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Using Siri to control your garage door.

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With the recent advancements in home automation we’ve had a few people who have asked about using Siri via Apple Homekit to control their garage door. We’ll take a look at how you can make that work with the Chamberlain MyQ Home Bridge and also have a look to see if there are any solutions for those running Android!

Siri and your Garage Door

There are actually four openers with Apple ‘HomeKit’ connectivity (click here to learn more about it) support on the market:

If your garage door doesn’t have MyQ or Wi-Fi connection, you’ll need a hub such as the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub which allows your garage door to be controlled by a smartphone, as long as it was manufactured after 1993 and has Photo Eyes sensors (the vast majority do). If you have a Chamberlain door you will be covered.

The MyQ Smart Garage Hub is a small black box you can mount in a convenient spot in your garage – and it also has a sensor you attach to your door.

The MyQ Home Bridge is similar but you don’t need to put it in your garage – anywhere with good WiFi connectivity will do.

Setup depends on your garage door opener model so have a read of the instructions and let us know if you have any questions.

Siri Garage Door Automation

Using Siri to control a garage door
Using Siri to control a garage door (source: 9to5mac.com)

One everything’s set up correctly and your garage door opener is connected to HomeKit, you can use Apple’s Home app, Siri, or automation to control your garage door. Using the Home app you’ll be able to see if the door is open or closed (great for when you’re already halfway to work and not sure if you remembered), and obviously you can control the door from there as well. It’ll also let you know if there are any obstructions hampering the door’s ability to close.

You can choose the door to open/close automatically at set times depending on if someone’s home or not (it knows if someone’s home based on their connectivity to the home WiFi). You could, for example, set the door to automatically close when nobody is home, so you’ll never have to worry about if you left the door up again!

According to 9to5Mac, Siri control will work with the following questions/commands:

  • Close the garage
  • Open the garage
  • Is the garage closed?
  • Did I leave the garage door open?

If you’re on Android, it doesn’t have a full-featured home automation option like HomeKit yet, but if you have a Merlin MyQ you can click here to download the app which will allow you to control the garage door and your houselights from anywhere in the world.

Click here to learn more about the Merlin MyQ from the Door Doctors blog.

If we can help you install a smart garage door or you have any questions about this please contact us or leave a comment below!

Garage Door Repairs in Brisbane

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How to pick a company to help you with garage door repairs – by the Door Doctors.

Do you have a problem with your garage door? Perhaps the remote has stopped working; you’ve had an accident and backed into it, or it’s not going up and down correctly. Sometimes the motor can make strange sounds or the door doesn’t work at the speed it used to. These can be simple fixes, or something more complicated –in any case it’s worth calling in the specialists to make sure your garage door is fixed correctly so it doesn’t become a problem in the future.

Door Doctors are experts if you need garage door repairs in Brisbane.  Our experienced and friendly team can be out to your place quickly – and we’ve been around for so long we’re able to solve the vast majority of problems then and there. We have a crew dedicated to garage door breakdowns and plenty of replacement stock if you do need a new part or even a new motor.

We understand the inconvenience and annoyance that having a broken garage door can be – it can also be a safety issue if you have internal doors inside the garage. We help businesses and families with expert garage door repair, sales, installation, maintenance, whether they’re roller door, panel lift door, sectional door or tilt door.

Some other companies will simply replace motors/operators to fix a broken door, but this isn’t always necessary – the problem can sometimes be small and relatively inexpensive. The Door Doctors team will do their best to ensure you’re able to get your garage door working again – as quickly as possible and at a fair price.

Please click here to learn more about our garage door repair business, email us on [email protected], or give us a call at 02 3299 2992 and we’d be happy to have a chat about how we can help you with any garage door problems you may be experiencing.

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Garage Door Security with the Door Doctors

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According to the MyPolice website, there have been an increase in thieves breaking into townhouses by forcing old roller garage doors. Today we’ll take a look at some tips you can implement in order to maximise your garage door security (and, as a result, your house, car etc.)

