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REX 6000 Help Page News Archive

November 1 - 15, 2001

November 15, 2001

Updated RexReader - version 1.2 released. (From Peter)

"RexReader V1.2 is out with the following changes:

- Links to other memos are now working
- Status indicator if you are at the beginning or end of a memo
- _ can be escaped
- Tabs are now rendered correct (one tab goes to the next 10. pixel)
- paging up or down is handled better
- more stable code
- exit bitmap button should now work

This seems to be the first usefull (and I hope stable) version. And I have a web site where all this stuff resides.

http://members.a1.net/peter.kogler/RexReader/readme.htm

New (again!) Bulls and Creots! (From Michael)

Download here!

REX case option. (From Laurens)

Laurens has a REX case suggestion that looks very nice - and a wonderful web page with many pictures and detailed descriptions:

"A while ago I bought this stainless steel business card holder. It's strong, looks good, and fits a Rex very nicely, and leaves a bit of space for stylus (pen), paper, batteries, etc. For me, I think this is a pretty good candidate for 'best Rex case option'. I put together a quick & dirty web page with some data & pictures at http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/schrynem/ .

Oh, and sorry for the Lycos pop-ups :-)"

November 14, 2001

Updates to Birthday add-in. (From Arjan)

Menashe provided Arjan some feedback and the Birthday add-in has been updated by Arjan, including a correction to display the correct upcoming birthday.

The file can be downloaded from http://briefcase.yahoo.com/arjanmeskers

November 13, 2001

New Birthday add-in. (From Arjan)

"I've created an addin to view all birthdays in the calendar. It displays the name, the age the person becomes on his/hers next birthday, and the date of the next birthday.

The syntax in the calendar is the following:

- Name (birthyear)
- Repeat type is yearly

The file can be downloaded from http://briefcase.yahoo.com/arjanmeskers

I wanted to build in a scrollbar so you can scroll through the list, but I couldn't get it right (maybe because this is my first addin). If anyone has any ideas, or wants to to implement a scrollbar, go ahead, but please let me know if it is finished."

REX 3/Pro/5 series on Windows XP - any successes?

So far the word isn't good for the REX 3/Pro/5 series on Windows XP. We have one report in:

"Rex-3 in the pcmcia slot with Windows XP (and Outlook XP) - has anybody gotten this to work? Tried the Win2k drivers but no luck. Can't find anything at xircom/intel and rex.net is shut down. Any help is greatly appreciated."

If anyone has any experiences (good or bad) to report, let us know!

November 12, 2001

Citizen responds - no pointer w/DS2 case! (From Liam)

Citizen has finally responded to Zmcnulty on the pointer question raised by a post on RRC. Evidently the Citizen web site is incorrect - the pointer is not included w/the DS2 case. It may be ordered separately for about $6 USD. Z's comment (he has a DS2 case and pointer that came with his DS2):

"... I don't think a pointer is worth $6 . . . [and] there are better options now. Besides, it's not even the best one, it's too small to hold."

Sooooooooooo, we have an issue here. We expected the pointer to be included, although many of us were also assuming we weren't going to use it. :-) Options:

A request . . . please don't order a pointer unless you think you are really going to use it - adding them to the order process is going to complicate things further for those who are helping to make this happen.

And a concern . . . this probably won't happen, but if we have a lot of cancellations that may affect pricing on the cases (reduce our volume discount). More on that if it becomes an issue.

REX 6000 source for UK residents! (From Peter S.)

A lot of current (and future) UK REX users have been asking about a source for the REX 6000. Thanks to Peter, here's one that has units in stock!

"I am a UK resident...and got my Rex a couple of weeks ago through http://www.amazon.co.uk. Type "Rex 6000" into the search engine and up comes a list in the Z-shops section.

The merchant is spectre@cyburban.com and although they are based in the States I got the machine in my hand within a week. (One thing don't expect a shipping acknowledgement) At last count they had 17 in stock

Cost $83 (Serial cradle)
International Shipping $25
THAT IS A TOTAL OF £74 - BARGAIN!"

New RexReader version 1.1 released. (From Peter K. )

"RexReader V1.1 is out with the following changes:

I got a little bit of feedback ... that my addin locks the REX when using the bitmap exit button, so I disabled it."

