SoundTraxx SoundCar User Manual
SoundCar
Digital Sound Decoder
Tsunami Digital Sound Decoder
SoundCar
®
™
™
User’s Guide
Software Release 1.01
Rev. B 11/4/14
Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
SoundTraxx (Throttle Up!) shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential
damages resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of this material.
This document contains information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without the
prior written consent of Throttle Up! Corp.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
SoundTraxx, Tsunami, SoundTraxx DCC, Digital Sound Decoder, Dynamic Digital Exhaust, Auto-Exhaust, Hyperlight, CurrentKeeper, Intelligent
Consisting, and SoundCar are trademarks of Throttle Up! Corp.
Table of Contents
All Aboard! ...........................................................................................1
Overview ................................................................................................................1
Operation ..............................................................................................2
Using Your SoundCar Digital Sound Decoder .......................................................2
Basics of Programming ......................................................................5
Programming Procedure .......................................................................................5
Basic Programming ...........................................................................11
Step 1: Conguring the Address ..........................................................................11
Step 2: Conguring the Decoder .........................................................................12
Step 3: Function Mapping ....................................................................................14
Step 4: Conguring the Lighting Outputs .............................................................17
Step 5: Setting the Momentum ............................................................................22
Sound Programming .........................................................................23
Step 6: Modifying Sound Effects..........................................................................23
Consist Programming .......................................................................30
Step 7: Consist Operations .................................................................................30
Miscellaneous Features ....................................................................35
Step 8: Conguring the SoundCar’s Miscellaneous Features .............................35
Troubleshooting ................................................................................39
Appendix A .........................................................................................41
Appendix B .........................................................................................42
Appendix C .........................................................................................43
Appendix D .........................................................................................44
Table Directory
Table A. Whistle Signals ...................................................................3
Table B. CV 29 – Conguration Register 1 ....................................12
Table C. Quick Reference for CV 29 Values ..................................13
Table D. SoundCar Function Mapping Table ..................................14
Table E. Hyperlight Control Mode Settings ....................................19
Table F. Sound Mixer CVs ..............................................................24
Table G. CV 115 – Airhorn/Whistle Select ......................................24
Table H. CV 227 – Bell Select ........................................................25
Table I. CV 117 – Rolling Stock Type Select ..................................28
Table J. CV 21 – Consist Function Control Group 1 ......................32
Table K. CV 22 – Consist Function Control Group 2 ......................33
Table L. Automatic Sound Function Enable ...................................36
Table M. CV 13 – Analog Function Enable 1..................................38
Table N. CV 14 – Analog Function Enable 2 ..................................38
Overview
All Aboard!
Congratulations on the purchase of your SoundTraxx® Tsunami®
SoundCar™ Digital Sound Decoder™ (DSD). This User’s Guide will walk
you through the various aspects of programming your SoundCar DSD, as
well as provide some tips for troubleshooting. For advanced programming
techniques, refer to the Tsunami SoundCar Technical Reference, which
provides a comprehensive list of CVs available for use with the SoundCar,
including a description of the exact function and make‑up of each CV.
Technical Bulletins and Application Notes covering various topics are also
published periodically, and can be downloaded for free from our website at
www.soundtraxx.com.
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 1
Operation
Using Your SoundCar Digital Sound Decoder
Now your train doesn’t have to be limited to locomotive sounds! The 16‑bit
SoundCar DSD is the only DCC decoder to replicate railcar sounds like the
clickety‑clack, generator, brake cylinders, and more. The SoundCar DSD
uses sounds recorded from actual trains. Whether you want to include cab
cars, freight cars, reefers, passenger cars, or a caboose (or all!) in your train,
the SoundCar can reproduce the prototypical sounds appropriate to each car.
Your SoundCar DSD has been shipped with all CVs pre‑programmed so you
can begin using it immediately without having to make adjustments.
The SoundCar lets you use the function keys to re‑create the sounds
of typical actions that a train crew performs during operation, while
incorporating automated sequences for other prototypical train sounds like
the clickety‑clack, at spots, ange squeals, and wheel noise. Additionally,
certain related sounds, such as brake set up, application and release, are
grouped together and controlled by a single function key.
