ON INTERVAL OF DAYS
1.Turn the dial until it points to the Water Day position.
M
/
2.Press
and the day indicator symbol will be shown
A
below SKIP, and DAY INTERVAL will be flashing in
the display.
3.Press the Ý or Þ arrow button to adjust the number
of days you desire in the interval.
4.Press the Û button and the Sunday symbol will blink.
Use the Ý or Þ arrow button to change to the first day
you wish the interval to start.
5.Press the Û button to confirm the program. The indi-
cator symbol will indicate Tuesday to start and day
interval.
6.Rotate the dial to Auto then press the Ý arrow button
until the symbol under SKIP at the top of the display
appears.
Auto
Water Day
Auto
C: WATERING ON A PRESET MO, WE, FR OR A TU,
TH, SA SCHEDULE
1.Turn the dial to the Auto position.
2.Press the Ý arrow button until the day symbol indica-
tor moves under the (MO WE FR) or the (TU TH SA)
to set the water days to the desired fixed day schedule.
3.Leave the dial in the Auto position to run automati-
cally or turn dial to the next setting position.
(NOTE: There may be a 3 second delay when moving
between these preset programs and the skip program
while in Auto mode.)
SKIP
MO WE FR
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
Auto
TU TH SA
7
STEP 3: SET THE WATERING START TIMES
When shipped from the factory the timer has a default
program with an 8 a.m. start time once a day, everyday.
1.Turn the dial to the Start Time position.
2.At this point the "A" indicator symbol will be on, and the
start time will be displayed (default is 8:00 a.m.). The
hour numbers will be blinking.
3.If the time is correct press the Û button and go on to
setting the next start time or press the Ý or Þ button to
set start time to the correct hour. (NOTE: The clock will
only start on the hour.) Once the Start Time is correct,
press the Û button to set the next Start Time.
4.At this point the "B" indicator symbol will be on, the start
time will be displayed, and either the hour number will
be blinking or the word OFF will be blinking.
5.If you do not want a second cycle start for the program
leave the OFF blinking, and turn the dial to the Auto position or the next programming function. If you do want
a second cycle start, then use the Ý or Þ arrow button
to set the second or "B" Start Time to the hour you desire the cycle to start.
6.If the time is correct press the Û button and go on to
setting the next start time ("C").
7.At this point the START indicator will be on (e.g. A, B or
C), the start time will be on. The hour number will be
blinking or the word OFF will be blinking.
8.If you do not want a third cycle start for the program
leave the OFF blinking and turn the dial to the Auto position or the next programming function. If you do want
a third cycle then use the Ý or Þ arrow button to set the
third or "C" Start Time to the hour you desire the cycle
to start.
(NOTE: To return to the 1st Start Time ("A") you will
need to press the Û key to confirm your program.)
9.Turn the dial to the Auto position or the next program-
ming function.
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
A
B
C
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
A
B
C
AM
Auto
Start
Time
STEP 4: SET THE WATER TIME FOR EACH ZONE
1.Turn the dial to the Water Time position. Press the Û
button.
2.At this point the Station 1 indicator will be on and the
amount of time on that zone will be flashing. Press the
Ý or Þ button to adjust the time to the number of minutes Station 1 is desired to run. (NOTE: Each zone can
be set to run from 0 - 99 minutes.)
3.At this point the next zone indicator symbol will be on
and the amount of time for that zone will be flashing.
Press the Ý or Þ arrow to adjust the time to the correct
amount of time.
8
Water Time
4.Press the Û button to move to the next zone and re-
peat Step 4 for the remainder of the zones or turn the
dial to the Auto position to activate the automatic
schedule.
5.Press the Û button to move to the next zone. (NOTE:
To return to Station 1 after the last station, you will
need to press the Û key to confirm the entry.)
STEP 5: MANUAL START FOR A CYCLE OR A ZONE
1.Turn the dial to the Auto position
M
2.Press
/A (MANUAL ON/ADVANCE) button. This will
cause the Station 1 indicator symbol to turn on. The
time the station is scheduled to run will show in the
display and the water on ICON (S) will appear.
M
/
3.To advance to the next station press the
button. If
A
you do not press this button, the unit will run through
each station for the amount of time programmed.
M
/
4.To turn on a specific station, press the
button re-
A
peatedly until the desired station is indicated.
M
/
5.To turn the unit OFF press either the
button repeat-
A
edly until time of day is displayed or turn the dial to
the Off position for 15 seconds then return to the Auto
position.
STEP 6: TURN UNIT OFF OR SHUT DOWN FOR RAIN
1.Turn dial to the Off position. Nothing will be displayed
at this time.
PLEASE NOTE: When dial is in the "Off" position, there
will be no display. If a battery is installed "AC" will flash
periodically.
Auto
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 MANUAL DURATION
S
PROGRAMMING THE PC-406 PS
STEP 1: SETTING CURRENT DAY AND TIME
TURN DIAL TO Day/Clock POSITION
1.An indicator symbol will blink under SU. Use the Ý or
Þ arrow button to move the blinking symbol under the
current day. Press the Û button to confirm the correct
setting.