New Bulls and Creots update released. (From Michael)

"It's at members.tripod.com/personal_itch/bulls01b.zip.

It has 2 enhancements:

  1. You can now untap a number prior to guessing
  2. You can play again without exiting."

REX 6000 source in Italy. (From Antonio)

"Just to say that in Italy you can find Rex 6K on www.puntoinformatico.it for about 90 euros The device is the 1 MB one."

November 11, 2001

Additional updates and clarifications on Intel support for the REX 3/Pro/5/5000 series units. (From Peter)

You can also find this information in our REX FAQ.

As of November 19, 2001, technical support for the REX 3/Pro/5/5000 series units will be provided by web documents only. No live or e-mail support except for warranty questions or issues. Warranty will still be honored by calling 916-377-7000 (the new support number, the old 805-376-9200 number either no longer works or is currently being forwarded to the new number). Intel has refurbished REX units in stock so replacements shouldn't be a problem, but the standard warranty applies. Intel cannot replace the unit without a charge if you are outside of the standard warranty period.

The above updated support information will be on the Intel site "soon." Customers who email in for support will receive a response in which the first paragraph informs them if their product has been designated for web based support. . . Sometime this week a message will be posted on the Intel site somewhere about the many Xircom products being added to the list of those whose email support is terminated.

Listing of all the REX models shipped and unshipped. (From Peter)

REX Model summary:

- REX-3 (Franklin)
- REX3000 (Xircom, but it was never manufactured, there is no card out there that says REX3000).
- REX-Pro5 (Franklin)
- REX5000 (Xircom's version of Franklin's Pro5)
- REX5001 (No such real model. The box says 5001, but it's really a 5000 with a serial docking cradle).
- REX5500 (a silver edition of the REX 5000)

Source for advice on USB issues. (From Maik)

"Having read the latest news on your page, I wanted to share a very good ressource for USB- related problems with all others: www.usbman.com. It's a general resource, but some of the tricks there may be useful for all who are experiencing problems with the USB cradle; -updating the BIOS is one of the first things they advise."

Sounds like a great place to look for help if your USB cradle isn't responding to suggestions from our FAQ or Operating Systems pages.

November 10, 2001

Online vendor for the Saitek lighted stylus. (From Rob)

Rob located an online vendor for the Saitek lighted stylus that we heard about recently:

"The Saitek lighted stylus you just posted is available for $10 at Yahoo:

http://store.yahoo.com/saitekusa/pdaaccessories1.html"

Progress on sync with Novell Groupwise! (From Luke)

"I have been working on getting the REX to sync with Novell GroupWise and have had some success. For those who are interested, I have compiled a page that talks about all the options I have found to do this. http://www.erinat.com/rex/GroupWise/."

REX 6000's getting very hard (impossible?) to find in the UK. (From Martin)

The REX 6000 is getting harder and harder to find in the UK. If anyone has any sources, please let us know so we can get the information out to folks looking for it!

REX 5001's in the UK. (From Martin)

If you're looking for a REX 5001 in the UK, you're in luck:

"I've found 8 in stock at Insight.com/uk

http://www.insight.com/cgi-bin/bp/147753273/uk/result.html?t=A&a=s&f=p&d=REX&x=13&y=6

description:-
rex pc card 512kb pcmcia win w
mfg's part # REX5001/E

rex at 59 pounds
usb cradle at 25 pounds"

USB cradle problems may be relieved by BIOS updates. (From Anthony)

"I have tried for the last month to try and install the drivers for the usb cradle with Windows XP. I have tried all the tips users have suggested without any luck.

My problem was that when I would provide the driver files, my PC would automatically reboot (after blue screening a second or so).

Well, last night I decided to look for an updated BIOS rev for my desktop. After applying the updated BIOS, and provided the driver files and all was successful."

BIOS updates should not be taken lightly, but it is something to consider if you are having difficulty w/the REX and the USB cradle on your PC. See our Operating System page for an updated Windows XP section with USB cradle troubleshooting advice. Advice for XP users trying the USB cradle may also be useful to Win 2000 users.

And another perspective on the USB cradle and XP. (From Thomas)

"I got the USB cradle working on my system running WindowsXP Professional and Office XP.

