Mercury Vessel View 4 User manual

© 2016 Mercury Marine VesselView 4
8M0120668 316 eng

90-8M0120668 eng MARCH 2016 Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 - Getting Started
VesselView 4 Overview............................................................. 2
Buttons................................................................................. 2
Rear Panel........................................................................... 3
VesselView 4 Screen Display Locations and Descriptions........ 3
How to Update Your VesselView 4 Software............................. 4
Obtaining the Latest Software.............................................. 4
Upgrading VesselView......................................................... 4
Installing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor................... 5
Maintenance.............................................................................. 6
Display Screen Cleaning...................................................... 6
Media Port Cleaning............................................................. 6
Stuck Buttons....................................................................... 6
Section 2 - Initial Screens and Setup Wizard
Splash Screen............................................................................ 8
Setup Wizard............................................................................. 8
Import Configuration........................................................... 10
Engine Setup...................................................................... 10
Display Setup..................................................................... 12
Device Setup...................................................................... 12
Units Setup......................................................................... 13
Tank Configuration............................................................. 13
Speed Setup.......................................................................15
Finishing Setup Wizard...................................................... 16
Data Source Setup............................................................. 16
Startup Display Screens.......................................................... 16
Startup.............................................................................. 16
Engine Off, Ignition On................................................. 17
Engine Running at Idle................................................. 17
Engine Fault...................................................................... 18
Fault Navigation............................................................18
Engine Scheduled Maintenance....................................... 18
System Scan ‑ Scan Report............................................. 19
Communication Errors.................................................. 20
Section 3 - Screen Overview and Operation
System Status Field Functionality............................................ 22
Enlarging Data Fields............................................................... 23
Auto Cycle.......................................................................... 23
Scroller Bar Functionality......................................................... 24
Scroller Bar Activation and Navigation............................... 24
User‑Selected Data Area................................................... 24
Final User‑Selected Data Selection.............................. 24
Scroller Bar Icons..................................................................... 25
X‑Pand............................................................................... 25
Temperatures..................................................................... 25
Pressure............................................................................. 25
Voltages............................................................................. 25
Fuel.................................................................................... 25
Tanks..................................................................................25
Advanced........................................................................... 25
Performance....................................................................... 26
Trim and Tabs.................................................................... 26
Trip Log.............................................................................. 26
Navigation.......................................................................... 26
Generator........................................................................... 26
ECO....................................................................................26
Autopilot............................................................................. 26
Cruise................................................................................. 27
Troll.................................................................................... 27
Smart Tow.......................................................................... 27
Settings.............................................................................. 27
Economy Mode........................................................................ 27
ECO Mode........................................................................ 27
ECO Minimum and Maximum Values........................... 28
ECO RPM and Trim Targets............................................. 28
Target Colors................................................................ 29
ECO Navigation................................................................ 30
ECO Refresh................................................................ 30
Minimize....................................................................... 31
Exit ECO....................................................................... 31
Changing ECO Targets.................................................... 31
Changing Target Values............................................... 32
Smart Tow Mode...................................................................... 32
Smart Tow........................................................................ 32
Features....................................................................... 32
Enabling Smart Tow..................................................... 33
Smart Tow Targets....................................................... 33
Smart Tow Overview Panel.............................................. 34
Smart Tow User‑Selected Data Area............................... 35
Navigation.....................................................................35
Save............................................................................. 36
Create Custom Launch.................................................37
Disabling Smart Tow.................................................... 37
Cruise Control Mode................................................................ 37
Cruise Control................................................................... 37
Cruise Control Data Area.................................................. 37
Constant Data Field Change........................................ 37
Cruise—User‑Selected Data Area................................ 38
Cruise Navigation......................................................... 38
Troll Control Mode................................................................... 40
Troll Control...................................................................... 40
Troll Control Data Area..................................................... 41
Constant Data Field Change........................................ 41
Troll—User‑Selected Data Area................................... 41
Troll Navigation.............................................................41
Autopilot Screens..................................................................... 43
Autopilot Screens Overview.............................................. 43

