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Minstrel S
User Guide
Version 1
GU-90023058

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Summary of Contents for Novatel Minstrel S

  • Page 1 Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 2 Novatel Wireless Inc. unless such commitment is expressly given in a covering document. The information herein is the exclusive property of Novatel Wireless Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic storage, repro- duction, execution, or transmission without the prior written consent of Novatel Wireless Inc.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started ............................4 Welcome............................ 5 Requirements ..........................6 Overview of the Minstrel S Modem.................... 7 Overview of the Minstrel S Software ..................10 Charging the Battery........................ 11 Installing the Minstrel S Software .................... 12 Connecting the Minstrel to the Visor..................13 Configuring the Minstrel......................
  • Page 4: Getting Started

    Getting Started Getting Started Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 5: Welcome

    Getting Started Welcome Welcome to the Minstrel S User Guide. This guide provides information on using the many com- ponents and features of your Minstrel S Wireless Springboard Modem, including the follow- ing: • General information about the Minstrel S modem and software •...
  • Page 6: Requirements

    Getting Started Requirements The following is required to set up and use your Minstrel S for sending and receiving data across the Internet: • A Handspring Visor handheld computer • Desktop software that allows you to communicate between your desktop PC and the Visor •...
  • Page 7: Overview Of The Minstrel S Modem

    Configurable Button On the front of the Minstrel S there is a button that can be customized to launch any program when pressed. For information on how to customize this button, refer to Configuring the Button. Minstrel S...
  • Page 8: Status Indicator Leds

    Getting Started Status Indicator LEDs The Minstrel S has three LED indicators that allow you to easily determine the status of various modem parameters. Service LED The LED labeled with the icon below indicates the status of the connection to the Wireless IP net- work.
  • Page 9 AC adapter is still plugged in and, therefore, powering the unit. Flashing The Minstrel’s battery is low and requires charging. For more information on charging the battery, refer to the section entitled Charging the Battery. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 10: Overview Of The Minstrel S Software

    Getting Started Overview of the Minstrel S Software In order for you to easily configure and operate your Minstrel S, there are two main software pro- grams included with the Minstrel S modem. These programs, which are described below, are already installed on the flash memory of the unit.
  • Page 11: Charging The Battery

    Getting Started Charging the Battery The Minstrel S contains a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. This battery is shipped only partially charged, so it is necessary to charge the battery to its full capacity before using the unit. To charge the battery, plug the AC adapter (supplied) into an outlet and insert the barrel connector into the DC jack found on the top of the Minstrel.
  • Page 12: Installing The Minstrel S Software

    Getting Started Installing the Minstrel S Software The software necessary for configuring and operating the Minstrel S is already installed on the Minstrel’s flash memory. Third-party email and web browsing applications, including Eudora® and AvantGo™ are also installed on the flash memory. Therefore, no software installation is neces- sary to access the Internet using your Minstrel S.
  • Page 13: Connecting The Minstrel To The Visor

    The Minstrel S uses Handspring’s Springboard technology to attach to and communicate with your Visor handheld computer. In order to configure and use your Minstrel S, you must first con- nect the Minstrel to the Visor by following the directions below.
  • Page 14: Configuring The Minstrel

    Getting Started Configuring the Minstrel In order to connect to the Internet, the Minstrel S must first be configured with the necessary parameters to be able to register to the Wireless IP network. To configure the Minstrel, first insert the Minstrel into the Visor’s expansion slot as explained in Connecting the Minstrel to the Visor.
  • Page 15: Connecting To The Internet

    Getting Started Connecting to the Internet To send and receive data across the Internet using the Minstrel S, a connection to the Wireless IP network is required. To register to the network once configuration has been completed, simply insert your Minstrel S into the Springboard slot of your Visor. The Modem Manager program will automatically run, attempting to connect to the network.
  • Page 16: Working With The Minstrel S

    Working with the Minstrel S Working with the Minstrel S Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 17: Managing The Network Connection

    PPP session. Connecting to the Network To establish a connection, or register, to the Wireless IP network, simply insert the Minstrel S into the Visor’s expansion slot. The Modem Manager will automatically launch and attempt to register to the Wireless IP network. If the Minstrel S is already inserted, tap the Applications icon and then the Minstrel icon to start the Modem Manager software.
  • Page 18 Working with the Minstrel S You can also tap the Menu icon and select Shutdown from the Minstrel menu to de-register and power off the unit or use the Power Switch utility, which is described in Using the Power Switch.
  • Page 19: Using The Power Switch

