All new cars are equipped with daytime running lights today, however, this type of optics is not available on all cars, in particular, it comes about machines of earlier production. The use of DRL is mandatory today, and if the car is not equipped with these optics, this can cause a serious conversation with the inspector. For more information on how to build a DRL control unit with your own hands, read below.

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Characteristics of the DRL control unit

The daytime running light control unit is a device that is part of electrical circuit of this type optics. This node is designed to activate DRL under certain circumstances, depending on the optics connection diagram. Without the operation of this device, the functioning of the running lights is impossible, therefore this unit must always be in working order.

After activating the ignition, voltage is supplied to the navigation light control module itself. This module, in accordance with the presence of a signal on the ignition coil, starts the recognition procedure - whether the power unit is started or not. In the event that a continuous signal begins to arrive from the coil, the optics automatically turn on. If the coil does not transmit a pulse to the board, then the module recognizes this as the fact that the engine does not work, for example, it could stall, but the ignition is turned on. Of course, in this case, the daytime running lights will not work.

In the event that the driver in the forced mode starts the side lights, the DRL control unit will automatically turn them off, regardless of other conditions. When the dimensions are turned off, and the coil still transmits a signal to the module, the running lights are activated and continue to work (the author of the video is the GignViper channel).

DIY relay assembly guide

If you decide to build a daytime running light control module for your car, then you must understand that the procedure for making it with your own hands is not easy. This option is the most optimal for those motorists who have experience in electrical engineering and know how to solder, as well as assemble wiring diagrams. Naturally, the procedure for assembling a device with your own hands will be much cheaper financially than purchasing a finished device. The advantage of the assembly diagram below is that even if in your car separately, you will be able to connect the device to the low beam control module.

Photo gallery "Schemes and programmer for making a homemade block"

Most the best option the basis will be the use of the PIC12F629 processor - its price is the most affordable. To program the module, you need to use a programmer, for example, the PICkit-2 will do. The circuit itself is quite simple - it uses a linear stabilizing device, to the contacts of which dividers are connected according to the incoming pulse. To ensure more stable operation, transistor switches have been added to the circuit. A transistor (field) is placed at the output of the device, which must be connected to a simple automotive transistor device, while the current should be no more than 200 mA.

The assembly procedure is carried out as follows:

1. First, the board must be modeled, for this any software for designing circuits. After that, it is necessary to develop a wiring diagram, if necessary, then a 3D model is also designed.
2. Then the body is selected, in which the structure will be installed. In this case, a housing from a conventional machine relay can be used. In this case, it is necessary that this relay be six-pin.
3. To secure the module, the circuit itself will need to be varnished. There are many different remedies for this purpose, as an option, you can use Cramolin Isotemp. This silicone agent is used to isolate various circuits. If you want to ensure more reliable operation of the board, then it can also be installed in a heat shrink tube.
4. After the preparation procedure is completed, the existing relay will need to be installed in the prepared housing. As a rule, relays are equipped with housings with clips, so you shouldn't have any problems with reliable fastening.
5. As for the direct connection of the finished device, power for it can be taken from any point of the on-board network, the main thing is that this point is not far from the ignition key.
6. The signals according to which the module will be able to determine the operation of the power unit can be taken from the coil itself - this option is the most optimal.
7. At the next stage, the impulse for activating the head light can also be taken from any point, it is only necessary that there is a 12-volt voltage in this area from the inclusion of the optics.
8. After completing these steps, any relay should be connected at the output of the module, this will protect the electrical circuit. And although you can take any relay, it is important that the current consumption is no more than 200 mA at twelve-volt voltage, and the output current should be about 30-40 amperes.
9. The final stage will be the connection of the mass - as in other cases, the minus can be connected to the car body.

Video "Operation of the DRL unit under the control of the remote control"

How the daytime running lights work under the control of the remote control - see the video below (the author of the video is Mary Babenkova).