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Autopilot Screens Navigation ......................................... 43 Minimize Autopilot....................................................... 43
Section 4 - Setup and Calibrations
Settings Menu Navigation....................................................... 46
Menu Navigation............................................................. 46
System............................................................................ 46
Language.................................................................... 47
About........................................................................... 47
Helm 1, Device 1......................................................... 47
Setup Wizard...............................................................47
Restore Defaults......................................................... 48
Network....................................................................... 48
Simulate...................................................................... 48
Time............................................................................ 48
Vessel.............................................................................. 49
Tabs............................................................................ 50
Tanks.......................................................................... 50
Tank Calibration....................................................... 50
Speed....................................................................... 50
Steering.................................................................... 51
Sea Temp................................................................. 51
Depth Offset............................................................. 51
Engines........................................................................... 51
Engines Shown........................................................... 53
Engine Model.............................................................. 53
Limits........................................................................... 53
Supported Data........................................................... 53
ECO Mode.................................................................. 54
Cruise/SmartTow Type............................................... 54
Trim............................................................................. 54
EasyLink.......................................................................... 54
Engine and Transmission............................................55
RPM Sync................................................................... 55
Tanks.......................................................................... 56
Preferences..................................................................... 56
Buzzer......................................................................... 57
Backlight......................................................................57
Scroller Bar................................................................. 58
Data Boxes..................................................................58
Pop‑ups....................................................................... 58
Auto‑Cycle Interval...................................................... 58
Units............................................................................ 58
Alarms............................................................................. 59
Personality File................................................................ 60
Export.......................................................................... 61
Import.......................................................................... 61
Restore........................................................................61
Section 5 - Warning Alarms
Warnings—Faults and Alarms ............................................... 64
Fuel Critical Alarm........................................................... 64
Depth Alarm.................................................................... 64

Section 1 - Getting Started
90-8M0120668 eng MARCH 2016 Page 1
Section 1 - Getting Started
Table of Contents
VesselView 4 Overview.......................................................... 2
Buttons ........................................................................... 2
Rear Panel ...................................................................... 3
VesselView 4 Screen Display Locations and Descriptions..... 3
How to Update Your VesselView 4 Software......................... 4
Obtaining the Latest Software ........................................ 4
Upgrading VesselView ................................................... 4
Installing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor .............. 5
Maintenance........................................................................... 6
Display Screen Cleaning ................................................ 6
Media Port Cleaning ....................................................... 6
Stuck Buttons ................................................................. 6
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Section 1 - Getting Started
Page 2 90-8M0120668 eng MARCH 2016
VesselView 4 Overview
IMPORTANT: VesselView is a multifunction display (MFD) that is compatible with products manufactured by Mercury Marine
Outboards, Mercury MerCruiser, and Mercury Diesel. Some of the functions explained in this manual will be disabled
depending on the power package it is connected to.
VesselView 4 is a comprehensive boat information center that can display information for up to two gasoline or diesel engines.
It continuously monitors and reports operating data including detailed information such as water temperature and depth, trim
status, boat speed and steering angle, and the status of fuel, oil, water, and waste tanks.
VesselView can be fully integrated with a vessel’s global positioning system (GPS) or other NMEA‑compatible devices to
provide up‑to‑the‑minute navigation, speed, and fuel‑to‑destination information.
VesselView is a display extension for autopilot and joystick operations. All functionality of these piloting features are controlled
through Mercury Marine's autopilot control area network (CAN) pad. VesselView will show if a mode of control is active or in
standby; pop‑ups will appear as the vessel arrives at waypoints, prompting response to turns. Additional display text can be
used to adjust the engines and drives to achieve maximum efficiency.
VesselView is equipped with a micro SD card port that allows an authorized OEM or dealership to import the vessel personality
configuration. It can also be used by the owner to upgrade to the latest software version. When more than one VesselView is
used, either as a triple‑ or quad‑engine application, or a second helm, the same micro SD card can be used to download those
configurations.
Buttons
VesselView 4
a - PAGES button
b - LEFT arrow button
c - RIGHT arrow button
d - ENTER button
• Pressing the PAGES button will activate the scroller bar menu. Pressing the PAGES button again exits the scroller bar
menu.
• Use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow buttons to navigate (highlight) fields on the screen.
• Press the ENTER button when the desired icon is highlighted to enter that data field or function.
a
bd
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90-8M0120668 eng MARCH 2016 Page 3
Rear Panel
a
b
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Item Function Description
a NMEA 2000 Connects to NMEA 2000 network
b SmartCraft Power input and connects to the SmartCraft network, links SC 100
gauges
VesselView 4 Screen Display Locations and Descriptions
VesselView has multiple fields that display specific engine information and active modes.
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1. Volts or depth: This data field is user definable. A list of the available display content can be modified in the Settings menu.
• Volts will appear out of the field only when a depth transducer is installed.
• Depth will be replaced by volts if a depth transducer is not installed or had been uninstalled.
2. Fuel: This data field is user definable. A list of the available display content can be modified in the Settings menu.
• Displays total fuel only. Individual fuel data will be located on‑screen under fuel management.
3. Steering angle: If installed, the user can select maximum limits of 45° or 60°, and invert the angle. The steering angle will
be available if the sensor is installed and monitored by the control module. When an outboard engine is the installed power
package, this feature will be turned off by default, but can be manually turned on in the Settings menu.
4. RPM: Displays a moving bar representing the engine RPM. A dual‑engine application will show two separate moving bars.
5. Speed: Displays the speed of the vessel. If a speed source is not available, the display will show dashes. The display will
show the speed value, the speed source (paddle wheel, pitot, or GPS), and the units of measurement (MPH is the default).
A speed value with more than two integers will be shown in smaller fonts.
6. Gear position: DTS products will display all gear positions for each engine. The positions are defined as F (forward), N
(neutral), and R (reverse). Non DTS products will show N (neutral) and G (in gear).
7. Trim: This data field is user definable. Displays trim for up to two engines. Trim pop‑up is available in the contextual data
area. Trim pop‑up can be turned off or on in the Settings menu.
8. Tabs: This data field is user definable. A list of the available display content can be modified in the Settings menu.

