#4370 Remote-Controlled/Autonomous Robotic Vehicle for Off-Road Surveillance
#4370 Remote-Controlled/Autonomous Robotic Vehicle for Off-Road Surveillance
#4370 Tell me about Raccoon 2 SE Robot Lawn Mower, Wire-Free Robotic Lawn Mower Without RTK
The RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE is a wire-free robotic mower specifically designed for small gardens (up to 0.15 acres or 600 m²).
How it Works Without RTK
Most wire-free mowers require an RTK antenna with a clear line of sight to satellites. The Raccoon 2 SE replaces this with:
AI Vision Navigation: An onboard camera recognizes the difference between grass and non-grass surfaces (like mulch, pavement, or flower beds) in real-time.
vSLAM + INS: It uses visual landmarks and internal sensors to build a map of your yard.
This allows it to work in shaded areas or under tree canopies where GPS-based systems often lose signal. Instant Setup: It is designed for "out of the box" use.
For simple yards, you can place it on the grass and press start without a complex app setup or boundary mapping.
Key Features and Performance
Cutting System: It features a 20 cm (7.9 in) cutting width and an electric height adjustment ranging from 30 mm to 80 mm (1.18"–3.15"), which can be controlled via the app.
Obstacle Avoidance: The AI can identify over 300 types of obstacles, such as pets, toys, and garden furniture, to navigate around them safely.
Ride-On Edge: It is designed to drive over flat boundaries (like flush patio stones) to trim as close to the edge as possible, reducing the need for manual string trimming.
Battery Life: Equipped with a 5Ah battery, it offers a 150-minute runtime with a relatively fast 70-minute recharge.
Terrain Handling: It manages slopes up to 36% (20°) and can handle uneven ground with its floating cutting disc.
Who is it for?
This mower is ideal for simple, well-defined small lawns.
If you'd like, I can compare the Raccoon 2 SE with other wire-free entry-level mowers like the Segway Navimow i Series to see which navigation style fits your yard better. Would you like to see that comparison?
Describe how this could be used as remote-controlled and autonomous robotic vehicle for off-road surveillance
The
Remote-Controlled Operation
The Raccoon 2 SE features a Remote-Controlled Mowing mode within its companion app.
Precision Driving: You can manually guide the vehicle to specific points of interest in real-time using the app.
Live Connectivity: It connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to trigger movements or "Spot Mowing" (which acts as a localized patrol) from a smartphone or tablet.
App-Based Adjustments: You can remotely raise or lower the cutting deck (30 mm to 80 mm) to clear different types of ground debris or "tuck" the blades away during surveillance runs.
Autonomous Surveillance Capabilities
Because the vehicle is built for wire-free autonomy, it can be programmed to "patrol" your property without human intervention:
vSLAM + INS Navigation: Unlike RTK mowers, this uses visual landmarks to map its surroundings.
This means it can "remember" paths through wooded areas or around buildings where traditional GPS fails. Multi-Zone Management: You can define up to 3 separate zones (e.g., a perimeter fence, a driveway, and a back lot).
The mower can be scheduled to visit these zones autonomously. AI Vision Detection: The onboard camera and AI system are pre-trained to recognize over 300 types of objects.
While designed for safety, this system essentially acts as an automated "alert" sensor that can identify and navigate around people, pets, or unexpected obstacles.
Off-Road Performance & Specs
For a surveillance vehicle to be effective off-road, it needs to handle uneven terrain. The Raccoon 2 SE includes several "industrial" grade features:
High-Traction Tyres: The "Off-road Tyres" are designed for grass and dirt, allowing it to climb slopes up to 36% (20°).
Weatherproof Design: With an IPX6 rating, it is fully protected against heavy rain and can be cleaned with a hose.
Stealth Operation: It operates at ≤56 dBA, which is roughly the volume of a quiet conversation, making it ideal for low-profile night patrols.
Endurance: A 150-minute runtime per charge allows for extensive property coverage before it autonomously returns to its base to recharge.
If you are interested in a more heavy-duty or "stealthier" setup, I can check if there are any available all-terrain robotic platforms that come with built-in live-feed camera streaming. Would you like me to look for those?
