 Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Since I can get lost in a phone booth, it's time to seriously consider a GPS. The Garmin 550 is motorcycle specific and although it is pricey (street $725) it has all the features I want(I think). I hate to spend the bucks but I always end up with buyers remorse when I get the cheaper stuff.
Anyone have any experience with this model?
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
Since I can get lost in a phone booth, it's time to seriously consider a GPS. The Garmin 550 is motorcycle specific and although it is pricey (street $725) it has all the features I want(I think). I hate to spend the bucks but I always end up with buyers remorse when I get the cheaper stuff.
Anyone have any experience with this model?
Excellent unit. I don't own one but I used one recently. Loaned to me by a riding buddy. Very handy for a motorcycle because of the buttons. Made for gloves!
having said that, It doesn't do much more than most of the standard Garmin products. The new one does though, the 660.
I would not hesitate to buy this from Ritz.
http://tinyurl.com/cjssm4
Last edited by frijoli; 04/05/2009 9:45 PM.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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i like mine very much - it's my favorite piece of technology.
I went all out to buy the 550 because I had come into some unexpected cash. For a while I thought I could have gotten by with a less expensive unit but the more I use it, the more I like it and the Zumo came with EVERYTHING so it goes smoothly from bike to car and it just works.
A couple of points:
-The mapsource software for the garmins is not great - nothing like google maps; Perhaps the TomTom Riders PC software would be better?
-As I say, I went all out for the 550 but I THINK the 450, which is hundreds less, has all the features except bluetooth connectivity which maybe you don't need.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
Excellent unit. I don't own one but I used one recently. Loaned to me by a riding buddy. Very handy for a motorcycle because of the buttons. Made for gloves!
having said that, It doesn't do much more than most of the standard Garmin products. The new one does though, the 660.
I would not hesitate to buy this from Ritz.
http://tinyurl.com/cjssm4
ooh pretty  Darn!
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Thanks for the responses and the source. I have a Nolan 103 helmet which I can fit will headphones, mic and Blue Too for $100. The only thing I can't tell is if the Garmin plugs into the cigarette lighter power source. I would think it will.
Redbike7
2006 America
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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When out on my bike getting there and even getting lost is half the fun. Some of the funniest stories are from when we got lost. I would have never seen Ft. Grizwold or Ft Trumble if I hadn't taken a wrong turn.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
Thanks for the responses and the source. I have a Nolan 103 helmet which I can fit will headphones, mic and Blue Too for $100. The only thing I can't tell is if the Garmin plugs into the cigarette lighter power source. I would think it will.
It does. The one I was using plugged into to a Powerlet style plug. The mount has a connection on it to hook up power if I remember correctly. The mount is powered and you just drop in the unit.
Clay
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I have my garmin wired in at the battery.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I use my Nuvi 360 on my bike and in my car. I dont use half the features on it (bluetooth, MP3 player, speaker phone for calls, etc...). If I had a BT helmet then I might use it...thats a consideration since you say you have a Nolan.
The Zumo and the new 660 are designed for "gloved" hands BUT I dont have any issues with my 360 when using it with my gloves. Also consider that you really dont want to be messing with it while your riding.
The one big selling point to the Zumo is that you can plan your route and load it into the unit (I dont know if teh 660 has this feature). You CAN NOT do this with other (car) units. They all get you from point A to point B but it would be nice to be able to tell it to route via specific roads for the leisurely rides.
Almost forgot to add....I use a car adaptor with my accessory port. I think the MC units can be wired direct. If I had a choice Id wire mine direct but its just easier this way for me right now.
Last edited by Zmilin; 04/05/2009 10:07 PM.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I have found of on inconsistencies in maps. Like a major highway come in on the north side of town-but oops!-it is draw as the south side. I think the GPS systems also lag behind by a couple of years on their updates.