    Working with the Minstrel S Using the Power Switch The Power Switch utility allows you to quickly power on and power off your Minstrel S with the tap of a button. Starting Power Switch To start the Power Switch utility, tap the Applications icon and then the Power Switch icon.
  • Page 20 Powering On the Minstrel S To power on the Minstrel S, start the Power Switch utility and tap the Turn Modem On button. As soon as the Minstrel S is turned on, it will attempt to register to the Wireless IP network. Minstrel S...
  • Page 21 Working with the Minstrel S Powering Off the Minstrel S To de-register and power off the Minstrel S, start the Power Switch utility and tap the Turn Modem Off button. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 22: Changing The Configuration

    Working with the Minstrel S Changing the Configuration Unless instructed to do so by your network provider or by Novatel Wireless, you will not need to change the configuration of your modem once the Setup Wizard has been run. In the event that you do need to change the configuration, you can either run the Setup Wizard utility again or directly edit the settings using the Config screen in the Modem Manager software.
  • Page 23: Updating The Flash

    Minstrel S Updater .prc file. To update the software on the flash, first install the Minstrel S Updater application on to your Visor as you would any other application and tap the Applications icon and then the Minstrel S U icon.
  • Page 24 Working with the Minstrel S To begin the software update, first ensure that the Minstrel S is inserted into the expansion slot, and then tap the Update Now button. NOTE: Do not remove the Minstrel S from the Visor’s expansion slot while using the Updater utility.
  • Page 25 Once the update is complete, reset your Visor by tapping the Reset button when the window below appears. NOTE: If the software currently installed on the Minstrel S is a more recent version than the update, the following message will appear when the Update Now button is tapped.
  • Page 26: Using File Mover

    Working with the Minstrel S Using File Mover Since both the Visor and the Minstrel S have their own separate memory, the File Mover applica- tion has been included with the Minstrel S. This application allows you to delete items from the memory of either device or move items between the two devices.
  • Page 27 Working with the Minstrel S The pick list just above the list of contents controls whether applications, data, or both are dis- played. Tap the Sort button to change the way the memory contents are displayed. The Sort Options window will open, allowing you to change the way the contents are sorted and what information is displayed using the Sort by and Show pick lists, respectively.
  • Page 28 Moving or Copying Items to the Minstrel S To move or copy items from the Visor’s RAM to the Minstrel S’s flash, start File Mover and then tap the Internal box in the top, right-hand corner of the screen if it is not already selected.
  • Page 29 Tap OK when asked to confirm that you wish to either move or copy the items. The following screen will appear, showing the status as the items are being moved or copied. NOTE: Do not remove the Minstrel S from the Visor’s expansion slot while transferring files. Minstrel S...
  • Page 30 To move data or applications from the Minstrel’s flash to the Visor’s RAM, start the File Mover pro- gram and select the Minstrel S box in the top, right-hand corner. Tap the check box beside the item(s) you wish to move or copy.
  • Page 31 Tap OK when asked to confirm that you wish to either move or copy the items. The following screen will appear, showing the status as the items are being moved or copied. NOTE: Do not remove the Minstrel S from the Visor’s expansion slot while transferring files. Minstrel S...
  • Page 32 Working with the Minstrel S Deleting Items from the Minstrel S To delete items from the Minstrel S’s flash, start the File Mover application and select the Minstrel S box in the top, right-hand corner. Tap the check box beside the item(s) you wish to delete.
  • Page 33 Tap OK when asked to confirm that you wish to delete the items. The following screen will appear, showing the status as the items are being deleted. NOTE: Do not remove the Minstrel S from the Visor’s expansion slot while deleting files. Minstrel S...
  • Page 34: Configuring The Button

    Working with the Minstrel S Configuring the Button The button found on the front of the Minstrel S can be customized to launch any application you choose when pressed. For example, you can configure this button to launch a web browsing application.
  • Page 35 Working with the Minstrel S Then, tap HotSync..Tap to open the pick list to the right of the Modem icon. Select the application you would like to have launched when the button is pressed from the list. Minstrel S...
  • Page 36 Once you have selected the application to launch and it is listed to the right of the Modem icon, tap the OK button. The next time you press the button on the Minstrel S, the application you selected will automati- cally launch.
  • Page 37: Setup Wizard

    Setup Wizard Setup Wizard Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 38: Introduction To Setup Wizard

    Setup Wizard Introduction to Setup Wizard Before the Minstrel S can register to the Wireless IP network and connect to the Internet, certain network properties must be configured. Setup Wizard is designed to guide the user step-by-step through this configuration. It includes instructions for setting the service provider and network con- nection properties.
  • Page 39: Starting Setup Wizard

