Spectrum SWS Series Manual

1. Read all instructions carefully before operation.
2. Avoid pinched O-rings during installation by applying (provided with install kit) NSF certied lubricant
to all seals.
3. This system is not intended for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality
without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
Installation, Service &
Operation Manual
SWS Cabinet System Water Softener
SpectrumTM

2

3
SpectrumTM
Contents
Table of Contents
1. Read this page rst p.4
2. Water Softener Basics p.5
3. Softener System Specications p.6
4. Softener System Dimensions p.7
5. Unpack & Inspect Your Water Softener p.8
6. Pre-installation Instructions p.10
7. Water Bypass p.11
8. Programming Guide p.12
9. Start-up Instructions p.15
10. Maintenance Instructions p.17
11. Troubleshooting Guide p.23

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SpectrumTM
1. Read This Page First
Before starting installation
• You must read and understand the contents of this manual before installing or operating your water
softener.
• Personal injury or property damage could result if you fail to follow instructions in this manual.
• This system and its installation must comply with state and local regulations. Check with your local
public works department for plumbing and sanitation codes. Local codes should be followed in the
event the codes conict with any content in this manual.
• This water softener must be operated at pressures between 30 psi to 125 psi (2.06-8.6 bar). If the
water pressure is higher than 8.6 bar, use a pressure reducing valve in the water supply line to the
softener.
• This unit must be operated at temperatures between 3°C -38°C ( 40°F and 110°F)
• Do not use this water softener on hot water supplies.
• Do not install this unit where it may be exposed to wet weather, direct sunlight, or temperatures outside
of the range specied above.
• The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided with the appliance.
• The appliance must only be supplied at safety extra low voltage corresponding to the marking on the
appliance.
• Apply provided NSF certied lubricant to all o-rings during installation. Do not use pinched or
damaged O-rings during installation.
• If softeners are exposed to high levels of iron, manganese, sulfur and sediments, damage to
pistons, seals, and/or spacers within the control valve are not covered in this warranty due to harsh
environments.
• It is recommended to annually inspect and service the control valve. Frequent cleaning and/or
replacement of piston, seals, and/or spacers may be necessary depending on how harsh the conditions
are.
• Do not use water that is microbiologically unsafe without adequate disinfection before or after this
system.
• This manual is based on information available when approved for printing. Continuing design
renement could cause changes that may not be included in this publication.
• This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved.
• Children should not play with the appliance.
• Cleaning and user maintenance should only be undertaken by those familar with its operation.
• SPECTRUM guarantees that your new water softener is built of quality materials and workmanship.
When properly installed and maintained, it will give years of trouble free service.
• SPECTRUM reserves the right to change the specications referred to in this literature at any time,
without prior notice.
Install Notes and Safety Messages
Watch out for the following messages in this manual:
EXAMPLE
CAUTION
EXAMPLE
NOTE

