PS Engineering PMA8000B X User Manual

9800 Martel Road
www.ps-engineering.com
PMA8000B
PMA8000B
Audio Selector Panel
Marker Beacon Receiver
High-fidelity Stereo Intercom System
Pilot’s Guide
Pilot’s Guide
and
and
Operation Manual
Operation Manual
202-890-0202 Revision 6 June 2008
Covered under one or more of the following Patent No.
4,941,187, 5,903,227, 6,160,496, 6,493,450
FAA-Approved: TSO C50c, C35d
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202-890-0202 Page 1
This pilot guide provides detailed operating instructions for the PS Engineering PMA8000B, Audio Selector Panel/Intercom Systems. Please read it carefully before using the equipment so that you can take full advantage of its capabilities. This publication covers the basic operating areas of the PMA8000B systems. They are Com Transceiver Selection, Audio Selector, Inter­com, and Marker Beacon Receiver, utility jack and the configuration buttons.
PMA8000B controls
Power Switch (1) (EMG-Fail Safe Operation)
Unit power is turned on and off by pushing the volume knob. In the
OFF or "EMG" position, the pilot headset is connected directly to
Com 1 as well as unswitched input #1. This allows communication capability regardless of unit condition. Any time power is removed or turned
OFF, the audio selector will revert to fail-safe mode.
The power switch controls all audio selector panel functions, inter­com and marker beacon receiver. All pushbutton selections will be remembered and return to the last state when turned on.
Communications Transmit (XMT) Selection (2)
There are two pushbuttons associated with the transmitter selection. The two lower buttons (# 2) control which transceiver is selected for transmit. The top row of pushbuttons (# 3) allows selection of the re­ceiver audio. Push the lower button to select the desired COM trans­mitter.
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The PMA8000B-Series has an automatic selector system. Audio from the selected transceiver is automatically heard in the headsets and speaker (if selected). You can check this function by switching from C
OM 1 transmitter to Com 2 transmitter by pressing the COM 2 trans-
mitter selector pushbutton. Note that the associated Com 2 receive pushbutton indicator light that is located immediately above the Com 2 transmitter pushbutton turns green. This guarantees that the pilot will always hear the audio from the transceiver selected for transmit.
The PMA8000B “remembers” the receiver selection, so that when switching transmitters from C previously selected, C
OM 1 audio will continue to be heard. This
OM 1 to COM 2, if COM 2 audio was
eliminates the pilot having to switch Com 1 audio back on, after changing transmitters.
When switching from C ously selected, C
OM 1 audio will be switched off. In essence, switch-
OM 1 to COM 2 while Com 2 was not previ-
ing the mic selector will not override prior selection of COM receiver audio.
In normal (not split) modes, the PMA8000B gives priority to the pi­lot’s radio Push-To-Talk (PTT). If the copilot it transmitting, and the pilot presses his PTT, the pilot’s microphone will be heard over the selected com transmitter.
In TEL mode, the pilot microphone and headphones are connected to the cell phone. The pilot PTT will switch the pilot mic to the selected com transceiver, and allow continued aircraft communications to con­tinue. (See Page 4—TEL—for more details)
The copilot will also be able to transmit on the other selected radio with his PTT as well.
Split Mode
The split mode can be activated at any time by pressing the C buttons at the same time. This places the pilot on C
Pilot on C
OM 1 and the copilot on COM 2.
OM 2 and Copilot on COM 1 is not
possible.
NOTE: Due to the nature of VHF communications signals, and the size constraints in general aviation aircraft, it is probable that there will be some bleed-over in the Split mode, particularly on adjacent frequencies. PS Engineering makes no warranty about the suitability of Split Mode in all aircraft conditions.
June 2008 PMA8000B Pilot Guide
OM 1 and COM 2 XMT
202-890-0202 Page 3
Note: Split Mode does not turn off Nav, ADF, or Aux selected audio to pilot. However, the copilot will only hear the selected com receiver and unswitched inputs.