Do it
For using the
Remote Control & Deployment
The mower acts as a low-profile mobile platform that can be manually piloted through its mobile interface. Since it does not require a perimeter wire, it can be deployed in any open area to begin operations immediately.
Manual Piloting: Use the Remote-Control mode in the app to navigate the vehicle to specific observation points or investigate perimeter breaches.
App-Adjustable Clearance: The cutting deck can be raised to 80 mm (3.15") via the app, allowing the chassis to clear taller debris or uneven off-road terrain without snagging.
Silent Mobility: It operates at roughly 56 dBA, allowing it to move across a property with minimal acoustic signature—ideal for covert night-time surveillance.
Autonomous Patrol & Navigation
The vehicle uses a combination of vSLAM and AI Vision, making it more resilient for surveillance than standard GPS mowers.
Visual Mapping: It builds a map based on visual landmarks. This allows it to maintain its patrol route under tree canopies or along the side of buildings where satellite signals often drop out.
Multi-Zone Scheduling: You can program the vehicle to patrol up to 3 distinct zones. For example, it can be set to "scout" a driveway, a fence line, and a garden area at different times of the day.
Automated Obstacle Intelligence: The AI vision system is designed to recognize and avoid over 300 types of objects, including people and animals, effectively acting as an automated steering system that avoids colliding with intruders or pets.
Physical Durability
Off-Road Traction: Equipped with high-grip off-road tires and a front-wheel-drive system, it can manage slopes up to 36% (20°) and navigate soft soil or thick grass.
Weather Resistance: With an IPX6 waterproof rating, the platform can operate in heavy rain and be easily cleaned of mud or dirt after a patrol.
Self-Sustaining Battery: It provides 150 minutes of operation per charge and will autonomously return to its station to "refuel" when the battery is low.
If you are interested in a more specialized surveillance setup, I can research all-terrain robotic platforms that feature live-stream cameras or night vision capabilities. Would you like me to look for those?
What is the range of remote-control?
The remote-control range for the
Control Ranges by Connection Type
Bluetooth (Direct Control): The effective range for manual driving and settings adjustment via Bluetooth is approximately 5 meters (16 feet), with a recommended "stable" range of 3 meters (10 feet).
This is designed for close-quarters precision maneuvers where you are standing near the unit. Wi-Fi (Remote/Global Control): If the vehicle is connected to your home 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, you can control it from anywhere you have an internet connection.
The Constraint: The "range" is limited by the strength of your Wi-Fi signal in your yard. If the mower enters a "dead zone" far from your router, you may lose the ability to issue remote commands or view status updates.
OTA Updates: Wi-Fi is required for over-the-air firmware updates and unbinding the account.
Operational Reach for Surveillance
For off-road surveillance, the "range" is best thought of in terms of its autonomous endurance rather than your manual tether:
Autonomous Range: Once a map is created, the vehicle can patrol a property up to 0.15 acres independently of your phone's location.
Battery Endurance: It can travel and monitor for 150 minutes before needing to return to the charging station.
Narrow Path Navigation: It can navigate through gaps as tight as 80 cm (31.5 in), allowing it to move between front and back yards or through gated areas autonomously.
If you plan on using this for large-scale perimeter surveillance, I can look into Wi-Fi range extenders designed for outdoor use to ensure you don't lose contact with the vehicle at the edge of your property. Would you like to explore those options?
How can the range be increased to 2 miles or more?
Increasing the communication range of the RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE to 2 miles or more requires moving beyond standard consumer hardware. Since the mower relies on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for remote access, you must extend your network's physical footprint across your property.
1. Long-Range Outdoor Mesh Systems
The most seamless way to maintain control is to deploy an outdoor mesh network designed for large acreages. Systems like Ayrstone AyrMesh are specifically built for rural and agricultural use.
AyrMesh Hubs: These can be placed up to 2.5 miles apart.
By daisy-chaining these hubs (up to 3 "hops"), you can create a contiguous Wi-Fi canopy covering thousands of acres. Remote Management: Because the mower stays on the same Wi-Fi SSID as it moves between hubs, you maintain a constant connection for manual steering and status updates.
2. Point-to-Point (PtP) Wireless Bridges
If you have a specific remote area (like a detached lot or outbuilding) that needs surveillance, a Wireless Bridge can "beam" your internet connection over long distances.