Redbike7
2006 America
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Another good thing about garmin...is if you buy it and it has a 2008 map you can do a free upgrade in the first 60 day you use it...starting when it was first turned on
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
When out on my bike getting there and even getting lost is half the fun. Some of the funniest stories are from when we got lost. I would have never seen Ft. Grizwold or Ft Trumble if I hadn't taken a wrong turn.
Amen to that. I have started out with a general idea of where I was going and ended up missing the mark by a hundred miles... still had a roaring good time each ride though.
2018 FLHCS
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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If you do any kind of distance riding on a bike, the GPS is the best thing since sliced bread. They're great to have in the car too.
I've got a Garmin 450 on my Kingpin. It's a lot cheaper than the 550 and still gets the job done.
At first I was afraid I would be a slave to the GPS. But if you're programming a complex route into it with the mapping sofftware, you quickly realize it is a slave to you.
We took several road trips with the Garmin and it really works great.
And the best part is, it's got an on/off switch for those days you want to do your own thing.
Get one, you won't regret it.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I use a map.
Ahh, but maps don't tell you where you are if you get lost.
I love and collect maps, but GPSr's are too cool!
Clay
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I would still be in Portland, trying to get across that bridge if I didnt have my garmin. Dont go to Portland without one.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
I would still be in Portland, trying to get across that bridge if I didnt have my garmin. Dont go to Portland without one.
LOL
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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"Since I can get lost in a phone booth, it's time to seriously consider a GPS."
That would be a bit of a problem for me as I am a bit of a navigational nightmare and a bit of a technophobe who just so happens to be tight with money.
I tend to go whatever way looks more or less the right way, even if it isn't and see what turns up (because I probably won't be turning up anywhere, anytime soon).
Before the war on terror, if I saw an unattended package I used to think "I'll be having that!"
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
"Since I can get lost in a phone booth, it's time to seriously consider a GPS."
That would be a bit of a problem for me as I am a bit of a navigational nightmare and a bit of a technophobe....
Just remind me what you do for a living again 
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Mark, Oh I leave all that stuff to my crewmate. 
Before the war on terror, if I saw an unattended package I used to think "I'll be having that!"
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Just out of curiosity , will these things hold up to driving rain at 70mph? Another question is why buy a $600 map when you can buy a paper one for a buck and update it every year for the next 600 years and still save money?If I go where we need a map, I go on mapquest oir google or Yahoo or any one of those direction sites and print the directions and info.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
Just out of curiosity , will these things hold up to driving rain at 70mph? Another question is why buy a $600 map when you can buy a paper one for a buck and update it every year for the next 600 years and still save money?If I go where we need a map, I go on mapquest oir google or Yahoo or any one of those direction sites and print the directions and info.
The Garmin Zumo line is motorcycle-specific. Shock-resistant and waterproof. I've ridden with mine in a torrential downpour, cold and heat. No problem.
Let's put it this way, they hold up to the rain, and 70 mph W-A-Y better than a paper map. 
If you're the kind of rider that's going from Point A to Point B, you're not a good candidate for a GPS.
If you like to put some miles on your bike on far-flung trips, it's worth the price of admission.
For example, last year we did a 3-day tour of covered bridges in Lancaster County with the locations and route pre-programmed into the GPS. The convenience of using the GPS to do this was priceless. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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We rode all over CT last summer and never used a map or GPS. We got directions and had fun getting there talked to people who told us other cool places to go and see. It isn't about point A to B it's about the adventure and looking at some electronic thing telling you where to go takes the fun and adventure out of it. If my paper map gets water in it I lost a buck if your Garmin gets water in it out of warranty you lost $600. I have been all over the country and never needed a GPS and in most cases a map either.I normally ride with a general location or route in mind any or all of those could change at any time if we think of something better or different or even get lost, that's not a bad thing when riding.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Dog, you definitely should not get a GPS. In fact, I'm wondering why you even bother with the computer at all.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I like to help out the guys that I help and share ideas. And every now and then go back and forth with someone about nothing! 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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My new 755T lets you download routes from Google Maps or Mapquest, you chose the way. It also can utilize Mapsource, but that program looks like an SOB to master. In the car, I never want to get the the Nuvi wants but need to know time to destination, so I have a number of custom routes uploaded via Mapquest. The 755 isn't motorcycle specific or waterproof, but it fits in my pocket and gives voice commands via earplugs, while I'm listening to it play MP3's. Not the perfect bike unit, but good for occasional work and mine was $300. Quote:
...The one big selling point to the Zumo is that you can plan your route and load it into the unit (I dont know if teh 660 has this feature). You CAN NOT do this with other (car) units. They all get you from point A to point B but it would be nice to be able to tell it to route via specific roads for the leisurely rides.
