NexSens Technology X2 User Manual

Environmental data logger
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X2 Environmental Data
Logger
User Guide
Last Revision: 17 March 2023
Date Generated: 17 March 2023
Copyright © 2023 NexSens Technology, Inc.

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Summary of Contents for NexSens Technology X2

  • Page 1 X2 Environmental Data Logger User Guide Last Revision: 17 March 2023 Date Generated: 17 March 2023 Copyright © 2023 NexSens Technology, Inc.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Wi-Fi Connect to an X2 via Wi-Fi Direct Configure Network Settings Cellular Set up a 4G Cellular Account for an X2 Data Logger Set an X2 Data Logger APN Using CONNECT Iridium Setup Iridium Logger Through CONNECT Iridium Transmission Delay...
  • Page 3 Changing Data Logger Transmission Interval Run Remote Sensor Detection X2 Logger Diagnostic Readings X2 Meta Parameter Descriptions 6. Field Installation Mount an X2 Environmental Data Logger X2 Mounting Kit Installation X2 Data Logger Grounding X2 Data Logger Grounding Kit 7. Troubleshooting and Maintenance...
  • Page 4 Service Request...
  • Page 5: General

    1. General X2 Environmental Data Logger Overview The X2 is an all-in-one environmental data logger that can be controlled from any internet browser using a smartphone, tablet, or PC. It automatically recognizes sensors and sends data to the WQData LIVE web data center via Wi-Fi, cellular, radio, or satellite telemetry.
  • Page 6: Internal Features

    Power Port: (1) 6-Pin for Power and Communication (Primary/Secondary/Backup Input, RS-485 Host, GND) Direct Communication CONNECT software enables users to interface directly with any NexSens X2-Series data logger using a UW6-USB-485P cable. It supports a growing number of diagnostic and configuration tools to facilitate system setup and troubleshooting.
  • Page 7: Telemetry Options

    Telemetry Options The X2 supports Wi-Fi, radio, cellular, and satellite telemetry. A radio to cellular option is also available. Wi-Fi Communications: 802.11b/g/n (Direct to X2 or Connect X2 to an existing network) Antenna: Internal to device Range: 250 ft. maximum Actual distances may vary by location.
  • Page 8: Identify X2 Via Body Tag

    Identify X2 via Body Tag Each X2 data logger has a body tag number etched into the side of the bottom bulkhead. It is located on the lower backside of the logger in between the two RF ports or plugs.
  • Page 9: Powering Up Apply Power To The X2

    Peak Current: 500mA @ 12V for 1 second Input Channels The X2 is equipped with three separate power input channels. Power is supplied to the X2 via the UW-6 receptacle port on the bottom of the logger, where there is a separate pin for...
  • Page 10: Connector Wiring

    Connector Wiring The below table and diagram show the proper connections for the X2 UW6 power port. Pin Number X2 Wire Color* Signal Green Host RS-485A Blue Host RS-485B White Backup Power Input Black Ground Yellow Secondary Power Input Primary Power Input...
  • Page 11: Typical Applications

    This setup is ideal for long-term, unattended monitoring applications as it provides a constantly recharged battery source. However, solar systems are more susceptible to damage and failure than a simple battery. The X2 provides the benefits of a solar-charged system while simultaneously allowing for a backup reserve battery to be connected. The reserve battery can provide power to the system if the solar panel stops charging the main battery without an interruption in data collection.
  • Page 12: Universal Pinout

    The schematics and table below detail the 6-pin plug and receptacle (UW-6) universal pinout for all 6-pin NexSens cables excluding the 6-pin AC adapter. Figure 1: NexSens UW-6 receptacle pinout Figure 2: NexSens UW-6 plug pinout Figure 3: X2-CBMC/SDLMC MCIL-6-FS 6-pin Figure 4: NexSens MCIL-6 plug pinout power port...
  • Page 13 RS-485 B RS-485 B RS-485 B Green RS-485 A RS-485 A RS-485 A iSIC-V2 X2-CB** G2-RAIN X2-SDL* X2-CBMC** *X2-SDL’s purchased after August 2021 do not include secondary power. **Wire colors for the X2- CB/X2-CBMC follow the UW-6 Bulk Pinout X2-SDLMC G2-EXO...
  • Page 14: X2 Led Indicator Lights