Garage door security – keep your place safe with these easy tips:

Garage Door Security with the Door Doctors
Garage Door Security with the Door Doctors
  • Buy a keychain remote opener. Attach it to your keys so it’s not left inside your car, clipped to the visor – if someone steals your car it’ll be easy for them to enter your home.
  • Keep a regular garage door maintenance schedule. An old, corroded, or damaged door will be a lot easier to break into and will compromise your garage door security.
  • Secure your garage door emergency release. You can use zip-ties on the release and it will still be able to function as required, without the security fears of someone being able to use something like a coathanger to release the safety mechanism through a hole in the top of the door. See the video below!
  • If you’re going to be out of town for a period of time, use a padlock on the throw latch (if your door has one) – We’ve also included a video on YouTube below you can view.
  • If you don’t have a throw latch on your garage door, the Queensland Police recommend using a c-clamp tightened down on each side of the door track.
  • Ensure your garage windows are covered up – if you do have anything thieves might be interested in inside your garage they won’t know about it.
  • Don’t leave your keys in your car inside the garage – if the thieves get in it’ll be easy for them to make off with your car as well.
  • If there’s a door into your main residence from the garage, ensure it stays locked and deadbolted as well as using a strong door – if your garage is compromised you don’t anyone coming into your house!

There’s a great video on YouTube which explains the ‘zip tie emergency release’ method in more detail – have a look below!

If you need help with garage door security or would like to install something a bit safer than your old manual door then please give Door Doctors a call on 3299 2992 or email us at [email protected]

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Merlin to offer smart home garage door openers

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Door Doctors preferred supplier Merlin have announced a new range of garage door openers called Merlin MyQ, designed for ‘smart homes’ – so you’re able to control the doors from any internet-enabled device (e.g. smartphone, laptop, tablet).

This represents one less item on the keyring, one less battery to replace, and increased security for the garage doors (the Merlin MyQ app platform uses strong encryption technology and offers choices based on security / convenience).  It can also be configured to open (or simply just opened and closed remotely) for tradesmen or delivery drivers, so you don’t need to be at home when they come by.

Merlin Commander MyQGrant Emanuel, the head of marketing at Chamberlain Australia (Merlin owner) has been quoted as follows: “Automating your garage door with the PowerLift MyQ not only makes getting in and out of your home much easier, it also solves those panic moments when you rush out of the house to get to work and then question whether you left the garage door open or not.”

The app will notify homeowners any time the garage door is opened or closed, which will lead to better security and increased peace of mind for those who have valuables in their garage or it connects to the rest of the house.

The PowerLift MyQ will include obstruction detection safety beams and premium reversal technology which will protect children, pets, the car, or anything else that may get in the way of the door. It can be attached to single or double sectional doors up to 16m² and, like the rest of the Merlin product range, is protected by a seven-year warranty and Merlin’s excellent after sales support service.

View a video from the Chamberlain team about the Merlin MyQ Gateway by clicking below:

If you’re interested in the Merlin smart home range of MyQ Gateway enabled devices then please give Door Doctors a call on 3299 2992 or email us [email protected]rdoctors.com.au

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Grifco Motors Range – Door Doctors

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If you’re in an industrial/factory setting and need the best quality commercial door openers, controllers, accessories, or replacements, take a look at the Door Doctors’ Grifco range. Please contact us if you have any questions about what’s right for you!

Grifco Commercial and Industrial Door Openers

The Grifco motors come in several options for eDrive +2.0 and mDrive openers depending on your needs (they’re available for door sizes between 18 and 50 square metres):

  • Grifco mDrive MotorEDL051 (Low Cycle – 0.5Hp – Single Phase)
  • EDL102 (Low Cycle – 1Hp – Single Phase)
  • EDH102 (High Cycle – 1Hp – Single Phase)
  • EDL053 (Low Cycle – 0.5Hp – Three Phase)
  • EDL103 (Low Cycle – 1Hp – Three Phase)
  • EDH103 (Low Cycle – 1Hp – Three Phase)
  • EDL153 (Low Cycle – 1.5Hp – Three Phase)

Which Grifco motor is right for me?