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SpectrumTM
2. Water Softener Basics
What is hard water and how it is softened
The majority of water comes from groundwater sources. Rain water permeates layers of soil, clay, sand
and rock and in the process picks up a number of minerals along the way.
Hardness is dened by the content of calcium and magnesium that is found in water. The harder the
water the more calcium and magnesium it contains. Although it is not toxic, hardness can cause a
number of problems.
Hard water leaves traces of calcium and magnesium on glassware, surfaces, within pipework and
appliances.
Which causes:
• Shorter equipment life span
• Higher energy costs
• Reduced ow rates
• Under-performing appliances
Excess deposits create a drop in efciency, increased chemical cleaning costs and maintenance schedules
and in the worse cases equipment failure.
Iron is a common water problem. The chemical/physical nature of iron found in natural water supplies is
exhibited in four general types:
1. Dissolved Iron - Also called ferrous or ‘clear water’ iron. Dissolved iron is soluble in water and is
detected by taking a sample of the water to be treated in a clear glass. The water in the glass is initially
clear, but on standing exposed to the air, it may gradually turn cloudy or colored as it oxidizes. This type
of iron can be removed from the water by the same ion exchange principle that removes the hardness
elements, calcium and magnesium.
2. Particulate Iron - Also called ferric or colloidal iron. This type of iron is an undissolved particle of iron. A
ltering treatment will be required to remove this type of iron. A softener will remove larger particles,
but the particles may not be washed out in regeneration effectively and will eventually foul the ion
exchange resin.
3. Organic bound Iron -This type of iron is strongly attached to an organic compound in the water. The ion
exchange process alone cannot break this bond down and the softener will not remove this type of iron.
4. Bacterial Iron-This type of iron is protected inside a bacteria cell. Like the organic bound iron, it is not
removed by a water softener.
It’s important that when a softener is removing both hardness and dissolved iron, it must regenerate
more frequently than it normally would for just hardness. Many factors and formulas have been used to
determine this frequency. It is recommended that the softener be regenerated when it has reached 50-75%
of the calculated hardness capacity. This will minimise the potential for bed fouling.
When operating a softener on water with less than the maximum of dissolved iron, regular cleaning should
be performed. Clean every six months or more often if iron appears in your conditioned water supply. Use
resin bed cleaning compounds carefully following the directions on the container.
DO NOT USE WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLY UNSAFE
OR THE WATER IS OF UNKNOWN QUALITY. THE WATER MUST
BE DISINFECTED BEFORE OR AFTER THE UNIT.
CAUTION

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SpectrumTM
Model SWS-0.5M SWS-1.7M
Regeneration Type UP Flow
Ingegrated Meter in Bypass Yes
Hardness Removal 480,000mg 1,680,000mg
Media Loaded Yes
Resin Quantity (L) 10 35
Tank Size 10x15 10x44
Salt Storage Capacity (kg) 15 75
Recommended Service Flow Rate (lpm) 6.7 17
Recommended Cycle Settings
Backwash Duration Settings (min) 1 4
Brine Duration Setting (min) 30 110
Rinse Duration Setting (min) 2 7
Refill Duration Setting (min) 3.5 11.3
Salt Used- Per Regeneration (6lb/cf salt dosage) 0.96 kg 3.08 kg
Water Used - Regeneration (L) 48 175
Flow Rate (Only Valve)
Continuous Flow Rate @ 15 psi Pressure Drop (lpm) 78
Peak Flow Rate @ 25 psi Pressure Drop (lpm) 101
Backwash Flow Rate @ 25 psi Pressure Drop (lpm) 30
Pipe Size 3/4" or 1"
Plumbing Connections Includes 3/4" and 1" Straight Fittings
Electrical Requirements
Input 110V-120V/220-240V AC 50/60Hz
Output 12V AC 650mA
Carton Size (mm) 576x434x655 576x434x1,400
Shipping Weight (kg) 21 47
Water Supply Municipal
Water Temperature (oC) 3-38
Water Pressure (bar) 2.06-8.6
3. SPECTRUM Softener
Specications
Performance Data Sheet & Specications
• Capacities of softeners may deviate from the chart above depending on ow rates and raw water
conditions.
• Changing salt settings from factory setting may require changing injector sizes to achieve stated
capacities.
• Hardness removal is based on standard salt setting (96kg/m3).
• Iron content must not exceed 1 ppm. Beyond 1 ppm an iron softener must be used.
• Do not subject the unit to freezing temperatures.
• Do not use water that is microbiologically unsafe without adequate disinfection before or after the
system.
• The manufacturer reserves the right to make product improvements which may deviate from the
specications and descriptions stated herein, without obligation to change previously manufactured
products or to note the change.