Swap Mode (Switch from Com 1 to Com 2 remotely)
With a yoke mounted, momentary switch, the pilot can change from the current Com transceiver to the other by depressing this switch. To cancel "Swap Mode," the pilot may either press the yoke mounted switch again, or select a different Com with the XMT buttons.
Audio Selector (4)
Navigation receiver audio is selected through five momen­tary, push-button, backlit switches. You will always hear the audio from the se­lected transceiver.
The users can identify which receivers are selected by noting which green switch LEDs are lit. Navigation aid audio push buttons are la­beled Nav 1, Nav 2, MKR (Marker), ADF and AUX (auxiliary). DME audio (if present) will come through when the AUX button is selected. When one of these buttons is pressed, the mode is active, and the LED will illuminate. Press the switch again and it will be "off" and remove that receiver from the audio output.
In SPLIT mode, only the pilot will hear selected navigation audio.
Telephone (TEL) (9)
The TEL mode serves as a full duplex interface and distribution for telephone systems such as AirCell or portable cellular phones with earpiece jacks. Pressing the TEL button activates the telephone mode.
This connects the telephone to the users as follows: In ALL intercom mode, all crew and passengers
will be heard on the phone when they speak. Com and other selected radio audio is also heard in the headsets. If the pilot or copilot pushes the radio PTT, their mic will be transferred to the selected Com radio.
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The telephone party will not hear ATC communications, and vice versa.
In CREW mode, only the pilot and copilot are connected to the tele­phone. Passengers will not hear the telephone. The pilot and copilot will also have transmit capability on the other selected transceiver.
In ISO intercom mode, when the PMA8000B is in the TEL mode, the pilot position is in the "Phone Booth." Only the pilot will hear the telephone, and only he will be heard. He will also have access to Com 1 or 2, and will transmit on that radio using the PTT. All selected au­dio is provided to the pilot.
Note: Because the cell-phone uses an intercom circuit, all sta­tions on that circuit will lose intercom capability when the cell phone is in use.
Speaker Amplifier (5)
The SPR in the lower right section stands for speaker. This switch will place all selected audio on the cockpit speaker when this switch is se­lected. Except for the unswitched audio, the speaker amplifier is not active in the "Split Mode”.
Unswitched audio 1, 3 and 4 (the inputs dedi­cated to autopilot disconnect, altimeter warning, etc.) may come through the speaker regardless of the speaker button position.
Depending on installation, important audio annunciations such as ra­dar altimeter or autopilot disconnect will come over the speaker even if it is not selected, while other unswitched, but muted inputs, such as GPS alerts, will only be present if the SPR button is selected. Consult your professional avionics installer for these important configuration details.
Public Address Function
To access PA function, press the Mute and SPR buttons simultaneously. The Mute and SPR LEDs will blink to indicate the audio panel is in PA mode. The copilot can continue to use the selected com radio while the pilot will now be heard over the speaker. To exit PA mode, push Mute and SPR again.
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Intercom Operation
IntelliVox® VOX-Squelch
No adjustment of the IntelliVox® squelch control is necessary. There is no field adjustment. Through three individual signal processors, the ambient noise appearing in all six microphones is constantly being sampled. Non-voice signals are blocked. When someone speaks, only their microphone circuit opens, placing their voice on the intercom.
The system is designed to block continuous tones, therefore people humming or whistling in monotone may be blocked after a few mo­ments.
For consistent performance, any headset microphone must be placed within ¼-inch of your lips, preferably against them. (ref: RTCA/DO- 214, 1.3.1.1 (a)). It is important to have the microphone element par­allel to your mouth, and not twisted inside the cover.
Note: For optimum microphone performance, we recommend use of a Microphone Muff Kit from Oregon Aero (1-800-888-
6910). This will not only optimize VOX performance, but will improve the overall clarity of all your communications.
