FARGO® DTC5500LMX CARD PRINTER Model X002100 USER GUIDE PLT-02496 Version: 1.0 November 2015 hidglobal.
Page ii Copyright © 2015 HID Global Corporation/ASSA ABLOY AB. All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced, disseminated or republished in any form without the prior written permission of HID Global Corporation. Trademarks HID GLOBAL, HID, the HID logo, FARGO, iCLASS, iCLASS SE, OMNIKEY, and Seos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HID Global Corporation, or its licensors, in the U.S. and other countries. Contacts For additional offices around the world, see www.hidglobal.
Contents Chapter 1: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1.1 Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.1.4 1.1.5 1.1.6 1.2 Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.
Page iv 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.5.4 3.5.5 3.6 3.7 Lamination Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15 Overlay/Print Area Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 3.7.1 Chapter 4: K-Panel Resin Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19 3.9 Printer Info Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1 Specifications The purpose of this section is to provide specific information on the Regulatory Compliances, Agency Listings, Technical Specifications and Functional Specifications for the HDP8500 Card Printer/Encoder. 1.1 1.1.1 Regulatory Compliance Agency Regulatory Compliance UL The Card Printer is listed under UL 60950-1 (2nd edition) Information Technology Equipment.
Page 1-2 1.1.2 Specifications United States This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Specifications 1.2 1.2.1 Page 1-3 Safety Messages Safety Messages - United States Symbol Danger: ESD: Critical Instructions for Safety Purposes Failure to follow these guidelines results in personal injury or death. To prevent personal injury or death: Reference the following safety messages before performing an operation. Always remove the power cord prior to performing repair procedures, unless otherwise specified. Ensure only qualified personnel perform these procedures.
Page 1-4 1.2.2 Specifications Safety Messages - French Canada Symbole Danger: ESD: Instructions critiques visant la Sécurité Si ces directives ne sont pas suivies les résultats peuvent être des lésions corporelles ou la mort. Pour éviter des lésions corporelles ou la mort: Rapportez-vous aux avis suivants de sécurité avant de procéder à une opération. Retirez toujours le câble d’alimentation avant d’effectuer des procédures de réparation, sauf spécification contraire.
Specifications 1.2.
Page 1-6 1.2.
Specifications Component Encoding Options Supported Page 1-7 Description • 125kHz (HID Prox) reader • 13.56 MHz (iCLASS, MIFARE, ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693) read/write encoder • Contact Smart Card Encoder reads from and writes to all ISO7816 1/2/3/4 memory and microprocessor smart cards (T=0, T=1) as well as synchronous cards. • ISO Magnetic Stripe Encoding, dual high- and low-coercivity, Tracks 1,2 and 3 Hopper (input) Card Capacity Single hopper: 100 cards (.030” / .762.mm) Dual hopper: 200 cards (.
Page 1-8 Specifications Component Description Print Ribbon Options • Full-color with resin black and overlay panel, YMCKO* (500 prints) • Full-color half-panel with resin black and overlay panel, YMCKO* (850 prints) • Full-color with two resin black panels and overlay panel, YMCKOK* (500 prints) • Full-color with fluorescing, two resin black panels and overlay panel, YMCFKO* (500 prints) • Full-color with fluorescing, two resin black panels and overlay panel, YMCFKOK* (400 prints) • Resin black and ove
Specifications 1.4 Page 1-9 Functional Specifications This card printer utilizes two different, yet closely related printing technologies to achieve its remarkable direct-to-card print quality for dye-sublimation and resin thermal transfer. 1.5 Printer Components: Print Ribbons The card printer utilizes both dye-sublimation and/or resin thermal transfer methods to print images directly onto blank cards.
Page 1-10 1.5.1 Specifications Ribbon Types and Print Counts The following table lists print capability of each ribbon type. 1.
Chapter 2 Setup and Installation Procedures This section describes the setup and installation for the DTC5500LMX Card Printer. 2.1 Selecting a Good Location The following guidelines help to ensure optimal printing performance: 2.1.1 Place the unit in a location with adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup. Use the printer's dimensions as a guideline for the minimum clearances to the unit.