2.The hour numbers will now be flashing. Use the Ý or
Þ arrow button to adjust the hour number to the cur-
rent hour. Press the Û button to confirm the correct
setting. Be sure AM or PM is properly showing.
9
Day/Clock
3.The minute numbers will now be flashing. Use the Ý
or Þ arrow button to adjust the minute number to the
current minute. Press the Û button to confirm that the
current settings are correct. (NOTE: If further editing
of the current time is needed press the Û button to
repeat the setting process.)
4.Return dial to Auto.
STEP 2: SET THE WATERING DAYS FOR DUAL
PROGRAM TIMER
When shipped from the factory the timer is programmed
to water every day, only in Program "A".
When setting the days to water you can select specific
days of the week (i.e. MO, TU, WE, etc.), or water on
interval of days (i.e. every third day) or water on PRESET schedule of (MO, WE, FR) or (TU, TH, SA) for either "A" Program or "B" Program or both.
A: WATERING ON SELECTED SPECIFIC DAYS OF
THE WEEK FOR THE "A" OR "B" PROGRAM
1.Rotate the dial until it points to the Water Day posi-
tion. At this point a flashing "A" or "B" will show in the
display.
A
2.Push the
"B" is flashing in the display.
3.Press the Û and the day indicator will be shown below
SU and On or OFF will be flashing in the display.
4.If the display is correct press the Û button to go to the
next day, or press the Ý or Þ arrow button to change
to the correct setting, then press the Û button to go to
the next day.
5.At this time the day indicator symbol will be under MO
and the word ON or OFF will be flashing in the display. Repeat step A-4 to continue on through the remainder of the week, setting the days of the week to
be ON (days to water) or OFF (days not to water).
6.Press the Û button to confirm the program. The lights
and display will be on steady to show how the program is set.
7.If you desire to schedule the "other" Program push the
Û button to show the “A” or "B" flashing in the display,
push the
and repeat steps 2 through 6. If you do not desire to
schedule the "other" Program, please go to step 8.
8.Rotate the dial to Auto to run automatically or change
dial to next setting position to continue programming.
/B button until the desired Program "A" or
A
/B button until the other Program is shown
Auto
Water Day
Auto
10
B: WATERING ON INTERVAL OF DAYS FOR THE "A"
OR “B” PROGRAM
1.Rotate the dial until it points to the Water Day posi-
tion. At this point a flashing "A" or "B" will show in the
display.
A
2.Push the
flashing in the display.
3.Press the Û and the day indicator symbol will be
shown below SU and On or OFF will be flashing in the
display.
4.Press the
indicator symbol moves under the SKIP at the top of
the display and the number of days in the interval will
blink.
5.Press the Ý or Þ arrow button to adjust the number of
days you desire in the interval, from a one to a six day
interval to start.
6.Press the Û button and the day indicator will blink un-
der SU. Use the Ý or Þ arrow button to change to the
first day you wish the interval to start.
7.Press the Û button to confirm the program. The dis-
play will be steady and show the indicator symbol on
the first start day, the day interval, the Program "A" or
"B".
8.If you desire to schedule the "other" Program, push
the
display, push the Û button until the "other" program is
shown and repeat steps 3 through 6; if not, go to step
9.
9.Rotate the dial to Auto then press the Ý arrow button
until the indicator symbol is under SKIP at the top of
the display.
10.Leave the dial in Auto, to run automatically or rotate
dial to next setting position to continue programming.
/B until the desired Program "A" or “B" is
M
/A button to change the display so the day
A
/B button to show the "A" or "B" flashing in the
Water Day
MO WE FR
SKIP
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
Auto
TU TH SA
C. WATERING ON A PRESET (MO WE FR) OR A (TU
TH SA) SCHEDULE FOR THE "A" OR "B" PROGRAM
1. Rotate the dial to the Auto position.
A
2. Push the
"B."
3. Press the Ý arrow button until the day symbol indica-
tor moves under the (MO WE FR) or the (TU TH SA)
to set the water days to the desired fixed day schedule.
4. Press the Û button and hold it to confirm the pro-
gram.
5. Leave the dial in the AUTO position to run automatically or rotate dial to the next setting position to continue programming.
/B button to select desired program "A" or
11
Auto
STEP 3: SET THE WATERING START TIMES
When shipped from the factory the timer has a default
program with an 8 a.m. start time once a day only in
Program "A".
1.Rotate the dial until it points to the Start Time posi-
tion. At this point a flashing "A" or "B" will show in the
display.
A
2.Push the
/B button to select the desired Program "A"
or "B".
3.Push the Û button. At this point, the "A" start time in-
dicator symbol will be displayed on the far left of the
display and the hour or OFF will be blinking in the display.