Note: Pay careful attention to the installation instructions and follow the
recommendation on the placement of the decoder in your model so that the
Intelligent Consisting sensor is easily accessible.
Default function assignments are as follows:
Function Key Effect
F0 Headlight On/Off
F1 Bell
F2 Airhorn/Whistle
F3 Short Airhorn/Whistle
F4 Unassigned
F5 FX5 Function Output
F6 FX6 Function Output
F7 Dimmer
F8 Audio Mute (4x Intelligent Consisting Enable)
F9 Generator
F10 Uncoupling and Glad Hand Release
F11 Apply/Release Brakes
F12 Coupler Clank
Although it’s not technically a function key, the emergency stop button also
activates the sound effect of the air being dumped from the brake line.
While these are the default settings, you may make changes to the function
mapping later. For now, set your controller to address 3, place the
SoundCar‑equipped model on the mainline, and start toggling through the
available functions to activate the effects.
Turn On the Lights
Press F0 on your cab to turn on the headlight of a cab car. Reverse the
direction and the headlight turns off as the backup light turns on. While
waiting on a siding, press F7 to dim the headlight for an oncoming train.
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 2
Operation
If you have wired the FX5 and FX6 function outputs for Hyperlight lighting
effects, pressing F5 or F6 will activate your selected effects. You can use
those outputs to incorporate lighting into the interiors of your cab cars and
passenger cars.
Ring the Bell
Engineers are required to ring the bell during yard movement. To ring the bell,
press F1 on your cab. This is an on/off function, i.e., once activated, the bell
will continue to ring until you press F1 again to turn it off.
Blow the Horn/Whistle
Engineers are required to blow various signals to warn of approaching trains,
as well as to notify passengers and train crew to the planned movement of
the locomotive. There are signals for crossings, stopping, moving forward,
backing up, and more.
Learning and using airhorn/whistle signals can add a lot of fun to your
operating sessions. Some of the more common signals are indicated in
Table A. To activate the airhorn or whistle, press F2 on your cab; the longer
you press the key, the longer the sound will play. While this feature allows
you to make long or short signals, F3 is designated as a “short” horn so those
signals will have that nice, crisp “toot” regardless of how responsive your cab
controls may be.
Table A.
Whistle Signals
Note: = Short Blast — = Long Blast
— — — Approaching grade crossing. (Hold final blast until crossing is occupied.)
— Flagman protect rear.
Brakes applied.
— — Release brakes, proceed forward.
When stopped, back up; when moving, stop.
Request signal from trainman.
— Warning signal (used when approaching areas with obstructed views,
approaching passenger or freight trains, and passing freight trains).
Start the Generator
By default, F9 controls the generator effect. While still in the railyard, a
crew member turns the generator on before the train leaves the station.
The generator will run automatically until shut off at its nal destination. You
can re‑create this scenario by setting the generator sound effect to play
automatically. In the “Sound Programming” section of this guide, we will
discuss how to congure the generator sound effect for prototypical operation
in refrigerator and passenger cars.
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 3
Operation
Activating Other Functions and Effects
Depending on the number of function keys on your cab, you may have
additional functions available to activate.
Mute the Sound
As with all SoundTraxx DSDs, pressing F8 will mute all sound effects – great
for when you need to take a quick break from the sounds of your layout.
Pressing F8 a second time will turn the sounds back on.
Brake Squeal/Release
The sound of squealing brakes are typically heard when the train line has
a brake set applied. Pressing F11 while the train is moving will initiate the
brake set, which includes the sounds of the brake cylinder being set up and
the brake shoes squealing as they make contact with the wheels. Press F11
again and the car will respond by producing the sounds of the retainer valve
and bleed‑off as the brakes are released. The brakes can also be set and
released when the train is idle using F11 – perfect for performing a standing
brake test prior to departure. Turn F11 on to hear the brakes set up and then
turn F11 off to release and hear the retainer bleed off.
Since F11 also controls the brakes in Tsunami DSDs, you can sync up the
braking effects of Tsunami‑equipped engines with SoundCar‑equipped rolling
stock. See “Miscellaneous Features” for more information on F11 braking and
CVs 3, 4 and 61.