Low Cycle products are rated for approximately 10% duty and are suitable for >80% of application.

This means:

  • 10% runtime per hour
  • 6 mins operation / hour
  • Approximation 6 open/close cycles per hour.

High Cycle products are rated for approximately 30% duty and are suitable for high volume areas such as warehouses, car parks and emergency service applications.

This means:

  • 30% runtime per hour
  • 20 mins operation / hour
  • Approx 20 open/close cycles per hour.

Grifco eDrive

Grifco eDrive MotorOur Grifco eDrive openers and opener kits for light commercial roller doors are all rated for low cycle and come in single phase or three phase (RKML). They are all coupled with Grifco’s tried and tested self-locking gear reduction system.

The electronic functions of the eDrive are known as the ‘logic’ and refer to the Main Control Board (MCB) which is able to allow the door to respond to various inputs such as remote transmitters, entrapment device inputs and so on. It’s an extremely versatile device which will ensure you are able to purchase a compliant installation that will last you for many years to come.

Our Grifco eDrive +2.0 openers for roller shutters come in low and high cycle options, in three phase (415V) or single phase (240V). Their max door size ranges from 18 square metres to 50 square metres. They’re also available with a smoke baffle feature to limit the spread of smoke.

One of our most popular openers is the ML5103 which is a low cycle, three phase 1.0Hp roller shutter – it is suitable for a maximum door size of 36 square metres. We are able to offer a very competitive price on installing these.

Grifco mDrive

Grifco mDrive openers for roller shutters come in low and high cycle options, in three phase (415V) or single phase (240V). Their max door size ranges from 18 square metres to 50 square metres.

Grifco speciality mDrive openers for roller shutters are available as Waterproof (IP55), Solenoid Brake (IP50), Dust Ignition Proof (IP66), and Flameproof EXD.

Choose mDrive if you don’t need the electronic functions of the eDrive +2.0 but please note eDrive +2.0 Logic is also available as a standalone option to upgrade mDrive devices if required down the track!

Grifco Heavy Duty and Speciality Heavy Duty Openers

  • Our heavy duty openers for roller shutters come in high cycle three phase 415V or high cycle single phase 240V.
  • Our Speciality Heavy Duty Openers for Roller Shutters are all three phase 415V and are available as Waterproof (IP55), Solenoid Brake (IP50), Dust Ignition Proof (IP66), and Flameproof EXD.
  • Our Extra Heavy Duty Openers for Roller Shutters are all three phase 415V and come in 2.2kW, 3.0kW, and 4.0kW.

Grifco Fire Shutter Openers and Hoists

  • Fire Shutter hoists are auto-descent with fusible link and come with or without holding magnets. They are suitable for a maximum door size of 16 square metres.
  • Heavy Duty Manual Hoists & Extra Heavy Manual Hoists available. They are suitable for maximum door sizes of 22 and 25 square metres respectively.

Grifco Sectional Door Openers

Grifco LS-Drive Section Door OpenerOur Grifco openers for commercial sectional doors come in a variety of options depending on your requirements:

  • Low Cycle – Three Phase 415V – 0.5Hp
  • Low Cycle – Three Phase 415V – 1.0Hp
  • Low Cycle – Single Phase 240V – 0.5Hp
  • High Cycle – Three Phase 415V – 1.0Hp
  • High Cycle – Three Phase 240V – 1.0Hp

Popular Grifco Accessories

  • Grifco Wireless Wall ControlReversing Starter
  • Mechanical Logic Control (Light)
  • Mechanical Logic Control
  • Mounting Plate Kit
  • Monitored Reflective Safety Beam
  • Wireless Security Keypad
  • Wireless Wall Control
  • And much more – just ask!

The Door Doctors

To make an order, enquire about our industrial door product range or ask a question about what’s right for your industrial setting please contact us and we’ll get in touch!

