Congratulations to Shannon Cribb who completed the Rough Rudder 10K obstacle course in aid of mental health charity, Mind.
Congratulations to Shannon Cribb who completed the Rough Rudder 10K obstacle course in aid of mental health charity, Mind.
Cubik Innovation supports the worlds biggest coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research, helping people with cancer live their lives as fully as they can.
Over the past year, we've had the pleasure of being joined by Design Engineer Intern, Jean-Paul Astal-Stain. We talk to him about his time at Cubik, what he has learned and plans for the future.
If you're looking for funding, we've found these opportunities which offer grant funds up to £75,000 to SME's to help bring new and innovative products to market.
Our in-house manufacturing facility has the capacity to build, test and deliver thousands of printed circuit boards (PCBs). In this article, we take a look at a day in the life of our production team.
On 3 & 4 October, we joined a host of exhibitors at the Bristol & Bath Science Park for the South Gloucestershire Business Show. Find out what we got up to and check out our stand.
Last week, we challenged work experience students Tom Holloway and Daniel Lloyd to design and build an unusual electronic object. Find out what they got up and what they built.
On Tuesday 16 October, we headed to Cheltenham Racecourse for The Gloucestershire Business Show where we demonstrated our production line by building our electronics business cards live.
We're off to a busy start this month with trade shows, seminars and workshops and much more. Find out what we've been up to and what's still to come.
Target Darts is a leader in darts equipment and sponsors some of the biggest names in the game including Luke Littler and Rob Cross. Their latest product creates a new category of connected IoT devices bringing the skill and excitement of the game to homes at the touch of a button.
The Virt Camera is a two-way camera system that allows users to play competitive darts against a global online community. It's front facing camera lets you opponent watch your throw, while the dartboard facing camera allows them to see your dart land in real time, high-definition video.
Target Darts approached Cubik with a prototype of their new product and asked us to conduct a design review that focussed on design for manufacture and supply. The Virt needed to stream two live video feeds to a remote server and an app that would configure and score the game. The biggest challenge was fitting the amount of tech needed into a sleek, compact design whilst maintaining a high-quality video feed.
As part of the design review, we produced a low volume build of the existing prototype to test and analyse. Using the output, we made design recommendations to improve performance and streamline the manufacturability of the product.
Getting the camera tech right was a big piece of the puzzle. Our team carried out extensive research and testing to select the best camera component. We then designed and built a bespoke PCB that enabled the camera to interact with off the shelf components to bring the whole system together.
With a refreshed design that employed design for manufacture principles, we went on to successfully support Target Darts through the regulatory certification process and achieved CE, UKCA and FCC approval.
The result, a market ready product that is now available to purchase: https://bit.ly/40fuW5k
The IZLID is a compact, lightweight infrared laser device used by the military as a command pointer for target marking and communicating with aircraft. It is small enough to fit into the user’s pocket, or attach to their belt for quick access, offering swift guidance to ground personnel over a range of 39km.
Close Air Solutions (CAS) asked Cubik to design a simulator that replicated the look and feel of the IZLID’s aesthetics, ergonomics and user functions, without the infrared beam. The IZLID simulator needed to connect to CAS simulation system via a single USB lead and return data back to the simulation system.
The IZLID simulator is used in classroom based military training to help soldiers gain knowledge and experience of how it would behave in a real-world application. Simulation is a critical part of military training allowing soldiers to experience realistic scenarios in a virtual world, improving their decision making and readiness for combat situations.
The Reskube offers a simple solution providing access to both continuous power and uninterruptible internet connectivity for itself and any connected devices during a power outage. It’s sleek and portable design means that it can be used in a wide range of settings from powering a home office to life saving medical equipment. This intelligent device has the capability to detect and resolve issues before they become a problem.
With our friends at Bang Creations delivering the mechanical design, we were brought on board to design and build the system architecture and support the product through regulatory certification. We worked closely with Bang to ensure the electronic system fit the custom enclosure without compromising on quality and performance.
Designed with critical remote workers in mind the Reskube gives users the confidence to work from any location without fear of disruption. Outside of the home, Reskube maintains continuous operations during outages for small sites such as retail stores, construction sites, doctor's surgeries, and primary schools, ensuring that critical systems and equipment remain operational. Additionally, it offers the added benefit of remote monitoring and management. In global regions where power outages are commonplace the Reskube offers a source of reliability and resilience in an environment with unpredictable connectivity.