Oregon Aero MicMuff Part Numbers
Headset
Manufacturer
Bose Dynamic
Electret M87
Model Part Number
90010 90015 90020
David Clark H10-30
H10-20, H10-40 H10-13.4, 13X
H20-10X Lightspeed All 90015 Peltor 7003
ANR Pro, 7000 Pilot 11-20, 11-90, 1776, DXL 90015
Sennheiser All 90015 Telex Airman 750, AIR4000
AIR3000, Echelon 100
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90010 90015 90015 90015
90010 90015
90010 90015
It is also a good idea to keep the microphone out of a direct wind path. Moving your head through a vent air stream may cause the In- telliVox® to open momentarily. This is normal.
The IntelliVox® is designed to work with normal aircraft cabin noise levels (70 dB and above). Therefore, it may not always recognize speech and clip syllables in a quiet cabin, such as in the hangar, or without the engine running. This is also normal.
Intercom Volume Control (7)
The small volume control knob adjusts the loudness of the intercom for the pilot and copi­lot. It has no effect on selected radio levels, music input levels or passengers' volume level.
The larger, outer volume control knob controls intercom volume or the passengers. It has no effect on radio or music levels. Adjust the radios and intercom volume for a comfortable listening level. Most general aviation headsets today have built-in volume controls; therefore, volume also can be further adjusted at the individual headset.
Mono Headsets in Stereo Installation
The pilot and copilot positions work with stereo or mono headsets. All passenger headsets are connected in parallel. Therefore, if a mon­aural headset is plugged in to a PMA8000B Stereo installation, one channel will be shorted. Although no damage to the unit will occur, all passengers will lose one channel, unless they switch to the “MONO” mode on the headset. PS Engineering modifies headsets to add stereo capability, using high-fidelity speakers. Contact factory (865-988-9800) for details.
Intercom Modes (8)
The “ICS” pushbutton switch on the left side of the panel provides the selection of the three intercom modes. The description of the intercom mode function is valid only when the unit is not in the "Split" mode. Then, the pilot and copilot intercom is controlled with the Mute button.
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This button cycles through the intercom modes, from top to bottom and then back up, ISO, ALL, Crew, ALL, and ISO. An LED shows the active mode .
I
SO: The pilot is isolated from the intercom and is connected only to
the aircraft radio system. He will hear the aircraft radio reception (and sidetone during radio transmissions). The copilot and passengers will hear the music sources as configured by the audio panel configuration Function keys. See page 11—Smart Function Keys for more details.
LL: All parties will hear the aircraft radio and intercom. Crew will
A
hear Entertainment 1, passengers can hear Entertainment 1 or 2. Dur­ing any radio or intercom communications, the music volume auto­matically decreases. The music volume increases gradually back to the original level after communications have been completed.
REW: Pilot and copilot are connected on one intercom channel and
C
have exclusive access to the aircraft radios. Again, the music that the crew and passengers will hear is determined by the Smart Function Keys.
Marker Beacon Operation (10)
The Marker Beacon Receiver uses visual and audio indicators to alert you when the aircraft passes over a 75 MHz transmitter.
The Blue lamp, la­beled “O”, is the Outer Marker lamp and has an associated 400-Hertz 'dash' tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of two tones/ flashes per second when the aircraft is in the range of the Outer Marker Beacon.
The Amber lamp, labeled “M”, is the Middle Marker lamp and is cou­pled with a 1300 Hertz tone. It is keyed alternately with short 'dot' and long 'dash' bursts at 95 combinations per minute.
The White lamp, labeled “I”, is the Inner marker and has a 3000 Hertz 'dot' tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of six times per second.
The audio from the Marker Beacon Receiver can be heard by select­ing the "MKR" push-button switch. To adjust the volume level, there is a service adjustment located on the top of the unit.
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A pushbutton is used to set the receiver sensitivity and to test the indi­cator lamps mute the marker audio.
Use "HI" sensitivity initially. This allows you to hear the outer marker beacon about a mile out. Then touch the smaller MKR button to switch into Low Sensitivity mode. “LO” sensitivity gives you a more accurate location of the Outer Marker. Holding the MKR button for one second activates marker test lamp, labeled "T/M" and illumi­nates all three lamps simultaneously to assure the lamps (internal and external) are in working order. TST does not activate MM autopilot sense output. Releasing the button returns to the last sensitivity.
