FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about FOFA®
XD (Pronounced
"Foe - Fah")
We have tried
to include every question we have ever heard about FOFA - if you
have an unanswered one, please
Contact Us!
This FAQ is organized in sections: Click to go to each section.
Popular Questions This month
How does it work?
How Loud?, How Big?,
How Far?
FOFAs as Gifts!
Battery Questions
Shipping and Payment
FOFA Manual / Setup
(New Video!)
Attaching FOFAs to things.
Ordering and Security.
Troubleshooting
General Questions about
FOFA
Most Popular Questions
...
Q:
Where can I
read the FOFA Owners Manual?
Front(pdf
- 3Mb) and Back
(pdf - 1Mb)
or
Image
Front (jpg)
Image
Back (jpg) (Get
free Adobe Reader)
Q: If I get 2 or 3
Sets, will they all work together?
A: Yes they
will! (Having more is a great idea.)
Q:
Is ordering On-Line faster than calling?
A:
Yes! Faster and more importantly, more accurate! (road
names and numbers over the phone get scrambled easily)
And yes, it is safe - We use the same SSL
encryption that Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover require of
course.
If you are still nervous about ordering online -
Give us a call! We understand.
Q: I
want to send as a gift - How do I enter a Different Shipping
address?
A: Once you have selected your FOFAs with the shopping
cart, you will be asked to enter your Billing Address,
this is the address your card is billed to. On
the next screen, this address is pre-filled into the Shipping
Address......
If you want a different Shipping Address,
then change each box as needed.
Q: I
prefer to buy my stuff on eBay - Can I buy them there? Same
price?
A: OK, YES and SAME Search "FOFA Key Finder" on eBay
(Be careful - Some people buy them and resell at a much higher
price - We have no control over that at all.)
Q:
Can I get my FOFAs on Amazon? - Same price?
A:
YES and SAME
CXD-27
KXD-27
Q: Does FOFA work well?
(Yes, we really do get this question!)
A: Yes
they do! But why take our word for it? Typed "reviews"
are everywhere of course,
Take a look at some typical feedback ... but this time the
actual message. (Don't forget to hit the
"back" button too)
"Your
beepers are the best.." (See
Actual Note from Marv! )
...
Marv S Miami FL Oct 2010

And today's NUMBER ONE QUESTION is .
Q: I have
them set up, but they don't seem to be able to call each other!
What have I done wrong?
A: The most common cause
of this is when you set them as the SAME number,
such as both as # 1, for example. (Or programmed them on
different "Sets" but much less likely)
So remember -
DON'T SET THEM AS
THE SAME NUMBER!
Easy to fix,..
Pull out the batteries, put them back in, and start over.
This time
choose a different number for each!
Now each can call the other!
How
does FOFA®
work?
Q: How does it work? Where is the
"finder" thing you use to find them? Where is the "Base" unit?
A: See the buttons 1-6 on every FOFA? As well as a radio
receiver, each tiny, half ounce FOFA
also contains a complete radio transmitter,
which you can activate with the buttons on the front,
allowing you to selectively call the other FOFAs!
(Here's the example we regularly give on the phone to help
folks easily understand how FOFA works)
Let's assume you have ordered
a couple of Combo FOFA Sets (CXD-27) for this example.
.
You can set your key's FOFA as
#1,
your wallet's Flat FOFA as #2,
and the other Flat FOFA on your cell phone as
#3.
(Put the #4 on your spare keys)
(BTW Double-sided "velcro" works best for the Flat on the
backs of modern cell phones) Ask us for some if you need.
Here's what you do if you lose each item.
If you lose your keys.
Grab your
wallet or cell phone, push
#1
on either of their FOFAs and your keys will start to beep loudly
and flash, if within range.
If you lose your
wallet.
From your
key's or cell phone FOFA, push
#2
and your wallet will start to beep and flash, if within range.
If you lose your
cell phone.
From your
key's or wallet FOFA, push
#3
and your cell phone FOFA will start to beep and flash, if within
range.
And, of course - they can ALL be found by your spare keys too!
(#4) ......
Q:
Can you show me
some everyday examples of how FOFA can help me?
Lost keys just before you need
to leave
You are about to leave. Where are your
keys?
You start that mad rush around to all the likely spots. You
check the same spot more
than once in the hope that they will appear somehow.