RadioLabs ZipBridge: This system can create a high-speed Wi-Fi link up to 3 miles away (line-of-sight).
Setup: You mount one unit on your main house and another on a pole or building in the remote area. The remote unit then acts as a local Wi-Fi hotspot for the mower to connect to.
3. Hardware Modification (Advanced)
Since the Raccoon 2 SE is a closed consumer product, adding a long-range radio (like a 900MHz LoRa or RF Telemetry system) directly to its internal controller is difficult without voiding the warranty and bypassing the manufacturer's software.
The "External Relay" Strategy: A more practical "maker" approach is to mount a small, battery-powered Wi-Fi repeater or Travel Router (like a GL.iNet model) directly onto the mower's chassis.
The Benefit: If the mower has its own "personal" router attached, that router can be equipped with high-gain directional antennas to maintain a stronger link back to your base station than the mower's small internal antenna can manage.
Comparison of Range Extension Methods
| Feature | Outdoor Mesh (AyrMesh) | PtP Bridge (ZipBridge) | DIY Router Relay |
| Max Range | 2.5 - 7.5 miles (with hops) | 3 - 5 miles | 0.5 - 1 mile |
| Best For | Full property coverage | Specific distant zones | Budget range boost |
| Complexity | Moderate (Multi-hub setup) | High (Line-of-sight required) | DIY / Technical |
| Mobility | High (Seamless roaming) | Limited to bridge "hotspot" | High (On-vehicle) |
Recommendation:
For a reliable 2-mile surveillance perimeter, the Ayrstone AyrMesh system is the most robust choice. It is designed to survive outdoor environments and provides the wide-area "blanket" coverage needed for an autonomous vehicle to roam freely.
Would you like me to look for specific solar-powered enclosures to help you mount these Wi-Fi hubs in areas of your property without power outlets?
Could this be used in conjunction with an aerial drone to maintain line-of-sight PtP Bridge support?
Using an aerial drone as a mobile Point-to-Point (PtP) Bridge for the RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE is a highly effective way to achieve a 2-mile range, provided you use a specific hardware configuration.
Because the Raccoon 2 SE communicates via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the drone acts as an "Elevated Access Point." This setup overcomes the "Line-of-Sight" (LoS) issues caused by terrain, buildings, or the Earth's curvature, which typically limit ground-based Wi-Fi to a few hundred feet.
1. The Aerial Relay Architecture
To make this work, the drone must carry a Wi-Fi Relay/Bridge payload.
The Ground Station: A high-gain directional antenna (like a Ubiquiti airMAX PowerBeam) is mounted at your base, aiming at the drone.
The Drone (The Bridge): The drone carries a matching PtP receiver and a local 2.4 GHz Access Point. It receives the long-range "beam" from your house and broadcasts a Wi-Fi "bubble" down to the mower.
The Result: As long as the drone stays within a few hundred feet of the mower, the mower "thinks" it is right next to your home router, even if it is 2 miles away.
2. Implementation Strategies
| Component | Standard Drone (Short Missions) | Tethered Drone (Persistent) |
| Airtime | 20–40 minutes | Indefinite (Powered from ground) |
| Payload | Lightweight Wi-Fi Repeater | Heavy-duty MIMO Mesh Radio |
| Complexity | High (Pilot must follow mower) | Moderate (Drone stays stationary) |
| Best For | One-time scouting/surveillance | Permanent 2-mile perimeter |
3. Critical Technical Challenges
Signal Fresnel Zone: At a 2-mile distance, the "invisible beam" between your house and the drone is quite thick. The drone must maintain an altitude of at least 60–100 feet to ensure trees or small hills don't clip the signal.
Frequency Interference: Most drones use 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz for flight control. Mounting a Wi-Fi bridge (also 2.4/5.8 GHz) directly to the drone can cause "self-jamming." You should use a 900 MHz PtP link for the long-distance "backhaul" to avoid interfering with the drone or the mower’s local Wi-Fi.
Handover & Tracking: For autonomous missions, the drone needs to "loiter" above the mower. Some modern drones have "Follow Me" modes that can be slaved to a GPS beacon placed on top of the Raccoon 2 SE.