Many car enthusiasts have already heard about the benefits of DRL and are starting to look for a decent model in stores. The assortment is widely represented by Chinese junk costing from 300 to 5000 rubles. Some do not understand why to put them on the car and buy junk for 500 rubles, which shines a little brighter than the dimensions, the power is 2 watts. You've probably seen these, they still shine with blue light, and some of the LEDs are off or blinking. Then they have the problem of how to connect the running lights so that they last longer. Garage craftsmen offer various schemes for connecting DRLs, the most difficult thing is to choose the right one.

Common names that will be used in the text: DRL "Daytime Running Lights", daytime running lights.

• 1. Types of connection
• 2. Mode of operation
• 3. How to connect DRL with a control unit
• 4. DRL controller
• 5. Choosing a stabilizer
• 6. Connection via relay
• 7. Other unpopular ways
• 8. Verifying the installation
• 9. Example of benefits

Connection types

DRL Eagle Eye, Eagle Eye

The connection diagram of the running lights depends on the configuration and your budget. There are 3 types of equipment:

1. the most inexpensive, only DRL;
2. average for the price, stabilizer included;
3. expensive, with a control controller.

If you have the cheapest and the worst, then there is no controller or control unit included. Such a block functions as a voltage stabilizer and on and off control.

V medium configuration there is a voltage stabilizer for 12V. There are voltage surges in the automotive network, and LEDs do not like this very much and fail. The stabilizer will significantly extend the life of the LEDs. But in this option, you will have to choose a place to connect so that they turn on only when the engine is running. There are many places for this, for example, an oil pressure sensor or a generator.

Domestic model

The expensive version is equipped with a control unit that connects directly to battery in the car. According to the principle of operation, they are of two types:

• determine the difference between the number of volts with the engine off and on;
• cheaper, it is turned on when the voltage rises above 13V.

The first option is the best, regardless of the voltage on your battery, always turn on and off correctly. The second option is budgetary and does not always work. With the engine off, the number of volts must fall below 13V for the controller to turn off the DRL. If your battery is new or well charged, then even after stopping the engine, it will have a voltage above 13V for up to several hours. That is, the daytime running lights will not turn off on their own until it is less than 13V. The only drawback will be its own power consumption when the controller is waiting for the engine to start. It will discharge the battery along with the burglar alarm.

Working hours

According to the technical regulations for cars, DRLs should automatically turn on when the engine is started. When you turn on the dipped beam, they should automatically turn off so as not to dazzle in the dark.

There are also combo models with installed turn signals on sale. The section for duplicating direction indicators is connected separately in parallel to the standard turn signals. A stable diet is also required.

DRL with turn signal

For models with additional control there is a function of the accompanying backlight, which works 10 minutes after the engine is turned off. It illuminates your way to your home or dugout, depending on where you live. Osram DRL has a mode in which they do not turn off, but dim by 50%. just don't know how legal it is and whether it will blind you.

How to connect a DRL with a control unit

DRL controller

..

I prefer the DRL connection scheme using the control unit, the most reliable way, suitable for any car and does not require any knowledge. Many car enthusiasts buy a DRL control unit from AliExpress - it is inexpensive, and the reviews seem to be good. However, most of the reviews are left either at the time of receipt of the product, or after several days of use. In fact, absolutely all DRL controllers from AliExpress are short-lived and have the following disadvantages:

1. the principle of operation does not comply with GOST;
2. there is no stabilization (for the majority);
3. poor quality materials and workmanship;
4. the features of the on-board network of the car are not taken into account;
5. no guarantee;
6. some do not have moisture protection.

From quality options I can distinguish from Russian manufacturer, which fully complies with GOST and differs good quality... Also, the DayLight + controller has built-in stabilization, which will significantly increase the service life of the navigation lights.

Choosing a stabilizer

In this view, the first and second methods will be combined. Even if your daytime running lights do not have a stabilizer, I recommend buying it or making it yourself.

You can buy Chinese modules at a price of 50 to 120 rubles, so as not to order on Aliexpress, look at Avito, there are very acceptable prices... The most common modules are pulse LM2596 and linear LM317. They are of course outdated, but they will pull the current by 1 ampere, it will be a power of 12 watts.