With FOFA. You know where your wallet is (this morning), so
you use the FOFA attached to it, pushing the "1" button. (You
know your keys are #1)
You hear the sound from the FOFA on your keys coming from the
laundry basket.
You grab the keys and you are out the door! Total find time
in seconds.
Lost wallet
Everyone is leaving for lunch. Your wallet is not in
your pocket! You rack your brains. When did you remove
it?
Your colleagues are waiting for you. You will have to tell them
to go without you again.
With FOFA. You pull out your keys and push the "2" button on
the FOFA attached to them.
3 cubes over, the Flat FOFA in your wallet beeps away. You were
paying for your coffee and left the wallet
there. You are out the door to lunch.
Lost buried wallet
Everyone is leaving for
lunch....... You must find your wallet, quickly.
With FOFA:. You pull out your keys and push the "2" button
on the FOFA XD attached to them.
Nothing! Then a single beep and rapid feedback flashes from the
FOFA XD in your hand lets you know....your wallet is
here, it's just
buried!
You know to start digging. You keep the wallet FOFA
ringing by transmitting again.
The wallet surfaces from
inside your desk drawer or from under 2 tons of
paperwork.
You are out the door to lunch.
Lost Remote Control
The game starts in 5
minutes. The TV remote has vanished into thin air. You
start getting frustrated
almost immediately. The children run in all directions,
thinking they know what's coming next.
With FOFA : You pull your keys from your pocket,
pushing the "4" button on it's FOFA. (You had chosen #4 for your
TV remote
when you originally set them up) You hear the sound from the
FOFA on the remote coming from under the sofa. You grab it, and
sit down with your relieved family.
Lost Cell
Phone?
Uses any of the above FOFAs to
find it - I think you get the idea.....
Here's a good habit to adopt too...
Each time you leave
somewhere to get into your car,
verify you have your wallet / purse / phone with you,
using your FOFAs.
The Proximity Detect feedback is very reassuring - you know you
have everything with you.
FOFAs as Gifts!
Q: I am ordering them as a gift - does the packaging give away
the surprise? Also - I don't want them getting a receipt.
A: No. They
arrive in either a yellow bubble mailer (1st Class) or a white &
blue US Priority Mail Box - No pictures on the outside.
(Our
children have made us promise to not waste trees - we email
receipts anyway!)
Note: If you do wish a paper receipt - include that
request in the shipping instructions.
Q: I am sending them to my folks/ Mom / Dad / Pastor etc.- Would
you set them up for them?
A: Of course!
Add "Please Program for me" to the shipping instructions. They
can also call us on the phone and we will help also.
Q: Can I buy FOFA-XD in any stores?
A: No. FOFAs
are available only Online, just watch those keys for 2-3 days
more and we will get some FOFA-XD's to you!
Q: I need them as a gift, if I order now, when will they arrive?
US orders using the
US Priority Mail
service, only take 1- 3 days If you need them even more
quickly, select the
US Express Mail
option,
in most cases this delivers the very next day. If you live
outside the US, the delivery can vary from 5-24 days depending
upon
the customs in your country. Contact Us
for more information.
Battery Questions
Q: How long do the batteries last?
A:
Up to a year of average use. Less if you use them like David
(See About Us) does - every day!
Q: Are Batteries included?
A: Yes!
Batteries are included
with every FOFA.
Q: What kind of battery does
FOFA take?
A: Each FOFA uses one ordinary 2032 Coin cell, which are
available for as low as $0.50 each.

Q: Are they hard to find or expensive?
A: The best deals are from the larger supermarkets or online.
Small Specialty stores charge a lot more for
the same battery
- be careful!
Q: Are the batteries easy to replace?
A: They are very easy for adults to replace. The battery slides
out on a tray positive side up.
UPDATE 1/7/2015
Here's a great deal
on replacement batteries!
Harbor Freight Tools..
Note: Other
brands are OK too. Sold in singles or multi-packs.
FOFA
Batteries available at these nationwide stores and your
local retailers.

Q: I
want to send as a gift - How do I enter a Different Shipping
address?
A: Once you have selected your FOFAs with the shopping
cart, you will be asked to enter your Billing Address,
this is the address your card is billed to. On
the next screen, this address is pre-filled into the Shipping
Address......