Recommendation for a "Zero-Failure" Setup
If your goal is persistent 2-mile surveillance, use a Tethered Drone System (like those from Hoverfly). A tethered drone stays at a fixed altitude (up to 200 ft), receiving power and data through a thin cable. This creates a permanent "tower" in the sky that provides a massive Wi-Fi footprint for your robotic vehicle without needing to swap drone batteries every 30 minutes.
Would you like me to research specific 900 MHz long-range bridges that are lightweight enough to be mounted on a standard consumer drone?
Seems like any comm link would work against the need for covert operations
You are right to be skeptical—in a covert scenario, a standard Wi-Fi or radio broadcast is essentially an electronic "flare" that announces your position to anyone with a simple spectrum analyzer.
For a true covert mission using the RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE as a base, you would need to transition from "broadcast" to "low probability of intercept" (LPI) methods.
1. Directional "Beam" Links (LPD/LPI)
Instead of an omnidirectional signal that radiates in all directions, you use a Directional Antenna or Beamforming.
The Benefit: By focusing the signal into a narrow, 25-degree beam (like a sniper rifle instead of a shotgun), you significantly reduce the chance of an adversary outside that narrow path detecting the signal.
The Implementation: You would replace the standard antennas on your base station or drone with a Yagi or Panel antenna. This keeps the "electronic footprint" extremely small and focused only on the vehicle.
2. Optical Wireless Communication (Li-Fi)
If radio silence is mandatory, you move to the visual spectrum.
Modulated LED/Laser: Instead of radio waves, you use an infrared or laser link to transmit data. Since light doesn't penetrate walls or travel over the horizon, it is nearly impossible to intercept unless the adversary is standing directly in the line of sight.
Camera-Based Sync: Modern "Optical ISAC" (Integrated Sensing and Communication) allows the robot's existing cameras to "read" data from a flickering light source on your drone or base station, maintaining a data link without emitting a single radio frequency.
3. "Noise-Floor" Transmission
Professional covert systems use Spread Spectrum techniques to hide the signal below the "noise floor."
How it works: The data is spread across a very wide frequency range at a very low power. To a standard receiver, it just looks like background static or atmospheric noise.
The "Maker" Version: You can use LoRa (Long Range) modules configured with a high "Spreading Factor." While the data rate is slow, the signal is extremely resilient and difficult to distinguish from electronic background noise, especially in urban environments.
4. Burst Communications & Data Mules
To minimize the time you are "on the air," you use Burst Mode:
The vehicle operates autonomously and silently for the majority of the mission.
It only transmits in a "high-speed burst" (e.g., 1 second of transmission for 30 minutes of data) at a pre-arranged time or location.
Alternatively, use a Data Mule strategy where a small, secondary drone flies out to the mower, downloads the logs via a short-range, low-power link, and flies back, keeping your main base station completely silent.
Comparison of Covert Link Methods
| Method | Detection Risk | Range | Complexity |
| Standard Wi-Fi | Very High | ~300 ft | Low |
| Directional Yagi | Medium | 2 - 5 miles | Moderate |
| LoRa (Spread Spectrum) | Low | 5 - 10 miles | High |
| Optical (Laser/IR) | Negligible | Line-of-sight | Very High |
If you want to move toward a "dark" comms setup, I can research specific directional Yagi kits that are compatible with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bridge hardware. Would you like to see those?
Let's go back to pre-programmed, fully autonomous mode
Moving back to pre-programmed, fully autonomous mode transitions the vehicle from a remote tool into a persistent agent. Given your background in Software Process Engineering and Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA), you'll likely appreciate the shift toward a verifiable "set-and-forget" logic that relies on local state synchronization rather than a constant communication tether.
1. Visual SLAM & Map Persistence
In autonomous mode, the
Persistent World Models: The vehicle builds and stores a local map of the terrain. In your work with agentic AI, this is equivalent to a "Long-Term Memory" (LTM) that allows the robot to calculate its position relative to known landmarks (trees, fence posts, corners) even when "blinded" to GPS.
Dead Reckoning (INS): When the cameras lose visibility (e.g., in a heavy fog or under thick brush), the Inertial Navigation System takes over, using internal sensors to track distance and heading until a visual fix is re-established.