Modern for 2016 are considered on microcircuits XL6009, XL4015. Their efficiency is higher and they heat up much less. Withstand a current of 2 Amperes without a microcircuit cooling system, this is equivalent to a load of 24 watts.

Relay connection

On forums and websites you will find different ways how to connect daytime running lights with your own hands, for each brand it will be different. Specialized relays are also sold, for example, Forget-me-not, designed for any car.

The principle of operation is simple. The daytime running lights are powered from the ignition wire. The positive wire from the far and near breaks the circuit when voltage appears on it. A 5-contact relay is sufficient for this. First, look for the solution on forums that only specialize in your car brand. You may find a simpler solution.

For example, in Duster, you can connect the DRL to the cigarette lighter, it is energized only when the ignition is turned on. It's better than looking for an ignition wire in the wiring. In any case, I recommend installing a fuse in case of a short circuit.

Many circuits use a wire size to disable the DRL. It is wrong DRL should not go out when you turn on the dimensions, only with low beam.

Another type of connection diagram for daytime running lights is the installation of a relay in a standard relay block of a car without any upgrades. It includes long distance by 30% or 50%, which will be enough to indicate transport on the road. If the far one consumes 120W, then 30% is equal to about 36W, 50% is equal to 60W.

Other unpopular ways

Many people are interested in how to connect a DRL without a relay on their own, but it depends on the electrics of your car, look for a solution in Internet clubs dedicated to your car. The most important thing is that power is supplied to this place after starting the engine.

The main circuit for connecting the DRL, through a 4 or 5 contact relay, which turns off when the near one is turned on. Who is not too lazy to rummage in the wiring of the car, connect from the oil pressure sensor or generator. On any vehicle, when the engine starts, the oil pressure lamp on the dashboard lights up, the signal from this wire is used to supply power. The second way, how to connect the running lights yourself, is to connect to the generator. They will turn on automatically when voltage is applied to the generator.

Checking the installation

Most car owners, after connecting the running lights with their own hands, like to take a photo of their junk. To make it not so dim, they do it at night from close range. Due to their illiteracy, they do not know what to check in sunny weather from a distance of 100 meters. Therefore, they are called daytime, not nighttime.

An example of the benefits

When traveling in winter for short distances, especially in severe frost, a large amount of battery energy is spent on starting the engine. Over time, the battery loses its capacity and holds a charge worse. Using DRL instead of low beam will allow you to charge the battery faster while driving.

Let's count:

1. low beam consumes about 100W, 2 lamps of about 50W each;
2. decent DRLs up to 15W;
3. 100W - 15W = 85W of energy will be consumed less.

For example, I have a regular heating element in Duster, which heats the interior until the engine warms up. Accordingly, the car will warm up faster.

Once I did one system for a car, not my own truth. So, this system determined the fact that the engine was running by the presence of pulses on the ignition coil. And during the manufacturing process, the thought came to me that this solution would be just as well suited for management. daytime running lights ( further DRL) car.

DRL I also wanted to do it for a long time, but all hands did not reach ...

Start

Original schema DRL was on 555 -m timer, on it and tried to do control first DRL, but no matter how hard I tried to get the desired algorithm of work from the timer, I did not succeed. Then I decided to do it on MK, it became a question of choosing what to do, my beloved ATmega8 for such a case, well, an overkill, and there were no other small MCs from Atmel, and in local stores too, and they are expensive, even small ones.
But I found PIC12F629, shallow, 8 feet in total, and relatively inexpensive. It's just that I have not yet communicated with the PIC, but for the sake of such a case I had to start studying, at the same time the programmer did PICkit-2 lite.

Read about my version of the USB programmer PICkit-2 on Datagora in the near future

The circuit is very simple. Linear stabilizer, current consumption is small, so there is no need for a more advanced stabilizer. At the inputs, dividers in accordance with the input signal and transistor switches, for reliability, just in case. At the exit field-effect transistor, which switches a standard car relay with an actuation current of no more than 200 mA, of this type

Work algorithm

Algorithm of work - do not blame me, I made it based on my ideas of management DRL.