Bristol & London based company, Switchee Ltd developed a smart thermostat solution aimed at reducing energy bills in social housing. The intelligent device learns the routine of the household, detects when the house is not occupied and turns the heating on or off accordingly. The device allows valuable data to be gathered remotely reducing the requirement for complex interaction or configuration from the user.
Switchee approached Cubik for help with the development of the software drivers which allow the operating system to communicate with the hardware. This quickly evolved into a larger scheme of work that incorporated the printed circuit board (PCB) design, prototype manufacture and firmware development.
Switchee is the first internet-connect device in social housing. It delivers real-time data that gives housing providers the insights and tools they need to proactively support residents and manage homes.
With a Switchee device installed, energy efficiency can be optimised on a case-by-case basis reducing energy waste, lowering heating bills and cutting carbon emissions.
By engaging with local educators, we hope to build the experience and ambitions of kids who might want to start their career in the engineering world. This year we have taken on three work experience students aged between 14 and 17 from local schools and colleges.
Our work experience placements involve learning how things work, how we code and how we prototype, manufacture and design electronics products – not a drop of ‘tartan paint’ or a ‘long weight’ in sight.
In the summer, we were joined by Will Graham (Mangotsfield School), Nathan Dolan (Downend School) and Luke Staniland (St Bernard Lovell School). They all got stuck into learning about the electronic product lifecycle and learning all the important facts from Managing Director, Paul Mullen.
Day 1
We split up and worked with various members of team. Will started off the day watching Dan debug some code whilst learning all the ins and outs of what the job entails. Nathan spent the morning with Giles working through a PCB layout design and discussing what Giles does day-to-day in his role. After lunch, we swapped places.
Day 2
Today we were set the task of designing a fully functional circuit involving 10 LEDs, resistors, and AA batteries. To begin with, we spent half an hour with Paul getting to grips with basic electronics. The rest of the morning was spent working out what strength resistor we needed to use with the LEDs we had chosen. We also had to work out how many batteries we would need and how long they would last. One our design was finalised, we spent the afternoon using the company’s 3D printer and looking at the sort of things it could do.
Day 3
We began by building the circuit we had designed the day before, which involved a lesson in soldering and the basic principles of electronic construction. This took up a large part of our day but was worth it as it was very enjoyable. We spent the last part of our day continuing our work with the 3D printer.
Day 4
Today was probably our favourite day! We were given the opportunity to make and code one of Cubik’s electronic business cards which includes an LED game. Dan taught us how to use solder paste, but we found it quite frustrating getting to grips with the fiddly nature of hand placing components on to a PCB. With help from Dan and Chase, we tweaked the programming in the business cards so that they displayed a pattern once you had completed the game.
Day 5
Today we helped in production with the AOI system. We took apart two computers and installed Windows 7 to get the AOI system working.
Overall, this week has been one of the best. We have learned a lot about the industry and it has given us a good understanding of what it feels like to have a job. This week has also presented us both with a clear perspective on what we want to do when we are older – electronics!
During my week at Cubik Innovation, I met everyone in the business and explored almost every aspect of what they do. It has been a great learning experience for me, and I have truly enjoyed it.
I was first interviewed last year by Paul who offered me the placement on the spot. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew that I would learn a lot and I was hoping it would be fun. What I didn’t expect, was the amount of effort the team put into making sure I was involved, and the number of tasks I would be asked to take part in.
Across the week, my tasks included learning about coding language C and helping with software development, drawing schematics, and building and testing boards to ensure they meet Cubik’s strict quality standards.
One highlight of my week has been experimenting with the 3D Printer. I was asked to design a plastic case for a circuit board that would be used for testing. Russell showed me how to use some 3D modelling software that would communicate with the printer about the final product. This was a real learning experience for me, as I have not previously used any CAD (Computer Aided Design) software before. I also managed to get a Cubik logo to print in red plastic that I was given to take home. It now stands proudly on my desk.
My work experience at Cubik has helped me decide that I would like to pursue a career in this industry and as it captures all my interests.