Coupler Clank
Press F12 to activate the sound effect of the coupler engaging. Press F10 to
listen to the knuckle opening and the glad hands separating as the coupler
is released. See how well you can time these sound effects to the actual
coupling and uncoupling of your cars to the train!
Emergency Stop
Pressing the emergency stop button will play the sound of the air being
dumped from the emergency stop valve (also known as the “big hole”
application) to lock up the brakes.
Automated Sound Effects
Give your ngers a rest and let the SoundCar take over with automated
sound effects. Your decoder is defaulted to automatically play the
clickety‑clack and ange squeals in response to the throttle speed. Give
them a listen by increasing the throttle on your cab. Other sound effects,
such as the generator, bell and airhorn, can be programmed to turn on and
off automatically. Refer to the “Sound Programming” section for details on
setting up automated sound effects.
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 4
Basics of Programming
Programming Procedure
Because each DCC system is unique, the procedure for programming a
Conguration Variable (CV) differs among systems. Unfortunately, we cannot
provide detailed instructions to cover every available command station and
must assume that you have some level of understanding regarding the
capabilities and operating procedures specic to your system. For detailed
programming procedures, please consult your DCC system manual or
contact the manufacturer for support.
What is a CV?
Conguration Variable (CV) is the industry‑adopted term for a decoder’s
user‑programmable memory locations. CVs allow you to customize individual
decoder properties such as the address, volume, sound effects, lighting,
and much more. Once a CV has been programmed, the setting will be
permanently remembered even after the power is turned off. A CV can be
modied as often as necessary by simply reprogramming it with a new value.
With the large number of CVs available, rst inspection of the available
options may cause confusion and even a little panic. Relax! As previously
indicated, the DSD has been shipped with all CVs pre‑programmed so you
can begin using your SoundCar immediately without making adjustments.
The following sections break out the SoundCar’s CVs into various categories,
so it is only necessary to change a few CVs at a time if you want customized
operation. As you become comfortable with one set of CVs, move on to a
new category and begin exploring the available options and capabilities.
Detailed information related to any CV can be found in the Tsunami
SoundCar Technical Reference.
Bits and Bytes
One of the most confusing aspects of programming a CV is guring out
the meaning of all the different bits, bytes and x’s found in various decoder
manuals. This problem is further compounded by differences in each
command station manufacturer’s user interface.
If just reading about bits and bytes already has your head spinning, a short
math lesson is in order before proceeding (but don’t worry, there won’t be a
test). Each CV stores a numeric value that can be represented in one of the
following three forms:
Decimal – This is the most common and familiar numbering format, and the
one that most of us use in day‑to‑day life. Numbers are represented as a
sequence of digits comprising the numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Hexadecimal – Also referred to as simply “hex,” this is a specialized number
representation that uses the characters A‑F in addition to numerals 0‑9.
An advantage of hexadecimal numbering is that it allows a given decimal
number to be more compactly represented. For example, the decimal number
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 5
Basics of Programming
127 converts to a simple 7F in hex. If your command station’s interface allows
a limited number of digits, hex numbering can allow your cab to display a
greater range of numbers.
Binary – Binary numbers get their name from the fact that they only use two
digits, 0 and 1, which are called “bits.” Binary is the fundamental numbering
system used by computers, including those found inside a digital decoder.
Because there are only two bit values, more digits are required to represent
a number when using binary. For example, the decimal number 127 is written
as 01111111 in binary notation. A “byte” is a binary number made up of eight
bits, and a “nibble” is one‑half of one byte, or four bits.
Each CV is made up of one byte (i.e., eight bits) and can store any number
from 0 to 255. Most CVs contain a single piece of data that can be easily
represented in any of the three number formats described above. For
example, CV 3 (Baseline Acceleration Rate) can be loaded with any value
from 0 to 255 and it will always and only affect one thing – the acceleration.
