Whenever talk of CB radios arises, the question always is- ‘why do you even need CB radios in this age of cellphones?’ This is a valid question. After all, CB radios were made for citizens to communicate with each other locally and gain important information. But, the emergence of cellphones has made CB radios a thing of the past. Or has it?
Sure, by using mobile phones you can call anyone from anywhere around the world. Also, you will get the latest updates in regards to weather and such very quickly with the help of various apps. But, what if there’s an emergency, or what if you go off track for a camping trip? Then there’s a high chance that your cellphone could go out of network. In such cases having a CB radio can save your life.
Even if you don’t get cellphone signals, you will still be able to contact others near you who can come to your help. After all, it is a radio which is used locally. So, CB radios are still used by truckers, RV drivers, campers, and such. CB radios are reliable high up in the mountains.
Also, with CB radios you will get local weather updates. So, if there’s fog up ahead or a commotion up ahead, then you will know about it fast. Know that no matter how good an app is, getting very specific the latest location, weather, or traffic information will be difficult. This is where CB radios help get you the correct information and soon.
Not to mention the fact that it is used for keeping people entertained as well. As such there are still many manufacturers who are making CB radios. But how will you know which ones are the very best? To help you out, here’s a list of the best CB radios available in the market.
10
- Product Dimensions: 11.02 x 2.36 x 9.84 inches
- Item Weight: 3.3 pounds
- AM/FM: 300 to 3000Hz
9
- Item Weight: 3.84 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.1 x 3.4 inches
- AM/FM: 40
8
- Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.7 x 1.85 inches
- Item Weight: 2.25 pounds
- AM/FM: n/a
12 Most Powerful CB Radios in 2023
CB radios are still used by a lot of people for local communication. It is used for getting local updates in regards to weather, traffic, and more. Using this, people can get help easily in case of emergencies. As such for off-road campers, truckers, and such these radios are lifesavers. So here’s a list of the very best ones found in the market:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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AnyTone AT-5555N 10 Meter Amateur Radio |
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Uniden PC68LTX 40-Channel CB Radio |
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President Electronics MC KINLEY USA Hm AM/SSB Tranceiver CB Radio |
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BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 50 Watt GMRS Two-Way Radio |
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Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio |
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President Electronics BILL CB Radio |
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President Johnny III USA 40 Channel CB Radio |
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Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio |
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Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off-Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio |
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Check Price on Amazon |
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President Adams FCC CB Radio |
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Check Price on Amazon |
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Radioddity CB-27 Mini CB Radio Mobile 40-Channel |
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Check Price on Amazon |
1. AnyTone AT-5555N 10 Meter Amateur Radio
- Product Dimensions: 11.02 x 2.36 x 9.84 inches
- Item Weight: 3.3 pounds
- AM/FM: 300 to 3000Hz
With this CB radio, you will get a frequency response of AM/FM 300hz to 3000hz. In regards to SSB, you will get a frequency of 2500hz. Using this radio you will get automatic control for less than the given 10dB change. This is found in audio outputs clearly for inputs that range from 10-to-100,000 microvolts.
The radio is squelched adjustable and comes with a threshold that is lesser than 1.0μV. If you can’t adjust the squelch then don’t worry, it is automatically adjustable easily. You will find that the default frequency here is between 28.000-29.700Mhz. You will find that this product comes with power-supply voltage safety. It ensures that your radio won’t stop functioning as a result of sudden high incoming voltage.
The radio comes equipped with a huge LCD panel. Here you will be able to see all the needed information easily. Whether it is the channel, signal strength, etc, everything will be visible. As for knobs, you will get a big rubber knob which will allow you to easily carry out your operations.
Know that you will be able to program this software using your PC. Moreover, note that this device comes with an echo function as well as the SQ and ASQ function. That’s not all. You will find that the device works with a voice prompt function that will allow you to operate the device even if your hands are otherwise occupied. Along with this, the product comes with a key-lock function as well. With the help of this, you won’t accidentally change the channel.