I would like to thank everyone at Cubik and the Bristol and Bath Science Park for being so friendly and helpful during the week. I would especially like to thank Paul for giving me the opportunity to do my placement at Cubik. It is an amazing company and the light atmosphere in both the Design and Production departments ensured it thoroughly enjoyable.
Unfortunately, this years’ work experience calendar is full, but we are always keen to hear of young engineers looking to gain some experience in electronic design and production. Please contact us directly or via our enquiries mailbox to discuss placements for 2016.
For the majority of UK designed electronic products and systems, the route to market has sign posted diversions to the Far East. Driven by the prospect of low-cost manufacture and navigated by a seemingly skilled workforce and the traffic of a captive consumer market.
This direction has worked for millions of products, allowing smaller companies and entrepreneurs to manufacture at the lowest cost possible. However recent years have seen the pace of this trend slow down as the importance of good value over takes the importance of low cost. So, what does this mean? Countries like China have offered value for money for years now. But is the relief on the company balance sheet worth more than the clear benefits domestic manufacture can reap in terms of quality and customer relationship?
Cubik Innovation are proud to be part of a revolution which is helping to bring manufacture to the UK. We believe partnering with UK based manufacturers can yield huge value, and here’s why:
Better communication
The ease of communication that is achievable by being near clients, customers and suppliers is invaluable to the smooth running of a project. In addition, there is no substantial management required to pilot through time zones and costly call tariffs, meaning communication points can be frequent resulting in a sense of project partnership between customer and supplier.
Faster reactions
Straightforward paths of communication mean faster reaction times. Problems can be reported and resolved quickly, shrinking the impact of potential problems.
Higher quality
High quality is second nature to most UK suppliers, almost intrinsically programmed. Ensuring this quality further safeguards against future technical pitfalls and failures.
Strict regulation
Production in the Far East can bring with it a host of uncertainties regarding IP legalities. Manufacturing in the UK means inventors are protected against the very real fear of ideas being stolen, copied, or reproduced. A notorious trap which many creators have fallen victim to in recent years, due to poor regulation in China. Manufacturing in the UK offers a shield against this risk.
Technical edge
Although China almost certainly has the advantage of a lower labour cost, the UK is surpassing this with and influx of highly skilled engineers entering the workforce. Educational institutions from schools to universities are seeing surges in the number of students taking up STEM subjects with career aspirations in the engineering sector.
Supporting local economy
Recently, UK economy has been up and down. Supporting each other through the changing landscape means less SMEs and emerging businesses will fail and could lead to gradual growth and a reduction in redundancies. In the South West of England we are extremely lucky to have a hub of innovation, a cluster of organisations that collaborate allowing important growth – a formula which is attainable in all corner of the UK.
Environmentally friendly
Environmental consciousness is becoming a common hallmark in everyday life as well as in business operations. Being close to your customers and suppliers helps to limit ‘on the ground’ transportation, reducing your business’s carbon footprint. Chinese manufacture can often utilise both eco harming and person harming materials which, for the most part, have been eradicated in the UK by manufacture legislation.
For the smaller company and entrepreneur ensuring all these elements are taken care of right from project kick off is vital when budgets and timescales are tight, manufacturing domestically guarantees this is the case. Cubik’s production team are adept at providing this service.
Cubik Production
As part of our full product lifecycle service, we offer production services which have the capability to deliver prototype, batch, and full-scale manufacture jobs for abroad range of customers. Our team come with 40 years combined experience in electronic manufacture incorporating stunning technical expertise with a dynamic approach which makes our team unique.
Our team members specialise in different aspects of the production line, automated SMT and specialist solder techniques and are supported by specialist assembly machinery and equipment. We also have in-house mechanical and industrial assembly capability which enables us to produce complete box builds for our customers, whilst adhering to strict quality standards.
Our customers are supported by an expert procurement team who guarantee the best quality components and materials at the lowest cost.
Production customers
We have worked hard to build a loyal customer base who return to Cubik Innovation time again for the manufacture of their established products and systems.
Armortek, a family run business with roots in the South West of England are a world leading manufacturer of 1/6 scale armour kits for military model enthusiasts, with a stunning reputation for high quality service, reliability and build quality.
“Pleasant, helpful and professional service.”
