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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2491 is a reply to message #2490] Fri, 21 April 2017 08:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Yay! That is great news! It will be a couple weeks for the PCBs to finish trace route optimization. Then I'll order PCBs and it will take a couple more weeks for them to arrive so there is plenty of time.

At this point we are getting close enough to warrant a show of hands as to who is interested in building some first generation Linux-SBC boards. This is the most critical phase and will determine the future of the project. Designing the board is the easy part, getting to run is the big challenge!

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2493 is a reply to message #2491] Fri, 21 April 2017 08:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Linux-SBC build and test[ 4 votes ]
1. Will build and test Linux-SBC & want a PCB (~$20) 4 / 100%

Hi
Please click on the poll if you'd like a Linux-SBC PCB. I anticipate the PCB trace route optimization to be done in two weeks. Then I'll order prototype PCBs from easyEDA.com which sells in increments of 5. I'll buy one and hold as reserve board so we'll need 4 more PCBs to fill in the order. If you buy a board you don't have to build and test but it sure would be helpful. Full disclosure: the initial build and test is always the toughest so ought to be challenging, fun, and exciting. It would be helpful to have a logic analyzer too.

Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2496 is a reply to message #2493] Fri, 21 April 2017 10:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Hi Andrew,

I would like to express an interest in ordering a Linux capable 486 SBC prototype PCB.
I already have a working Sergey Xi8088 system, I'm not sure if I will be much help but I have
been putting off the x86 & Linux learning curve for too long and this may just be the ticket.

Best Regards

David Fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2497 is a reply to message #2496] Fri, 21 April 2017 10:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Thanks David! That's great news. I will add you to the list.

The poll above doesn't seem to be working like I expected it to. Please if anyone would like a Linux-SBC PCB please either post here or send me a PM.

I can't see the responses to the poll like I was expecting. Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2498 is a reply to message #2497] Fri, 21 April 2017 10:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ab0tj is currently offline  ab0tj
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I'd like one. Thanks!

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2516 is a reply to message #2498] Sat, 22 April 2017 09:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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That's great! I updated the wiki page with the Derpy initial build and test team. If anyone else would like to join up please let me know. Either post here or send me a PM or an email. Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2520 is a reply to message #2516] Sat, 22 April 2017 09:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Andrew B is currently offline  Andrew B
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At Andrew L's request, I've updated the development wiki page to a new URL - dev:boards:linux-sbc:start

Also added the 3D render of the initial board.

[Updated on: Sat, 22 April 2017 09:36]

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2524 is a reply to message #2520] Sat, 22 April 2017 09:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Thanks Andrew

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2558 is a reply to message #2524] Tue, 25 April 2017 13:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ewout is currently offline  ewout
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I would like one Linux-SBC PCB too Smile

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2559 is a reply to message #2558] Wed, 26 April 2017 03:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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That's great news! With 4 other people there is enough for the 5 initial prototype PCB batch for build and test. If others would like to join in I could bump the order up to 10 but we need another 5 people. The more people building and testing the better because this is a complex project and will be challenging.

I don't know of any other home brew project using a 486 PC/AT style integrated chip set like the 82C465MV so I think we'll be breaking some new ground. Hopefully this will make a path for others to come along to make more 486 (or even 586) style projects.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2598 is a reply to message #2559] Tue, 02 May 2017 00:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ewout is currently offline  ewout
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This would be a very nice resource, especially the bios/firmware code and the fpga/clpd designs.

Still in the process of building my Sergey Xi8088 ISA boards, a very enjoying experience.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2607 is a reply to message #2598] Tue, 02 May 2017 11:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Hi
The PCB trace routing continues and the PCB is looking really good. I plan to order PCBs this weekend. Its probably a good idea to start planning ahead for your builds. I'll post what the PCB run costs and I expect it will be about $20 per PCB plus shipping. Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2609 is a reply to message #2607] Wed, 03 May 2017 02:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ewout is currently offline  ewout
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Looking forward to it!