The way I got it to work was to:

  1. Completely uninstall the Rex software and drivers.
  2. I then deleted the directory as the uninstall left the directory.
  3. I then reinstalled the software. It needs to be the updated version that Xircom posted back in March.

At this point XP detected the hardware and I told it to look in the system32 folder for the drivers.

One thing to check, if you can, is to make sure that the USB ports are working."

November 9, 2001

Intel REX support update - support for REX 3, Pro, 5000, 5001 models to end this month!

Intel is closing down their support for the earlier REX models:

"There won't be any email support starting 11/19 for the REX-3 and REX-Pro5/REX 5000 (there is already no phone support for these earlier REX models). Starting 11/19, email support will end."

REX 6000 support changes - tech support moved to Intel's site.

From the Intel web site on REX 6000 Technical Support:

"Online Technical Support has moved to Intel.com. Intel Corporation acquired Xircom in March 2001. Web and telephone contact support information for both Xircom and Intel branded products may now be obtained at the Intel Support Website. We will continue to provide the same level of expertise you've come to know, now for a more comprehensive family of networking solutions through the Intel website and telephone support numbers."

"Xircom customers with open cases: Please note that you are no longer able to view cases online. Rest assured that your issue is being resolved. Your case will be responded to within 48 hours of being opened."

The REX FAQ page has been updated with the following tech support contact information for the REX 6000:

If you can't find your answer here, you can contact Intel's Technical Support at:

For now, you can also find software downloads and FAQs for all the REX models at Xircom's old REX.NET site.

Customized Microtech Vault case looks mighty cool. (From Roger)

When Roger discovered that the Microtech case didn't come with a spot for the stylus, so he went to work creating one. His results look very nice indeed:

And another Microtech Vault customization. (From Luke)

"I have been using the MediaVault case to carry my REX everywhere (and I love it). I did make some small changes to it and thought others might be interested. You can see it here: http://www.erinat.com/rex/casemods/

The hole I made so the alarm would be louder didn't work as well as I thought it would. For some reason I thought that by putting a hole over the reset button, it would let more sound through - but I don't think it turned out that way."

DS2 to REX user provides report on satisfaction w/the conversion. (From Chris)

Below is an interesting exchange between Chris and a DS2 user he assisted in loading the REX firmware on his DS2. Their exchange below consists of a series of questions from Chris (preceded by the ">" symbol) and his responses:

"> How's your "new" Rex working? Any surprises or problems?

Everything seems to be perfect, except the memory size. The DS2 has 1Mbyte only (I tested it by downloading known amount of web content).

> Does the converted DS2 support the Rex "web browser" feature? If you are willing to give it a try, there are a couple options - please see Rex6000.org "Web Sync" link for more info. Note: I haven't tried any of these myself, as I have no interest in loading web content on my Rex!

I tried the rex.mammy, and it seems OK. Anyway this task is mainly done by the Intellisync, isn't it?

> Also, simple question: do the white buttons along the bottom of your DS2 work properly? The only "wrong" one should be the "Books" button, which now should display the "Download web content..." screen, correct?

Not really, the converted DS2/REX has the same button positions as the REX, which is slightly different from the DS2.

> Is there any speed advantage or battery life advantage to using the DS2 as a Rex? That is, is your converted Rex/DS2 any faster or have longer battery life than a "real" Rex? Unfortunately, I know of no simple empirical tests for either. Personally, I suspect there is no significant difference. There is only so much that can be done with the "ancient" Z80 processor!

I guessed the higher speed from the shorter expected battery lifetime predicted by the japanese manual (which could mean higher clock frequency in case of the same architectures) - but it has no real significance in my case.

> Regarding "real memory size", it is now quite clear that the Rex actually has nearly 3MB available for database, and the "2 MB" displayed on the Memory function is a hard-coded approximation.

The DS2 seems to be the 1Mbyte REX version - with a hiragana/katakana/kanji character map hidden somewhere.

Thank you very much again, Chris!"

Lighted stylus option for under $10 US!! (From George)

"Just found it. Saitek puts out a lighted stylus. its the same length as a common pda stylus but the tip is lighted. found it at Best Buy for $9.99."

