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Input on small travel/backpacking radio
I am looking for input into whether to buy a new SW portable.
For 5 years I have had the Sangean ATS-808 that has been my only shortwave. I have been very happy with its performance, though I have missed not having SSB. Over the years, I have bought and returned a Panasonic RFB-65, RS DX-398, and a Grundig YB400. Each time, when I would compare it to the 808, it would not prove to be worth spending any extra money. I also have slowed on my DXing. I am now traveling monthly to Latin America (Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Peru) and would like to have a small SW to use on my trips. I would also use this radio as a backpacking radio. (I'd love to find one that receives weather bands!) My question is: Should I just take the 808 and save my money or are there some much smaller radios that are fairly cheap, but would give decent enough performance to justify a different radio? I will not be trying to pull in very faint signals because I would not think the clarity would be possible. The only problem with the 808 is it is a bit big and there are times where my suitcase space is really cramped. I don't want to pay more than $200 for a radio, so the Sony sw100 is out. I have considered the following: Sony SW07- alot of money. I don't know that it is worth it unless its performance will make me stop using the 808 at home. Sangean 606- A good choice but too much like the 808. It would be like kissing your sister. Grundig Traveler VII- Nice and small, but I am concerned about performance and value Kchibo KKE-200- nice and cheap, but a good radio? Grundig 100- nice and cheap, but a good radio? Which radios would you suggest or should I just stick with the 808 and use the money elsewhere? Any comments are welcome. Rambler |
I'd take what you got except that it might get hairy trying to get through
airports screening wouldn't it ? What happens when they x-ray the thing and wipe out the chips g ? |
"Warpcore" wrote in message link.net...
I'd take what you got except that it might get hairy trying to get through airports screening wouldn't it ? What happens when they x-ray the thing and wipe out the chips g ? I didn't know the new x-ray would do this. Is it an issue for all SWs? I have also seen a review on a new Degen 1101 radio. That might be a soution too. Still looking for input... Rambler |
Yes, they use x-rays which will damage computer chips. I suppose you could
carry it in your hand and let them look in the inside to see there is no bomb, but I just don't know. In order to protect it from x-rays, it would need to be encased in lead, and you know they would have a fit if they saw something on their machine that xrays would not penetrate. In order to be sure, you might need to contact someone in the department that does screening and see what they say about a shortwave radio. |
All:
I Have taken a Sangean 606A through several international airports without a problem; Xrays and all.. ! I also have a SONY AN-LP1 with it; again, no problems! Put it in a clear plastic box, with something line socks cushioning it. Put it in the non-carry on luggage; Believe me, it'll be Xrayed, checked, looked at, inspected etc.. - It'll be fine... Dan In article . net, "Warpcore" writes: Yes, they use x-rays which will damage computer chips. I suppose you could carry it in your hand and let them look in the inside to see there is no bomb, but I just don't know. In order to protect it from x-rays, it would need to be encased in lead, and you know they would have a fit if they saw something on their machine that xrays would not penetrate. In order to be sure, you might need to contact someone in the department that does screening and see what they say about a shortwave radio. |
My YB400 has been through half the airports in the world and hung,
dropped and banged for 10 years or so and it keeps on "ticking". I also have the new "wind-up" Grundig FR200 and so far it works great. Burr Grundig's Sat800&650,YB400&FR200 Drake SW8 Scanners BC 895&245XLT Sangean DT110(for Ball Games) Also Have a Clock Radio!!! N35.3582 W117.4157 South Left Coast, U.S.A. Diverd4777 wrote: All: I Have taken a Sangean 606A through several international airports without a problem; Xrays and all.. ! I also have a SONY AN-LP1 with it; again, no problems! Put it in a clear plastic box, with something line socks cushioning it. Put it in the non-carry on luggage; Believe me, it'll be Xrayed, checked, looked at, inspected etc.. - It'll be fine... |
You might check around and see about getting a Yaesu VR-500. I got mine on
eBay for under $200 (135?). I've seen them under 200 other places. It is SMALL. Fits in the palm of your hand. Has the weather channels already programmed in. Covers 100 Khz to 1,300 Mhz with some gaps (US version). Runs on two AA batteries. Has AM/WFM/NFM/USB/LSB and NAM can be added witha few keystrokes. 1,000 programmable channels, and a BandScope. But don't use the supplied antenna. Get a good UHF/VHF antenna and the Radio Shack collapsible antenna for SW. Just my two centavo's.....Eric |
It won't.