Pressing the marker mode select (“T/M”) for one second will also cause the marker audio to mute for that beacon. The next beacon re­ceived will re-activate the audio.
Internal Recorder System
The Intercom Recording System is a digital recording system allow­ing automatic storage and playback of aircraft radio traffic.
Operating as a continuous loop recorder, (first message received will be the last heard), the recorder has 30 seconds of recording time, or up to 16 messages. With its own built in VOX circuit, there are no buttons to press to start recording. The system automatically begins to record the instant the radio becomes active. Only the com radio se­lected for transmit is recorded, and only the pilot and copilot will hear the playback audio.
Operation
Recording is automatic. To play back the last recorded message, press and hold the COM Receive pushbutton associated with the selected radio transmitter for about one (1) second. You must wait for the message to finish playing before accessing the prior message. To cancel the playback, press and hold the playback button for two seconds (2). The next time the button is pressed for one (1) second, the next earlier message will be heard.
The playback will stop whenever there is more incoming selected com audio, and the message can be replayed from the beginning.
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Utility Jack
The 2.5 millimeter (3/32”) jack on the front of the PMA8000B has three distinct functions:
Cell phone input
Advisory audio input
Music input
The use of this jack is controlled by three Smart Function Keys (SFK) controlled from the front panel. See Page 11—Smart Function Keys.
Cellular phone
When a cellular telephone is connected to this jack using a 2.5 mm to
2.5 mm adapter cord (PS Part Number 425-006-7026), the PMA8000B audio panel will connect the intercom to the cell phone when the “TEL” button is pressed (9). When the TEL mode is off, the tele­phone ringer audio will be heard if it is present on the telephone’s output (ringer may be muted by radio and intercom).
Audio Advisory Input
The front jack can be used as a priority advisory input for auxiliary systems such as a GPS terrain advisory or portable traffic watch sys­tem. To prevent radio or intercom from muting this input, press the “Mute” button.
NOTE
The front jack is no substitute for the certified installation of alerts such as the GPS waypoint or autopilot tones. These still must be hard wired into the back by your installer.
We’ve built some intelligence into the PMA8000B, too.
Smart Jack Function
When the PMA8000B
Crew
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has a signal on music #1 input coming in from the rear connec­tor, the front panel
jack automatically becomes a Priority Advisory input, and is heard in the crew headphones.
This input will NOT be muted by radio or intercom.
Music Input
When used as a music input, the front panel jack is treated as Music #1. However, thanks to the function controls, it can be distributed to all users, regardless of the intercom mode.
Smart Function Keys (SFK)
With Virtual Tech Support, the configuration process is self-directed. Once you’ve set up your system, you don’t need to change it again, unless you want to. The unit will always remember your settings. Note: VTS annunciations will be stopped by any audio received on the com radio selected for transmit.
These functions are non-essential and non-required and as such are only an accessory capability. They don’t affect the audio panel’s pri­mary function as a selector panel, aircraft intercom, or marker beacon receiver. You can’t do anything with these buttons to prevent the PMA8000B from doing its main job.
Looking at the front panel you’ll notice that the TEL, Aux, Mute and SPR buttons have “Function” assignments.
To use these function keys A, B, C – press and hold “F” and then press the desired key, “A” “B” or “C”.
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There are three special functions. Function Button “A” is related to the intercom function, and allows the crew to mute passengers’ inter­com feed when radios are active. Function Buttons “B” and “C” control how music is distributed in your airplane.
Function A
AUX
Intercom Mode Music 1
State 1 State 2 State 1 State 2 State 1 State 2
Function B
MUTE
Propagation
Function C
SPR
Music Distribution
Alternate
intercom
function
Standard
Intercom Function”
“Music #1 all head­sets”
“Music #1 distri­bution crew.”