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2771 is a reply to message #2609] Mon, 15 May 2017 04:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Andrew,

I remember reading somewhere in this post that you have been unable to find a schematic for any 486 motherboards,
I think I have just struck gold, here is a link and files to the AMD 486 PCI development platform.
http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/A/M/4/8/AM486 .shtml

Regards

Dave Fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2772 is a reply to message #2771] Mon, 15 May 2017 04:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Andrew,

by the way, both the ALi M1487 and ALi M1489 are available and in stock at Utsource for about $10 each.
the problem is finding the full data sheets

Dave fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2777 is a reply to message #2772] Mon, 15 May 2017 10:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Yes they've been almost impossible to find. Thanks! I'll add those to the archive. We may need them during build & test debug. Thanks, Andrew

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2779 is a reply to message #2772] Mon, 15 May 2017 12:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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dgf1966 wrote on Mon, 15 May 2017 07:36
Andrew,

by the way, both the ALi M1487 and ALi M1489 are available and in stock at Utsource for about $10 each.
the problem is finding the full data sheets

Dave fry


Wow, that's a strange problem. Normally we can find the part datasheets but not a schematic. Here we have schematic but no chip datasheets. Very odd. Unfortunately without the datasheets it would be next to impossible to work with the chips to debug or program them. I'll bet they exist but are just squirrelled away someplace not obvious. BTW ALI stands for Acer Laboratories Incorporated which is still in business so they may be on Acer's website in their legacy support section.

I looked in the usual places but no luck. Very odd indeed. Good find on the schematics though! Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2780 is a reply to message #2779] Mon, 15 May 2017 13:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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No real results, just tons of dead ends or fragments. Most likely those datasheet never made it to the web although they probably exist somewhere as paper copies.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2781 is a reply to message #2779] Mon, 15 May 2017 13:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Andrew,

I have just found a site with chipset datasheets for many of the ALi chipsets.
the M1489 & M1487 is among them.

http://rl531.bmstu.ru:3000/chipsets/ali/index.html

Regards

Dave Fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2782 is a reply to message #2779] Mon, 15 May 2017 14:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
etchedpixels is currently offline  etchedpixels
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All the ALi data sheets I have from various projects are stamped things like 'Restricted Secret'

which may be why it is so hard to find.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2783 is a reply to message #1784] Mon, 15 May 2017 14:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
davetypeguy is currently offline  davetypeguy
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I went back to their old website using the Internet wayback time machine site and they apparently only gave out datasheets to developers that signed non-disclosure agreements:

Datasheet Request
Datasheets are only available to ALi's development partners and customers who have signed non-disclosure agreements. Unfortunately, datasheets cannot be provided to end-users. ALi will review requests from other developers and grant them on a case-by-case basis.

To request a full version ALi datasheet, please fill out all of the information on the form below. Only one product category is allowed per request form. We will respond shortly. Thank you for your cooperation.

Might be able to request access to datasheets now, since the designs are long past being leading-edge technology.

Dave

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2796 is a reply to message #2783] Tue, 16 May 2017 08:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ajacocks is currently offline  ajacocks
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dgf1966,

I took a look at the datasheet for the M1489/M1487, and it looks good, though it is marked "Preliminary."

Interestingly, there is no marking on the document to indicate that it is company proprietary, or distribution restricted.

Andrew, will this serve the purpose?

- Alex

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2798 is a reply to message #2781] Tue, 16 May 2017 10:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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dgf1966 wrote on Mon, 15 May 2017 16:49
Andrew,

I have just found a site with chipset datasheets for many of the ALi chipsets.
the M1489 & M1487 is among them.

http://rl531.bmstu.ru:3000/chipsets/ali/index.html

Regards

Dave Fry


That's great news! I am away for a few days so would you please upload the datasheets to the RBC wiki page? Then we can use them as reference during the Derpy build and test. Hopefully we don't need to completely retrench and start over but if we do it is good to have some fall back options. So far that's the Intel ULP486, the AMD ALI design, and another from bitsavers which uses a SIS chipset. That's a lot more 486 design schematics than when I started! Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2799 is a reply to message #2796] Tue, 16 May 2017 10:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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ajacocks wrote on Tue, 16 May 2017 11:24
Andrew, will this serve the purpose?

- Alex


It should be sufficient. I'll have to take a look when I get back. Thanks, Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2803 is a reply to message #1784] Tue, 16 May 2017 14:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
davetypeguy is currently offline  davetypeguy
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I added M586-1.pdf, which is the Reference Manual for the "VL-586-1 5x86 Industrial CPU Card for the STD 32 Bus". It is an AMD 486/5x86 design with schematics that includes both the M1487 and M1489 chips.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2804 is a reply to message #2803] Wed, 17 May 2017 05:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Hi, Thanks for uploading. I see the M1487/M1489 datasheet is also uploaded so I appreciate that too. Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2815 is a reply to message #2804] Thu, 18 May 2017 03:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Hi
The Derpy PCBs arrived and I will mail those out today. You should be receiving them soon. Thanks! Andrew Lynch

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2823 is a reply to message #2815] Thu, 18 May 2017 09:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Hi,

Has anyone had any problems opening Pcbnew to view the PCB in the Derpy KiCad file set ?
I can view the schematics fine but get a popup error message when trying to view the PCB in PCBNew.