Setup and Installation Procedures 2.2 Page 2-2 Unpacking and Inspection While unpacking the printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has occurred during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included with the unit: 2.3 Software Installation CD (includes Printer Driver, Online User Guide and Printer Diagnostic Tool) US/EU Power Cable USB Cable (2.
Page 2-3 2.3.1 Setup and Installation Procedures Driver Installation Instructions Start the installation process by inserting the Driver CD into the computer; then, follow the Installation Wizard screen prompts. 1. Select Install the Printer Driver to go through the driver installation wizard. 2. Select the Install the FARGO Workbench to install the Diagnostic program. 3. All versions of Windows require Administrator rights. 4.
Setup and Installation Procedures 2.4 Page 2-4 Installing the Print Ribbon Cartridge FARGO Direct-to-Card Printers require highly specialized supplies to function properly. The FARGO DTC5500LMX Card Printer uses a one piece, disposable ribbon cartridge system. To maximize printer durability, reliability and printed card quality, you must use only FARGO-certified supplies. Your FARGO warranty is void, where not prohibited by law, if you use supplies other than FARGOcertified supplies.
Page 2-5 2.5 Setup and Installation Procedures Installing Blank Cards into the Input Card Hopper The FARGO DTC5500LMX Card Printer is capable of printing single feed cards and multiple feed cards (batch mode). To print a single feed card, remove all cards from the input card hopper, leave its door closed and place a card in the single feed card slot (which can be used repeatedly). 1. Load the cards with the print side down and (if applicable) the magnetic strip up and towards the front of the printer.
Setup and Installation Procedures 2.6 Page 2-6 Card Size Selection The Card Size (standard CR-70 and CR-80) must be set in the printer and in the Printer Driver Preferences. 1. Slide out the front assembly, which exposes the card switch. 2. The card switch is clearly marked with the 2 card options. Slide the switch to the card size needed. LEFT for the CR-79 card. RIGHT for the CR-80 card. PLT-02496, Version: 1.
Page 2-7 Setup and Installation Procedures 3. From the Driver Printing Preferences (right-click the printer icon and select Printing preferences), Select the Card tab. 4. Select the correct card size from the Card Size pull-down list. 5. Click OK. November 2015 PLT-02496, Version: 1.
Setup and Installation Procedures 2.7 Page 2-8 Printer Power To connect power to the printer, follow this procedure. Note: Do not connect the printer’s USB cable until prompted during the printer driver installation. 1. Plug the power cable into the back of the printer. 2. Plug the wall power cable into a standard 100-240VAC power outlet. 3. Press the printer’s ON/OFF button to power on the printer.
Chapter 3 Printing Preferences This chapter provide an overview of the Printing Preferences of the DTC5500LMX. To locate the Printing Preferences menu select Start > Devices and Printers. Right-click the printer icon and select Printing preferences. 3.1 Card Tab Use the Card tab to select options for the card as well as diagnostics and calibration. November 2015 PLT-02496, Version: 1.
Page 3-2 Printing Preferences Field Card Size Definition Select the appropriate card option: • CR-79: 3.313 x 2.063 inch (84.14 x 52.39 mm). • CR-80: 3.452 x 2.204 inch (87.7 x 56 mm). Inches/mm: Card sizes will display in inches or mm, depending on the option selected. Print Width & Print Length: The dimensions of the total print area for each card size. Note: These print area dimensions are .04 in (1 mm) larger than the actual card size.
Printing Preferences 3.2 Page 3-3 Device Options Tab Use the Device Options tab to set print options. Field Definition Supplies Automatically detect the installed Ribbon and Film for every print job: Use this option to verify that the ribbon type selected matches the installed ribbon. The printer changes the Ribbon Type to the correct setting. Ribbon Type: Use this option to manually select the ribbon type.