REX-compatible wallet from Brookstone (From George)

"Brookstone has a two slot pants pocket wallet with a belt clip. the rex can slide into one slot and the other will hold business cards etc. Cost is $20.00"

REX prices on eBay falling a bit. (From Chris)

". . . the average sale prices of Rex 6000's on eBay has been creeping down. I finally bid on one yesterday - this one's not-quite-new-in-box, won it for $61 plus $8 shipping. The new-in-box Rex's are often going for $70 or less now."

The REX for sale in the Netherlands (From Gregory)

"Just to let u know, the cheapest offer i could find in the Netherlands for a rex 6000 is at www.beat-it.nl It sells for for 290.36 incl VAT."

REX sold out at Access in Germay. (From Oliver)

". . . the rex 6000 serial version is sold out at www.axxess-berlin.de."

November 8, 2001

We're back! Upgrade to XP and all re-installs completed.

Thanks for your patience and understanding while we were going through the OS upgrade. The good news:

New Euro-Calc add-in released! (From Guillame)

" You'll can find a first version of a new "home made" Addin (thanks to the REXDK team) on my site, both in french & english.

EUROCALC is a mini calcultor with EURO currencies automatic convertor, with a double display screen. IT is very usefull for me, and I hope it will for other european people."

New add-in to render text w/formatting on the REX! (From Peter)

"I have written an addin that can render text with formatting. See the attached readme.htm file for info and a screenshot:.

This addin is fully functional but a little bit limited (hardcoded links) due of my timeline at work. I would like to get feedback from users if i should continue working on the program, or if nobody wants (needs) it.Best regards and Thanks for your work,"

Find Peter's new add-in and related documentation here.

November 4, 2001

Marek updates his rex.mamy.to web sync site!

Marek generously provides the only web-sync replacement site for REX users. His web sync site provides content ranging from weather to football news. Best of all, users can choose to add their own content and make it private or public. Thanks, Marek!

"Hi all!

I updated my site http://rex.mamy.to/rexnet/start.php. I updated Help/FAQ section and.... now pages can be updated automatically!

So, with dynamic pages you are able to have fresh news, weather etc. It can be updated once or twice a day. Just watch new field named Url:-)"

Selim throws in the towel for USB and XP on his laptop.

Selim had been one of the few reporting success w/USB and Windows XP, and had offered some troubleshooting tips (see our Operating System page). Bad news, though, on his laptop:

"Hi everyone, I just spent three hours trying to get the USB cradle working on a laptop with XP installed. It just doesn't want to cooperate.

I had reported earlier that it worked with my desktop and I still don't know why it works there and not on my laptop. So all I can say is that it has to be a hardware issue. Maybe different motherboards have different ways of implementing the USB interface. If anyone is willing to try it with a new motherboard (or even a USB 2.0 card) that they recently installed in their system I'd like to hear from them."

November 3, 2001

Not-a-Spreadsheet add-in updated. (From John)

This is an interesting add-in, and John is willing to customize it to your specifications!

"!NOT A SPREADSHEET UPDATED

There is a working version! All functions work including, power, roots, log, exp. This release configured as a financial calculator with present value, future value, loan amortization and a sample function sheet. HARDCODED FORMULAS.

ALSO released a CUSTOMIZED version requested by a user. He sent me some equations related to his businiss and invoicing and estimating quantities. I compiled the addin with his equations. If you want a customized version let me know!"

Another REX 6000 source. (From Peter)

"**Xircom REX-6000 Micro PDA for $85** - 12:31 pm Several readers spotted the Xircom REX-6000 Micro PDA at HardDriveOutlet.com for $84.99. It's lowest price we've seen on this PDA, and a leather case is included, free."

If you are looking for a REX 6000, remember to check out our REX and REX Stuff Vendors pages.

Pentopia pic from Tubalips.

Tubalips has adapted his Pentopia Pen/Stylus for use in the REX by abandoning the pen cap. Fits well, and with the secret reset pointer hidden inside, provides three functions - pen, stylus, and REX reset:

"... I use the Pilot Pentopia Pen/Stylus. Without the pen cover (I discarded it) it appears to be the same length as the Zebra. But it has a spring-loaded stylus on one end and a writing pen on the other. It also stays put in the elastic stylus holder in the leather case. . . (see blurry photo below):

I discarded the pen top. It isn't really needed and it fits the case better without it. I also like the hidden internal PDA "reset" pin that you find when you unscrew the stylus side of the pen. I have only had to use it twice, but it is real handy when needed."