Pros
- Key-lock function
- SQ and ASQ function
- Big LCD panel
- 28.000-29.700Mhz default frequency
- power-supply voltage safety
Cons
- None
2. Uniden PC68LTX 40-Channel CB Radio
- Product Dimensions: 15.35 x 3.74 x 8.19 inches
- Item Weight: 3 pounds
- AM/FM: n/a
Uniden offers CB radios which will give you the high quality that you want. The radio is beautifully styled and comes in very friendly packaging, which will make it instantly recognizable to many.
The radio comes with a LED indicator which is bright, so with this you will be able to see if the radio is on or not. There is also the meter which is very easy to read from a little distance when you are on uneven roads. Know that apart from this, you will also get a front-panel mic-connector which will allow you to give your voice prompts easily.
Do note that along with this, the radio comes loaded with classically designed controls that make it easier to control the device. After all, to help make your work easier, there’s the channel selector as well. With this, you will be getting positive and better channel selection with lesser drifts.
The product comes with a long cord mic that allows you to operate easily, even if you are driving a large vehicle. It allows for ease of use. Know that along with these features, the radio comes with automatic and instant 9 channel access. This will reduce your work of finding channels to communicate on.
The radio comes with a very sturdy mic which will work no matter the situation. Of course, you will get the RF-gain control over here as well as the PA/CB switch as well. It should be mentioned that you will get to use the analog S/RF meter as well. Overall, the sturdiness and high quality, are the features that make it so wanted.
Pros
- Sturdy mic
- RF-gain control
- S/RF meter
- Long mic cord
- Channel selector
Cons
- None
3. President Electronics MC KINLEY USA Hm AM/SSB Tranceiver CB Radio
- Item Weight: 3.84 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.1 x 3.4 inches
- AM/FM: 40
Know that one of the biggest advantages of this radio is that it comes with 40 channels for AM/SSB. That’s a huge number that will never leave you wanting a channel for communication. This is great, but does note that you will get a channel-rotary switch here that will make it easier for you to locate channels. Wang to find channels quickly? Know that there’s a channel scan that will help you out.
Feel like the radio is too loud and isn’t allowing you to concentrate? You can get that easily sorted with the volume adjustment button. Also if you want peace you can just turn it off now and switch it on later. Along with this, the radio comes equipped with the squelch feature that will allow you to mute the background noises easily. Know that you will get ASC function with this as well.
The CB radio comes fitted with a large display function which is multi-functional and will show you all the necessary stats. From channel to signal strength, you will get to see it all. Note that this radio comes fitted with the digital S-meter and ANL filter as well. You will get the hi-cut and NB over here. This device comes with the memories scan feature as well as the F-function key.
Know that along with the above, the product comes loaded with the beep function that will alert of various happenings. You will find that the Tone and TalkBack features are very helpful when you are communicating. If you want to get weather updates on your journey, then know that you will be able to get that courtesy of the 7 weather channels which come with alerts. Know that the audio quality you will get is high as well.
Pros
- Weather alerts
- 40 channels
- Channel rotary and scan
- TalkBack feature
- ASC function
Cons
- None
4. BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 50 Watt GMRS Two-Way Radio
- Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.7 x 1.85 inches
- Item Weight: 2.25 pounds
- AM/FM: n/a
With this CB radio, you will get privacy tones. This means that you will get to match and mix tones up for your repeater usage. Also, note that this device will save all kinds of modifications that you are carrying out for a channel. Know that this will be done even if you are doing a reboot. Note that along with this, all kinds of DCS and CTCSS tones are easily supported as well.
You will be curious to know that this one radio works like multiple ones altogether. Note that if you select just one channel as the main channel while watching a max number of 3 other channels, then you will be able to watch them simultaneously. Of course, you can just use the radio to watch just a couple of channels only. This will simplify its usage. Know that the device is programmable easily using your PC.