Page 3-4 Printing Preferences Field Definition Options Note: The availability of options below is based on the Ribbon Type selected. Rotate Front 180 Degrees: Adjusts the orientation of the first page of the card design to accommodate the location of a chip or RFID sensor. Rotate Back 180 Degrees: Adjusts the orientation of the second page of the card design to accommodate the location of a chip or RFID sensor. Disable Printing: Disables printing. Write Only: For rewritable cards.
Printing Preferences 3.3 Page 3-5 Image Color Tab Use the Image Color tab to control the sharpness, contrast, and gamma of the printed image, as well as the individual color balance of yellow, magenta and cyan. Field Image Quality November 2015 Description Color Matching: There are two selections for color matching in the drop-down list.
Page 3-6 Printing Preferences Field Heat Advanced Settings PLT-02496, Version: 1.0 Description The Heat area includes sliders for adjusting the temperature when printing with various types of ribbons. Dye-Sub Intensity (YMC): Move the slider to the left to use less heat in the printing process, resulting in a lighter print. Move the slider to the right to use more heat, resulting in a darker print. Note: This slide only affects those images printed with dyesublimation ribbon panels.
Printing Preferences 3.3.1 Page 3-7 Advanced Image Color Tab Select Advanced Settings on the Image Color tab. The graphic on the right will display the current settings. Group or Field Description Image Quality Sharpness: Move the slider to the right to sharpen the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease sharpness. Contrast: Move the slider to the right to increase contrast in the image. Move the slider to the left to decrease contrast.
Page 3-8 Printing Preferences 3.4 Image Calibrate Tab Use the Image Calibrate tab to control the position of the printable area in relation to the card. Group or Field Image Position PLT-02496, Version: 1.0 Description Use the Image Position controls to position the image on a card. Adjust the image position values by clicking on the Vertical and Horizontal adjustment arrows.
Printing Preferences 3.5 Page 3-9 Magnetic Encoding Tab Select the Magnetic Encoding tab to configure the Magnetic Stripe encoding process. These options are only available if the printer has an optional Magnetic Stripe Encoding Module installed. Field Description Encoding Options Encoding Mode: Change the encoding mode and coercivity setting or modify the ISO standards for tracks 1, 2 and 3. Options are: • ISO Encoding (see Section 3.5.1: ISO Encoding Option) • Custom Encoding (see Section 3.5.
Page 3-10 Printing Preferences Field Description Magnetic Track Options Encoding Mode: Displays the Encoding Mode selected above. Character Size: Customize the character data size used to encode the magnetic data on the currently selected track. Note: Character size includes the parity bit (if enabled). Selections vary for the selected encoding mode.
Printing Preferences 3.5.1 Page 3-11 ISO Encoding Option With ISO Encoding, a formatted set of characters are sent down. This selection activates the Track tabs. However, all functions on the Track tabs are inactive or gray and display ISO defaults, which are the defaults listed for each track below. The Shift Data Left option remains inactive. 3.5.2 Custom Encoding Option With Custom Encoding, all options are active. The default is ISO Encoding.
Page 3-12 3.5.3 Printing Preferences Raw Binary Encoding Option With Raw Binary Encoding, a raw binary string rather than a formatted set of characters is sent down. The Coercivity drop-down function is active and the Shift Data Left option is not active. All functions on the Magnetic Track Options tabs are inactive except for Bit Density. 3.5.4 JIS II Encoding Option With JIS II Encoding, specific standards are used.
Printing Preferences 3.5.5 Page 3-13 ISO Track Locations The magnetic Encoding Module encodes onto tracks in accordance with an ISO 7811-2 Magnetic Stripe. 3.5.5.1 Sending the Track Information Magnetic track data is sent in the form of text strings from the application software to the printer driver. In order for the printer driver to differentiate between magnetic track data and the rest of the printable objects, specific characters must be added to encode the magnetic data.