    X2 LED Indicator Lights The X2 contains two sets of (4) LEDs visible through the lid of the enclosure. These X2 LED indicator lights give insight into the operation of the data logger and Wi-Fi module, respectively. Two additional green LEDs beneath each magnet port give feedback when the magnet input is triggered.
  • Page 15 Figure 1: Logger Status LED Locations.
  • Page 16: Wi-Fi Status Leds

    Searching for network Fatal system error — — If a Wi-Fi network has been setup on the device and is available, the X2 will automatically connect to the configured network after 30 seconds without a direct connection being established. Figure 2: Wi-Fi Status LED Locations.
  • Page 17: Establish Communication

    3. Establish Communication X2 Data Flow The X2 is designed to provide real-time data to users, most commonly via the WQData LIVE web datacenter. The diagrams below outline how the data travels from sensor to user. Wi-Fi Figure 1: X2 to WQData LIVE.
  • Page 18: Cellular

    Cellular Figure 2: X2-C to WQData LIVE.
  • Page 19: Iridium

    Iridium Figure 3: X2-I to WQData LIVE.
  • Page 20: Radio To Cellular

    Radio to Cellular Figure 4: X2-RC to WQData LIVE.
  • Page 21: Radio To Pc

    Radio to PC Figure 5: X2-R to WQData LIVE. Notes: Data is posted to WQData LIVE’s secure MySQL database using HTTP POST protocol Data is transmitted in XML format...
  • Page 22: Wi-Fi

    Figure 1: X2 Environmental Data Logger. In addition to a power cycle, the Wi-Fi module of a standard X2 turns on by inserting a magnet into either of the two recesses in the logger lid. Each X2 system includes a small flathead screwdriver with a magnetic base for this purpose.
  • Page 23 Figure 2: Insert magnet into either lid recess to activate the X2 Wi-Fi module. Wi-Fi for X2-Iridium satellite systems is disabled on power-up, so a magnet swipe is required to enable it. X2-CB & X2-SDLMC Figure 3: X2-CB Buoy- Figure 4: X2-SDLMC Mounted Data Logger.
  • Page 24 X2-SDL If the system is an X2-SDL, first unscrew and then remove the white battery lid at the top of the unit. Wait 60 seconds before rethreading the battery lid onto the top bulkhead of the SDL. A buzzer will sound when power is applied.
  • Page 25 Connect to the X2’s Local Wi-Fi Network Following a power cycle, the X2’s local Wi-Fi network will remain active for 10 minutes thereafter. If the network is not visible or the connection expires, cycle power again to reset the Wi-Fi. Then, attempt to reconnect again.
  • Page 26 2. Connect to the X2’s network. 3. Launch a web browser and navigate to 192.168.1.1 to access the X2 Embedded Web home screen. a. Note that Chrome or Firefox are the recommended browser choices. Other browsers, Safari in particular, may have issues navigating the web utility.
  • Page 27: Configure Network Settings

    Configure Network Settings Wi-Fi only models of the X2 data logger can be configured to upload to the WQData LIVE datacenter over a local wireless network. To configure network settings: Establish a connection to the X2’s direct Wi-Fi network. 2. Access the main menu by clicking the menu icon in the top right.
  • Page 28 5. Enter the SSID, Security Type, and Password of the wireless network the data logger will be using. a. Proceed to step 6 if the X2 should automatically be assigned a network address via DHCP. b. For manual configuration, refer to Advanced Network Settings.
  • Page 29 6. Move to the bottom of the page and click the Save Settings button. a. A prompt will appear requesting the X2 Wi-Fi to be reset by inserting a magnet into the lid. b. Cycling power (for X2-CB or X2-SDL models) will also accomplish this reset.
  • Page 30 WQData LIVE web datacenter. b. Due to the above, it is generally advisable to have the device ‘forget’ the X2’s network so that it does not auto-reconnect to it. Figure 5: Click Save...
  • Page 31: Cellular