If you want a different Shipping Address,
then change each box as needed.
Q: Where will you ship to? Can
I use them in my country? -
A: We will ship
worldwide. FOFA is FCC, CE and IC compatible.

Q: When do you
ship?
A:
The same day or the following morning depending upon order
time.
Q:
How do I get FREE Shipping for my FOFAs?
A:
Domestic US Orders automatic
FREE shipping. Sorry - Canadian Orders must pay International Shipping!
(See new reduced rate though)
Q: What shipping method do you use? Can I track my package?
A
:We use both US Priority Mail and First Class Mail, both with
Delivery Confirmation (you can track both at
www.usps.com) We will send you the tracking number if you
supply an email with your order. (We never sell/give them away -
Don't worry)
Please note: Outside the USA (e.g. Canada) we use
First Class Mail international which, although reasonable,
does
not
include progressive tracking.
Q: Do you accept Paypal for online payment as well?
A:
YES! On the payment screen select "Paypal" and it will take you to their site.
FOFA®
Setup
Q: Help! I lost the FOFA-XD Owner's Manual! Can I get the
Owner's
Manual?
A: Yes!
Front(pdf)
and
Back (pdf) or as
Image
Front (jpg)
Image
Back (jpg)
(Adobe PDF Format - Get free reader here.)
Here's a quick video of 2 FOFAs being setup.
(Caution - Music & Sound!)
Here, you just give each
FOFA it's own number.
Most folks set their keys as #1 (the number one thing we
lose!)
and their Flat FOFA (or other keyfob FOFA) as #2.
Simple enough!
Need help? Call us! We love to help folks with their FOFAs!

Q: I
already have some FOFAs - Can I buy more (Flats or Key fobs)
and just add them to my set?
A: Yes! Just remember to give the new ones different numbers!
(e.g. If you already have 1 & 2, then make the new ones 3 & 4
for example.)
Q: I forgot which
one is which number! Can each FOFA tell me what it is set to?
A:
Yes. Hold down the 2 & 3 keys (or the 5& 6) together then let
go. FOFA will beep and flash it's setting to you!
Q: My fingers
are too big to press the 1 & 2 (or 1 & 3) buttons
together to get into the setup modes! What can I do?
A:
As an alternative to holding down 1 & 2 together, to get into
Expanded Setup, you can also use 1 & 5 (they are further apart!)
For getting to Simple
Setup, normally by holding 1 & 3 down together, you can use 1 &
6. (Of course you can always pull the battery in and out for
this one too.)
Alternative keys to hold for larger fingers!
(Hold them down for 5 Seconds)
To get to
Simple Setup hold:
1 & 6 (Normally
1 & 3)
To get to
Expanded Setup hold:
1 & 5
(Normally 1 & 2)
Q: How do you STOP the alarm once you start it? Does FOFA just
keep ringing?
A: No, FOFA rings for about 9 seconds, or longer, if you
keep signaling it. If you want to, you can STOP the ringing
immediately by pressing any button on the ringing FOFA.
This will silence it until it detects the signal again.
Q: Help! I lost the FOFA-XD Owner's Manual! Can I get the
Owner's
Manual?
A: Yes!
Front(pdf)
and
Back (pdf) or as
Image
Front (jpg)
Image
Back (jpg)
(Adobe PDF Format - Get free reader here.)
Attaching FOFAs to things -
Folks get really creative here.....
Q: How do
you attach a FLAT FOFA to a cell phone?
A: It depends on the
phone of course, but the best results can be achieved using
3/4" double-sided Velcro®
squares available from most larger stores and hardware stores.
The advantage of using Velcro®
is that when you do replace your
phone (many folks do that every 2 years) you can pull off the
FOFA and stick it to the new phone!
David (See About Us) uses his keys
to find his cell phone every day!
(After
he uses Mandy's keys to find his keys.....:)
Q:
How do you attach a FOFA to a remote control?
A:
If the remote is flat (some DVD player remotes have a
flat area on the back) then you use a flat FOFA
with the double sided tape square that come with your FOFA Set.
If the remote is curved, then you loop a small rubber
band through the FOFA's end
loop then around the remote's top or use double-sided Velcro).
Ordering and Security.
Q: How do I enter a different shipping address?