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SpectrumTM
4. Softener System
Dimensions
SWS-0.5M
SWS-1.7M
448mm
205mm
472mm
511mm
370mm
1185mm
942mm
472mm 370mm 511mm
1278mm
541mm

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SpectrumTM
5. Unpack & Inspect
Your WAter Softener
Inspect the water softener for any shipping damage. If damage is found, notify the transportation
company and request a damage inspection. Damage to cartons should also be noted.
Handle the softener unit with care. Do not drop the unit or set on sharp, uneven projections on the oor.
Do not turn the softener unit upside down.
IF THERE IS A LOSS IN WATER PRESSURE WHEN THE SOFTENER
UNIT IS INITIALLY PLACED IN SERVICE, THE SOFTENER TANK MAY
HAVE BEEN LAID ON ITS SIDE DURING TRANSIT. IF THIS OCCURS,
BACKWASH THE SOFTENER TO ‘RECLASSIFY’ THE MEDIA.
NOTE
The manufacturer is not responsible for damages in transit. Small parts, needed to install the softener,
are in a parts bag.To avoid loss of the small parts, keep them in the parts bag until you are ready to
install.
Accessories Contents
1 x manual
1 x transformer
1 x silicone
lubricant
2 x straight adaptors
(c/w O-ring) 1 x bypass tool

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SpectrumTM
6. Pre-Installation
Instructions
Contact your local distributor to have a complete water analysis and check your water hardness from the
water supplier, this will keep your softener in proper working order.
YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL NATIONAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITY CODES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION OF THESE DEVICES.
NOTE
Installation Instructions
Determine the correct location of the water conditioning equipment
Select the location of your softener with care. Review the various conditions below to determine a proper
location:
1. Locate as close as possible to the water supply source.
2. Locate on a at stabel surface.
3. Locate in correct relationship to other water conditioning equipment. (See diagram above ).
4. Softener should be located in the supply line before the water heater. Temperatures above
38oC damage softeners.
5. Do not install a softener in a location where freezing temperatures occur. Freezing may cause
permanent damage to this type of equipment and will void the factory warranty.
6. Allow sufcient space around the unit for easy servicing.
7. Determine if additional plumbing is required if your water source is a community water supply,
a public water supply or you wish to bypass water used for a geothermal heat pump, lawn
sprinkling, out-buildings or other high demand applications, refer to Fig. 1) .
8. Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. Heat build up from direct sunlight may soften and
distort plastic parts.
Cold soft water
Hard soft
water
Water
heater Softener
Earth bond
Drain
Hard
ltered
water
Electrical panel
Ground
strap
Raw water to
outdoors
Water meter

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SpectrumTM
Tools Required for Installation:
1. Two adjustable wrenches.
2. Additional tools may be required if modications to home plumbing are required.
3. Use copper, brass, or PEX pipe and ttings.
4. Some codes may also allow PVC plastic pipe. Refer to local codes.
5. Always install the included bypass valve, or 3 shut-off valves. Bypass valves let you turn off water to
the softener for repairs.
6. 5/8” OD drain line is needed for the drain.
THE WASTE CONNECTION OR DRAIN OUTLET SHALL BE DESIGNED
AND CONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN AIR-GAP TO THE SANITARY
WASTE SYSTEM OF 2 PIPE DIAMETERS OR 1 INCH(25MM).
(WHICHEVER IS LARGER)
NEVER INSERT THE DRAIN LINE DIRECTLY INTO A DRAIN, SEWER
LINE, OR TRAP. ALWAYS ALLOW AN AIR GAP BETWEEN THE DRAIN
LINE AND THE WASTE WATER. THIS WILL PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY
OF SEWAGE BEING BACK-SIPHONED INTO THE SOFTENER.
CAUTION
YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL NATIONAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITY CODES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION OF THESE DEVICES.
NOTE
Water pipe outletWater pipe inlet
Brine
elbow assembly
Drain
elbow assembly
Brine valve
connector detail
Optional overow
assembly
5/8" overow line
5/8" drain line
Drain
Floor drain
Optional pipes
xed structure
Cabinet
Pressure tank
AC220V/10A current
protect socket