    4G cellular account setup: Step 1) Verify cellular coverage Prior to selecting a carrier, verify that the deployment location of the X2 data logger has sufficient 4G data coverage. In addition to consulting a coverage map, confirm by visiting the deployment location with a 4G device operating on the carrier network if possible.
  • Page 32 Figure 1: SIM card size schematic. Step 4) Mail SIM card to NexSens Technology for installation and X2 testing Send the SIM card for the X2 telemetry to NexSens for pre-shipment installation and testing (strongly recommended). Please ship the SIM card to:...
  • Page 33: Set An X2 Data Logger Apn Using Connect

    Set an X2 Data Logger APN Using CONNECT Users who have sourced their own mobile data accounts and installed a SIM card will need to configure the associated APN in the X2 logger using the CONNECT software. Power Up RTU Connect the X2 logger to a PC and launch the CONNECT software.
  • Page 34 3. Select Turn Power ON to startup the X2’s RTU. a. Note that this process may take up to 30 seconds to complete (15-sec typical). b. The RTU will power down every 10 minutes and will require the RTU power to be turned on again.
  • Page 35 Figure 3: Response to AT+CGDCONT? command displaying the modem’s currently configured APN profiles. 2. Depending on the model of cellular X2, the system will actively use either the APN setting profiles on the modem. a. Most 4G AT&T and International models will use the APN profile.
  • Page 36 If the required APN is not on the list, which will often be the case, enter the proper APN enclosed in quotations. Figure 5: Example of setting a custom APN on a 4G Verizon X2. 4. Active cid a. In most instances, only one cid will be necessary, and this cid will match the Active cid.
  • Page 37 2. Read the Signal Quality of the system to verify it is within the -51 dBm to -90 dBm range. Figure 7: Verify the signal strength is adequate. 3. Send either the AT#SGACT=1,1 (for AT&T/International) or AT#SGACT=3,1 (for Verizon) direct commands to query the modem to connect to the network and resolve an IP address.
  • Page 38 Figure 9: Modem successfully pinged WQData LIVE. Additional Features Modem Firmware Switch Command (For LE910C1-NF Modems) The LE910C1-NF modem has the ability to switch between Verizon and AT&T modes with a single command. Toggle by entering the following commands in the Direct Command section: 1.
  • Page 39 b. AT#FWSWITCH=0,1 (AT&T/International) At this point, complete the update by cycling power (turn off and on) the modem. Figure 12: Change from Verizon to AT&T/International mode.
  • Page 40 4. Resend the AT#FWSWITCH? to ensure a successful change. Figure 13: Confirm successful mode change. Change the active SIM card holder on ME90G1-WW The ME90G1-WW worldwide modem contains two SIM card holders. If cellular service is purchased through NexSens, a SIM will be inserted into the SIM holder 0 slot, which is active by default.
  • Page 41 active SIM card holder. AT#SIMDET=0 An “OK” response should occur after each command. 3. To switch from SIM holder 0 to SIM holder 1, send: AT#GPIO=8,1,1,1 The SIM holder slot 1 is now the active slot. 4. Enable the active SIM card holder by sending: AT#SIMDET=1 SIM holder 1 is enabled.
  • Page 42: Iridium

    Erase Log Data Erase Sensor Configuration 5. After ~10 minutes (depending on the number of scripts enabled), the X2 data logger will have finished its sensor detection. Check the sensor configuration on the X2 using the DATA tab to review the...
  • Page 43 Set Log and Selective Upload Intervals It is advised to set the selective upload interval for the internal X2 parameters to at least 6 hours; however, this will depend on the Iridium plan purchased for the logger.
  • Page 44 Flow, every 5 minutes, WQData LIVE will request messages from that email and begin processing the X2’s sensor configuration. Once processing is complete, the X2’s sensors and parameter list will be visible on WQData LIVE. Update Logger’s Binary Format 1. Once the configuration is visible, the user must send the “Update Binary Format”...
  • Page 45 2. Navigate to the ADMIN | Settings tab at the top of the WQData LIVE Project Dashboard. Figure 1: ADMIN | Settings tab. 3. Click on the Advanced Device Remote Configuration drop-down menu and choose the logger. Enter code ‘nexsens’ when prompted. Figure 2: Advanced Device Remote Configuration drop- down menu.
  • Page 46: Iridium Transmission Delay

    The reading is initiated and the last sensor completes its measurement at 08:06 The X2 records the new reading internally and signals the system to transmit the data The Iridium data message is delivered to the email server at 08:07...
  • Page 47 Figure 1: Iridium X2 data flow.
  • Page 48: Radio