2. Multi-Zone Logic & Path Planning
You can define the "Operational Design Domain" (ODD) by setting up multi-zone schedules.
State-Based Scheduling: Program the unit to patrol Zone A (Perimeter) at specific intervals and Zone B (High-Value Asset) during others.
Intelligent Pathing: The autonomous logic doesn't just wander; it calculates an efficient "zig-zag" or parallel path to ensure 100% coverage of the designated area, which is critical for thorough surveillance.
3. Safety-First Obstacle Avoidance
In an autonomous surveillance context, "Safety" means avoiding detection or damage while maintaining the mission.
Dynamic Re-routing: If a new obstacle appears (a parked car, a fallen branch, or an intruder), the AI identifies the object and calculates a new path around it in real-time.
The "Safety Loop": Much like the S&MA software assurance protocols you oversee, the Raccoon 2 SE utilizes a tiered safety architecture—if the AI Vision fails to resolve an object, physical bumpers and ultrasonic sensors act as the final failsafe to stop the vehicle.
Comparison: Autonomous Surveillance Platforms
If you require higher payload capacity (for thermal cameras or specialized sensors) or more rugged mobility than a consumer mower, these Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) offer "Professional Grade" autonomy:
Recommendation
For stealth and low-profile yard monitoring, the
RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE If you intend to integrate your own agentic R&D or custom sensors (like your Sentinel Archivist logic), the
Rosbot Pro S
Would you like to look at how to integrate a Jetson Nano or Orin module into these platforms to run custom AI vision models locally?
From <https://gemini.google.com/app/> Google Gemini 3.0 (Fast)
Tell me about MOVA LiDAX Ultra 1000 Robot Lawn Mower Wire Free for 1/4 Acre, RTK-Free+360° 3D LiDAR+AI Vision Auto Mapping, Zero-Edge Cutting, Cutting Height 1.2"-3.9", 45% Slope, Up to 150 Managed Zones Dual Maps
The MOVA LiDAX Ultra 1000 is a high-performance, wire-free robotic mower designed for medium-sized yards up to 0.25 acres (10,764 sq. ft.). It stands out by replacing traditional RTK-GPS systems—which often struggle near tall trees or walls—with a sophisticated 360° 3D LiDAR and AI Vision navigation system.
Advanced Navigation & Mapping
Unlike mowers that require a clear line of sight to satellites, the MOVA LiDAX Ultra 1000 uses "Triple-Fusion" technology to navigate complex environments:
360° 3D LiDAR: Constantly scans the surroundings to create a precise map, allowing it to work in complete darkness and under heavy tree canopies.
AI Vision & Auto Mapping: The onboard camera identifies boundaries and obstacles in real-time. It can automatically map your yard simply by driving the perimeter once, eliminating the need for manual wire burying.
150 Managed Zones: You can program the mower to handle highly complex layouts with up to 150 different zones and dual-map storage for different levels or properties.
Cutting Performance & Design
Zero-Edge Cutting: The cutting disk is offset to one side, allowing it to mow within centimeters of walls and edges, significantly reducing the need for manual string trimming.
Electric Height Adjustment: You can adjust the cutting height from 1.2" to 3.9" directly through the mobile app, making it suitable for various grass types.
All-Terrain Capabilities: It is equipped with high-torque motors and aggressive tread tires, enabling it to climb slopes of up to 45% (approx. 24°) without losing traction.
Safety & Obstacle Avoidance: The AI system recognizes pets, toys, and garden furniture, stopping or rerouting instantly to prevent collisions.
Smart Features
Rain Detection: The mower will automatically return to its charging station if it detects rain to protect your lawn from track marks and prevent clumping.
App Control: You can set schedules, define "no-go" zones, and monitor the mower's progress from anywhere via your smartphone.
This mower is a strong choice for yards with heavy shade or narrow passages where GPS signals are unreliable. If you'd like, I can compare the navigation accuracy of this 3D LiDAR system against the vSLAM technology used in other wire-free mowers to see which is best for your specific terrain. Would you like to see that comparison?
If the mower motor was removed, what would the battery life expectation be?
If you were to remove the mower motor and utilize the MOVA LiDAX Ultra 1000 strictly as a mobile sensor platform, you would see a significant leap in operational endurance.