"Rambler" wrote in message om... I didn't know the new x-ray would do this. |
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On Thu, 25 Sep 2003 05:11:15 GMT, Eric Ferguson wrote:
You might check around and see about getting a Yaesu VR-500. I got mine on eBay for under $200 (135?). I've seen them under 200 other places. It is SMALL. Fits in the palm of your hand. Has the weather channels already programmed in. Covers 100 Khz to 1,300 Mhz with some gaps (US version). Runs on two AA batteries. Has AM/WFM/NFM/USB/LSB and NAM can be added witha few keystrokes. 1,000 programmable channels, and a BandScope. But don't use the supplied antenna. Get a good UHF/VHF antenna and the Radio Shack collapsible antenna for SW. Just my two centavo's.....Eric - have to echo the recommendation about the vr-500... very nice... - take a little wire with a clip and you can leave the stock antenna home (i soldered a clip onto a BNC connector and that's what i use) - runs for a long time on 2 AAs and does it all ... you forgot CW, btw! - the NAM mode will be very helpful if you listen to broadcast AM - the leather case is pricey, but not too bad... - alternatively, try the vr-120d - no keypad, but does a nice job (like the vr-500) at scanning all freqs and SW - runs for a looooooooonnnnnnnng time on AAs! a bit cheaper than the vr-500 - if you got the vr-500 for $135, you got a steal! :-) |
Damn. My laptop must have a lead case because they X-ray it all the
time. On Thu, 25 Sep 2003 01:52:31 GMT, "Warpcore" wrote: Yes, they use x-rays which will damage computer chips. I suppose you could carry it in your hand and let them look in the inside to see there is no bomb, but I just don't know. In order to protect it from x-rays, it would need to be encased in lead, and you know they would have a fit if they saw something on their machine that xrays would not penetrate. In order to be sure, you might need to contact someone in the department that does screening and see what they say about a shortwave radio. |
You did say backpacking, RIGHT?
I would suggest you buy a Grundig Mini World 100 PE pocket radio and leave the ATS-808 at home. Here's a link http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/4040.html BTW, you can pick up this radio at REI for $30. Another alternative, is the Yaesu VR-120D. Ham Radio Outlet had this radio for $120 last time I looked, a lot cheaper than the Yaesu VR-500. Tom Welch |
You right, I DID forget the CW. Narrow AM is a MUST, both on AM and SW.
For anyone who doesn't know, here's how to input the NAM function: Press and hold 0,3,5,9 while turning the radio on. That's it. When you go to the menu pages, you'll find it there and you can turn it on and off at will. Didn't mention it before, but there is a good FREE program out there that will let you program the radio through your computer and adds NAM as well. Does the VR-120D have USB/LSB? I thought it didn't, one reason I bought the '500. And I DID get a steal on mine. It was a good eBay bid. Eric KA6USJ |
The VR-120 is good, but it doesn't have SSB reception. Just mentioning it
in case you use that mode. For either the 120 or the 500, you will DEFINITELY need a better antenna for SW (telescopic whip, reel wire, etc.)! The stock antennas are only good for VHF/UHF. (sorry for the e-mail, Tom...meant to reply to the group...) - Doug "Tom Welch" wrote in message om... You did say backpacking, RIGHT? I would suggest you buy a Grundig Mini World 100 PE pocket radio and leave the ATS-808 at home. Here's a link http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/4040.html BTW, you can pick up this radio at REI for $30. Another alternative, is the Yaesu VR-120D. Ham Radio Outlet had this radio for $120 last time I looked, a lot cheaper than the Yaesu VR-500. Tom Welch |
For a really good U/VHF antenna, I recommend a Diamond RH77CA, and the Rat
Shack antenna is collapsible. Both are lightweight, and both will slip into a pack easily. The RH77CA is 15 inches long. Best bet for backpacking/travel would be the RS antenna. Collapsed, it's 6.5 inches, fully extended, about 26. The radio is about 4.25 x 2.25 X 1.5 inches, approximately. One thing I use with my radio is a solar battery charger I got at REI a few years back. Has a meter installed on it and recharges up to 4 AA's at a time. It was on a closeout and I got the last two in the store. Really saves on lugging batteries around. Just a thought. Eric |