    Radio Set Up a NexSens Radio Network Each XBEE radio module that ships with a NexSens radio X2 has a unique identifier. Both the base and field nodes use this identifier to establish connections throughout the radio network. All field radios in the network must have the identifier information for the base station as a destination for their logged data.
  • Page 49 Figure 1: Discover available radios. Figure 2: Radio communication settings.
  • Page 50 4. Click the plus icon to the left of the magnifying glass to actively search for the Digi radio device using the previously set communication settings. Figure 3: Add the base radio module. 5. The Digi Base Radio station should soon appear in the Radio Modules list.
  • Page 51 Figure 4: Digi Base Radio detection. Establish Connection with the X2 Base Station 1. Power on the NexSens base station, then click the Link icon next to the Digi Base Radio module to search for the NexSens base station.
  • Page 52 Figure 5: Digi base radio search for NexSens base station.
  • Page 53 Figure 6: NexSens base station found. 3. Open the NexSens base radio settings by selecting the NexSens base station (Example: X2-RC-DG-01300) under the list of radio modules. Figure 7: NexSens X2 base radio station. 4. Scroll down to the Addressing section, then copy the SH Serial Number High and SL Serial Number Low.
  • Page 54 Figure 8: NexSens base radio unique serial number. 5. After copying the information, power down the NexSens base station and apply power to all the field radios. Click the Link icon next to the Digi Base Radio module to search for the nodes.
  • Page 55 Figure 10: Read the field radio settings. 3. After the settings are completely loaded, scroll down to the Addressing section and insert the identifier copied previously into the DH Destination Address High and DL Destination Address Low. a. Write the new destination to the device by selecting the pencil icon next to the parameter.
  • Page 56 4. Power on all of the field nodes first, and then power on the base station. a. This provides adequate time for the field radio nodes to start transmitting their signal to the base station. b. Once all of the field nodes have been found, they will display in the Radio Settings. Figure 13: Successful radio detection of node 01326.
  • Page 57: Connect Sensors

    Logger Logger Tier 1 Sensors These sensors will be automatically detected by the X2. If multiple sensors are connected to the same logger, they must be addressed uniquely. The interface used by the sensors is bolded above each model. RS-485...
  • Page 58 Analog Analog RS-485 SDI-12 RS-232 Kipp & Zonen Li-COR Underwater and NexSens T-Node Pro-Oceanus Solu-Blu Pyranometers Terrestrial PAR Sensors FR/TS210 Temperature Observator ANALITE Dissolved C02 Sensor Strings NEP5000 [Turbidity] SDI-12 SDI-12 or RS-232 SDI-12 SDI-12 SDI-12 Sea-Bird Scientific Seametrics CT2X Seametrics PT12 Level Seametrics TempHion Sequoia LISST-ABS...
  • Page 59: Tier 2 Sensors

    These tasks are often done with a separate PC program provided by the sensor manufacturer. The X2 data logger has a pre-defined script for each sensor in this tier.
  • Page 60: Tier 3 Sensors

    The script is written in Lua and utilizes NexSens-created functions to simplify programming. As long as the sensor communicates using SDI-12, RS- 485, or RS-232 and can be powered from a 12V supply, it should be compatible with the X2. Please contact NexSens for further details.
  • Page 61 SDI-12 SDI-12 RS-232 RS-232 RS-485 GSI Sontek YSI H-3401 Turner Designs C3 Turner Designs C6P YSI ODO Dissolved Argonaut-XR Tipping Submersible Submersible Oxygen Sensor Current Bucket Rain Fluorometer Fluorometer Profiler Gauge...
  • Page 62: Connect Software

    CONNECT Software User-generated generic scripts are possible to create using the CONNECT software; however, it is recommended to contact NexSens before creating a script. Click the logo below to link to the CONNECT software section of the NexSens Knowledge Base to download and learn about CONNECT.
  • Page 63: Uw Connectors

    UW Connectors UW-8 Sensor Port Pinout NexSens X2 and G2-Series data loggers incorporate UW-8 receptacles for connection of sensor cables with UW-8 plug connectors. The pinout for the UW-8 data logger sensor ports is as follows: Figure 1: NexSens X2/G2 data logger 8-pin (UW-8) sensor port pinout.
  • Page 64: Plug Pinout