[email protected]
3299 2992

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Industrial Door Sales – Door Doctors Brisbane

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Door Doctors Commercial Range – Industrial Door Sales

If you’re in Brisbane and your factory, shed or workshop needs industrial or commercial doors and motors replaced, repaired, or installed for a new fitout, the Door Doctors are able to help you. We have 12 years of experience in working with the industrial sector and can customise the job to your personal needs – it sounds like a cliché but no job is too big or too small. The team at Door Doctors have extensive experience in jobs of all sizes – we specialise in roller doors and shutters but we’ve also worked a lot with the electrical aspect of doors (e.g. main entry car parks/garages/factories), car park doors, truck shutters, and so on. Industrial door sales are a huge part of our business and we love working with them!

If you’re after a few examples of our workmanship – we’re proud to have been responsible for industrial door installation at Sydney Olympic Park, the v8 racetrack in Townsville (Townsville 400), and were also pleased to be a part of the Amberley RAAF Base Upgrade.

We’ve got strong established ties to top quality manufacturers of doors and motors – being a preferred and accredited supplier of both Grifco and Merlin motors.

We also offer an after hours emergency service so if you’re not able to open up or need a security close down we’ll be able to repair or at least secure your door no matter what the time. There’s nothing worse than sticking around hours after knock-off time trying to figure out how to secure a broken door.

Here are some of the jobs we’ve done:

Industrial Door Installation BrisbaneFactory Door BrisbaneIndustrial Door Sales Brisbane

If your factory needs help with industrial door sales, repair, or a whole refit – our experienced and friendly team are standing by and happy to help. Simply give us a call on 3299 2992 or click here and we’ll get in touch.
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About Door Doctors’ Merlin Doors Range

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At Door Doctors we only recommend the highest quality motors to run your new garage door. We’re an accredited and preferred supplier of Merlin Doors. Here’s an overview of some of our favourite Merlin Garage Door Openers.

 

Merlin Doors

 

Door Doctors Merlin Doors Range

MT100EVO Tiltmaster (Sectional and Tilt Doors)

The Tiltmaster is a reliable, quiet powerhouse. The DC motor has the strength to open any size door and is quiet and built to last.

  • Variable speed – automatically detects speed based on the type of door
  • Works with both sectional and tilt doors
  • Quiet, powerful and energy efficient
  • Comes with a 7 year warranty

MR850EVO Merlin SilentDrive BBU (Roller Garage Door)

This fast and quiet roller garage door opener even works when the power is out, featuring an Evercharge battery backup system.

  • Fast operation – 13 second opening speed
  • Battery backup – works when the power is out!
  • Quiet and powerful
  • Comes with a 7 year warranty

MT3850EVO Whisperdrive (Sectional Doors)

The Whisperdrive is a fast and energy efficient sectional door opener complete with all the trimmings.

  • Superfast 12 second opening speed
  • Battery backup – works when the power is out!
  • Twin bright light lenses to illuminate your dark garage
  • Comes with a 7 year warranty

MT60EVO PowerAce (Sectional Doors)

The PowerAce is a quiet and efficient workhorse with the latest security and multi frequency technology.

  • Quick 21 second opening speed
  • Quiet and powerful
  • Energy Efficient
  • Comes with a 5 year warranty

MJ3800 – The Unique Alternative (Sectional and Tilt Doors)

An innovative opener for the design minded. Installs beside the door leaving the ceiling clear for aesthetic or storage reasons.

  • Frees up space
  • Battery backup – works when the power is out!
  • Electronic solenoid locking – automatically locks on close
  • Comes with a 2 year warranty

 

If you’ve got any questions as to which of our range of Merlin Garage Doors would suit your door, please feel free to give us a call on 3299 2992 or click here to contact us!

The Door Doctors

If you need a hand with buying and installing a new garage door (Merlin Doors or otherwise) give us a call on 3299 2992 or click here to enquire online about how we can help you – from research, sales, servicing and repair – we can do it all. Door Doctors – sorting out life’s ups and downs!