A: Once you have selected your FOFAs with the shopping cart, you
will be asked to enter your Billing Address,
this is the address your card is billed to. On the next screen,
this address is pre-filled into the Shipping Address.
If you want a different Shipping Address, then change
each box as needed.
Q: I have not heard of these before! How long has
Melbourne Designs been in business?
A: We started selling the first FOFAs in 2001. In 2008, we
joined the Better Business Bureau and our local
Texas Chamber of Commerce.
This way, folks can check up on us. Click the pictures
to get a report.
Q:
I am worried about using
my credit card online.
A: The FOFA Website uses the latest 256 Bit data encryption -
which incorporate private and public keys backed by identity assurance,
In addition to using the most up-to-date encryption methods,
the moment your order is completed online, our system deletes
the card information.
We do NOT keep a copy, on paper or anywhere else. We are
members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and
take great care to
ensure our customers' privacy and security.
Q:
Do you store my credit
card information?
A: NO We do NOT. In fact, it is submitted
directly to your bank then DELETED - it is the safest
thing to do. See our
Security Policy
Q:
I still don't like using
credit cards online, can I call you with my card number?
Can
I just mail my order to you?
A:
Send us a list of Sets you
need , make your payment payable to "Melbourne Designs, LLC"
and send to ;
FOFA Order
c/o Melbourne Designs, LLC
6402 Elm Springs Dr,
Arlington, TX. 76001
USA
Please remember to include your return address and, if possible,
an email address. This lets us keep
you up-to-date on your order. LIve in
Texas? Don't forget the 8% Sales Tax please!
Q:
I really don't want spam - Do
you ever give/sell your customer information to anyone
else?
A: NO!
We never have and we never will!
We never
sell, rent or give away any information about you or your
order to any company or individual.
Q: When ordering I was asked for a "Card Security Code" -
Where is it?
A:
The verification number is a 3-digit number
printed on the back of your card It appears after and to the
right of your card number.
This helps prove that you have the physical
card and are the legal owner.

(Note: American Express is a 4 digit number on
the Front)
Q: Are FOFAs legal to
use in the USA?
A: Yes, of
course! (we are in Texas after all) They are FCC, CE and IC
Compliant and ID marked.
Many key finders sold on Amazon and eBay are NOT however,
and it is illegal to use them in the US.
Make sure you check (or ask) for an FCC number - FOFAs is
B4SKXD-27 - It MUST be printed on the back too!
Troubleshooting.
Q: Help! I
pulled out the little plastic tabs before I even looked at the
manual!
They beeped and blinked but now they have stopped. What
now?
A: Don't panic, no harm done! If you press any button, the setup
will begin again. Another quick way of starting over is just
pull out the little battery tray on the side of each FOFA, then
re-insert them. The setup will begin again and let you enter an
Item number for each one. You don't have to read the whole
manual, just the "Quick Start" - also shown lower here (See
Programming below).
Q: I
pulled out the little plastic tab on my FOFA-XD but nothing
happened! What do I do?
A: Sometimes after shipment, the battery needs to be
re-positioned/re-inserted. Pull out the tray on the side of the
FOFA-XD (see below) and then re-insert it - That will
do it! Once the FOFA beeps and starts
flashing in Simple Setup Mode, you are ready to choose an Item
number. See the Quick Start in the manual or below.
Q: I pulled out the little
plastic tabs / put the battery in, they beeped and are now just
flashing. What do I do now?
A:
Now it's time to give them each a number. While still
flashing, select and press a number on each FOFA - this will be
it's Item number in your system.
Make sure you give them different numbers! If they have
stopped flashing, just press a key and they will start flashing
again. If you make a mistake and
accidentally set them both to the same or a number you didn't
want, you can get back into either Setup Modes and do it over or
simply pull out the battery
and re-insert. The Quick Start below (which is on the front
of the manual) gives you fastest setup possible for a Set of 2
.
Q: I have them programmed, but they don't seem to be able to
call each other! What have I done wrong?
A: The most common cause of this
is when you set them as the SAME number,
such as both as # 1, for example. (Or programmed them on
different "Sets" but much less likely)
How can you tell if you have done this? If you press the
same
number on both and get the
Rapid 4 beep
"this is me" sound - you have them set to the same number!
Easy to fix, just pull the battery out of
one,
put it back in and choose a different number!