Battery Capacity & Power Dynamics
The LiDAX Ultra 1000 is equipped with a 243 Wh (36V, ~6.75Ah) battery.
Cutting Motor: Consumes approximately 60%–70% of the total energy, especially when dealing with thick grass or adjusting height.
Drive Motors & Electronics: The remaining 30%–40% powers the dual rear-wheel drive, the 360° LiDAR, the AI Vision processing (1080p HDR camera), and the logic board.
Estimated "Surveillance Mode" Runtime
By removing the heavy load of the cutting blades, the battery life would likely extend from its standard 150 minutes to approximately 6 to 8 hours of continuous movement and sensing.
| Component | Estimated Draw (Standard) | Estimated Draw (No Blades) |
| Blade Motor | ~100W - 150W | 0W |
| Drive Motors | ~20W - 40W | ~20W - 40W |
| LiDAR + AI + Wi-Fi | ~10W - 15W | ~10W - 15W |
| Total Runtime | ~2.5 Hours | ~6 - 8+ Hours |
Critical Advantages for Autonomous Missions
Nocturnal Endurance: Since the 3D LiDAR does not rely on ambient light, this "stripped" platform could patrol a perimeter in complete darkness for a full work shift on a single charge.
Reduced Acoustic Signature: Removing the blade motor eliminates the primary source of noise. The remaining drive motors and LiDAR are virtually silent, making it an ideal low-observable ground vehicle.
Increased Payload: Removing the motor and blade assembly sheds several pounds of weight, which you could repurpose for a Jetson Orin (to run your local Sentinel Archivist logic) or a long-range radio relay.
Given your expertise in NASA Safety and Mission Assurance, would you like to explore a power-budget breakdown for adding a secondary high-definition thermal camera to this platform for 24/7 security monitoring?
How programmable would it be as-is?
The MOVA LiDAX Ultra 1000 offers a high degree of programmable autonomy "out of the box" through its software stack, though its "openness" for deep custom coding is restricted to community-led workarounds.
Out-of-the-Box Programmability
The MOVA Home App acts as the primary IDE for the vehicle, providing a sophisticated interface for state-based logic:
150 Managed Zones: You can define a massive number of distinct "patrol" zones. Each zone can have its own independent schedule, cutting height (1.2" to 3.9"), and mowing pattern (e.g., zig-zag vs. parallel).
Dual-Map Storage: It supports two separate multi-zone maps, allowing you to move the vehicle between physically disconnected properties or levels without re-mapping.
TrueGuard Security Mode: This is the most relevant feature for surveillance. It allows you to program Auto Patrol routines with Human Detection Alerts and Live Video Feeds directly through the app.
Voice Control: It integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to trigger autonomous missions via voice command or include them in larger smart-home routines.
Advanced Integration & "Hacker" Potential
For a professional with your background in Software Process Engineering, the "as-is" programmability might feel limited by its proprietary nature. However, there are established paths for more advanced control:
Home Assistant (HACS): There is a growing community-supported integration (via the HACS "Dreame-Mower" bridge) that allows you to bring the mower into Home Assistant. This allows for complex, sensor-driven automation—for example, "If the smart fence sensor is tripped, send the mower to the perimeter."
Offline Autonomy: Once mapped, the vehicle does not require a permanent internet connection. It executes its recorded cartography and scheduling logic locally, which is vital for your "covert" or "silent" operational requirements.
Firmware Updates (OTA): MOVA frequently pushes over-the-air updates. While these are managed by the manufacturer, they often introduce new AI vision capabilities or adjust the sensitivity of the LiDAR and obstacle avoidance systems.
Surveillance Specs Summary
| Feature | Capability |
| Max Zones | 150 Zones (Highly granular patrol logic) |
| Mapping | 360° 3D LiDAR + AI Vision (Works in total darkness) |
| Security | Live Video, 4G Tracking, Motion Alerts |
| External Access | Home Assistant Integration (Community-led) |
MOVA LiDAX Ultra 1000 Robot Lawn Mower
If you want to bypass the manufacturer's app entirely, I can look into ROS 2-based robotic platforms like the
From <https://gemini.google.com/app/> Google Gemini 3.0 (Fast)
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