We have been supplying Armortek with their electronics for the past year. When asked about the importance of ‘Made in the UK’, Gill added:
“It is something we care deeply about, as it is core to our company ethos and part of the essence of Armortek.
Partnering with Cubik was an easy to decision to make due to the helpful and professional service and I would highly recommend manufacturing with Cubik to other SMEs. Having them close by meant is was very easy to communicate on the project.”
We are currently working with brand new customers like Agillic headed by Harry Gee. Harry is working alongside Bristol’s Robotics Lab to deliver a low cost, ‘build your own robot’ designed to stimulate interest in robotics and coding amongst children and adults. Despite initial plans to move the production to the Far East, Harry has selected Cubik to manufacture the electronics for this product.
“I would like to have a local, trusted supplier to work with so I can iron out any issues quickly. Manufacturing locally means I can access local funding to make a solid business case.”
The project is currently ongoing, shipping 1,000 units within 10 weeks this spring.
Take it to production
Manufacture in the UK is becoming more and more prevalent. We want to make this the norm, for the benefit of your company, the economy, and the wider world. Weighing up the pros and cons of manufacture in the Far East for your electronic product? Contact our production team and we can organise a consultation to explore UK manufacturing at the best cost and quality available. You could be surprised.
Happy 3rd birthday to us!
We can’t believe this day has come round so quickly. You know what they say about time flying when you’re having fun! Over the past three years we have been busy, driving the business forward, expanding our services, and working with some fantastic people.
What started as three of us in a room with a few nice projects has transformed into a 20 strong team across three departments, working on over 20 live projects at a time.
To celebrate we opted for the classic birthday protocol of cake and balloons. As a young company we’re still in the age bracket where it’s acceptable to enjoy a less sophisticated birthday celebration. Perhaps when we get to ten years we’ll aspire for something more like laser quest or ten pin bowling.
To mark the occasion, a milestone which signifies our transition from ‘start-up’ to established small business, we wanted to spotlight some of the awesome team members who have made our success possible.
Chase Callender
Chase joined Cubik as our first employee and has been working at ‘top gear’ helping to accelerate growth ever since. He was responsible for some of the first electronic designs shipped to our customers and has been pivotal in winning some of the bigger projects in the following years. Without Chase’s crucial effort we would have taken a lot longer to get to where we are now.
Sam Beard
Sam started as Cubik’s first production engineer but took on the role of self-proclaimed ‘do-er of all things’, dealing with office systems and quality management as well as production work. Since joining, Sam has progressed to Production Manager and is quality management lead. He has built the Production department from the ground up. Not only is it commercially successful, but also pretty special in the way it runs, with a mix of experienced technicians and apprentices. Sam has cultivated an environment for learning and development without losing the ‘go do it’ attitude which means the team always deliver on time.
Sophie Adams-Foster
Sophie came to Cubik as a contractor in our first year to optimise Marketing efforts and was instrumental in raising the business’ profile and maximising visibility in the early stages of the business. She designed clever brochures, exhibited our wears at Venturefest, networked and made connections with local academia and industry, laying important groundwork for future growth and development. Sophie takes the lead on New Product Design and Development and manages our Project Management team whilst overseeing all new business activity.
This year we’ve had some great successes - winning awards, working on innovative projects and growing our team. The year ahead holds more change, with the possibility of new premises, a brand-new industrial design department and (hopefully) some exciting new projects. Big thank you to the Cubik team, our customers, and all our great design partners. Keep your eyes on our feed for more developments, we have some exciting things planned, including a website revamp.
Venturefest was back with a bang this year, hosting start-ups, innovators, tech corporates and hundreds of like-minded delegates at Bristol’s landmark tech and creative hub, The Engine Shed.
The brainchild of Lord Sainsbury and Professor Peter Johnson, bred from a conversation about the lack of investment opportunities for innovation, Venturefest has been established in Bristol since 2011, and has slowly become the annual go-to destination for all that innovate.
The event, which has enjoyed huge success in previous years and was no different this year. Showcasing inspiring technology, innovation and exhibits of unprecedented scope including a driverless Bowler Wildcat from BAE systems. Not to mention our very own exhibition stand.
Following a successful Venturefest debut in 2013 we were raring to be involved with this years’ event. As in 2013, we opted to create a production line that showcased our manufacturing capability and gave delegates a glimpse into a traditional PCB production line.