Standard
Music Distribu­tion
“Alternate music distribu­tion ”
Button Function Table
There are two music sources available to the PMA8000B. Music 1 input can be either on the front jack, OR the Music 1 input at the rear connector (Pins 23 and 24, J2). Music 2 is wired into the rear connec­tor, only (Pins 26 and 27, J2) The volume of the audio annunciations and recorder playback can be adjusted through a hole on the top of the unit marked “ANN VOL.”
Function “A”
Function “A” controls the distribution of aircraft radio within the in­tercom, as well as passenger intercom muting. In the “standard inter­com function” mode, aircraft radios are distributed to all, when the intercom is in the ALL mode. In CREW mode, only the pilot and co­pilot positions will hear aircraft radios.
When Function A is toggled into “Alternate Intercom Function,” the passengers will NOT hear aircraft radios, even in the All mode. In addition, when in the ALL mode, passengers will be able to converse with the crew. However, when the aircraft radio becomes active, the intercom audio from the passengers is muted, allowing the crew to focus on the radio. Passengers will be able to talk to each other, unless the radios are active AND the crew speaking on the intercom, in this case the passengers will only hear the crew intercom, and their microphone will be muted.
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Function “B”
Function Button “B” allows you to either send the music 1 input to all intercom stations, all of the time, or have the normal rules apply to our music inputs. When “Music number one distribution, all headsets” is selected, mu­sic 1 (or the front panel utility jack) will be distributed to all headsets and is independent of the intercom mode switch. Therefore, even in the CREW mode, the passengers will hear Music 1, even though they will not hear the intercom or radios. This mode allows you to use a single in-flight entertainment source aboard, and to send it everywhere, even in crew mode. The music muting will be normal, and follow the selected mode of the crew or passengers. When you select Function “B,” for the alternate function, you hear “Music number one distribution, Crew.” Now, music input 2 will fol­low the modes in Function “C.”
Passengers
Music 1
Pilot & Copilot
Music Distribution ICS Dependent
ALL M o de
ICS
Mus ic 1
Passengers
ICS
Copilot
Pilot
Music Distribution Dependent
ISO Mode
Music 2
Music 1
Music Distribution Dependent
Passengers
Pilo t & C opilot
CREW Mode
Music Distribution Depends on Intercom Mode
Function “C”
Function “C” allows you to configure your music to be either inde­pendent of the intercom mode, or to make Music 2 dependent on the
intercom mode. When you press Function “C,” you’ll hear, “Alternate Music distribu- tion.” In this case, Music 2 will be active only when the intercom is in the CREW mode, and only the passengers will hear it. This distribu­tion is similar to other brands of audio panels. It allows the passengers
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to have their music source come on only when they are not hearing the crew.
Mus ic 2
Mus ic 1
Music Distribution Independent
All Mo d e
Passengers
Pilot & Cop ilot
Mus ic 2
ICS
Mus ic 1
Music Distribution Independent
ISO Mode
Passengers
Copilot
Pilot
ICS
Mus ic 2
Mus ic 1
Music Distribution Independent
Crew Mode
Passengers
Pilo t & Co pilot
Music Distribution Independent of Intercom Mode
Press again, and you will hear “Standard Music Distribution.” In this mode, the music inputs are independent. Music 2 becomes active, and will always be presented only to the passengers on the intercom. Mu­sic 1 is only available to the pilot and copilot. The intercom mode switch doesn’t have any affect on the music distribution. When the music is independent, Music 1 will always go to the pilot and copilot positions, and is never heard by the passengers. Music 2 is always heard by the passengers, and never by the pilot and copilot. This mode is useful if your passengers have a different interest in en­tertainment or are watching a DVD, but do not want to be excluded from the intercom conversations.