Last edited by ssjones; 04/06/2009 8:25 PM.
Al
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
My new 755T lets you download routes from Google Maps or Mapquest, you chose the way. It also can utilize Mapsource, but that program looks like an SOB to master. In the car, I never want to get the the Nuvi wants but need to know time to destination, so I have a number of custom routes uploaded via Mapquest.
The 755 isn't motorcycle specific or waterproof, but it fits in my pocket and gives voice commands via earplugs, while I'm listening to it play MP3's. Not the perfect bike unit, but good for occasional work and mine was $300.
Quote:
...The one big selling point to the Zumo is that you can plan your route and load it into the unit (I dont know if teh 660 has this feature). You CAN NOT do this with other (car) units. They all get you from point A to point B but it would be nice to be able to tell it to route via specific roads for the leisurely rides.
The key with Mapsource is to have the current revision. I was really struggling with it until I downloaded the most recent free update. Now it's much easier to work with. Being able to plot out a complex route on Mapsource and save it to the Garmin really makes a long trip a pleasure.
FYI I think I paid about $400 for the Garmin 450. It's done everything I need it to do and more.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
Just out of curiosity , will these things hold up to driving rain at 70mph? Another question is why buy a $600 map when you can buy a paper one for a buck and update it every year for the next 600 years and still save money?If I go where we need a map, I go on mapquest oir google or Yahoo or any one of those direction sites and print the directions and info.
Yes they will hold up to extreme water, if you buy one that is designed for the out doors. I have one that floats too. As to the other comment,
Why ride a motorcycle? Why not a car, or a bicycle?
One thing gps receivers do is tell you where you are. About anyone can find there way with a map, if they know where to start. If you're lost you don't know were to start.
That's not really the point though. Some like cool gadgets, some to know what time they will arrive, how long they've been on the trip, how far they have to go.............and on and on at your finger tips.
I have four currently, and one more to come!
Clay
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Not that others should agree but I can understand if you are something like an insurance adjuster or a truck driver or other job where you have to be somewhere at a certain time. Out on a ride there are no such restrictions in most cases so I don't see any need. I like it when I am out and make a wrong turn and have to find my way when I don't know where I am. If I really have to know my location my phone has a GPS in it but I have never used it and wouldn't know how.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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The key with Mapsource is to have the current revision. .....
Thanks, I have version 6.15.4, (just installed last week) and the program says no updates are available. It just not a very intuitive program. I downloaded the manual and need to read that than start using it. To be honest, uploading the Mapquest routes has been so simple, I haven't been motivated to learn Mapsource.
Al
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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After driving 325,000 miles in six years, I finally broke down and got one. Well, work bought it for me, or else I probably still wouldn't have coughed up $300.... For me, its truly sort of a novelty, as I typically know where I'm going. It's handy for locating restaurants, etc. But, I haven't realized the $300 value yet. We'll take it on vacation in May, maybe it will payoff on that trip to a new area. Quote:
...Another question is why buy a $600 map when you can buy a paper one for a buck and update it every year for the next 600 years and still save money?.
Al
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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It just not a very intuitive program.