• When the ignition is turned on, power is supplied to the circuit and it begins to monitor whether the engine is running by the presence of pulses on the ignition coil
• With continuous presence of pulses on the ignition coil for 5 seconds DRL included
• With a continuous absence of impulses on the ignition coil (the engine has stalled, but the ignition is on) for 5 seconds DRL turn off
• When you turn on the dimensions DRL disconnected immediately, regardless of other conditions
• When the dimensions are turned off and there are pulses on the ignition coil DRL turn on immediately

Connecting the DRL unit in the car

The connection diagram is also quite simple:

• Power - taken at any point where it appears when the ignition is turned on
• Pulses indicating engine operation - can be taken from the ignition coil or from the tachometer
• Signal to enable dimensions - from any point where + 12V appears when the dimensions are turned on
• To the output - any standard automotive relay with a consumption current of no more than 200 mA for a voltage of 12V and a switching current of 30-40A is connected, so that you can switch any load directly, even separate ones DRL, even if the regular headlights.
• Common wire, respectively, to the body

Since individual DRL I do not have it, I connected the relay in parallel with the standard dipped beam control relay, but even in this version it is minus 4 bulbs of dimensions and minus all dashboard, any, no, but still savings. But in the same way, you can connect individual DRL.

Printed circuit board

I somehow missed the stage of prototyping and verification. Just simulated the circuit in the proteus. Everything worked as expected, so I decided to make a payment right away, I DipTrace, modeled 3D (view from both sides):

Then he did it live (view from both sides):

Final assembly option

I decided not to bother with the case, I took a ready-made car relay suitable in size:

I threw out the insides, this relay, in principle, already had a connector, but it is 5-pin, but 6 is needed, and the contacts were made inconveniently, so I threw out the standard ones and attached a regular car connector on hot melt glue, removed the case from the switching relay, connected it all , it turned out like this:

The board was varnished with CRAMOLIN ISOTEMP (a heat-resistant, moisture-repellent and waterproof silicone-based protective coating). Although the board is varnished, just in case, I put a heat shrink on it.

We insert the whole thing into the case.

The cover of the relay is actually latched, but just in case, it went over the junction with hot melt glue and snapped it shut. Now, in order to open it, you will need to break it, but it is hermetically sealed.

Outcomes

As a result, we have an almost proprietary relay that can be screwed on in any convenient place.
Another positive aspect of this design: the entire connection scheme is done in parallel with the standard scheme, that is, in the event of a failure (breakdown), it is enough just to disconnect the connector from the relay and the whole system will operate normally.

Daytime running lights are not present on all cars, and the need for them makes motorists install DRLs on their own. According to GOST, daytime running lights should automatically turn on when the engine is turned on, and also turn off or reduce power by 50% when the main headlights are turned on. This condition must be met for safe driving at night. It also excludes the possibility of driving a car without the headlights on, which is prohibited by traffic rules. These functions in the DRL system are performed by the daytime running lights control unit.

DRL control unit

In addition to all that has been said, the presence of a DRL control unit allows you to save money and use more economical lamps or LED strips instead of energy-intensive dipped beam headlights. In our article, we will consider several options for how to install the DRL control unit on your car, if this was not initially provided for by the design. In particular, we will talk about installing a purchased control unit and assembling a do-it-yourself navigation light control relay.

Important: Remember that you yourself are responsible for all of the procedures described below. If you are not confident in your abilities, we strongly recommend that you contact a specialized service center for installing DRL in accordance with GOST.

Purchase of a ready-made DRL control relay

The use of such relays is the most convenient option for connecting DRLs in accordance with GOST. The relay ensures that the running lights are turned on when the engine is started, and their power is reduced by 30-50% when the main headlights are turned on. These relays are equipped with fuses, which makes them safe to use and keeps your headlights from being damaged by power surges. The device is sold already assembled, your only task is to connect it correctly.

DRL connection diagram via relay

Making a control unit with your own hands

Of course, the second option is suitable for those who have experience in soldering and assembling microcircuits. Assembling a relay will cost you much less than buying a ready-made one. First, let's look at the algorithm for the action of a homemade relay.