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SpectrumTM
7. Water Bypass
For softener maintenance, you can isolate your water softener from the water supply using the bypass
valve located at the back of the control. In normal operation the bypass is open with the ON/OFF knobs
in line with the INLET and OUTLET pipes. To isolate the softener, simply rotate the knobs to the BYPASS
position.
You can use your water related xtures and appliances as the water supply is bypassing the softener.
However, the water you use will be hard. To resume treated service, open the bypass valve by rotating
the knobs to SERVICE position.
Please make sure bypass knobs are completely open otherwise the untreated water could bypass
through the valve.
Please make sure bypass knobs are completely open otherwise
untreated raw water could bypass through the valve.
NOTE
Service Bypass
Incorrect Bypass Position

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SpectrumTM
8. Programming Guide
This function enters the basic set up information required at the time of installation.
This function is to press and select one item to change and accepts the values if
changed.
This function is to scroll up or down the programming items and increase or
decrease the values of the settings while in the programming mode.
System Standby Display:
Current Time, Last Regen. Time, Regen. Mode will be
displayed on the screen.
Familiarise with Display Icon
Main Menu Display
Familiarise with Display Screen

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SpectrumTM
Advanced Settings Display
Parameter Description
Time Current Time setting
Region Unit of measure used, METRIC (litre) and US (gallon) options are available
Language System language used on the valve display, 10 different language options in total for your choice
English,Spanish,French,Russian,Turkish,German,Polish,ltalian,Dutch and Chinese.
Water Hardness This value is water hardness of the raw water supply. It is used to calculate the system capacity.
People Number Number of people in the household and the calculated reserve capacity. When remaining
reaches reserve capacity a regeneration will be scheduled.
Holiday Mode When set to ON, the system will perform a Backwash and a Rinse if there is no water flow
detected aer 7 days.The Backwash and Rinse duration can be set in the Regeneration Cycle.
Regen. Mode
Calendar Clock The unit will initiate a regeneration at the next pre-set regeneration time based on the interval of
days between regeneration days.
Meter Immediately The unit will initiate a regeneration immediately aer the system capacity remaining reaches
zero.
Meter Delayed When the system capacity reaches zero,the system will initiate a regeneration at the next pre-
set regeneration time.
Meter Override When the volume remaining goes below the system capacity, the system will regenerate at the
regen time or when REGEN. DAYs present has passed. Whatever occurs first.
Regen. Time This setting controls the time of day when a regeneration will start
Water Usage This setting is the water average usage
Water Capacity This setting is the total water volume the system can treat aer one complete regeneration
Resin Volume This setting is the amount of ion exchange media used in the system.The value is used to
calculate system capacity and refill time.
Salt Amount This setting will determine the salt dosage used per regeneration.
Salt Eciency This setting is the amount of capacity which a certain amount of salt can restore.The value is
used to calculate system capacity and refill time.
Reserve Capacity This value is used to calculate the reserve capacity. Reserve Capacity= No. People x Daily Reserve.
Regen. Cycle
Backwash Control the backwash duration during regeneration cycle
Brine Control the brine duration during regeneration cycle.
Rinse Control the rinse duration during regeneration cycle.
Refill Control the refill duration during regeneration cycle.
Restore Defaults Restore settings to the factory default.
Pre-Fill
If the brine Pre-Fill is ON,the percentage of water pre-set that will be added to the brine tank aer
a regeneration.The default is 70%.The remaining amount of waterwill be added just prior to the
regeneration and will be proportional to the amount of capacity lein the system.
Salt Check Soener will check the salt level in the brine tank automatically, in the event of system short of
salt, display will beep to remind you to add salt.
System regeneration based on
automatic calculation
System regeneration based on
manual settings

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SpectrumTM
System Information Page
When you enter system information setting, system key information can be viewed in this page.
In ‘Total Regenerations: ‘Total Treated Water’and ‘Peak Flow Rate’
page, pressing and holding the ‘CONFIRM’ button for 3 seconds will
reset the value to zero.
NOTE
Operation During a Power Failure
In the event of a power failure, the valve will keep track of the time and day. The programmed settings
are stored in a non-volatile memory and will not be lost during a power failure. If power fails while the
unit is in regeneration, the valve will nish regeneration from the point it is at once power is restored. If
the valve misses a scheduled regeneration due to a power failure, it will queue a regeneration at the next
regeneration time once power is restored.