    The Setup Wizard utility is accessed through the Modem Manager software. Insert the Minstrel S into the Springboard expansion slot of your Visor to automatically start Modem Manager. If the Minstrel S is already inserted, tap the Applications icon and then the Minstrel icon to start Modem Manager.
  • Page 40 The following screen will appear when Setup Wizard has been started, giving information on the steps to be completed during the setup process. To start with the first step in the configuration, tap the Next>> button. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 41: Select Provider

    Setup Wizard Network Provider In order to send and receive information across the Internet using your Minstrel S, an account with a Wireless IP network provider is required. The Network Provider screen contains a single pick list for you to select the network provider you would like to use.
  • Page 42 If you would like to use a network provider not shown on the list, select Other and then enter the SPI of the chosen network provider on the dotted line in the Other Entry window. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 43 NOTE: If you do not know the SPI of the network provider, enter 0. After you have entered the SPI, tap the Done button. Once the correct network provider appears on the Network Provider screen, tap Next>> to advance to the next step. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 44: Configure Palm Device

    In order for your Visor to communicate properly with your Minstrel S, certain Network Preferences settings must be configured. The Configure Palm Device screen allows you to easily configure these settings. To set the Network Preferences to the default values for the Minstrel S, tap the Configure Prefer- ences button. Minstrel S...
  • Page 45 Setup Wizard Once the Network Preferences have been set to their default values for the Minstrel S, the screen will show that the configuration is complete. Tap the Next>> button to advance to the next step in the setup. If you do not wish to change your Network Preferences from their current settings, tap the Next>>...
  • Page 46: Contact A Provider

    Setup Wizard Contact a Provider The next step in setting up your Minstrel S is contacting your chosen network provider to set up a Wireless IP service account. The network provider you selected previously and the EID of your Minstrel S are shown on the Contact a Provider screen.
  • Page 47 Setup Wizard If you wish to change the network provider, tap the <<Back button until you reach the Network Provider screen and then select another provider as explained in the section entitled Network Provider. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 48: Settings

    Setup Wizard Settings In order to configure your Minstrel S, you must enter the network addresses supplied by your net- work provider in the Settings screen. To enter the IP address, tap to select the first segment of the IP Address: field.
  • Page 49 Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses in the same way in the Primary DNS: and Sec- ondary DNS: fields, respectively Once the network addresses have been entered correctly, tap the Next>> button to advance to the next step. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 50: Confirm Settings

    Confirm Settings The Confirm Settings screen shows the network addresses entered in the previous step. If the addresses are incorrect, tap <<Back to change the addresses. If the addresses shown are correct, tap Next>>. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 51 Setup Wizard The software will save the settings and power down the modem before moving on to the next step. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 52: Auto Config

    Setup Wizard Auto Config The Auto Config screen confirms that your Minstrel S has been configured. The next step in configuration is testing the network registration. Because it may take some time for your network provider to activate your Wireless IP account, you may need to wait before advancing to the next step.
  • Page 53 Setup Wizard If it will take some time to activate your account, wait the specified time and then tap the Next>> button to advance. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 54: Check Network

    When you first advance to this step, the modem will attempt to connect to the Wireless IP network, showing the progression of the connection in the Service Connection Progress window at the bottom of the screen. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 55 If the modem is not able to register, you may need to contact your network provider to verify the addresses you entered and that your account is active. If you need to change any of the settings entered previously, tap the <<Back button. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 56: Successful

    Setup Wizard Successful The Successful screen confirms that your Minstrel S has been successfully configured and pro- vides information about third party applications. Tap Done to close the Setup Wizard utility and return to Modem Manager, where the modem will register to the network.
  • Page 57: Modem Manager

    Modem Manager Modem Manager Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 58: Introduction To Modem Manager

    Introduction to Modem Manager The Modem Manager software provides you with control over the connection to the Wireless IP network and status information about the Minstrel S. Navigating Modem Manager The Minstrel screen is the main interface used in the Modem Manager software. Tapping the Menu icon when you are in this screen opens the Modem Manager menu bar.
  • Page 59 The Network Preferences panel of the Palm OS is opened. Setup Wizard The Setup Wizard utility is started. Advanced Menu The Advanced menu provides access to more advanced features and controls for the Minstrel S. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 60 The table below lists the commands that can be found in the Help menu and the action that occurs when the command is selected. Command Action Modem Info A window containing information about the Minstrel S modem, including the EID and hardware and firmware version number, is displayed. About A window containing information about the Modem Manager software, including the software version num- ber, is displayed.
  • Page 61: Starting Modem Manager