    CON). This ensures that all signal wires are connected to the appropriate pins, and the connectors are sealed with epoxy to provide fully waterproof connections. While this is critical for use on buoys (X2-CB, X2-SDL data loggers) and in other wet environments, users may in some cases choose to install UW Field Wireable Plugs (part number UW-FWP).
  • Page 65: Uw-Fwp Wiring

    The UW-FWP and UW-FWP-V terminals provide a means of interfacing a flying lead sensor cable to a NexSens UW-8 SensorBUS connector such as the sensor ports on X2 and G2- series data loggers. The ‘-V’ variation is vented and should be used with vented pressure transducers.
  • Page 66 Figure 3: UW-8 plug pin numbering.
  • Page 67: X2 Sensor Detection

    Contrarily, X2 data loggers use sensor detection to simplify the programming requirements for environmental measurement systems. At startup, the X2 automatically scans each of its sensor ports for sensors connected to the logger. This process works by running a series of scripts designed to check for the presence of common sensor types.
  • Page 68: Setup Wqdata Live

    5. Setup WQData LIVE Adding a Data Logger to a WQData LIVE Project During first-time configuration, data loggers are added to WQData LIVE Projects using a Claim Code supplied with each data logger. To assign a data logger using a Claim Code: 1.
  • Page 69 3. After selecting or creating a Project, click on the ADMIN tab and then Settings located at the top of the dashboard. Figure 3: Navigate to ADMIN | Settings at the top of the project dashboard. 4. Click on the gray bar that says Project/Site to open a drop-down menu. Choose Sites to open a second drop-down menu.
  • Page 70 6. Add a new logger by entering the Claim Code in the field near the bottom of the Sites menu. Then click Add Device. a. Locate the Claim Code on the serial label attached to the data logger’s Quick Start Guide.
  • Page 71: Changing Sensor Log Intervals

    Changing Sensor Log Intervals Configure independent sensor Log Intervals for each device connected to an X2 or G2- Series data logger through the Device Remote Device Configuration tool. To update sensor log intervals in WQData LIVE: 1. Navigate to the Device Remote Configuration tool within the administrator settings.
  • Page 72: Changing Data Logger Transmission Interval

    Changing Data Logger Transmission Interval The Transmit Interval in the Device Remote Configuration Tool determines how often a data logger will power up its telemetry modem to contact the WQData LIVE web datacenter. On each transmission, the data logger will: Upload all newly logged data.
  • Page 73: Run Remote Sensor Detection

    Run Remote Sensor Detection WQData LIVE can run a remote sensor detection on an X2 data logger without the need to connect with a configuration cable. Before proceeding, reference the X2 Sensor Detection overview and the Auto-Detection Troubleshooting guide. The detection process will permanently alter the X2 data logger programming.
  • Page 74 4. Click SAVE , then complete the confirmation prompt to submit the command for processing. a. Prior to submitting the sensor detection command, double-check that all considerations laid out in the Sensor Detection Troubleshooting guide have been met. Figure 3: Sensor detection confirmation prompt.
  • Page 75: X2 Logger Diagnostic Readings

    (12) X2 meta parameters/diagnostic readings. X2 Meta Parameter Descriptions 1. Processor Power – The regulated supply power being fed to the X2’s CPU and other internal components. It is nominally 3.3V but typically ranges between 3.2-3.5V. 2. RTC Power – A real-time clock (RTC) lithium coin battery inside each X2 allows the logger to maintain accurate time while powered down or reset.
  • Page 76 All other systems will return ~0V (as shown), indicating that no secondary power input is present. 5. Sensor Power – The X2 regulates power to its sensor ports. Depending on the state of the system’s primary or secondary power, the X2 will boost or reduce sensor power accordingly to maintain a nominal 12V output.
  • Page 77 9. Internal Temperature – Registers the ambient temperature inside the housing of the X2 logger. 10. Internal Humidity – Reflects the amount of moisture in the air inside the X2 housing. Acceptable values will range from a slight negative percentage (effectively zero) up to ~50%.
  • Page 78 Expected values are given in the following: 1. Cellular systems a. -51 to -79 dBm for strong signal strength (~4-5 bars equivalent) b. -80 to -89 dBm for moderate signal strength (2-3 bars equivalent) c. -90 to -99 dBm for weak signal strength (1-2 bar equivalent) d.
  • Page 79 12. Cell Status – The cell status field displays error codes from a failed or compromised X2 data transmission attempt. Similarly to cell signal strength, the cell status parameter applies to all telemetry types including cellular, radio, Iridium satellite, and Wi-Fi.
  • Page 80: Field Installation