Now, a little more about those bits: Some CVs use the individual bits to
control various features. This keeps the number of CVs more manageable
and allows up to eight distinct features to be controlled using a single CV. Bit
variables require binary input and will only respond to input values of 0 and
1. For this reason, programming by the bits is usually reserved for simple
variables that are either ON or OFF, disabled or enabled, etc. Unfortunately,
bit variables are difcult to represent in any form other than binary while still
preserving their meaning. As most DCC system user interfaces don’t use
binary representation, programming by the bits using binary requires a little
bit of math (just simple addition though!) to convert values into the decimal or
hex representations used by most DCC systems.
To facilitate programming, we have tried to use decimal representation in this
manual when dening advisable values to program into a given CV; however,
you will occasionally nd binary values listed in the Tsunami SoundCar
Technical Reference.
Now, let’s try a programming example for CV 29 (Conguration Register 1),
which works best when programmed by the bits. When programming
individual bits, we suggest the following procedure to determine the correct
decimal value. Referring to the CV description in the Tsunami SoundCar
Technical Reference, write down the value that will produce the desired
response for each bit. In this example, we want to program this CV so that
speed tables and 28 speed‑step mode are enabled. As indicated in the
technical reference, bits 1 and 4 should both be set to 1 to enable the desired
features, with all of the other bits set to 0. Write down the individual bit
values as shown below:
bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 6
Basics of Programming
We then look up the binary value determined above, 00010010, in Appendix A
and see that it corresponds to a decimal value of 18 (or hex value of 0x12).
Program the decimal value (18) into the CV to get the desired response.
If you don’t have the conversion chart available, or just feel compelled to
do some calculations in your free time, the CV value can be determined
by an alternate method. Reading from right to left in the gure below, there
is a decimal value associated with each bit, beginning with 1 and doubling
in value for each successive bit (i.e., bit 0 = 1, bit 1 = 2, bit 2 = 4, bit 3 = 8,
bit 4 = 16, bit 5 = 32, bit 6 = 64, and bit 7 = 128). The decimal value
associated with each bit is only counted when that bit is set to 1. As reected
in the gure below, bit 1 has a value of 2 and bit 4 has a value of 16. Adding
these two numbers together gives the correct decimal value of 18.
bit 7 bit 6 bit 5 bit 4 bit 3 bit 2 bit 1 bit 0
When bit is
set to 1, value = 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
Therefore: 0 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 0 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 18
Programming Methods
There are two methods for programming CVs in your SoundCar DSD.
Operations Mode Programming – Sometimes called “Ops Mode”
or “programming on the main,” this programming mode allows CVs to
be changed while the car is operating on the layout, even when other
locomotives and rolling stock are present. The ability to program during
operation greatly enhances your ability to re‑create prototypical scenarios; for
example, you can increase the momentum of a locomotive after it couples to
a train.
One disadvantage of Ops Mode programming is that CV data cannot be
read back to verify values. To conrm the value of a CV that is programmed
in Operations Mode, the SoundCar DSD will audibly verify that it is properly
responding to your programmer by producing a short cowbell sound effect
when a command is received.
Service Mode Programming – This programming mode usually requires
connecting the car to a dedicated programmer or placing it on a special
programming track. SoundTraxx offers an advanced line of DSDs that
support the following four types of Service Mode instructions:
• Address Mode – Only CV 1 (Primary Address) may be changed.
• Register Mode – Only CVs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 29 may be changed.
• Paged Mode – Uses a page register to indirectly modify any CV.
• Direct Mode – Allows you to directly change any CV.
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 7
Basics of Programming
Reading CVs
Certain command stations permit you to read the value of a CV and verify its
setting in Service Mode programming. If you have trouble reading or verifying
CVs, the problem may exist in the design of your command station and not in
the decoder itself. Decoders of all types and brands communicate back to the
command station using something called an acknowledgment pulse, which is
dened in NMRA S‑9.2.3 as “an increased load on the programming track of
at least 60mA for at least 6ms ±1ms.” Your SoundCar DSD allows you to read
back CVs on the programming track by showing the value on the screen of
your command station to indicate an acknowledgement.
If you experience difculties while programming and/or reading CVs, try a
different programming mode. If your DCC system supports it, the best way to
program CVs is in Operations Mode, as it allows you to immediately see or
hear the results of your changes. It is important, however, to realize that not
all programming modes will work with all CVs. Ultimately, the programming
modes you will use depend on the type of DCC system you are using.