For other stylus options see (what else?) our Stylus Options page in the REX and REX Vendors section.

Canadian battery group-purchase - get in now or you might miss it!

An update from Mike on the progress on his Canadian group battery purchase:

"BTW, I've already had a couple of Canadian users interested in my battery purchase, so looks like it's a go. Given my battery level, I'll probably put the order in sooner than later."

If you're interested in getting in on this, get in touch with Mike soon!

Business Card Case w/Integrated Pen. (From Chuck)

"I have seen a lot of cool cases on this page and thought I would add my two cents.

I found a business card case at Things Remembered. There is a small slot to put the Rex and a place for a few busines cards or plain paper. The key to holding my REX in place was to use a set of small plastic, self-sticking feet. There is a pen which holds the case shut that I use as the stylus. The case does a good job of protecting the REX, but I still would not put in my pants pocket. I have a Microtech case for that. I have included a picture from the Things Remembered web page and how I use the case.

The integrated pen makes this a "one-stop" solution for REX case and pen/stylus, as long as you use appropriate care w/the pen. Chuck's case is called the "Pocket Memo and Card Case," (Item #502362) and retails on the site for $19.95 USD. More pics on our Case Options page.

November 2, 2001

Win 2K/USB troubleshooting advice. (From Greg)

"I installed my usb cradle but it took some extra effort.

Navigate to the device manager and in the USB section, you may notice some yellow warnings for the usb dock. click on this and click reinstall driver. Continue past the WinXP warning on installation and it will ask for a driver. Browse to the win2K folder of the install files. Click on the file requested. Reboot the computer. It's also good to install the software before you connect the cradle.

There were three yellow errors I corrected through the device manager for the usb dock, etc. and now it works great. Good luck and e-mail back with any questions."

Pen/Stylus options are coming out of the woodwork! (From Carl)

Pen/stylus options that folks have adopted seem to be about as varied as could be imagined. Carl has an option that while a bit too wide for replacing the stylus in the leather REX wallet, offers a classy alternative for those seeking a compact pen for use w/the REX:


The Tornado Elite pen.

"Since everyone seems to love stuff like this, I will show you the pen I use. It clips on the inside of my billfold, and closed it is 3 1/2" long. When closed, you can use the back end as a stylus. You can get one at The Writer's Edge web site. . . Thanks to everyone who has made this Rex community so great!"

See our Stylus Options page for pictures of the Passport pen (also 3 1/2" or 90 mm long), or go to The Writer's Edge site and poke around in the Retro 51 pens section. The Writer's Edge is a fun site to wander around in - lots of very cool stuff!

More case options as well from The Writer's Edge!

Follow "Card Cases" link under the Retro 51 section on The Writer's Edge web site for some interesting card cases that might work well w/the REX:

More pics on our Case Options page, including an attache-case style.

Who are we? An update on the amazing scope of our community of users.

The table below lists visitors to this site in order of frequency. Quite a diverse, world-wide group!