Music Muting
There are two SoftMute™ muting circuits. The front panel "Mute" button will always control the Mute function for music 1. It will also control the muting of the front panel util­ity jack, when Music 1 is NOT active. The SoftMute™ circuit will cut the music almost completely out whenever there is conversation on the radio or intercom. When that conversation stops, the music returns to the previous level comforta­bly, over a second or so. The pilot and copilot have one muting circuit, which is controlled by the front panel button labeled “Mute.” When this button is pressed, the PMA8000B goes into the Karaoke Mode, and the music will not
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mute for incoming radio or intercom conversation. The passenger’s intercom also has a SoftMute™ circuit. It behaves the same way as the crew; if the passengers will hear the radio, or talk on the intercom, the music will mute. If the audio panel is in CREW mode, then the radio reception will not affect the passenger music. Passengers also have a Karaoke Mode. If the passengers are listening to the music 1 input or front panel input, their Karaoke Mode is con­trolled by the front panel button labeled "Mute". If the passengers are listening to the music 2 input, their Karaoke Mode is activated by an external switch installed either in the panel, or connected to the AUX button logic output pin on the PMA8000B.
Music 1 Volume
In general, we recommend adjusting the entertainment volume at the sources, and only using this as a master gain control. However, the Music 1 PMA8000B input can be adjusted from the front panel, if desired, by pressing the combinations of keys listed. Hold the AUX button, and repeatedly push the Mute (volume up) or SPR (volume down) to step the volume level. There are 32 steps.
AUX + Mute, increase volume
AUX + SPR, decrease volume
Warranty & Service
In order for the factory warranty to be valid, the installations in a certified
aircraft must be accomplished by an FAA-(or other ICAO agency) certified avionics shop and authorized PS Engineering dealer. If the unit is being in­stalled by a non-certified individual in an experimental aircraft, a factory­made intercom harness must be used for the warranty to be valid.
PS Engineering, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defect in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of retail sale by authorized PS Engineering dealer. During the first twelve (12) months of the three-year warranty period, PS Engineering, Inc., at its option, will send a replacement unit at our expense if the unit should be determined to be de­fective after consultation with a factory technician. For the remaining twenty-four (24) months of the three-year warranty period, PS Engineering will send a no-cost replacement unit at customer shipping expense.
All transportation charges for returning the defective units are the respon si­bility of the purchaser. All domestic transportation charges for returning the exchange or repaired unit to the purchaser will be borne by PS Engineering, Inc. The risk of loss or damage to the product is borne by the party making the shipment, unless the purchaser requests a specific method of shipment. In
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this case, the purchaser assumes the risk of loss. This warranty is not transferable. Any implied warranties expire at the expi-
ration date of this warranty. PS Engineering SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. This warranty does not cover a defect that has resulted from improper handling, storage or pres­ervation, or unreasonable use or maintenance as determined by us. This war­ranty is void if there is any attempt to dissemble this product without factor y authorization. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which may vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or conseq uential damages, so the above limitation or exclusions may not apply to you.
All items repaired or replaced under this warranty are warranted for the re­mainder of the original warranty period. PS Engineering, Inc. reserves the rights to make modifications or improvements to the product without obliga­tion to perform like modifications or improvements to previously manufac­tured products.
Factory Service
The units are covered by a three-year limited warranty. See warranty infor­mation. Call PS Engineering, Inc. at (865) 988-9800 before you return any unit. This will allow the service technician to provide any other suggestions for identifying the problem and recommend possible solutions.
After discussing the problem with the technician and you obtain a Return Authorization Number, ship product to: PS Engineering, Inc. Attn: Service Department 9800 Martel Rd. Lenoir City, TN 37772 (865) 988-9800 FAX (865) 988-6619 Email: contact@ps-engineering.com
Units that arrive without an RMA number, or telephone number for a responsible contact, will be returned un-repaired. PS Engineering is not responsible for items sent via US Mail.
PS Engineering, Inc. 2005 ©
Copyrighted information in this manual is subject to change without notice. PS Engineering reserves the right to improve or change the products or contents of this manual, without notification of any person or agency. The contents of this pilot’s guide may be downloaded, stored and reprinted for personal use provided that this copyright information is included. Commercial use is strictly prohibited. For further information contact the Publications Manager at PS Engineering, Inc., 9800 Martel Road, Lenoir City, TN 37772. Phone (865) 988-9800
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Copyright Notice
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