Many of the newer DCC systems can automatically select the appropriate
programming mode, so all you need to do is specify the CV number and
desired value. On the other hand, some DCC systems only support certain
programming modes and may restrict which CVs you can program. When
in doubt, refer to your DCC system’s manual or contact the manufacturer to
determine which programming modes they support.
Note: The SoundCar does not require a programming booster, such as the
PTB‑100.
Locking and Unlocking CVs
CV Lock/Unlock is a feature that allows you to program a decoder without
the danger of overwriting the programming in another decoder, which is
especially useful when you have multiple units in a consist equipped with
SoundCar decoders. This feature is controlled by the following CVs:
CV 15, CV Unlock Code
CV 16, CV Lock ID
CV 30, Error Information/Alternate Mode Selection
Note: Locking the decoder will not affect its ability to be added to a consist
using Intelligent Consisting, which is discussed in the “Consist Operations”
section of this document.
Before using the CV lock feature available in CVs 15 and 16, bit 0 of CV 30
(Error Information/Alternate Mode Selection) must be set to 1 (the default
value is 0). This ensures that you will not inadvertently lock the decoder when
the CV lock feature is not needed.
CVs 15 and 16 are used to lock and unlock your SoundCar DSD. CV 15
contains the unlock code and may be programmed with any value from 0
to 255, regardless of whether the decoder is locked or unlocked. CV 16
contains the lock code and may be set to any value from 0 to 7, but only
when the decoder is unlocked. Attempts to program CV 16 with a value
greater than 7 will be ignored.
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 8
Basics of Programming
The decoder is unlocked when the value in CV 15 matches the value in
CV 16. Otherwise, the decoder is locked and cannot be reprogrammed in
either Operations Mode or Service Mode. Moreover, a locked decoder cannot
be reset to its factory defaults until it is unlocked. SoundTraxx decoders are
shipped from the factory with all CVs unlocked (CVs 15 and 16 are both set
to 0).
Note: If the decoder is unlocked, changing the value in CV 16 will instantly
lock the decoder. You must then set CV 15 to the value programmed into
CV 16 to unlock the decoder again.
If you decide to use the CV locking feature for a multi‑decoder installation,
you must rst set the lock code in CV 16 in each decoder prior to installing
the next one. Otherwise, all of the decoders will have the same lock code
and the lock/unlock feature will not work. To ensure the lock/unlock feature
will work correctly in a multi‑decoder installation, install one decoder and
program its lock code. After you have locked the rst decoder, install the
second decoder and set its lock code. Because the rst decoder is locked, it
will be unaffected while you program the second decoder (unless you happen
to accidentally set the lock code of the two decoders to the same value. If
this happens, disconnect the second decoder and start over). Repeat this
procedure until all decoders have been installed and their respective lock
codes set.
It is a good idea to create a system to help you remember all those lock
codes. As an easy example, you might choose to set the lock code for motor
decoders to 1, sound decoders to 2, and function decoders to 3. In any event,
keeping CV 15 set to 0 will guarantee that the decoder stays locked until you
are ready to program.
If You Forget the Lock Code
As there are only eight possible combinations, you can easily determine a
forgotten lock code using trial and error with the following procedure:
Place the model on the programming track and set CV 15 to 0. Then, try to
read the value programmed into CV 16. If CV 16 does not read back, the
decoder is locked. Set CV 15 to 1 and try reading CV 16 once more. Again,
if CV 16 does not read back, the decoder is locked. Program CV 15 to 2 and
try reading CV 16 again. Continuing in this manner, you should eventually
nd the value programmed into CV 16, as it can only be a value from 0 to 7. If
you have set CV 15 to all eight values from 0 to 7 and the decoder still does
not respond, there may be a problem with the installation, the programming
track, or even the decoder itself. Investigate further and contact SoundTraxx
customer support as necessary.