4.If the time is correct, press the Û button and go on to
setting the next start time or press the Ý or Þ arrow
button to set the start time to the correct hour. (NOTE:
The clock will only start on the hour.) Once the Start
Time is correct, press the Û button to set the next
Start Time, if watering more than once a day. When
finished, press Û to confirm the program.
STEP 4: THE WATER TIME FOR EACH ZONE IN "A"
OR "B" PROGRAM
Start
Time
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
A
B
C
1.Rotate the dial to the Water Time position. At this
point a flashing "A" or "B" will show in the display.
A
2.Push the
/B button to select the desired program, "A"
or "B."
3.Push the Û button. At this point the Station 1 indicator
symbol will be on and the amount of time on that zone
will be flashing. Press the Ý or Þ button to adjust the
time to the number of minutes Station 1 is desired to
run. (NOTE: Each zone can be set to run from 0 - 99
minutes.)
4.Press the Û button to move to the next zone and re-
peat Step 3 for the remainder of the zones. If you desire to schedule the "other" Program push the Û button to show the "A" or "B" flashing in the display, push
A
/B button until the other Program is shown and
the
repeat step 3. If you do not desire to schedule the
"other" Program please go to step 5.
5.Rotate the dial to the Auto position to activate the au-
tomatic schedule.
Water Time
Auto
12
STEP 5: MANUAL START FOR CYCLES OR ZONES
FOR "A" OR "B" PROGRAM
1.Turn the dial to the Auto position
A
2.Press the
3.Press
/B button to select the desired program.
M
/A (MANUAL ON/ADVANCE:
M
/
) button. This
A
will cause the Station 1 indicator symbol to turn on.
The time the station is scheduled to run will show in
the display and the water on ICON (S) will appear.
M
/
4.To advance to the next station press the
button. If
A
you do not press this button, the unit will run through
each station for the amount of time programmed.
M
/
5.To turn on a specific station, press the
button re-
A
peatedly until the desired station is indicated.
M
/
6.To turn the unit OFF press either the
button repeat-
A
edly until time of day is displayed or turn the dial to
the Off position for 15 seconds then return to the Auto
position.
FOR PC-406PS SERIES ONLY
Connect Master Valve/Pump Connection (Optional)
Auto
The PC-406PS Sprinkler Series Timer allows a Master Valve/Pump Start to operate whenever a valve
is operating.
In many parts of the country pumps are used to draw water from other sources such as wells. If you are
activating a pump from the timer, you will need a Pump Control Relay (Rain Bird PCR-1).
Attach the control wire from the Master Valve or Pump Control Relay to the Master Valve Terminal
screw marked "MV." Connect the common wire from the Master Valve or Pump Control Relay to the
Common Terminal screw marked "COM."
CAUTION: Be sure the total draw of the Master Valve or Pump Control Relay plus the draw of the zone
valve does not exceed 0.70A at 24 VAC, 60 Hz.
TIP: To avoid possible pump damage, "jumper" wire each unused terminal screw to a terminal screw in
use.
See figure on page 4.
Need Help? Call toll-free, 1 (800) 742-9922 (U.S.A., Canada & Mexico)
13
MAINTAINING YOUR SYSTEM
1.Winterize System
For winter months, this mode allows you to preserve
your programmed schedules while the timer is not in
operation: turn the dial to Off. Before shutting it down
for the winter, be sure to drain all water from pipes to
prevent freezing and damage to system. When
restarting timer for the year, turn dial bock to Auto.
WARNING: In areas prone to lightning storms, it is rec-
ommended to disconnect wires from the timer's terminal screw strip and to unplug the transformer from the
outlet to protect the timer from lightning caused power
surges.
2.Battery Back-UP
We recommend that you replace your battery every
year at the same time you change your fire alarm battery. If frequent power outages occur, you may need
to replace the battery more frequently.
Need Help? Call toll-free: 1 (800) 742-9922
(U.S.A., Canada & Mexico)
Off
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM CHECK FOR
Display is Blank Burned out fuse (replace with 1/2 amp fuse, not included
with timer). Transformer not plugged in. Wall socket not
supplying power, or Timer in OFF position.
"Frozen Display" Unplug, pull out battery and fuse, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Automatic and Manual Cycles do not turn
water on.
Valve does not shut off after watering at
scheduled time.
Fuse blows out frequently and display goes
blank.
Single station does not shut off Valve is stuck.
Fuse blows as soon as timer is plugged in. Bad transformer, or electrical short in timer.
For troubleshooting help, contact:
6991 E. Southpoint Rd., Bldg. #1, Tucson, AZ 85706
Water source not supplying water. Wires not properly connected. Wires loose or severed. Dial not set to Auto. All
stations turned OFF (to 0 minutes in water duration).
Check valve.
Electronic board is "locked on".
Short in wiring between valve and timer.
Shorted solenoid on 1 or more valves.
OPTIMA
Customer Support Center
1 (800) 742-9922
(U.S.A., Canada & Mexico)
14
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