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SpectrumTM
1. Add two litres of water into the cabinet at the time of installation. This is for the unit to achieve
proper capacity in the rst time of regeneration.
2. Plug the power transformer into an approved power source. Connect the power cord to the valve.
3. When power is supplied to the control, the screen may display ‘Advancing to Service Wait Please’
while it nds the service position.
4. Manually step the valve to the BACKWASH position. If screen is locked, the screen will display”Key
Locked, Press and Hold “MENU” key for 3 Seconds to Unlock” . Follow the instructions below to step
the valve to BACKWASH position. As the valve arrives at BACKWASH position, unplug the power and
let valve stay at BACKWASH position.
9. Start-up Instructions
• Press and hold MENU key for 3s
to unlock
• Press and hold CONFIRM key
for 3s to advance to MANUAL
REGEN menu
• Press CONFIRM key again to let
the option ash
• Press DOWN key to advance to
IMMEDIATE option

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SpectrumTM
• Press CONFIRM key to conrm
and press MENU key to have a
manual regeneration
5. Slowly open the inlet knob on the bypass valve with the bypass tool supplied and allow water to enter
the unit. Allow all air to escape from the unit before turning the bypass fully open. Then allow water
to run to drain for 3-4 minutes or until all media nes are washed out of the softener indicated by
clear water in the drain hose. Open a cold soft water tap nearby and let water run a few minutes or
until the system is free of foreign material resulting from plumbing work. Close the water tap when
water runs clean.
6. Press any button to advance to the BRINE position, when it arrives, press any key to skip the BRINE
cycle. Press any button to advance to the RINSE position.Check the drain line ow. Allow the water to
run for 3-4 minutes or until the water is clear.
7. Press any button to advance to the REFILL position. Check that the valve is lling water into the brine
tank. Allow the valve to rell for the full amount of time as displayed on the screen to insure a proper
brine solution for the next regeneration.
8. The valve will automatically advance to the SERVICE position. Open the outlet knob on the bypass
with the bypass tool supplied. With the bypass open, open the nearest treated water faucet and allow
the water to run until clear.
9. Add salt into the cabinet. Put 40 kgs of crystal water softener salt in the SWS-1.7 cabinet or 15kgs of
crystal water softener salt in the SWS-0.5. The unit will automatically ll the water to the correct level
when it regenerates.
10. Program unit.
If you select ‘DELAY’ option, the valve will start to regenerate at the
closest day’s REGEN. TIME (default is 02:00)
NOTE
LIQUID BRINE WILL IRRITATE EYES, SKIN AND OPEN WOUNDS -
GENTLY WASH EXPOSED AREA WITH FRESH WATER.
CAUTION
Automatic Raw Water Bypass During Regeneration
The regeneration cycle can last 60 minutes after which softened water service will be restored. During
regeneration, raw water is automatically bypassed. Hot water should be used as little as possible during this
time to prevent raw water from lling the water heater. This is why automatic regeneration is set for a convenient
during the night and manual regenerations should be performed when little or no water will be required.