The product comes with NOAA, FM, and scanner functions. Knowing that the FM radio facility right with the feature to store the UHF and VHF scanner channels comes in really handy. What this means is that if you are talking on the radio then you will get to monitor channels on the UHF and VHF easily. Yes, this included the weather brands which work under NOAA.
The radio comes with a keypad lock so that you don’t accidentally change the channel while handling it. Note that this device is 50watts and the channels are fully narrowband and wideband compatible. Know that if you want to use the device then you will need an external kind of antenna. It must be said that it’s ideal if you use this radio in a home/base/mobile environment.
Pros
- Keypad lock
- Privacy tones
- DCS and CTCSS tones
- NOAA, FM, and scanner
- Use multiple channels together
Cons
- None
5. Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio
- Product Dimensions: 15 x 1.5 x 8.5 inches
- Item Weight: 4.3 pounds
- AM/FM: 40
This radio will give you the confidence you need to drive to remote areas and off-the-road trails easily. After all, even if there isn’t a proper network there, thanks to this radio you don’t have to think about anything else. You will be connected with others and be able to make use of all the amazing and powerful settings.
You will certainly like to hear that the radio comes loaded with 40 channels and has a transmit power of 4watts. With this, you will never have to worry about finding an open channel that you will be able to talk on. Along with this, the radio comes equipped with NOAA channels, through which you will be able to get weather updates.
Do you feel like you are in an emergency and need immediate help? Then know that you will be able to contact channel 9 easily. It comes with a GPS tracker that will allow you to select the channels which are in that area.
Along with this, the radio comes with important features like dynamic-squelch control. Do note that with this you will be able to suppress unnecessary background noises and listen to the actual conversation better. To ensure that you are not disturbed by unnecessary noises, the device comes loaded with an ANL noise-filter as well as a good noise-canceling microphone.
The product comes loaded with a memory-channel scan as well. What this means is that the device remembers what kind of channel you chose before. Note that along with this you will get to enjoy features like hi/lo mic and gain control. Know that you will get to see all the amazing stats on large display functions that are easy-to-read. The device even comes with 7 kinds of backlight colour facilities. It will help you customize the radio.
Pros
- NOAA weather channels
- Memory-channel scan
- Dynamic-squelch control
- ANL noise-filter
- Gps channel tracker
Cons
- None
6. President Electronics BILL CB Radio
- Package Dimensions: 9.13 x 6.34 x 2.52 inches
- Item Weight: 1.92 pounds
- AM/FM: 40
You will select from 40 channels. Know that along with this you will also get to work between 7 kinds of channels to get weather updates that will allow you to adjust your route accordingly. The CB radio comes loaded with the manual squelch function that will allow you to suppress the extra noises in there.
With this product, you will be able to manually change the volume and set it to the volume that you prefer. Know that along with this you will get other features to enjoy as well. For example, you will get an ANL digital filter as well as a hi-cut filter. The device even comes loaded with the channel scan feature. With the help of this, you will be able to find channels faster.
Note that this radio comes with a very large LCD which will show you all the needed stats. Of course, along with this, the device comes with the beep function too. If you are afraid of changing the channel while using it, then know that you will be able to avoid it thanks to the channel locking features.
Pros
- NOAA weather updates
- 40 channels
- Large LCD
- Manually change volume
- ANL digital filter
Cons
- None
7. President Johnny III USA 40 Channel CB Radio
- Package Dimensions: 12.7 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches
- Item Weight: 2.79 pounds
- AM/FM: 40
Know that you will get a whopping list of 40 channels to choose from. This will allow you to freedom to choose the channel you want. Also in case of an emergency, you will find a channel to talk in always. Know that this device comes with a channel-rotary switch which will help you set channels.