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• If installed, the port tab will be displayed on the left side of the trim data and the starboard tab will be displayed on the
right side of the trim data.
9. Scroller bar icon: Displays an icon representing the data currently displayed in the selected data area of the screen. Press
the PAGES button to open the scroller bar. The user can choose another icon in the scroller bar and the selected data will
then be displayed.
10. System status field: Displays the current active mode and warnings.
11. User‑selected data area: Displays all selected data, including initial start up scan progress, good stewardship messages,
maintenance schedules, and warnings.
How to Update Your VesselView 4 Software
The following instructions explain how to upgrade the VesselView 4 software. Internet access is required, along with a
communication port used to transfer the file to a FAT or FAT 32 micro SD card.
Obtaining the Latest Software
1. The latest software for the display is available on‑line for general download at Mercury's website;
www.mercurymarine.com. To determine what software version is in VesselView, power up VesselView. While the system
boots up, the screen will show the software version in the lower right‑hand corner. If VesselView is already powered up,
select Settings>System>About to see the current operating version of the VesselView software.
2.043.301
MERCURY MARINE
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2. Select the VesselView 4 product and click on DOWNLOAD UPGRADE.
3. Depending on your computer’s security settings, a security warning may appear. Click Allow to continue.
4. Create a folder on your hard drive to save the file to.
5. If you are asked to SAVE or RUN, select SAVE and save to your hard drive.
NOTE: The file is typically 20–40 MB in size.
IMPORTANT: Some browsers may change the file extension. Verify that the file name and extension have not changed.
The correct extension after the file name should be .upd. Do not rename the file or change the extension.
6. After the file is saved to the hard drive, copy the file to a 512 MB or higher capacity blank FAT or FAT 32 micro SD card
root. The root of the drive is the topmost level, and not placed into a folder.
Upgrading VesselView
Important considerations before and during the upgrade process:

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• Each display must be upgraded individually, there is no automatic network feature to upgrade multiple VesselView's
simultaneously.
• Do not turn off the display or disrupt the power during the upgrade process.
• Do not remove the micro SD card during the upgrade process.
1. Verify that the ignition key is off and that VesselView is not turned on.
NOTE: Some installations may have the VesselView powered up with a dedicated circuit, rather than by the ignition key‑on
circuit.
IMPORTANT: VesselView must be turned off for a minimum of 30 seconds before upgrading the software.
2. Insert the micro SD card into the card reader port all the way until it clicks and stays in place.
3. Turn the ignition key on and verify that VesselView is on.
4. Allow the system to boot up. The update process is automatic.
5. Do not turn the ignition key off, turn VesselView off, or remove the micro SD card while the software is uploading. The
upgrade process may take several minutes to complete.
Update in progress.
Please do not remove
the SD card or power off
during this process.
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6. When the upload is finished, remove the micro SD card and the system will automatically reboot to complete the upgrade.
Update complete.
Please remove the SD card to finish.
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7. Verify that the software version upgraded is the correct version. Press the PAGES key and use the RIGHT arrow to scroll
to the Settings menu. Use the ENTER button and arrow buttons to highlight System and open About. The current
software version will be listed.
Installing the Ambient Air Temperature Sensor
NOTE: The ambient air temperature sensor installation is optional.
1. Select the location for the air temperature sensor. Mount the sensor where it will be exposed to outside air and not in direct
sunlight.
2. Drill a 19 mm (0.75 in.) mounting hole.