Commercial (.COM) HUNGARY (.HU) INDIA (.IN)
Unknown (.???) ISRAEL (.IL) LATVIA (.LV)
Networks (.NET) ARGENTINA (.AR) CHILE (.CL)
NETHERLANDS (.NL) CROATIA (.HR) NIUE (.NU)
GERMANY (.DE) UNITED STATES (.US) COSTA RICA (.CR)
Educational (.EDU) FINLAND (.FI) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (.AE)
CANADA (.CA) SAUDI ARABIA (.SA) VENEZUELA (.VE)
United Kingdom (.UK) SOUTH AFRICA (.ZA) PHILIPPINES (.PH)
AUSTRALIA (.AU) BRAZIL (.BR) ROMANIA (.RO)
SINGAPORE (.SG) IRELAND (.IE) LITHUANIA (.LT)
BELGIUM (.BE) THAILAND (.TH) TONGA (.TO)
AUSTRIA (.AT) NEW ZEALAND (.NZ) KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (.KR)
SWEDEN (.SE) INDONESIA (.ID) LEBANON (.LB)
ITALY (.IT) HONG KONG (.HK) YUGOSLAVIA (.YU)
POLAND (.PL) SLOVENIA (.SI) PERU (.PE)
JAPAN (.JP) MALAYSIA (.MY) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (.DO)
FRANCE (.FR) SLOVAKIA (Slovak Republic) (.SK) GUATEMALA (.GT)
SWITZERLAND (.CH) URUGUAY (.UY) JORDAN (.JO)
RUSSIAN FEDERATION (.RU) LUXEMBOURG (.LU) ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (.AG)
GREECE (.GR) UKRAINE (.UA) TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (.TT)
DENMARK (.DK) Int. Organizations (.INT) ICELAND (.IS)
US Dept of Defense (.MIL) BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (.BN) BULGARIA (.BG)
CZECH REPUBLIC (.CZ) TAIWAN (.TW) MALTA (.MT)
Organizations (.ORG) ESTONIA (.EE) MAURITIUS (.MU)
PORTUGAL (.PT) ECUADOR (.EC) EGYPT (.EG)
US Government (.GOV) CHINA (.CN) NAMIBIA (.NA)
SPAIN (.ES) CYPRUS (.CY) BELARUS (.BY)
MEXICO (.MX) TURKEY (.TR) CAYMAN ISLANDS (.KY)
NORWAY (.NO) COLOMBIA (.CO)  

New daily hit count high reached.

Another milestone - we passed the 900 hit barrier this month! There were 916 hits on the 30th! Something to do the October Blue Moon??

Mon Oct 22 2001: 775

Tue Oct 23 2001: 737
Wed Oct 24 2001: 726
Thu Oct 25 2001: 691
Fri Oct 26 2001: 682
Sat Oct 27 2001: 451
Sun Oct 28 2001: 443
Mon Oct 29 2001: 828
Tue Oct 30 2001: 916
Wed Oct 31 2001: 784

November 1, 2001

Sharing information w/the Sharp Wizard developers. (From Benjamin)

"I've emailed rexextras.net about this; I thought I might mail you too as rex6000.org appears to be the primary rex support page. The rex (6000 and predecessors) and the sharp wizard oz730/750/770 appear to contain the same, or very similar processors (t6b31 series z80-based microcontroller). This means that cpu-related hardware and programming knowledge of one organizer is useful for the other.

It would seem to make sense to share relevant info instead of everyone working things out from scratch :) The primary sharp wizard development site is http://www.ozdev.com/ I've yet to find a complete datasheet on the cpu; if I do, I'll let the rex community know."

Benjamin's suggestion would seem to be an excellent one! There has already been one post on the REX Developer's mailing list regarding similarities in the Sharp and REX related to sound generation (Ugg - you should check out the note table at http://www.ozdev.com/knowledge/hardware/internals/sound.htm!).

Calling all Canadians - group battery purchase idea. (From Mike)

"I'm planning to do a purchase of CR2016 batteries from Digikey, because the batteries at my local store are (I kid you not) $5 each. If there are other Canadian rex users out there, I can get 50 batteries for $40 CDN. That includes shipping and brokerage, but not tax. Ideally I'd like to split the cost with three other people, giving us each around 12 batteries each. I'd like to place this order by the end of next week."

Please get in touch w/Mike if you are interested in getting in on this purchase!

Novell Groupwise users - unite! (From Luke)

"I just got my REX last week and I love it! I am also a former PalmPilot user (gave it away today) who has relied on syncing with GroupWise for calendar and tasks.

I haven't found a really good solution for this kind of configuration, so I contacted a GroupWise developer who specializes in third-party integration and communication. He said he could easily create a program that will sync the Intellisync Desktop with GroupWise.

So now my question: Do you have any idea how many people might be interested in syncing their REX with GroupWise? If there is enough interest, he will do it then charge a small fee for licensing."

If you are a Groupwise user and would like to get in on this opportunity, please contact Luke!

REX source in Sweden. (From Jonatan)

Jonatan has found a retail store source for the REX 6000 in Sweden:

"I just bought my rex 6000 (USB) in a store in Sweden for 499, swedish money (aprox. 45-50 USD at the moment). The store is named Computer City and they have several stores around the country. I've had it for 2 days and love it allready. And yes, it is new. And no, it isn't damaaged in any way."

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