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His comment was a little weird, but what he may have meant was that the
audio in the VR-500 is not great because of the small speaker (small package means small speaker). If you use headphones, the point is moot. It also sounds like he's being overly discriminating with the term "receiver". Receiver is a general term for any equipment that receives and demodulates radio signals. All of the radios you are talking about are also receivers--the Grundigs, Sangeans, Sonys, etc. The VRs are considered "communications receivers" because of the wide range they cover and, in the case of the VR-500, more flexible step sizes, higher frequency resolution for fine tuning, more memories and the capability for all analog receive modes (AM/NAM/FM/WFM/SSB/CW). They may be overkill for just SW listening (especially the VR-500)--they are intended more for hams and scanner types. SW receivers tend to be geared toward broadcast reception only, but even some of the SW receivers offer SSB mode, which can be used for listening to hams and utility services (in that case, they are being used more like "communications receivers"). The frequency step sizes tend to be limited to 5 kHz/1 kHz for SW broadcast, 9/10 kHz for AM broadcast and 50 or 100 kHz for FM broadcast. Higher end SW receivers start to approach the functionality of communications receivers, and the line between them becomes blurred. "Enthusiasts" tend to prefer receivers with more flexibility, whereas "listeners" only require broadcast reception capability and prefer simpler operation (these definitions are strictly mine...not everyone would agree). Incidentally, the VR-120 does not have SSB capability. - Doug "Rambler" wrote in message om... (Tom Welch) wrote in message . com... OK, I went by this establishment today to look at the VRs. I explained what I was looking for and the sales person pushed me towards a Grundig eTraveler. I told him that you all had suggested the Yaesus and he said "Those are no good for shortwave, they are receivers." I asked him to explain the difference and he said "You want a radio that you can listen to. Those receivers are for enthusiasts." Can you explain the difference here to me? I realize that the receivers cover a much broader spectrum than the world band radios do. But is the sound quality really crappy? Will I need to go back to school to learn to use it? Is a receiver not just a shortwave, scanner, and nautical radio all rolled into one? A VR-120D sounds interesting...weather band, shortwave,sideband, new frequencies to learn about in the future... But it seems like a line has been drawn between these radios and normal shortwaves that people rarely cross. What gives? Rambler |
Rambler wrote: (Tom Welch) wrote in message . com... I would suggest you buy a Grundig Mini World 100 PE pocket radio The Grundig was on my short list, but I am leaning away and towards a digital that would be about the same size. BTW, Brookstone carries the radio also for $30. Another alternative, is the Yaesu VR-120D. Ham Radio Outlet had this radio for $120 last time I looked, a lot cheaper than the Yaesu VR-500. OK, I went by this establishment today to look at the VRs. I explained what I was looking for and the sales person pushed me towards a Grundig eTraveler. I told him that you all had suggested the Yaesus and he said "Those are no good for shortwave, they are receivers." I asked him to explain the difference and he said "You want a radio that you can listen to. Those receivers are for enthusiasts." Can you explain the difference here to me? I realize that the receivers cover a much broader spectrum than the world band radios do. But is the sound quality really crappy? Will I need to go back to school to learn to use it? Is a receiver not just a shortwave, scanner, and nautical radio all rolled into one? A VR-120D sounds interesting...weather band, shortwave,sideband, new frequencies to learn about in the future... But it seems like a line has been