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3. Install the mounting adapter as shown below.
a - Mounting adapter
b - Gasket
c - Nylon nut
d - Air temperature sensor
4. Thread the sensor into the mounting adapter.
5. Connect the temperature sensor to the connector on the VesselView harness.
Maintenance
IMPORTANT: It is recommended that the supplied sun cover be installed for protection when the unit is not in service.
Display Screen Cleaning
Routine cleaning of the display screen is recommended to prevent a buildup of salt and other environmental debris. Crystalized
salt can scratch the display coating when using a dry or damp cloth. Ensure that the cloth has a sufficient amount of fresh water
to dissolve and remove salt deposits. Do not apply aggressive pressure on the screen while cleaning.
When water marks cannot be removed with the cloth, mix a 50/50 solution of warm water and isopropyl alcohol to clean the
screen. Do not use acetone, mineral spirits, turpentine type solvents, or ammonia based cleaning products. The use of strong
solvents or detergents may damage the anti‑glare coating, the plastics, or the rubber keys.
It is recommended that the sun cover be installed when the unit is not in use to prevent UV damage to the plastic bezel and
rubber keys.
Media Port Cleaning
The media port door area should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent a buildup of crystalized salt and other debris. A red
rubber composite plug inside the micro SD card port helps prevent water intrusion into the card port.
IMPORTANT: Install the plug after cleaning, or after updating the software.
NOTE: Install the plug with the groove side up. The opposite side has a chamfer so the door does not collide with the plug.
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Stuck Buttons
Verify that there are no buttons stuck in the down position. If a stuck button is found, wiggle the button to free it.
a
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Section 2 - Initial Screens and Setup Wizard
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Section 2 - Initial Screens and Setup Wizard
Table of Contents
Splash Screen........................................................................ 8
Setup Wizard.......................................................................... 8
Import Configuration ..................................................... 10
Engine Setup ................................................................ 10
Display Setup ............................................................... 12
Device Setup ................................................................ 12
Units Setup ................................................................... 13
Tank Configuration ....................................................... 13
Speed Setup ................................................................. 15
Finishing Setup Wizard ................................................. 16
Data Source Setup ....................................................... 16
Startup Display Screens....................................................... 16
Startup........................................................................... 16
Engine Off, Ignition On .......................................... 17
Engine Running at Idle .......................................... 17
Engine Fault...................................................................18
Fault Navigation .................................................... 18
Engine Scheduled Maintenance.................................... 18
System Scan ‑ Scan Report.......................................... 19
Communication Errors ........................................... 20
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Section 2 - Initial Screens and Setup Wizard
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Splash Screen
When the ignition key is turned on, a Mercury startup splash screen will appear. The number of operation hours is supported up
to 9,999 hours. In the lower right‑hand corner of the screen is the software version. Power packages with emissions control will
show an engine icon in the lower left‑hand corner of the screen.
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Mercury splash screen
Setup Wizard
IMPORTANT: Do not rush VesselView by pressing buttons while the system is booting up to acquire vessel and engine data.
When VesselView is initially started or after a factory reset, the system will take a few seconds to complete the boot up
process.
The VesselView setup wizard guides you through the first steps of configuring the VesselView. The Setup wizard can be
accessed at any time through the SETTINGS icon in the scroller menu. Press the PAGES, RIGHT ARROW, and ENTER
buttons to navigate to the Settings menus.
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1. Select the language that you want VesselView to display. Use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow buttons to scroll through the
language choices. Press the ENTER button to make the selection. VesselView will ask for language change confirmation
and restart. The Restarting screen will appear. When the display returns, all text will be in the selected language.
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2. A welcome screen will appear. Press the RIGHT arrow to highlight the Next field.
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3. The main VesselView screen will appear in the selected language. The SETTINGS icon will be highlighted. Press the
ENTER button. System will be highlighted in the Settings menu. Press the ENTER button and the flyout menu will appear.
Press the RIGHT arrow button to scroll down to Setup wizard.
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Section 2 - Initial Screens and Setup Wizard
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Import Configuration
To import an existing vessel configuration, insert a micro SD card with the configuration file and select this file in the drop‑down
menu. If there is no import file, use the RIGHT arrow button to highlight Next and press ENTER.
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Engine Setup
1. In the Engine Setup screen, press the RIGHT and LEFT arrow buttons to highlight the drop‑down fields. Make selections
based on the engine type and model.
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Engine type selection