    The X2’s mounting kit accessory provides an easy way to attach the logger to a pole, pipe or wall. Mount an X2 to a 1-1/2 to 2″ (38 to 50 mm) pole by following the instructions in this guide. Alternatively, user-supplied screws may be used to mount an X2 to a wall.
  • Page 82: X2 Data Logger Grounding

    Regardless of the environment, measurement systems should always include proper grounding of a data logger and other electronics. Proper grounding helps reduce the risk of expensive damage to the system. For this reason, the X2 data logger comes standard with a grounding kit recommended for installation.
  • Page 83: Troubleshooting And Maintenance

    7. Troubleshooting and Maintenance Running a Sensor Re-Detection After running a sensor auto-detection during initial setup, WQData LIVE receives and parses the specific XML data format that outlines the logger’s sensor configuration (i.e., sensor id, parameter ids, parameter units, etc.). Once the sensor configuration is received, it is saved on the backend of WQData LIVE and used to parse data for future transmissions from the logger.
  • Page 84: Confirming The New Sensor Configuration

    After a successful re-detection, the new sensor configuration must be sent to WQData LIVE. Depending on the extent of the changes, the user may need to contact a support specialist at NexSens Technology to re-create the device on the web. NexSens Technical Support Line: (+1) 937-426-2703 Re-creating the device will make the original device obsolete on the web.
  • Page 85 the old device, and ensure the new device is reading correctly. If the user only adds sensors/parameters, these will be added to the end of the configuration, and the user can update without a NexSens support specialist. In that instance, the user should do the following: 1.
  • Page 86: Check Sp-Series Solar Pack Voltage

    Check SP-Series Solar Pack Voltage In the event of insufficient or unstable battery voltage from an SP-series solar power pack, check the output voltage by measuring directly on the UW-6 plug. Test the pack both in and out of direct sunlight to fully assess the functionality of the solar panel. Use a DC voltmeter or multimeter set to measure at least 20VDC.
  • Page 87: Sensor(S) Not Found During X2 Auto-Detection

    Sensor(s) Not Found During X2 Auto-Detection If an X2 data logger fails to detect a connected sensor following the completion of the auto- detection process, verify the following: 1. Check for proper wiring of sensor signals and seating of all cable connections.
  • Page 88: Desiccant Replacement

    2. Slide tweezers or the tip of the screwdriver packaged with the X2 beneath the wire to expose it. 3. Pull the end of the wire while applying pressure to the top of the X2 to remove it from the track. Use tweezers or needle-nose pliers if needed.
  • Page 89 If the 6-pin power port of the X2 contains a blank plug, there should be noticeable upward pressure on the lid when pressing it downward. c. If the 6-pin port is open, air should be heard escaping from the port when the X2 lid...
  • Page 90 Both of these behaviors signify there is a good O-ring seal that will keep moisture out of the logger. Figure 5: Carefully slide the lid back down onto the X2 base after installing new desiccant. 8. Push down on the top of the enclosure, and then feed the wire back into its track.
  • Page 91: X2 Storage Requirements

    Use the O-ring grease included in the maintenance kit as needed to re-grease the cable/plug connector O-rings. Store the X2, SP solar pack or AC adapter and other logger accessories in a dry, climate-controlled environment. Check the battery voltage on any SP-series solar power packs monthly.
  • Page 92: Warranty

    Limitation of Warranty This warranty is not applicable to any NexSens Technology, Inc. product damage or failure caused by failure to install, operate or use the product in accordance with NexSens Technology, Inc.
  • Page 93: Service Request

    9. Service Request Service Request To return equipment for evaluation and repair, request Return Authorization (RA) are the following link: NexSens Return Authorization An email authorization receipt with reference number will be sent to print and include with your shipment. Products within the warranty period will be fixed at no charge.

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