drawn between these radios and normal shortwaves that people rarely cross. What gives? Rambler I think "what gives" is the salesman had instructions from his boss on what they need to push because of the profit margin, and maybe the Yaesu ain't it. That is no reflection on how good a radio it may be. Shortwave ain't Dolby Surround high fidelity by any means. Assuming good reception and decoding of the signal, a receiver can give you some definite advantages for listening, but as far as audio quality, shortwave is, well, "shortwave". His comment that the Yaesu was "no good for listening" because it is a receiver is nonsense. At best, he figured you'd play with the SW bands for 20 minutes the first day, and listen to FM from that time forward. At worst - and I still think this is it - he was trying to steer you toward something with a better profit margin, or perhaps the store was overstocked with, and wants to clear out. His comment about "no good for listening" is nonsensical, and also implys he thinks you are a moron - which you obviously aren't, you've done your homework well. Bottom line: Buy what YOU really want. And unless you can't beat the price, don't buy it there. Tony ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
Rambler schrieb:
Another alternative, is the Yaesu VR-120D. Ham Radio Outlet had this radio for $120 last time I looked, a lot cheaper than the Yaesu VR-500. OK, I went by this establishment today to look at the VRs. I explained what I was looking for and the sales person pushed me towards a Grundig eTraveler. I told him that you all had suggested the Yaesus and he said "Those are no good for shortwave, they are receivers." I asked him to explain the difference and he said "You want a radio that you can listen to. Those receivers are for enthusiasts." Can you explain the difference here to me? Very simple. Scanners just don't feel at home on shortwave. These things are built for higher frequencies with high sensitivity and the respective modes (narrow/wide FM, AM). On shortwave, usual scanners are either rather deaf or overloaded very easily, or both. (If you want to see a rather inexpensive rig (hi) that combines both worlds, look at the Icom IC-R8500 or AOR AR5000.) If you aren't entirely spoiled by digital stuff, get a decent dual conversion analog set like a Sony ICF-SW22 or its predecessor ICF-SW20. These measure just 11.5 x 7.3 x 2.8 cm^3 and weigh ~210 grams. No 22 meters though. Other mini radios? The ATS-606A you mentioned is quite decent AFAIK. No idea 'bout the Grundig, not sold here. The Sony ICF-SW30 is quite usable reception wise, but the operation... Stephan -- Home: http://stephan.win31.de/ | Webm.: http://www.i24.com/ PC#6: i440LX, 2xCel300A, 448 MB, 18 GB, ATI AGP 32 MB, 110W This is a SCSI-inside, Legacy-plus, TCPA-free computer :) Reply to newsgroup only. | See home page for working e-mail address. |
I recommend the Kaito WRX911, what an incredible little radio it is. I was camping last week in Oregon and could get the 30kw RFPI from Costa Rica at night, plus all the usual powerhouses. The speaker makes shortwave stations bright sounding and very audible (not mushy) and the radio is really sensitive. Battery life has been excellent so far. The WRX911 is small and weighs 220g with batteries. There's a 'feel of quality' to the thing too that impressed me also, the little pocket sangean is flimsy in comparison. The WRX911 is a bargain at $25. On 24 Sep 2003 12:08:46 -0700, (Rambler) wrote: I am looking for input into whether to buy a new SW portable. For 5 years I have had the Sangean ATS-808 that has been my only shortwave. I have been very happy with its performance, though I have missed not having SSB. Over the years, I have bought and returned a Panasonic RFB-65, RS DX-398, and a Grundig YB400. Each time, when I would compare it to the 808, it would not prove to be worth spending any extra money. I also have slowed on my DXing. I am now traveling monthly to Latin America (Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Peru) and would like to have a small SW to use on my trips. I would also use this radio as a backpacking radio. (I'd love to find one that receives weather bands!) My question is: Should I