Page 3-14 Printing Preferences Reviewing the Sample String Track 1: ~1%JULIEANDERSON^1234567890? Track 2: ~2;1234567890987654321? Track 3: ~3;1234567890987654321? Track Start Sentinel End Sentinel Field Separator Valid Characters Maximum Number of Characters Track 1 % ? ^ ASCII 32-95 (See the table) 78 Track 2 ; ? = ASCII 48-63 (See the table) 39 Track 3 ; ? = ASCII 48-63 (See the table) 106 ASCII Code and Character Table ASCII Code Character ASCII Code Character ASCII Code Ch
Printing Preferences 3.6 Page 3-15 Lamination Tab These options allow control of the printer's lamination process. When no laminator is detected, the lamination tab is active but all functions are disabled. Field Description Lamination Position Use this control to adjust the horizontal position of the laminate. Only the horizontal position needs adjustment. Default is 0. To adjust the position, click on the horizontal adjustment arrows.
Page 3-16 Printing Preferences Field Description Lamination Type Laminate type can be specified for one or two cartridges, depending on cartridge availability. The type of laminate affects the temperature required for lamination. Transfer Temperature: Adjust the temperature by moving the slider. Automatically Detect Installed Laminate for Every Print Job PLT-02496, Version: 1.0 Use the option to auto-detect the installed lamination.
Printing Preferences 3.7 Page 3-17 Overlay/Print Area Tab Use the Overlay / Print Area tab to control and customize where the Overlay (O) panel and/or the print area appear on the card. By default, this option is set to print and overlay the entire card. The orientation of the card display area is determined by the orientation specified in your template. For additional information, see Appendix A. Field Description Front/Back Specify the side of the card to apply the area definition.
Page 3-18 Printing Preferences Field Description Overlay/Print Area (continued) For Print and Overlay: This option applies the defined area to both the print and overlay processes. For Overlay Only: The defined are applies only to the overlay process. The entire card prints and only the overlay is affected. For Print Only (No Overlay): The defined are applies only to the print process. Overlay is disabled. Visual Security Solutions: Enables a visual security option.
Printing Preferences 3.8 Page 3-19 K-Panel Resin Tab Use the K-Panel Resin tab to control where the resin black (K) panel of a full-color ribbon is printed. If printing with a ribbon type that does not have a K-Panel, all K-Panel Resin options will be disabled. Resin black text is desirable due to its sharp, saturated color (good for barcodes). By default, the printer driver will print all True-type black text and True-type barcodes with the resin black (K) panel of the print ribbon.
Page 3-20 3.9 Printing Preferences Printer Info Tab The Printer Info tab displays information about the printer Ribbon, Film, Laminate (Cartridge 1), and Laminate (Cartridge 2). Group or Field Description Ribbon Indicates Ribbon Type, Reorder Number and remaining level. Indicates the Printer Printer PLT-02496, Version: 1.
Chapter 4 ToolBox The ToolBox is located on the DTC5500LMX Card Printer Printing Preferences, Card tab. See Section 3.1: Card Tab for more information. November 2015 PLT-02496, Version: 1.
ToolBox 4.1 Page 4-2 Configuration Tab When ToolBox is selected on the Card tab this is the default screen that opens. See Section 3.1: Card Tab for more information. Field Description Optional Printer Features Automatically Detect Features that are Installed in your Printer: If selected the driver retrieves the installed printer features information from the firmware and automatically checks the appropriate options. The features are read-only and cannot be updated.
Page 4-3 4.2 ToolBox Calibrate Laminator Tab The Calibrate Laminator tab is active when the laminator is automatically detected or when the laminator is manually checked as a feature on the Configuration tab. Note: The lamination module must be warm before calibrating. Calibration may also be performed from the printer LCD. See Section 3.10.2: Sensor Calibration Options. To Calibrate the Laminator: 1. Ensure that the cartridges are out of the Laminator. 2. Ensure the Laminator cover is closed. 3.