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SpectrumTM
Check the Salt Level
Check the salt level monthly. Remove the lid from the cabinet or brine tank, make sure salt level is always
above the brine level.
Adding Salt
Use only clean salt labeled for water softener use, such as crystal, pellet or nugget. The use of rock salt is
discouraged because it contains insoluble silt and sand which builds up in the brine tank and can cause
problems with the system operation. Add the salt directly to the tank, lling no higher than the top of the
brine well.
Bridging
Humidity or the wrong type of salt may create a cavity between the water and the salt. This action, known
as ‘bridging’: prevents the brine solution from being made, leading to your water supply being hard.
If you suspect salt bridging, carefully knock on the outside of the plastic cabinet or pour some warm
water over the salt to break up the bridge. This should always be followed up by allowing the unit to use
up any remaining salt and then thoroughly cleaning out the cabinet. Allow four hours to produce a brine
solution, then manually regenerate the softener.
Resin Cleaner
An approved resin cleaner must be used on a regular basis if your water supply contains iron. The
amount of resin cleaner and frequency of use is determined by the quantity of iron in your water(consult
your local representative or follow the directions on the resin cleaner package).
Care of Your Water Softener
To retain the attractive appearance of your new water softener, clean occasionally with a mild soap
solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners, ammonia or solvents. Never subject your softener to freezing.
10. Maintenance Instructions

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SpectrumTM
CAUTION DISASSEMBLY WHILE UNDER PRESSURE CAN RESULT IN
FLOODING. ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE STEPS PRIOR TO
SERVICING THE VALVE.
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.
UNPLUG THE UNIT BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER OR
ACCESSING ANY INTERNAL CONTROL PARTS
!
Before Servicing
1. Turn off water supply to softener using the bypass tool attached on the bypass
2. Relieve water pressure in the softener by stepping the control into the backwash position
momentarily. Return the control to the In Service position.
3. Unplug electrical cord from outlet.
4. Disconnect drain line connection.
5. Remove the salt lid 6. Remove the cover, disconnect
the wire connection
7. Disconnect the brine
line
8. Remove the clips
that connect control
valve and bypass
9. Disconnect the
softener from the
bypass
10. Remove the
valve from the
softener
11. Remove the top
cone from the
valve
Bypass tool Close the
inlet and
outlet
Salt lid cover
Wire connections Brine
tube
2 x clips
2 x screws
Service the Control Valve

19
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SpectrumTM
1. If attached,
disconnect the meter
cable from the meter
Replace Timer
2. Remove the two
screws from the valve
cover
3. Remove the cover
of the valve and
disconnect the wires
attached on PCB
4. Remove the piston
screw, with washer,
from the piston rod
5. Remove the two screws from the powerhead as shown
6. Lift the powerhead from the valve body assembly
7. Replace the powerhead by reversing the steps in this section
1. Follow steps 1 to 6 of Time/
Powerhead replacement
2. Remove three screws from
the plate on the valve body
Replace Piston and/or Brine Valve; Replace Seal and/or Spacer
3. Remove the plate from the valve body
and pull the piston assembly from the
valve. The brine valve assembly can also
be removed in this stage.
4. Remove the seals and spacers
assembly, grease lightly with
silicone lubricant and reinsert.
5. After servicing, reverse steps in
this section
Meter cable
Wires
Piston
screw
2 x screws
from
powerhead
Powerhead
assembly
Valve body
assembly
Plate
Piston
assembly
Brive valve
assembly
Seals and
spacers

20
SpectrumTM
Replace Meter
1. If attached,
disconnect the meter
cable from the meter
2. Disconnect the bypass from the valve by removing clips
3. Remove the coupling
adapter from the bypass
4. Remove the meter
support from the bypass
5. Remove the impeller
and replace
Clean Injector Assembly
1. Remove the four screws on the injector cover.
2. Pull the injector cover out, watch for the screen and O-ring.
3. Pull the injector cap out, pull the injector assembly and injector plug assembly out.
4. Screw the injector nozzle and injector throat out, clean and replace.
5. After servicing, reverse the steps in this section.
Meter cable
2 x screws
2 x clips
Coupling adaptor
Meter support
Meter
Screen
Injector
plug
assembly
O-ring
on cap
Injector
nozzle
plug
Injector
nozzle
Injector
throat
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2
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