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Engine model selection
2. Scroll down to complete selections in the Engine Setup screen. When all selections have been made, highlight Next and
press ENTER.
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Joystick option selection
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Number of engines selection

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Display Setup
Depending on the number of engines indicated in the Engine Setup screen, select the engines to be displayed by this
VesselView unit. Up to two engines can be selected.
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Device Setup
In the Device Setup screen, use the RIGHT and LEFT arrow buttons to highlight the drop‑down menus. If using multiple
VesselView devices, be sure to assign unique numbers to each unit, to avoid data problems. Helm numbers should match the
location of the individual VesselView unit. Highlight Next and press ENTER to continue.
a - VesselView device number
b - Helm location number
a
b
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Units Setup
Select the units of measure that VesselView will display on‑screen data; speed, distance, and volumes. Individual units of
measure can be changed later. After selecting the units of measure, highlight Next and press ENTER.
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Tank Configuration
In the Tank Setup screen, tank type, capacity, and tank name can be assigned for up to eight tanks. The % column will display
the live tank volume. Selecting the Refresh button will query the tank sensors and refresh the readings.
The unmonitored tank is a tank that does not have a sensor associated with it.
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Use the arrow buttons to toggle through the tank type options.
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Enter the tank capacity by using the arrow buttons to change the digits. Use the ENTER button to continue to the next digit.
When finished changing digits, press the ENTER button to continue.
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Select the Name window, and use the arrow buttons to toggle through the character set.
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Section 2 - Initial Screens and Setup Wizard
90-8M0120668 eng MARCH 2016 Page 15
Select the OK button using the arrow buttons and the ENTER button. This will bring the operator back to the tanks selection
screen to complete the configuration of an additional tank.
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Repeat the process to assign tank type, capacity, and tank name for the remaining tanks on the vessel. When complete, select
the Next button to continue with the Setup wizard.
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Speed Setup
In the Speed Setup screen, there are three options for determining how VesselView will acquire speed information. If the
vessel is equipped with a GPS, the drop‑down menu will allow selection of available devices. If the vessel is equipped with a
pitot sensor, this option will be selected. If the vessel is equipped with a paddle wheel, then an option to select will drop down.
After the speed source has been selected, highlight Next and press ENTER to continue.
a - Options for speed data
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a - PCM0 = starboard outer
b - PCM1 = port outer
c - PCM2 = starboard inner or center
d - PCM3 = port inner
Finishing Setup Wizard
Highlighting Finish using the RIGHT arrow button and pressing ENTER will complete the Setup wizard on the VesselView. A
Restarting screen will appear. Do not power off the unit until the Restarting screen is replaced by the vessel activity screen.
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Data Source Setup
Power on all products and key‑on all engines to ensure that all data generating sources can be detected.
VesselView will ask to setup detectable data sources. Select OK to continue.
Select Start to begin the process.
NOTE: If Cancel is selected by accident, data source setup can still be completed by navigating to
Settings>System>Network>Auto select. Auto select will scan the vessel network and identify all compatible devices onboard.
When Auto select is complete, select Close.
Startup Display Screens
Startup
On startup after the splash screen sequence, the main display will load and all data and graphics will be active. Two conditions
are available: engine off or engine running. The following chart and information explain the sequence for how the constant and
user‑selected data areas change.
Engine state User selected data area
Engine off, ignition on Good stewardship message
Engine cranking System scan in progress, animated propeller is shown
Engine running at idle Propeller color turns green
Engine running in gear Level 1 smart contextual data
a
a
a
b
b
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c
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d
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