Along with the above features, you will find that the CB radio comes equipped with weather alert features. With the help of this, you will get instant and latest updates regarding the matter. If you feel like the channel you are talking on is too loud then you can adjust the sound using the volume button. Note that if you feel like the background sound is too much while talking then you will be able to use the manual squelch feature to dampen it.
Know that the LCD that the radio is fitted with is large and shows all the important stats. Know that if you are ever busy and can’t use your hands, like in cases where you will have to drive carefully but still need assistance, then you can use the vox function. With the help of the vox function, you will be able to give voice commands to the radio. So with this, you will be able to operate the device without using your hands.
Along with all the amazing features listed above, know that the radio comes with the ANL filter and the hi-cut feature as well. Not to mention the fact that the device comes with S-meter too. It should also be noted that one of the most important features that this device comes with is the RF gain and channel scan feature. With this, you will be able to quickly find the channel you want or need.
The device has a priority channel-memory function as well. Here the CB radio will be able to store the settings and channels of your choice. So the next time around you won’t have to spend time finding the channels you liked before. Also, since the product comes with the key-locking feature so you can rest assured that you won’t accidentally change the channel while using the device.
Pros
- Channel-rotary switch
- Priority-channel memory
- RF gain
- Key locking
- Vox function
Cons
- None
8. Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio
- Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 6.75 x 1.38 inches
- Item Weight: 1.62 pounds
- AM/FM: 40
You will find that this radio has 4-watts worth of transmitting power. With this device, you are going to get RF-gain control and get to use 40 channel operations as well. You will get all of it in a very sleek rugged, sturdy, and yet compact CB radio. Know that this device comes with an inbuilt external speaker-jack. Using this you can connect to another external speaker.
This device comes with a front mount which has a 4-pin great electret microphone. What this means is that you will get a microphone with a long cord that will allow you to use it in large vehicles. Do note that you will get an LED meter with this as well as get a public-address switch. So if needed you can use these varied features.
Note that this radio will allow you to find help in an emergency since it comes loaded with channel 9. This means that you will be able to contact for help immediately instead of wasting time trying to find the channel. Along with this feature, you will get an automatic-noise limiter function that will allow you to get some peace if you are tired of the unnecessary noise.
You will be able to control the volume of the noise there with the volume control option. Also if you are tired of the unnecessary noises while you are communicating through the channel then you can make use of the squelch control channel. Note that this CB radio is best used for commercial, industrial, and also for off-road use of course. Using this trusty device you won’t ever get lost.
Pros
- Inbuilt external-speaker jack
- Front mount 4-pin electret-microphone
- Squelch feature
- Loaded channel 9
- Public-address switch
Cons
- None
9. Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off-Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 4 inches
- Item Weight: 1 pound
- AM/FM: 40
Know that this radio is very compact and will fit in your vehicle easily. If you use a car, truck, or small jeep then this little radio will be perfect for it. The device comes loaded with mic displays and great controls that will help you in your off-road journey. You will be able to mount it anywhere you like- whether it is under your driver’s seat or the dashboard, you will be able to fit it wherever you want.
Keep in mind that if you are driving through the noise and rough environment then get a good external speaker. With this, you will be able to hear clearly. Know that the CB radio is very rugged. So no matter the shocks to jerks in the way, it will be able to bear it all.
The CB radio will effectively operate on any 40CB frequency that’s given by the authorities. Note that this radio is very easy to install. You don’t have to waste a lot of your energy at all. This radio comes with the normal features too.
Here, you will get to choose from 40 channels. Note that you will get a squelch function so that you can prevent unnecessary background noises from disturbing your call. Note that you will also get to control the volume, get RF gain, get emergency contact, enjoy weather updates, and more with this.
Pros
- Compact
- Rugged
- Easy to fit
- 40 channels
- External speaker support
Cons
- None
10. President Adams FCC CB Radio
- Product dimensions – 5.94 x 4.92 x 1.77 inches
- Item weight – 1.98 pounds
When it comes to functional CB radio, there is nothing that beats President Adams FCC CB Radio. Not only is it one of the few available options within a budget-friendly price range, but it is also one of the few options that come with a compact design and heightened functionalities.