Al, that's the understatement of the year! I've used harsher terms than that trying to learn it! lol
It takes some practice but you can get good with it. The upside is it's a very powerful mapping tool. Mapquest & Google maps are very easy to use but nearly as powerful. I often use Google to plan a route then Mapsource to finalize it.
There's a web site called www.zumoforums.com that is helpful if you ever want to get deeper into Mapsource. Good luck!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I love my 450...I've found tons of great roads while using it. Just because it tells you to turn in 10 miles doesn't mean you can't turn now and see where it takes you. I just turn off the voice, get plenty lost, then instead of pulling over and asking for directions, you can turn on the voice and Sally talks you on in from there. Once in a while, she'll even take you down and get ya stuck at a nunnery in rural KY.
The main reason it bought it was for the music player, which makes it worth it's weight in gold.
ANYONE who rides any distance will benefit from having one.
Mark
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I hear there's some program that'll convert google map routes into whatever format the Garmin will recognize.
Mark
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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It's handy for locating restaurants, etc.
This was an unexpected bonus for us.
We were out in DuBois PA & the hotel recommended a restaurant across town. We plugged in the name on the Garmin and we were good to go, and then able to get back to the hotel using a different route since the location was saved as a waypoint. Sweet! 
And that feature was AFTER the Garmin helped us find a gas station when we were low on fuel.
Another nice thing is if you're planning a route using Mapsource, it shows you the density of commercial activity along a route so you can avoid it unless you need to find a specific business. 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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I hear there's some program that'll convert google map routes into whatever format the Garmin will recognize.
Mark, for a short time Google gave the option to upload the Google map to the Garmin, but it disappeared. It sure would be a nice feature to have available.
The downside was that it saved only the route, and not the waypoints. I found out the hard way that on a complex journey the waypoints are as important as the route itself.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
It's handy for locating restaurants, etc. But, I haven't realized the $300 value yet.
I can see that but still not for the price, I ether know where I want to eat in the general area or try a new place we just find, we enjoy that. We were out late one evening and I asked a guy where a good place to eat was and he pulled his Garmnin like thing out and found one. We got lost trying to get there but it was fun. We ended up at the same place to eat but got there by a different route.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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I really don't care about the restaurant feature either. Being able to locate gas stations in the middle of nowhere is nice though.
The most convenient feature of the sort is being able to find local hotels. The GPS has all of their phone numbers saved, so it's easy to scroll thru the list and call for prices and availability.
Mark
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Thanks for the forum link, I'll give that peek. I was surprised as to how few Nuvi forums there were out there. I've been using this place, but it is not real active: http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=3afd3f880d9684906bc2c1a13e95334eI just read the Mapsource manual which I downloaded & printed. It's pretty much useless, guess I'll just have to tinker and learn. Quote:
Quote:
It just not a very intuitive program.
Al, that's the understatement of the year! I've used harsher terms than that trying to learn it! lol
It takes some practice but you can get good with it. The upside is it's a very powerful mapping tool. Mapquest & Google maps are very easy to use but nearly as powerful. I often use Google to plan a route then Mapsource to finalize it.
There's a web site called www.zumoforums.com that is helpful if you ever want to get deeper into Mapsource. Good luck!
Al
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Re: Anyone own a Garmin 550 GPS?
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Quote:
Quote:
It's handy for locating restaurants, etc. But, I haven't realized the $300 value yet.
I can see that but still not for the price, I ether know where I want to eat in the general area or try a new place we just find, we enjoy that. We were out late one evening and I asked a guy where a good place to eat was and he pulled his Garmnin like thing out and found one. We got lost trying to get there but it was fun. We ended up at the same place to eat but got there by a different route.
The value is wanting to have it not needing it. I don't ride with mine 90% of the time but it's cool to have none the less. What is the value of having a bike when you can drive a much more convenient car with air conditioning, heat, and a nice stereo.
Clay
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