Algorithm of action:

The control unit circuit receives power from the ignition on and begins to determine the operation of the engine by the activity of the pulses present on the ignition coil. If the pulses are present for more than 5 seconds (which corresponds to a running engine), the DRL will turn on automatically. If there are no pulses for 5 seconds, DRLs are disabled. Also, the running lights are automatically turned off when the main lighting is turned on.

Connecting the daytime running lights unit:

• Power can be taken from any point of the power grid, where it is present after turning the ignition key;
• The pulses used by the circuit to determine the operation of the engine, as a rule, are taken from the ignition coil;
• We take the signal to turn on the main lighting from any point at which a voltage of 12 volts appears from turning on the headlights;
• At the output, we connect any car relay that meets the following conditions: the current that the relay consumes should not be higher than 200mA at a voltage of 12V and an output current of 30-40A;
• We throw the minus on the car body.

The advantage of this scheme is that in the absence of separately installed DRLs, we can connect them in parallel with the standard low beam control unit.

DIY DRL relay

The best option for assembling your block will be the PIC12F629 microprocessor. Relatively inexpensive and affordable, this device will become the basis of our relay. To program our controller, a special programmer is used, for example, PICkit-2. The circuit of the block itself is not very complicated: a conventional linear stabilizer is used, at the inputs of which dividers are installed according to the incoming signal, secured by transistor switches. At the output, a field-effect transistor is installed, which is connected to an ordinary car transistor with a current of no more than 200mA.

Visually, the diagram looks like this:

We will not delve into the soldering process of the microcircuit itself in detail. The algorithm of actions is logical: we simulate the board in any program for designing circuits, create a wiring diagram, and, if necessary, design a 3D model.

We select the case

As a case, a case from any other automotive relay is ideal: it is desirable that the connector has 6 contacts.

For safety, the board must be varnished. CRAMOLIN ISOTEMP is ideal, this silicone coating is specially designed for insulating various boards. For those who like to play it safe, the board can be wrapped in a heat-shrink tube.

When the preparation process is completed, you can insert the finished relay into the prepared housing. Most relays are snap-fit, so you won't have any problems with the whole structure tightly fixing.

The DRL control unit allows you to use high beam devices as By converting the brightness, the most optimal is achieved - 30-40%. Due to the low power of the luminescence and the specificity of the direction of the light flux, the headlights do not blind pedestrians and oncoming drivers. Also, movement during daylight hours with the use of navigation lights is one of the requirements of the traffic rules.

Benefits of using DRL:

• The system starts automatic operation after starting the engine.
• The brightness of the glow, as well as some modes (for example, delayed start) are programmable.
• All settings are saved in the device's memory.
• The lamps light up smoothly.
• When using the system, the normal operation of the high beam is maintained.
• The DRL control unit turns off automatically when the dimensions or high beam are turned on, as well as when the parking brake is applied.

The system operates in two modes - winter and summer. The unit is used in a head light circuit with incandescent lamps.

DRL selection

All auto lighting devices must meet standards. In addition, only reliable systems can be installed on a vehicle. The most popular among them are Philips DRL control units. Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the quality of the case, the service life and operation of the devices.

The complete set must include:

• Instruction.
• Fasteners.
• Connecting wires.

Branded lamps emit daylight (i.e., their color range is 5000-6000 K). At night, running lights can complement the role of side lights.

It should be remembered that the dipped beam should only be used in the dark. Is prohibited separate use DRL at dusk or night time.