[email protected]
3299 2992

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Garage Door Maintenance & Cleaning

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Garage Door Maintenance
Garage Door Maintenance and Cleaning

Your garage door needs regular cleaning, just like your car – in fact, we recommend doing both at the same time so it’s easy to remember! Roller and shutter doors are a lot more durable than they used to be – so along with fixed maintenance (you’ll double the life of your door with regular servicing) all you really need to do is give them a good clean every now and then! Cleaning your garage door is simple, quick, and will help ensure your investment looks great and works smoothly. Garage door maintenance can sometimes be best left to the experts but we suggest

Protect your garage door (roller or sectional) with these eight simple steps to keep it looking great and (along with a servicing schedule) ensure it’s working well for years to come.

  • Perform a spot test – use warm soapy water or a gentle cleaner – avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh tools such as scourers as they could damage the door. Place a small amount on an unobtrusive area to make sure the cleaner doesn’t discolour or damage the surface before starting.
  • Use a stiff brush to remove detritus such as mildew, dirt, or animal droppings.
  • Rinse with water before cleaning (both sides).
  • Clean the front and back of the door with warm soapy water and a gentle cloth.
  • Rinse with water after cleaning (both sides).
  • (If applicable) wipe down the springs with an oily rag.
  • Prevent rust and corrosion, stop squeaks, eliminate sticking and reduce friction by lubricating hinges, tracks and rollers with lubricating oil (you can get a can of this quite inexpensively from any hardware store – ask for garage door lube)
  • Don’t try and clean the motor and stay away from any of the electronics! That’s best left to the professionals.

We hope this helps! Any questions, please call Door Doctors on 3299 2992.

The Door Doctors

If you need a hand with buying and installing a new garage door give us a call on 3299 2992 or click here to enquire online about how we can help you – from research, sales, servicing and repair – we can do it all. Door Doctors – sorting out life’s ups and downs!

[email protected]
3299 2992

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How to Choose a Garage Door and Motor

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How to Choose a Garage Door
How to Choose a Garage Door

If you’re looking to buy a new garage door you’ll see there are a multitude of options – it can seem overly complicated for something that just goes up and down! With that in mind here are 8 tips from the Door Doctors that will help you learn how to choose a garage door and ensure it’s the right one for your personal circumstances.

How to Choose a Garage Door.

1. Measuring

Firstly, you’ll need to measure up. Check the height, width, and thickness. As a general rule garage doors are a standard size but better safe than sorry! If you’re going to DIY make sure you double check before going any further. As the old adage goes, measure twice, cut once. However, if you’re going to get the door installed there’s no need to worry about this part – the installer will do all the measuring for you.

2. Insulation

Whether you’re in Hobart in winter or Birdsville in summer, it’s important to consider insulation. Depending on the location of your garage door, this can have quite an effect on temperature. Consider the material your door will be made out of and how that will factor into the garage (especially if the door leads to any areas you use frequently). Ask the door manufacturer if you have any queries about this.

3. Installation

If you’re keen on DIY, it’s possible to install a garage door yourself. There are some great instructions on the Internet and in some cases it can be straightforward. If you do need a hand, however, please feel free to give Door Doctors a call – we’d be happy to help!

4. Noise

If you’re starting work early/coming home late and don’t want to disturb your family and/or neighbours it’s a good idea to consider the amount of noise your garage door will make. We can
recommend the MT100EVO Tiltmaster (works for sectional or tilt garage doors) which uses a quiet and powerful DC (Direct Current) motor. Other options include the SilentDrive BBU or the MT3850EVO WhisperDrive (please note the WhisperDrive only works on sectional doors). Gone are the days of rackety, clanking doors waking up the neighbourhood and disturbing the peace…just make sure you choose a motor with a good warranty and consider using a door repair company for regular maintenance!