I am using KiCad build (2013-07-07 BZR 4022)-stable.

I have tried both the Derpy fileset uploaded to this thread and the fileset uploaded to Github
with the same error result, all my other 15 or so KiCad projects are fine.

error screenshot attached.

Regards

Dave Fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2825 is a reply to message #2823] Thu, 18 May 2017 09:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Andrew B is currently offline  Andrew B
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I bet Andrew L. is using KiCAD 4.0.x, which had some changes to the file formats. Your 2013 build predates 4.0.x by 2 years.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2826 is a reply to message #2825] Thu, 18 May 2017 09:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Hi Andrew B.

Thats kind of what I was thinking...
I have a second clean Windows 7 PC I could set aside as a Derpy Project PC and install the newer KiCad 4.0 onto if I need to,
I'm not about to risk breaking my main KiCad install with an upgrade Smile

Regards

Dave Fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2828 is a reply to message #2826] Thu, 18 May 2017 10:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Yes, my projects since Jun 2016 (Xagdin, Jackalope, Derpy, and the 8086 MM SBC) are all done in KiCAD 4.0.x. My original KiCAD installation was pre-4.0 which all the wiki archived projects reflect. I had to update to the newer version but I am still working out the problems. Just in the last week migrated to the Github libraries and footprint libraries and slowly deprecating some of the newly duplicated parts. After 10 years of use, KiCAD builds up a lot of cruft making migration difficult.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2829 is a reply to message #2828] Thu, 18 May 2017 11:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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Thanks for the confirmation Andrew,

I'll transfer all the Derpy files across to my second machine and setup a v4.0.x KiCad install.

regards

Dave Fry

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2842 is a reply to message #2829] Sat, 20 May 2017 05:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Hi
One sort of weird thing which happened is easyEDA.com sent me 6 boards when I ordered only 5. Not quite sure why but I am holding the board assuming there is a "surprise" in store and someone will need a replacement board. I suspect they had to do a second run and these were the best of the 10 or maybe there was something marginal in one of the boards. Or maybe they were just feeling generous. Who knows?


index.php?t=getfile&id=439&private=0

[Updated on: Sat, 20 May 2017 05:45]

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2845 is a reply to message #2842] Sat, 20 May 2017 05:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Oh, as a note of caution. This is an initial build and test. Don't assume anything! Use all the precautions you normally would with a first time build like check the power rails, install only the components you need to test, etc. Slow careful step wise build process. I was as careful and thorough as I could be with Derpy but it is an ambitious project and Murphy is going to have a field day!

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2871 is a reply to message #2845] Tue, 23 May 2017 09:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Has anyone received their boards yet? They should have arrived or will soon for the people in the US. Can't say for elsewhere.

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2872 is a reply to message #2871] Tue, 23 May 2017 09:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ab0tj is currently offline  ab0tj
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Mine showed up yesterday. I still have not found the chipset yet, however...

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2874 is a reply to message #2872] Tue, 23 May 2017 10:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ajacocks is currently offline  ajacocks
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I received mine on Saturday, but haven't had a chance to do anything with it, yet.

- Alex

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2876 is a reply to message #2874] Tue, 23 May 2017 11:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dgf1966 is currently offline  dgf1966
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All my PCB orders shipped from USA have typically taken around 2 weeks to arrive here in the UK.

Not here yet Smile

Regards

David

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2884 is a reply to message #2876] Wed, 24 May 2017 00:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ewout is currently offline  ewout
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Received my board yesterday, pretty fast!
Still searching for some of the components. If someone found the chipset please share the link Very Happy

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Re: Linux capable home brew SBC project [message #2885 is a reply to message #2884] Wed, 24 May 2017 04:38 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
lynchaj is currently offline  lynchaj
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Hi
There are some vendors listed on the wiki dev page under "general/brainstorm". Please feel free to update the wiki page. Thanks Andrew Lynch

https://www.retrobrewcomputers.org/doku.php?id=dev:boards:li nux-sbc:start

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