ToolBox 4.3 Page 4-4 Calibrate Ribbon Tab To Calibrate the Ribbon: 1. Take out the ribbon drawer and remove the ribbon. 2. Reinsert the empty ribbon drawer. 3. Click Calibrate. 4. After calibration has completed, take out the ribbon drawer and reinstall the ribbon. Reinsert the ribbon drawer into the printer. 5. The printer will beep twice if the procedure was successful, once if the procedure failed. 6. Click the OK button to complete the procedure.
Page 4-5 4.4 ToolBox Clean Printer Tab To Clean the Printer: 1. Remove all cards from the Card Hopper. 2. Take out the ribbon drawer and remove the ribbon. 3. Reinsert the empty ribbon drawer. 4. Remove the paper backing from both sides of the Cleaning Card. Note: DO NOT remove small liner strip if a magnetic encoding module is installed in your printer. 5. Insert the Cleaning Card into the Card Hopper’s in-feed rollers. See the diagram below. 6. Click the Clean button. 7.
ToolBox 4.5 Page 4-6 Advanced Settings Tab Use the Advanced Settings tab for adjusting the internal printer settings. These settings have been customized for every printer at the factory. Note: Any changes affect settings for the firmware. To modify a Setting, click on the numeric value in the cell, click the up/down arrow to modify the value, or select the value and type a new value. Field Description Setting This column displays the name of the Setting.
Page 4-7 4.5.1 ToolBox Settings Information Setting Description Head Resistance This is factory set. If the main board or the printhead is replaced then adjust this number. Locate the printhead setting number on the bottom of the printhead. The number reads R=XXXX. Print Left of Form Image Darkness Print Top of Form Use this option to adjust the vertical position of the printed image on the card; so it appears centered. Maximum Adjustment Range is +/- 127. Each increment equals .01”.
ToolBox Page 4-8 Setting Description Mag Lo-Co Voltage Offset This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. Note: This is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician. This setting is a calibration driven value and should not be adjusted. Ribbon Green LED Level Note: This is factory set and should not be changed unless directed by a technician. Ribbon Blue LED Level PLT-02496, Version: 1.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 5.1 System Overview Knowing the sequence of the printer operation helps when troubleshooting the printer. Troubleshooting utilizes the printer error buttons, error messages and printer-specific tools. 5.1.1 Sequence of Operations 1. File information is received from the PC. 2. Printer compares the installed ribbon type stored in memory with the ribbon type command that was sent from the printer. If the ribbon type does not match, the Pause button (on the right) flashes. 3.
Troubleshooting Page 5-2 22. After ribbon advances a few encoder clicks, assume the ribbon is free of card. All stop. 23. Repeat Steps 9 through 22 for the appropriate number of color/overlay Panels. 24. Either the card is ejected from the singled-sided printer or the card feed stepper engages to queue the card for the flipper table for the dual-sided printer. 25. All stop. 5.2 Printer Error Buttons The DTC5500LMX uses both button messages and message display.
Page 5-3 Troubleshooting This format allows the troubleshooter to identify the error and its cause, and then perform the procedure provided in the solution column. This standard mode of identifying the problem and its solution should provide an efficient method of troubleshooting this printer If you encounter problems beyond the capabilities of this error message table, you should contact Technical Support.
Troubleshooting 5.2.3 Page 5-4 Troubleshooting with the Error Message Table Error Message Cause Solution #2 Head Move Error The printhead lift has malfunctioned. Reset the printer and try again. If this problem persists, call for technical assistance. #8 Head Sensor Error The printhead temperature sensor is not functioning or is not connected properly. Or, the printhead is not cooling properly. Reset the printer and try again. If the problem persists, call for technical assistance.
Page 5-5 Troubleshooting Error Message Cause Solution # 64 # 65 # 66 Reboot Required Unspecified system error detected by the printer firmware. Reset the printer and try again. If this problem persists, call for technical assistance. # 67 General Utility command does not exist. Verify the command and reenter. # 68 Card in Printer A card is jammed in the print station or card flipping area of the Printer. Clear the jam and press the Pause button. Multiple cards were fed into the printer.