just take the 808 and save my money or are there some much smaller radios that are fairly cheap, but would give decent enough performance to justify a different radio? I will not be trying to pull in very faint signals because I would not think the clarity would be possible. The only problem with the 808 is it is a bit big and there are times where my suitcase space is really cramped. I don't want to pay more than $200 for a radio, so the Sony sw100 is out. I have considered the following: Sony SW07- alot of money. I don't know that it is worth it unless its performance will make me stop using the 808 at home. Sangean 606- A good choice but too much like the 808. It would be like kissing your sister. Grundig Traveler VII- Nice and small, but I am concerned about performance and value Kchibo KKE-200- nice and cheap, but a good radio? Grundig 100- nice and cheap, but a good radio? Which radios would you suggest or should I just stick with the 808 and use the money elsewhere? Any comments are welcome. Rambler |
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I recommend an Sony SW100. If you can find a used one in good shape it is
worth the price. I got a used one for $175 a few years ago at Universal Radio Used Equipment site. Was in excellant shape. VERY portable. Rambler wrote in message om... I am looking for input into whether to buy a new SW portable. For 5 years I have had the Sangean ATS-808 that has been my only shortwave. I have been very happy with its performance, though I have missed not having SSB. Over the years, I have bought and returned a Panasonic RFB-65, RS DX-398, and a Grundig YB400. Each time, when I would compare it to the 808, it would not prove to be worth spending any extra money. I also have slowed on my DXing. I am now traveling monthly to Latin America (Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Peru) and would like to have a small SW to use on my trips. I would also use this radio as a backpacking radio. (I'd love to find one that receives weather bands!) My question is: Should I just take the 808 and save my money or are there some much smaller radios that are fairly cheap, but would give decent enough performance to justify a different radio? I will not be trying to pull in very faint signals because I would not think the clarity would be possible. The only problem with the 808 is it is a bit big and there are times where my suitcase space is really cramped. I don't want to pay more than $200 for a radio, so the Sony sw100 is out. I have considered the following: Sony SW07- alot of money. I don't know that it is worth it unless its performance will make me stop using the 808 at home. Sangean 606- A good choice but too much like the 808. It would be like kissing your sister. Grundig Traveler VII- Nice and small, but I am concerned about performance and value Kchibo KKE-200- nice and cheap, but a good radio? Grundig 100- nice and cheap, but a good radio? Which radios would you suggest or should I just stick with the 808 and use the money elsewhere? Any comments are welcome. Rambler |
Thanks for all the input on this from everyone. This is my plan as of
today: 1. I bought a Kaide KK-9702 on Ebay for $15.00. This is a small lightweight radio that got better reviews than the Grundig 100. It will be a redio that I would not care got confiscated or zapped in an airport. It's 4.6"X3" and 6oz. so its small. I look forward to comparing it to my ATS-808 to see how big of a difference there really is in performance. 2. The "receiver" idea to me is really interesting. I think I am going to look at the Yaesu VR-120D and the ICOM IC-R5. (the VR-500 is just too much out of my price range.) This will give a durable radio for backpacking or travel with weather and give me a taste of scanning and ham listening. Plus I could pick up TV. My questions now are these: Everyone recommended the Yaesu, no one the ICOM. Is there a reason? Are the two receivers basically the same? These are both just below $200. I assume I will need an additional antenna(s). Is there anything else that is a must to have? Any questions I haven't asked that I should before I buy? Thanks for the input. Rambler |
Are you worried about tororist with laser weapons?