    S and the Modem Manager software will start, automatically connecting you to the Wireless IP network. If your Minstrel S is already attached to the Visor, tap the Applications icon and then the Minstrel icon to start Modem Manager.
  • Page 62 Then, the modem will attempt to find an available Wireless IP network provider. Once the modem finds a Wireless IP provider, information is exchanged between the modem and the provider’s network. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 63 Minstrel screen will appear, showing the status of the connection. If the Minstrel has not previously been configured, a window will appear asking if you wish to use the Setup Wizard utility to configure your modem. Tap Yes to start Setup Wizard. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 64 If you tap No, the following message will appear informing you that you will not be able to register because the modem is not configured. Tap OK to close the window and return to the Minstrel screen. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 65: Minstrel

    Minstrel Battery The battery status bar shows the amount of charge left on the Minstrel’s battery. RSSI This status bar shows the strength of the signal being received from the Wireless IP network. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 66 Each of the possible numbers, 1 through 7, correspond to a specific registration error. To read an description of the error, tap on the text box of the Registration Error field. A window will open explaining the error. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 67 When the modem is connected to the network, the Shutdown button appears at the bottom of the screen instead of the Connect button. When this button is tapped, the modem de-registers from the Wireless IP network and powers off. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 68 This menu bar provides access to various commands used to control and config- ure the modem. For more information about the menu bar, refer to Navigating Modem Manager in the section Introduction to Modem Manager. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 69: Config

    Modem Manager Config The Config screen provides access to the configurable settings and features of the Minstrel S. Opening the Config Screen To open this screen, tap the Menu icon when the Minstrel screen is open and select Config from the Advanced menu.
  • Page 70 Fields IP Address The IP Address text field shows the current IP address of your Minstrel S. This value should not be changed unless you are instructed to do so by your Wireless IP network provider. To edit the IP address, tap the text of the IP Address field to open the IP Address Entry window.
  • Page 71 Auto Power Off The Auto Power Off field shows whether the Auto Power Off feature of the Minstrel S is enabled or disabled. If this feature is Enabled, any time the active PPP session is closed the modem will de-register from the network and power off.
  • Page 72 Network Provider The Network Provider field indicates what side of the Wireless IP network your Minstrel S is con- figured to use. Each area of the Wireless IP network has an A side and a B side, with a single net- work provider assigned to each side.
  • Page 73 Setup Wizard utility. PreferSvcID indicates that the modem will first try to register with your chosen network provider, but if it cannot, it will attempt to use another provider. Selecting IgnoreSvcID or Any SvcID tells the modem to use the first available network provider it finds. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 74 Channel Hot List will be used. When this field is set to Hybrid, first the channels in the Channel Hot List will be scanned. If no usable channels are found, the modem will scan all the other channels. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 75 If you use this feature, you will need to completely re-configure your modem using Setup Wizard before you can register to the Wireless IP network again. If you do tap this button accidentally, tap Done to close the window without saving the changes. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 76 Done Button Tap the Done button to close the Config screen without saving any changes you have made to the settings. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 77: Detailed Status

    The Detailed Status screen shows more detailed status information about the network connection and the modem. Opening the Detailed Status Screen To access this screen, tap the Menu icon when the Minstrel screen is open and select Status from the Advanced menu. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 78 Minstrel is currently using. FBLER This field represents the rate of errors in data transmission from the Wireless IP network to your Minstrel S as a percent- age of the data transferred. RBLER This field represents the rate of errors in data transmission from your Minstrel S to the Wireless IP network as a percent- age of the data transferred.
  • Page 79 The battery status indicator LED will start flashing red before this point. This field indicates the Temporary Equipment Identifier that has been assigned to your Minstrel S by the Wireless IP network. As you move into different service areas, the TEI will change. RegErr This field will show a number between 0 and 7 indicating any errors in the registration process.
  • Page 80 Modem Manager Controls Done Button Tap the Done button to close the Detailed Status screen and return to the Minstrel screen. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 81: Push Message Configuration

    Push Message Configuration The Push Message Configuration screen allows you to enable or disable the push message fea- ture of the Minstrel S. Push messaging allows you to receive notification of messages even when a PPP session is not active.
  • Page 82 To disable push messaging, tap the Disabled box. The new setting will automatically be saved to the modem as soon as the box is tapped. In order to save the settings, the modem must power off and then power on again. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 83 Modem Manager To close the Push Message Configuration screen and return to the Minstrel screen, tap the Done button. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 84: Terminal