Troubleshooting Error Message Page 5-6 Cause Solution # 99 Ribbon Error The print ribbon has either broken or jammed. If jammed, clear the jam. If broken, repair by taping the ribbon back on to the take- up core. Press the Pause button to continue or the ON/OFF button to cancel. # 100 Ribbon RFID Error There is no ribbon or the ribbon tag information is corrupted or incorrect. Verify the printer driver settings for correct Ribbon. Try a new ribbon and continue. Press the ON/OFF button to cancel.
Page 5-7 Troubleshooting Error Message Cause Solution # 131 Flipper Jam/Home Error A card has become jammed in the printer’s flipper table. The flipper failed to position properly while aligning a card or flipping a card. Clear any cards in the flipper table, using the buttons to move the card out. Resume printing. Reset the printer and retry. If problem persists call for technical assistance. # 136 Secure Guard Print Disabled Printing is disabled by SecureGuard until a password is received.
Troubleshooting Page 5-8 Error Message Cause Solution # 25 Ribbon not Installed No ribbon is installed in the printer. Install a ribbon and retry. # 30 Mag Verify Error Magnetic encoding verification has failed. Try encoding with a different card. Verify cards have the magnetic stripe. Replace the magnetic encoding module. # 31 No Mag Module The printer is not configured with the encoder data type that you are trying to send.
Page 5-9 Troubleshooting Error Message Cause Solution # 81 Unable to Feed The printer is unable to feed a card from the input card hopper. Check the following, then press the Pause button to continue. Verify the card thickness setting is set to the thickness of your cards. Verify the Cleaning roller is properly installed on the Ribbon Cartridge. Check for card slippage. If necessary, run the Printer cleaning routine. Verify that your cards are within the perimeters accepted card size range.
Troubleshooting Page 5-10 Error Message Cause Solution # 107 Printing Error An error was detected during printing. Reset the printer and try again. If this problem persists, call for technical assistance. # 109 # 113 Ribbon Release Error The printer cannot locate the next ribbon panel in order to release the ribbon from the card. Ensure that the ribbon is not stuck to the card. Replace the ribbon. Recalibrate the ribbon sensor.
Page 5-11 5.2.4 Troubleshooting Printer-Specific Tools The status icons are as follows: This icon indicates that the print ribbon supply is low and will require replacement soon. The entire ribbon cartridge must be replaced. This icon indicates that the printer needs to be cleaned. This icon is only displayed for printers with an attached dual-input card hopper and indicates that the top input hopper is currently selected.
Troubleshooting Page 5-12 5.2.4.1 Additional Printer Specific Tools Label Description INFO Printer Type Firmware Version IP Address Flipper Lamination Magnetics E-Card Password Card count TEST PRINTS Color Photo: Select this choice to print a color card to test communication and integrity. Alignment: Select this choice to print a card used to align the print image on the card. Settings: Select this choice to print a card with the Advanced settings.
Chapter 6 Firmware Upgrades 6.1 Upgrade Information To upgrade the printer’s firmware, perform the following steps: 1. Run the FARGO Workbench Card Printer Utility. 2. If running FARGO Workbench Version 3 or greater: a. Select the Update Manager utility. b. Select the printer(s) to update. c. Select the Select Firmware file option to locate or enter the latest firmware file (i.e. FRW-00373_DTC100_v2.3.3.20.frm). d. Locate the firmware file and click Open. e.
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Chapter 7 Technical Support 7.1 Technical Support This section provides you with an efficient, step-by-step procedure to be used when contacting HID Global Technical Support, as needed, for this card printer. Contact the HID Global Technical Support Group by phone at (866)607-7339 Ext #6 or by fax at (952) 946-8492 for additional technical assistance. OR Contact HID Technical Support. Position a phone near the printer and computer so the Technician can help to troubleshoot the printer.
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Page 12-i Revision History Date Description Document Version November 2015 Initial release. 1.0 June 2015 PLT-01485, Version: 2.
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