We used our pick and place machine and reflow oven to manufacture 200 bespoke business cards programmed with a challenging LED game, which we handed out to delegates. We apologise in advance if attempting to conquer the game has resulted in any loss of sleep or frustration.
Throughout the day we met some people from young entrepreneurs and SME’s to spin out projects including Sphere, a project targeted at developing wearable technology for the healthcare industry and Yu-Scan, a medical scanning device targeted at connecting users with medical informatics. We hope to be able to continue the conversation with everyone we met over the coming months.
After such a good experience this week at Venturefest Bristol and Bath, we are now exploring the idea of exhibiting at Venturefest Wales. Stay tuned, who knows what will be manufacturing next.
Looking ahead
We've got a busy month ahead! We are in competition with local companies to win the ‘Start-up of the Year’ at the Bristol Post awards, plus our Managing Director, Paul Mullen, has been nominated for ‘Director of the Year’ in the IoD SW Director awards.
Wish us luck, we hope the company wide effort put in to sourcing the most appropriate black-tie attire will be worth it!
We are passionate about bridging the gap between industry and education and are always on the lookout for opportunities where we can give young innovators and engineers the chance to experience real life design and technology. So, when Shanta Hurford of the St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School’s Lego Club phoned to ask if we could help the children prepare for the last round of the Lego League finals, we jumped at the chance!
Each year, children between the ages of 9 and 11 are given the opportunity to sign up for the club where design and technology is the only learning objective. Lego Club is not only an outlet for their interest in engineering but also teaches them valuable skills for the world of work and further education, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and presentation.
The Lego League is an international competition consisting of three key parts: a Lego robotics challenge including programming, a unique innovation project using a specific brief set out by Lego and reported evidence of the club working as a team.
Flying the flag for North-East Bristol, St Augustine’s Clever Lego-ers triumphed at the semi-finals for their innovative Tap Listen Blend Pen. The design answered the brief of producing a world class learning aid but pushed the boundaries further by aiming it directly at helping people in the UK who suffer with dyslexia. The pen works by phonetically sounding words as they are scanned over, but unlike the product’s hypothetical competitors is designed to work on all types of publication and writing.
In February, the final will involve a Dragon’s Den style presentation, delivered to leading experts in the field of technology and business, on how the product could be brought to market in real life terms and will include a session of quick-fire questions on cost and manufacturing.
Here’s where Cubik stepped in! Taking a concept from initial idea to specification, design through to prototype, and eventually on to the market is our speciality. We couldn’t wait to help the kids get started!
The day began with an excellent presentation from the Lego Club’s which included props and some very convincing acting. The Cubik team, consisting of Paul Mullen (Director), Sophie Adams-Foster (Project Manager) and Lianne Barnard (Office Coordinator), had the chance to ask some important questions: How much would the product cost? How would the product be made? What would it be made from? We were extremely impressed with the level of research and planning that went into designing such a unique and worthy product.
Following the session, we delivered an informative presentation on how Cubik would take this product to market using our five-phase prototyping service, which in a real-life application, would be perfect for the Lego Club’s invention.
The day ended with a tour of our labs and a look at some of the projects we are currently working on.
Lego Club leader, Jess Scott, said:
“The group will certainly be better equipped to deal with the grilling they will get in Loughborough. In fact, I think the judges will get a shock at how well informed they are”
Following the visit, we received letters of thanks from the children including one from Grace, one of the club’s project coordinators:
“You gave our teams advice and what you said we'll certainly put into action. I loved the experience and will remember it for the rest of my life.”
The children were so impressed by the Bristol and Bath Science Park building, with Barnaby adding:
“I thought it was an amazing building, so good I built it on Minecraft.”
We were delighted to help and left the experience with the sense that the future of our industry is in safe hands with such bright innovators in our schools.
We wish the Lego Club all the success and luck for the final.
In recent months much has been written about Bristol being an exciting hub of innovation that rivals London and other cities. The technology and manufacturing sector has not only seen increase in funding being made available to business, but also academic institutions further supporting valuable research.
Buildings like Bristol and Bath Science Park have been developed allowing new business the opportunity to grow through collaboration and learning. With a city full of people and businesses at the top of their game, Bristol also benefits from great networking events.