    Modem Manager Terminal The Terminal screen provides an internal terminal emulator for communication with the Minstrel S, allowing you to further customize the operation of your Minstrel using the AT command set. AT commands are commands used to control various types of modems. Wireless IP modems have their own set of AT commands, which contains some of the commands used by wireline modems but also includes commands specific to Wireless IP modems.
  • Page 85 Modem Manager Controls OnLine Button Tap the OnLine button to open communications with the Minstrel S. OffLine Button Tap the OffLine button to close communications between the terminal emulator and the Minstrel Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 86 By tapping on this line, you can make a cursor appear which allows you to enter any text you wish to send to the Minstrel S. When entering commands this way, you must tap Send to send the command to the Minstrel, as it will not be sent automatically.
  • Page 87 Send Button Tap the Send button to send any commands entered on the Command Entry Line to the Minstrel Clear Button Tap the Clear button to clear any text from the text display area. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 88 In the top corner of the Terminal screen, there is a pick list that allows you to select the baud rate to be used between the Minstrel S and the terminal emulator. The Minstrel S is set to communi- cate at 19200 bps.
  • Page 89: Ping

    The Ping screen enables you to ping another IP address to see if it is accessible. Opening the Ping Screen To open this screen, tap the Menu icon when the Minstrel screen is open and select Ping from the Advanced menu. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 90 The Size: field displays the size of the packet you wish to send to the chosen IP address. This value can be edited by tapping on the dotted line and changing the text on that line. Status The status of the ping will be shown below the Size: field. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 91 Once the IP address and size are entered, tap the Send button to ping the address. Done Button Tap the Done button to close the Ping screen and return to the Minstrel screen. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 92: Glossary

    Glossary Glossary Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 93: Glossary A-H

    Wireless IP modems. auto power off Auto power off is a feature of the Minstrel S that, when enabled, will cause the modem to de-register and power off whenever the active PPP session is closed.
  • Page 94: Glossary I-R

    PPP, or Point-to-Point Protocol, is a method of connecting a device to the Internet. In order for the Minstrel S to send and receive information across the Internet, a PPP session must first be established. A session is automatically opened when the modem registers to the network.
  • Page 95: Glossary S-V

    Glossary S-V scanning The Minstrel S will look for the best cellular channel to use for data transmission by scan- ning through the channels. This involves measuring the signal strength of various chan- nels to determine which is the strongest and, therefore, most reliable.
  • Page 96: Glossary W-Z

    SPNIs. Wireless IP Wireless IP is a group of wireless protocols used to access the Internet. CDPD, which is used by the Minstrel S, is one of the protocols. Minstrel S User Guide Version 1...
  • Page 97: Index

    Index Index Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 98: Index A-Co

    74 Channel Hot List field 72 channel, definition 93 charging the battery 11 Check Network screen 54 closing the PPP session 18 Color field 78 Config command 60 Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 99: Index Co-Em

    Minstrel S 30 to the Minstrel S 28 customer support 5 data LED 8 DC jack 7, 11 deleting items from the Minstrel S 32 de-registering 17, 21 definition 93 Detailed Status screen 77 Done button 80 disabling...
  • Page 100: Index En-Ld

    12 Internet 15 introduction to Modem Manager 58 Setup Wizard 38 IP address 48, 50 definition 94 IP Address field 70 IP field 79, 90 launching applications with the button 34 Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 101: Index Le-Ou

    58 navigating 58 starting 61 modem overview 7 Modem Ready Registered field 65 moving items from the Minstrel S 30 to the Minstrel S 28 navigating Modem Manager 58 Setup Wizard 38 network connection 17 Network Preferences panel 59...
  • Page 102: Index Ov-R

    90 pinging 89 definition 94 PL field 78 Power Switch 19 starting 19 powering off the Minstrel S 21 powering on the Minstrel S 20 PPP session closing 18, 59 definition 94 Preferences panel 34 primary DNS address 48, 50...
  • Page 103: Index S-St

    SPNI, definition 95 Springboard expansion slot 13 starting File Mover 26 Modem Manager 61 Power Switch 19 Setup Wizard 39 Status command 60 status indicator LEDs 7, 8 status of ping 90 stub antenna 7 Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...
  • Page 104: Index Su-Z

    52 WASI field 78 WASI, definition 96 welcome 5 Wide Area Service Identifier, definition 96 wireless IP service 6 Wireless IP, definition 96 Wireless Provider field 66 working with the Minstrel S 16 Minstrel S User Guide Version 1 GU-90023058...

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