5. Safety Features

Garage Doors are quite heavy and the motors are powerful. It’s important to consider the safety aspects of your investment. Some safety features to consider include:

  1. Manual Release (what happens when the power’s out? – a manual release will ensure you can still use the door with no power)
  2. Automatic Safety Reverse (Premium motors will stop and reverse automatically if obstructed going down or stop if obstructed going up – protecting your car, whatever else is in the way, and your door/motor at the same time)
  3. Automatic Force Sensing (Automatic force sensing means with each operation the motor will monitor and adjust the force required to open the door – saving energy and promoting safe operation)
  4. Battery Backup (blackouts? No problem! Motors with battery backup will work perfectly no matter what’s going on around your power grid)
  5. Thermal Overload Protection (Choose a motor with this feature to ensure it doesn’t overheat if something goes wrong)

6. Warranty

Garage doors are a serious investment and as they’re generally used multiple times a day over long periods of time; as such it’s a wise idea to protect your investment and purchase from a reputable supplier. Door Doctors use Merlin Garage Doors and Motors and are fully backed by a 7 year / 15,000 cycle onsite warranty. Be sure to ask what the warranty (both time and cycles (i.e. usage)) is before you sign on the dotted line!

7. Energy Consumption

With electricity bills as high as they currently are, it’s important that you choose a motor with as low power consumption as possible, without compromising quality or usability. There are a number of options here – for example, Merlin’s PowerAce has the latest security, multi frequency technology but still manages to use 75% less energy than previous models (less than 1 watt of power in standby mode!).

8. Maintenance

You’ll save a LOT of money in the long run if you sign up for regular maintenance. As we saw in point 6) – getting a door and motor with a good warranty is integral when you’re shopping around – and regular maintenance will generally double the life of the door/motor. Have a look into pre-planned and fixed price door maintenance services – this will help ensure you have a trouble-free experience with your new door.

We hope this helps! Any questions, please call Door Doctors on 3299 2992.

The Door Doctors

If you need a hand with buying and installing a new garage door or you want to know more about how to choose a garage door give us a call on 3299 2992 or click here to enquire online about how we can help you – from research, sales, servicing and repair – we can do it all. Door Doctors – sorting out life’s ups and downs!

[email protected]
3299 2992

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Garage Door Repairs – The Basics and Common Issues

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Garage Door Repairs – The Basics

Garage doors are expensive – so it’s important you protect your investment by ensuring your door receives regular servicing and uses quality parts. Garage door repairs can be a lot less expensive if you’re good to your door! There are different types of doors such as sectional, panel and tilt – each of these come with their own potential issues. These can be mitigated by ensuring you choose carefully when it’s time to get a new door or repair the existing one.

Here are some common Issues with Garage Door Repairs:

  • Door won’t open/close
  • Broken Remote Control
  • Hinges and/or Springs malfunctioning
  • Stuck emergency release
  • Very noisy (grinding) door
  • Motor running but not working
  • Broken lock/key
  • Lack of service
  • Storm damage

Here are some of the ways you can get the best life out of your garage door:

  • Observe and listen – does the door sound the same when it opens/closes? How quickly does it go up/down? Do the sides look symmetrical?
  • Tighten up all the bolts/nuts/brackets – a door will move up and down thousands of times throughout its life and this vibration and movement can loosen some of the hardware. Ensure not to overtighten but make sure they’re nice and firm without trying to be superman about tightening them up!
  • Tracks and Rollers – are they aligned? Is there any obstruction or a build up of dirt/debris?

Many of these problems can be rectified with regular servicing and choosing a manufacturer/supplier with a great warranty. Door Doctors use Merlin Garage Doors and Motors and are fully backed by a 7 year / 15,000 cycle onsite warranty.

For residential sectional/tilt doors we recommend the Merlin MT100EVO Tiltmaster which we have installed for hundreds of satisfied customers.

Click here to have a look at some of our Tiltmaster installs!

The Door Doctors

If you need a hand with garage door repair give us a call on 3299 2992 or click here to enquire online about how we can help you – from research, sales, servicing and repair – we can do it all. Door Doctors – sorting out life’s ups and downs!

[email protected]
3299 2992

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