(from the other). Now each
can call the other.
Q: I have re-programmed, but they seem to forget their number
again. Also, the range seems less now.
A: You need new batteries
CR2032 - they don't cost much (see Battery Questions) and
will fix them right up. Don't forget to follow the Quick Start
again once you put them in.
Q: I have tried everything! What can I do now?
A:
Contact Us! (email
is best)
We love helping folks with their FOFAs! Really!
Q: How you get the battery
out of my key fob FOFA?

A: Although you can
use strong fingernails, you can also use a blunt dinner knife to
gently pry the battery tray out. See picture.
(We made them pretty stiff to deter young
children from removing them.)

How loud?, How big?, How far? -
General Questions about FOFA®
Q: What does the alarm sound like? How loud is it?
A: 94dB! Here is
what it sounds like (turn your speakers down a little if you
don't want to disturb those around you)
Q: How much do FOFAs weigh?
A:
Only
1/2 oz! (including battery!) FOFAs
are very light indeed - They add little mass to
speak off to your keys and things.
Q: What is
the size of FOFAs? Can I see some close-ups?
A: The Key fob FOFA is the size of a normal car remote; 2
3/4" x 1" x <1/2" (70mm x 31mm x 10mm. )
The Flat FOFA is 2/3 the size of a
credit card; 2 3/4" X 2" X 1/4" (70mm X 50mm x 6mm )
Click here for
some comparison and engineering pictures..
Q:
What is the range of a FOFA?
A
Up to
30 feet radius,
depending upon surroundings.
Q: Why are there 6 buttons on each FOFA? Do I have to get 6 of
them for it to work?
A: No! If you only
need at 2 (to look after 2 Sets of Keys say) then just order the
Set of 2 Key fob FOFAs.
If you want to be able to find a wallet, add a Flat FOFA to your
Set and so on. They all work together.
(There are 6 buttons in case you need to look after 6
things!)
Buy as many FOFAs as you need.
Q: What is the difference between the Key fob
shaped FOFAs and the Flat FOFAs?
A: ONLY the shape. they work
identically. Each can call the other shape just the same.
Q: So what does the "XD mean? How does Proximity Detect™
help?
What if: Your keys are in your trouser
pocket, inside your laundry basket ......

A: One of the most common
questions about FOFA is "how loud is it?" People ask this
because they
know that sometimes, keys or lost objects are BURIED in
things. When you signal a lost FOFA to alarm & flash, it also
does
something else as well, it
transmits a radio beacon back! The
FOFA XD you are using to transmit with automatically looks
for this beacon signal, if it sees it, it beeps once, then
flashes it's LED light in time with it.
Now you know your keys are there, just BURIED.
The flashing beacon gets more regular (no missing flashes)
as the distance decreases as well.
Now you can prove your neighbor really does have your stuff from
outside his garage!
(Not responsible for any trouble caused by this new ability!)
Q: Why do you sell the key
fob FOFAs in pairs?
A: 2 Reasons:
1) Most folks have at least 2 Sets
of keys at home. A main set and a spare set or you and a
companion's.
2) We want to make sure you get at least 2 FOFAs! (They
are like telephones, you need at least one other to
talk to!) After 2, the more you have, the better, in terms of
finding your things of course.
Q: So how many should I order? How many of the "Key fob" shaped
FOFAs and how many "Flats"?
A: That is the best part - order as many
as you need! From just a single Set of 2 key fobs
(to look after 2 Sets of keys) to multiple sets
in one home/office. The Flat FOFAs are great for wallets, purses
and flat DVD-type remotes. It is entirely up to you.
Remember - when you order at least 4 FOFAs (such as 2 Sets of 2)
in any combination of Key fobs and Flats
- you get FREE US Shipping! (US Orders ONLY - to 1 US Address)
Q: I sit on my wallet a lot -
Can the Flat FOFA take it?
A: Yes! They are tough little guys! UPDATE
3/10/2008 This morning I drove a CAR over a wallet FOFA. Still
worked! No visible signs at all.
Q: I have
the original FOFAs - Are the new XD ones compatible?
A: Yes! But remember, the original FOFAs did not have
Proximity Detect™
but they will ring and be rung by the new FOFA XDs!