Cubik Innovation was recently invited by Spider Group to speak at their annual Tech Talks event, at The Engine Shed in Temple Meads.
Tech Talks are aimed at connecting people and technology and host three speakers from within the sector to speak about their specialist areas.
Presenting alongside Paul Mullen was Matt Watts from NetApp talking about the potential marketing opportunities within big data and Luke Briner of Pixel Pin to discuss internet security. Paul spoke passionately about the advantages of manufacturing in the UK.
It has been widely reported in the media and specifically the EEF: The Manufacturing Organisation that 40% of businesses have brought their manufacturing capabilities back to the UK.
This is fantastic news but there are many things that businesses like Cubik can do to help secure the longevity of the UK manufacturing industry by taking firm action themselves.
Outlining Cubik Innovation's capabilities as electronics manufacture, Paul delivered two threads on how securing this longevity is possible when comparing to low-cost countries.
Touch time
When looking to manufacture an electronics product, a bill of materials (BoM) is generated at the end of the design development, listing individual component costs. What the BoM does not list is the touch time – the required intervention of an individual to complete the work resulting in increased costs.
Paul outlines how we should consider touch time in the BoM to reduce overall costs.
Using an example of a PCB design from China and the UK, Paul demonstrated how clever design thinking allows us to consider a different mindset and take a different approach to reducing costs by factoring in components, as opposed to removing them.
Supply chain
A crucial area that is often forgotten is the supply chain cost implications. The benefits of using a UK supplier in terms of lower stock holdings, better management costs, the ability to tailor your stock requirements and manufacturing in smaller quantities, often outweighs low-cost country manufacture.
Weighing up the benefits of these areas, designing for manufacture in the UK can help secure the UK’s economy for the long term. With a panel session at the end of the talk, there were some thought provoking questions posed by the audience which made for an interesting comparison between the talks.
We look forward to the next opportunity to speak with local members of the technology and manufacturing community in Bristol.
Cubik Innovation are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work on brilliant projects with very interesting customers.
Recently one of the team was invited to help with a new art installation by artist Luke Jerram at the Chrylser Museum of Art Commissions, Virginia, USA.
Having assisted on the development of a modification to his kinetic sculptures based at Cubik HQ, an extra pair of hands were needed to make sure the installation went smoothly. This project focussed on finding an electronic solution to low light levels to allow the installation to function. A key priority was that it would not be intrusive to the gallery viewer.
Due to our extensive knowledge and skills, Cubik can help on a project at any stage of development and successfully resolved this problem with creativity and skill.
It was a privilege to be able to help our client in the final phase of work and see the finished sculpture in its new location.
If you would like to read more about the development of the project and its installation, look at our case studies.
As the business continues to grow, we have taken up additional office space at the Bristol and Bath Science Park.
Returning to our former office within the building, the team have been hard at work creating a fully functioning laboratory space. With new environmental testing capabilities and additional pick and place, re-flow oven and AOI equipment, this self-contained lab will be dedicated to one single project and four new production team members. It will allow total control of the production line to ESD and IPC standards. At just 18 months old, this most recent expansion at Cubik goes to show that electronics manufacture in the UK is thriving.
Cubik previously assisted several clients who opted to re-shore their manufacturing projects back to the UK after running into difficulties with other suppliers overseas.
We believe in bringing manufacture back to the UK as it means clients remain hands on with their product and allows revenue to remain in the local economy.
In the coming months, we look forward to developing and manufacturing products on site and shipping directly from the Bristol and Bath Science Park.
Paul will be one of three technical specialists talking about different areas of technology or business which can help small and medium enterprises.
Tech Talks #10 – Bringing Business and Technology Together
When: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: Armada House, Bristol
Registration: Free
Paul Mullen: Creative Manufacture in the UK
With over 20 years hands on experience in the electronic product manufacturing industry, Paul Mullen decided to embrace a new challenge eighteen months ago setting up Cubik Innovation. The business is solely focussed on helping inventors, entrepreneurs and SMEs bring their electronic products to market.
Established just as many electronics manufacturers in the region were closing, the business has grown from just one employee to over twelve in the past 18 months. During this session, Paul tells us why UK manufacture isn’t the future, but how it is happening right now and how it’s a game changer.
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