Aside from the exterior design, this CB radio features 7 color LCD with 40 CB channels for you to communicate through. Also, it supports easy-to-use and scan channels functionalities that make it easier for you to be on the right channel for a superior user experience.
The radio also supports a public address option with PA speaker output that is situated in the back of the radio. One unique feature is that it’s integrated with the defined ASC or automatic squelch control technology that helps optimize the signal reception.
Also, the noise blanker ensures that you wouldn’t have to worry about unnecessary interference or issues with communication, especially when you are in an emergency. The ANL options in the radio filter out the noise prolifically.
Pros
- Integrated with 7 color LCD
- Supports 40 CB channels
- Comes with a PA speaker output
- Integrated with noise blanker
Cons
- After-sales service isn’t promising
11. Cobra 29LTD Professional CB Radio
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- Weight: 3.35 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches
- AM/FM: 40 channels to choose from here.
You will get 40 channels to choose from here. As a result, there will always one open channel that you will be able to use to communicate. Note that if you are tired of scanning for channels manually, then you don’t have to do it anymore since this device comes loaded with the scanning feature.
The CB radio in itself is very rugged and it will be able to easily withstand the entire journey with ease. No shocks or jerks will be able to move it. Note that the mic which comes with this was designed aptly to ensure that it goes far. So you will be able to use the device with ease in large vehicles.
Know that the feature comes with increased adjustability. What this means is that it will increase the sensitivity of the microphone so that you can enjoy better voice clarity. With this, there won’t be any issue with perhaps not understanding the voice in the channel.
Since this radio comes equipped with channel-9 so you will be able to use it in case of an emergency immediately. With this, no matter the issue you will be able to get help. The device also comes with a Switchable noise-blanker which lessens the static amount as well as the unwanted kinds of electrical interference that are caused as a result of the vehicle’s engine.
The product comes with the RF gain feature which will allow you to adjust the reception-sensitivity range. As a result, you will get better and clear communication. What’s more, is that the antenna-warning indicator feature. This ensures that you don’t have to guess if the antenna has been properly adjusted. Know that if it’s not, then the light will glow which will mean that you need to check the system.
Pros
- Loaded channel 9
- RF gain
- Channel scan
- Long mic
- Switchable noise-blanker
- Antenna warning
Cons
- None
12. Radioddity CB-27 Mini CB Radio Mobile 40-Channel
- Product Dimensions: 4.29 x 4.09 x 0.94 inches
- Weight: 0.95 lbs
- Colour: Black
If you are in search of a compact and easy-to-use CB radio, CB-27 Mini CB Radio from Radioddity could be the best choice for you. It weighs only 0.95 lbs and is highly portable. Unlike many other CB radios, it occupies very little space and can be easily installed in vehicles. This model is mainly suitable for trucks and buses.
With its ultra-compact design, it makes a perfect choice for a long day road trip. The best thing is doesn’t require any license and is easy to operate. It accesses a 29 level squelch system and includes an improved sensitivity chip. This allows you to achieve clear reports during communication. It includes a removable microphone, which can be extended to 78 inches with the mic cord.
By just pressing the EMG button, you can quickly switch to emergency channel 19 and channel 9. It also comes with an in-built speaker. But you can also make it work with an external loudspeaker to amplify the audio. With the help of this device, you can easily adjust the received sensitivity.
This radio comes in handy for emergency communications. Thus, it gives priority to particular channels such as Channel 9/Channel 19. If you are using a CB radio for the first time, you will find this device easy to use. It has better RF gain control and sensitivity.