"Rambler" wrote in message om... zapped in an airport. |
In article ,
(Rambler) writes: Thanks for all the input on this from everyone. This is my plan as of today: 1. I bought a Kaide KK-9702 on Ebay for $15.00. This is a small lightweight radio that got better reviews than the Grundig 100. It will be a redio that I would not care got confiscated or zapped in an airport. - They usually just have you turn it on & maybe open it up.. It's 4.6"X3" and 6oz. so its small. I look forward to comparing it to my ATS-808 to see how big of a difference there really is in performance. Rambler Congratulations on your new receiver; - Checked it out on http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaidekk9702.htm - And it looks Just ( about) like the Jwin JX-M14. - In NYC wandering around out in the streets in the afternoon, I can pick up BBC 12.095 from ascension Island; just off the whip; Good analoge unit. Probably great out in the woods, or beaches or the mountains at night in a tent or whatever... Fun ! Dan |
From: "CW" Organization: Comcast Online Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 14:15:49 GMT Subject: Input on small travel/backpacking radio Are you worried about tororist with laser weapons? You bet! Last guy I saw riding a Toro had tactical nukes... sure did mow the lawn fast. :) |
On 25 Sep 2003 10:54:09 -0700, (Tom Welch) wrote:
You did say backpacking, RIGHT? If you can find one the Sony ICF-Pro 80 is small has SSB capabilaties and with the Coverter does from 150KHZ thru 218MHZ without the Converter does 150KHZ to 108MHZ Modes are AM/FM (Wide and Narrow) and SSB/CW its the Size of a Scanner with 40 Ch Memories I would suggest you buy a Grundig Mini World 100 PE pocket radio and leave the ATS-808 at home. Here's a link http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/4040.html BTW, you can pick up this radio at REI for $30. Another alternative, is the Yaesu VR-120D. Ham Radio Outlet had this radio for $120 last time I looked, a lot cheaper than the Yaesu VR-500. Tom Welch |
"Rambler" wrote in message
om... ... Everyone recommended the Yaesu, no one the ICOM. Is there a reason? Are the two receivers basically the same? Possibly because it's a fairly new product and there may not be as many owners yet. I, too, am curious about the differences. I do know that the Icom IC-R2 usually got better reviews than the Yaesus in the past. I would imagine that the IC-R5's performance is at least as good. These are both just below $200. I assume I will need an additional antenna(s). Is there anything else that is a must to have? If you plan on listening to anything below VHF, you should have at the very least a random wire (the reel type would be good for backpacking). Sony's AN-LP1 active loop antenna packs up small and works very well for SW. Depending on where you are, even just a good telescopic would help considerably over the stock ducky. - Doug |
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Good luck, Dan, with your HDL and LDL.
After my late wife left blood with the vampire each month, we'd head for another Denny's we liked and had roadie breakfasts. :-) I got my cholesterol down to about range and then I learned that after age 70, it didn't make any difference. :-) I have been eating eggs nearly every morning of my life. I suspect my smoking since age 15 will affect me more than fatty stuff does. On topic: You might try plugging into a round hole in a wall socket in the laundry and bike rooms. I must admit that I first tried connecting my B&H before trying anything else. I didn't think of touching the end of the jumper that would clip to the radio's whip. But my wrought iron chandeliers are supposed to be connected to the ac ground. I have a meter I could have used to measure between the chandlier and the round hole in the socket. My old mobilehome is a metal box, but with just using a radio's whip, I get pretty good SW reception. There's no metal in the double floor. That gives new meaning to receiving ground waves. Bill, K5BY |
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Hi, Dan,
If you burn it off working on a farm it's Just good for you ! I'd heard that lots of mental activity burns off a lot of calories and fat. Unfortunately, mental activity isn't too helpful for the circulation, especially in the limbs. Or the belly. :-( made out of shipping containers stacked two high or what not. Most look pretty darn good; There is such in the next town down from me. Two containers stacked for the house and a separate container for the shop and garage. They do look great, with the paint used and the landscaping. My trailer is an old but standard 12 by 65 footer, with aluminum siding and steel roof. I wish the roof was aluminum, too. Be well, Bill, K5BY |
"Eric Ferguson" wrote in message m...
For a really good U/VHF antenna, I recommend a Diamond RH77CA, and the Rat Shack antenna is collapsible. Eric: I took most of your advice and just got a used Yaesu VR-120 from Universal Radio. I am emailing you to see if the RS antenna that you speak about is the one I list here. It seems correct except that by the description, it will only receive at 25-1300 MHz, which is above the SW bands. Am I looking at the wrong one? Thanks. Rambler Center-Loaded Telescoping Whip Antenna $13.49 Brand: RadioShack Catalog #: 20-006 Model: 20-006 |
In article , Eric Ferguson wrote: You right, I DID forget the CW. Narrow AM is a MUST, both on AM and SW. For anyone who doesn't know, here's how to input the NAM function: Press and hold 0,3,5,9 while turning the radio on. That's it. When you go to the menu pages, you'll find it there and you can turn it on and off at will. Didn't mention it before, but there is a good FREE program out there that will let you program the radio through your computer and adds NAM as well. Are we talking about the VR-500 or 120 here? I just tried this on my VR-500 and it does not seem to make NAM mode appear when you step through the available choices using the MODE button. Am I missing something? |
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