If you do not have access to a programming track with read‑back capabilities
(or are uncertain if yours is working properly), you can also use Operations
Mode to determine the lock code. To do this, alternately program CV 15
and another CV to a value where there is a known response. For example,
changing CV 128 (Master Volume Control) should produce audible feedback
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 9
Basics of Programming
via a change in sound level if the decoder is unlocked. Begin by setting
CV 15 to 0 and CV 128 to 0. If the volume level does not fall to 0, the decoder
is locked. Next, set CV 15 to 1 and reprogram CV 128 to 0. Repeat this
process until you nd a value for CV 15 that results in the volume falling to 0
as reprogrammed into CV 128.
Troubleshooting Tip
Be aware that even if you do not plan on using the CV lock feature, it can
still be accidentally activated if CV 15 or 16 is programmed to a non‑default
value. If your DSD is otherwise working properly (i.e., making sound and
responding to function commands) but has stopped accepting CV changes,
run through the “If You Forget the Lock Code” procedure to determine if the
decoder is locked.
Resetting the CVs or Starting Over
Occasionally, something goes wrong and the SoundCar DSD will not respond
as expected. Usually this is caused by one or more CVs being programmed
to an unacceptable value. CVs can easily be reset to their factory default
values as follows:
1. Place the model on a powered section of track. Using either Service
Mode or Operations Mode, program CV 8 to 8, or CV 30 to 2.
2. If the model is already on the mainline, cycle power to the DSD by
turning power to the track off and then back on again.
Note: If you have a SoundTraxx CurrentKeeper™ or other device
intended to maintain power to the decoder, remove power for at least
1 minute to ensure that it is fully discharged.
3. If sounds start immediately after power is restored, the decoder did
not reset. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
4. Approximately 6 seconds after power is restored, startup sounds
should begin, and the headlight and backup light (if connected) will
blink 16 times, indicating that CVs were successfully reset.
5. Your SoundCar DSD should now respond to primary address 3 just
like it did out of the package.
6. If you cannot get the decoder to reset, make sure it has not been
inadvertently locked (see “Locking and Unlocking CVs” for more
information).
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 10
Basic Programming
Step 1: Configuring the Address
The rst CVs you may want to change are those that set the SoundCar’s
address:
CV 1, Primary Address Control
CVs 17 and 18, Extended Address
The SoundCar DSD can be set up to recognize either the primary (“short”)
address or the extended (“long”) address. The primary address may be
programmed with any value from 1 to 127, while the extended address may
be programmed with any value from 0001 to 9999. Whether you choose to
use the primary or extended address will rst depend upon whether your
DCC system allows extended addressing (not all of them do, so when in
doubt, refer to your system’s user manual). It will also depend upon your
preferences and your personal numbering scheme for setting decoder
addresses. One advantage of using the extended address is that since it
uses four digits, you can use a model’s road number as the decoder address,
making it easy to remember.
Note: Both the primary and extended addresses can be changed at any time
using Service Mode programming.
Primary Address
To use the primary address, set CV 1 to the desired address from 1 to 127.
Some DCC systems will also allow the decoder address to be modied in
Operations Mode (consult your system manual for details). Please note that
when programming in Operations Mode, the following restrictions apply:
• If the decoder’s primary address is enabled (i.e., bit 5 is set to 0 in
CV 29), only the extended address may be changed using Operations
Mode programming.
• Alternately, if the decoder’s extended address is enabled (i.e., bit 5 is
set to 1 in CV 29), only the primary address may be changed using
Operations Mode programming.
Extended Address
The extended address is made up of two CVs, 17 and 18. Programming
these CVs is only advisable for experienced users, as a specic protocol
is required in order for the DSD to accept the new data (see the Tsunami
SoundCar Technical Reference for details). Most command stations that
support extended addressing will automatically generate the correct protocol;
simply follow their instructions for setting the extended address.
Once the extended address is stored in CVs 17 and 18, bit 5 of CV 29
(Conguration Register 1) must be set to 1 in order for the decoder to
recognize the extended address format. If bit 5 of CV 29 is set to 0, the
decoder will continue to respond only to its primary address. For more
information related to CV 29, see the next section, “Conguring the Decoder.”
Tsunami SoundCar User’s Guide Page 11
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