Pros
- Compact & portable
- Easy to operate & install
- Great for long road trips
- Instant Emergency Channel 9/Channel 19
- Removable microphone
- Backlit display
- Includes a keyboard lock
Cons
- Poor quality receiver
An Ultimate Buying Guide to Choose the right CB Radios in 2023
Having a CB radio will be useful if you are a trucker or are planning on going off the road. With the help of these devices, you will always be in touch with others and get emergency help in need. You will also get updates about local weather and traffic faster through this.
After all, no matter how much you love your cellphone, it can’t be denied that there’s no guarantee of you getting a good network once you go off-road. Moreover, it’s also possible that even in case of whether updates, you won’t get the latest information on the weather apps. So in such cases and more you need CB radios. When you will go to buy a CB radio you will find that there are different kinds of models available. So how will you know which one to buy? To help you out we have made a list of the features you need to consider before buying a CB radio. They are:
1. Channels
Always buy those CB radios which come with 40 channels. With this, you will get a lot of options to choose from. Also in case of an emergency, there will be one or two lines always open. So the chances of better communication become higher. Also, while you are looking at the channels, make sure that you look at the channel scan feature as well. Make sure that it is a feature which the radio is equipped with. This feature will make your work easier and scan automatically for the available channels in the area.
2. Weather alerts
Make sure that the device you are buying comes with a weather alert function. This means that there should be at least 7 NOAA weather channels. With this, you will get the latest updates on the local weather. As a result, you will be able to easily map your course depending on the information you get. If you are a trucker or off-road hiker then this feature might save your life one day.
3. Emergency channel
Disaster can strike anywhere and anytime. But if you are a trucker or an off-road caravan driver then there won’t be much time to get help. Moreover, you might not even be in any condition to get help from the usual sources since you will be off the usual roads. In such cases, emergency channel 9 can save your life. So while buying a CB radio make sure that this channel, especially comes loaded right away. After all, in some situations, you might not get, even get the time to search for it on your channel frequencies.
4. Vox function
As a trucker or an RV driver who is taken an off-road path, your eyes will most probably always be focused on the road and your hands will be on the steering wheel. So ensure that your radio can be operated by you using voice commands. As such, make sure that your device comes loaded with a vox function so that you don’t have to use your hands.
5. Long mic
Make sure that your radio is rugged so that it can take shocks and jerks along the road without getting damaged. Do note that you should get a radio where the mic is long. This is especially important if you drive a large vehicle. A long mic cord will allow you to talk with ease and without bending over or leaning over, which can compromise your focus on the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CB Radios
1. Should you get an external speaker?
If you find that the radio you are using doesn’t have a high-quality audio system, then it’s advised that you get external speakers. Also, if you drive a noisy vehicle or have to regularly go through noisy areas then invest in external speakers.
2. Is it necessary to have an RF gain feature?
RF gain feature will allow you to adjust the reception sensitivity range. What this means is that with this feature you will get a better reception signal. So it’s highly advised that you get a radio with this feature.
3. How to prevent background noise interference?
To prevent background noise interference while talking on the radio, make use of the squelch feature. Also, if your radio comes with an ANL noise prevention feature then make sure that you use that as well.
4. How to make sure that the radio remembers the channels I use?
If you want your radio to keep on remembering the same channels that you previously used, then buy a device that comes with the necessary channel memory storage or priority memory heater. With this, you will be able to go back to the channels you liked without having to search for them again.
5. What to do if you are frustrated by you accidentally changing the channels?
To prevent such an occurrence make sure that you buy a CB radio which comes with a key locking feature. This feature will ensure that you don’t accidentally change the channels while using the radio for talking.
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Conclusion
Having a CB radio while you are off-the-road will help save your life. You will be able to get the latest updates regarding the weather and traffic. Also, keep in mind that with this radio you will be able to get emergency help when needed. As such, such radios are really useful and people who frequently go off-the-grid should use this to stay in touch with each other. After all, it might just end up saving your life in a place where there’s no cellphone network at all.
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