Q: I sit on my
wallet a lot - Can a Flat FOFA take it?
A: Yes! They are tough little
guys!
Q:
How can FOFA work without a base?
All the other products use a separate transmitter.
A:
Each FOFA is a transmitter also (2-Way). If
you lose your keys, you can find them with
your partner's keys, or your
wallet, or even a pesky remote control that has a FOFA on it
Anything with a FOFA on it can
find anything else with a FOFA on it!
If you can Find One, you
can Find them ALL, at home, at the office,
practically anywhere.
See our Demo!
Q:
How is it possible to have 36 of them in one house?
A :
Each FOFA is easily set to be part of a Set of 6.
Only FOFA's in the SAME SET
will react
to each other. Since you can have
up to 6 different Sets
of 6, you can locate 36 different items
independently.
Q: I have
several Flat FOFAs - What do I set them to?
A: Any number you like as long as it is different
from your other FOFAs.
If you set your key fob FOFAs as #1 and
#2, then make the Flat #3 , # 4 ,#5 etc.
It's up to you.
Q:
Can I use the LED as a keyhole finder flashlight in the dark?
A: Yes, just hold
down the button matching the item number and only the LED will
come on for this use.
Q:
Can
I change the setup on a FOFA, if I want?
-
A: See Setting up FOFA
Q:
What if I forget which Item number a FOFA is?
A: The button on the keypad which
produces 4 quick beeps is that FOFAs number. Also,
by holding down the 5 & 6 keys briefly, FOFA "beeps" it's number
to you!
(If you just used the Simple Mode - you just hear the
Item
number beeped at you. If you are using the Expanded Mode,
FOFA will Beep the
Set number, then a pause, then the Item number)
Q:
If something presses and holds a key in my pocket , will it wear
the battery out?
A: No, FOFA will
not allow this to occur. The keypad is also designed to require
at least the end of your finger in area for the transmitter to
be activated
Q: Help! I lost the FOFA-XD Owner's Manual! Can I get the
Owner's
Manual?
A: Yes!
Front(pdf)
and
Back (pdf) or as
Image
Front (jpg)
Image
Back (jpg)
(Adobe PDF Format - Get free reader here.)
Q: Is FOFA safe?
A:
YES! FOFA is certified RoHS Compliant. FOFA is made with Lead
FREE solder & the even the small silk screen FOFA logo contains
no lead.
Even though we have made removing the battery a deliberate action, we still
recommend keeping the batteries away from young children to
prevent choking.

Q: Are these new FOFA XDs compatible with my original FOFAs? -
A: YES! (the
originals won't transmit back of course).
Q: I have
several Flat FOFAs - What do I set them to?
A Any number you like as
long as it is different from your other FOFAs.
If you set your key fob FOFAs as #1 and
#2, then make the Flat #3 , # 4 ,#5 etc.
It's up to you.
Q: Can we use FOFAs for "Geocaching"? The last 30 feet take a
while!
A: Geo Caching
is a cool world wide treasure hunt game played using GPS
receivers to hide and locate the items.
The last 30 feet is sometimes the hardest though and folks
have used FOFAs to help them with this last part. Just make sure
you
wrap the FOFAs to keep them from the rain!
Q: Are FOFAs legal to use in the USA?
A: They are FCC, CE and IC Compliant and ID marked.
Many sold on Amazon and eBay are NOT and it is illegal to use them
in the US - Make sure you check for an FCC number - FOFAs is
B4SKXD-27
Q: Do FOFA Key Finders ever false alarm?
A: No
Q: Is FOFA loud?
A: Yes! 90+dB
Q:
Is there a handheld base transmitter, I have to take with me to find an
item?
A: No, that would be something else to
lose!
Q:
Is FOFA the only
Key Locator that you can attach to multiple items and call them
individually from
each other?
A - Yes
Q:
Are FOFA Key locators affected by background sounds, like air
conditioning?
A: No
Q:
Is the range decreased by background noise?
A: No, FOFA works by radio. It is
unaffected by sounds.
Q: I prefer to buy my
stuff on Amazon - Can I buy them there? Same price?
A:
OK, YES and SAME
CXD-27
KXD-27
Velcro@ is a Registered Trademark
of Velcro Industries. Find One Find All and FOFA are Registered
Trademarks of Melbourne Designs, LLC
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