Installation of running lights

1. To begin with, measurements are taken and the place of installation of the lanterns on the transport is determined. Most navigation lights are recommended to be installed at a distance of 350 to 1500 mm from the surface. The distance from the side of the car to the headlight must be at least 400 mm. The distance between the inner edges of the surface of the lanterns is at least 600 mm. During the installation process, it is very important to correctly determine the angle of installation of the bracket for the lights. The horizontal tilt angle should not exceed 10 ◦.
2. After measurements, it is necessary to remove the grille from the car and fix the fastening brackets of the lights on it. These elements can be installed above or below the bumper without removing it.
3. The DRL control unit is connected through a mounting bracket. Under no circumstances should the lanterns be inserted into the bracket at this stage.
4. Next, place the control unit in the engine compartment. The most suitable location is near the battery. The unit is connected according to a primitive scheme: the red wire is connected to the positive terminal, the black one - to the negative terminal. The orange wire connects to low beam or dimensions. The success of the operation will be indicated by the indicator - blue light means that the connection is correct.
5. After going through the previous stages, the lights are connected to the control unit.
6. First, fix the control unit, and then fix the lamp to the mounting bracket. At the end, you need to fix the wires and install the grill with the lantern in place.

for some car models

Some cars are equipped with daytime running lights. For example, in the DRL control unit for Opel-Astra-N, lighting devices daytime running are completed in the fog lamp plugs. The main difference between the system in this vehicle is the absence of the same light fog devices.

Daytime running lights "Opel" are equipped with LEDs. It is also possible to use them in the dark together with the main lighting.

Such devices have a long service life. You can connect the DRL to the ignition system or mount it directly into the lighting start system.

Installation of running lights on the bumper or radiator mesh is possible.

Characteristics of board-based navigation lights

The principle of operation of the DRL control unit on the "Arduino" is as follows: when the automatic mode is turned on, the lights start and turn off automatically. After receiving a signal from the tachometer, the "automatic" mode is switched on, the side lights and a diode light up. After the signal disappears (after 10 seconds), the mode is turned off, and the lights go out.

When a signal from the speed sensor appears, the lighting devices (DRL or dipped beam) are turned on. After the signal disappears, they turn off (after about 2 minutes).

When the unit is turned on, the integrity of the dipped beam lamps is monitored, as well as the voltage on board. Processes are accompanied by light and sound alarms (they can be disabled on the control panel). When the turn signals are connected, a special sound signal will be generated.

Complete set of daytime lights and the possibility of their use

The standard kit contains:

• DRL control unit controller.
• 2 LED chains.
• Recommendations for installation and use.
• Connecting elements.

Some tapes, such as 8-diode tapes, can be used at any time of the day. When the main light is turned on, the tapes do not go out, but go into the side lighting mode. Due to their small size, they can be easily mounted even on compact cars. The built-in indicator will prompt you to perform an action.

The color temperature of 8-diode strips is 6000 K.

Important! When choosing a DRL, attention should be paid to the quality of performance, because non-original copies can harm the safety of the driver and others.

Special cases of DRL installation

To cars for which the manufacturer does not provide standard version installation of the DRL control unit, special options are selected:

• Headlamp installation.
• Bumper mounting.
• Fastening to the radiator grill.

These methods are suitable for almost all vehicles. The installation takes into account the norms of operation of running lights.

The first method is the most time consuming. To install the lights, the headlight is completely removed and disassembled, then installation is performed. At the end, the entire kit is installed in place.

When installed in the bumper, spotlights are most often used. Installation is carried out using the plunge-cut method.

Attaching the lights to the grille is a very complicated process. When installing DRL, it is required to ensure the tightness of the case. In addition, do not forget about the standards - the distance between the headlights should be observed.

How to make lights with your own hands?

To create a do-it-yourself DRL control unit, you need to purchase:

• LED strip.
• Aluminum plates.

The manufacturing process consists of the following stages:

1. First you need to disassemble the headlights.
2. Next, soften the sealant and separate the glass from the platform.
3. After disassembly - tint the glass.
4. At the end of the disassembly, disconnect the wires, strip, diffuser, glass, housing.
5. Substrates for LEDs are cut from the plates.
6. Finished plates are attached to the inner housing of the diffuser with a sealant.
7. From led strip light elements are made.
8. The finished tapes are attached to a silicone sealant, after which a soldering is performed.
9. At the end of the process, tinted glass is attached.
10. Diffusers are made by casting from epoxy resin or by milling plexiglass.

What should I pay attention to during installation?

When installing a homemade DRL control unit, you should pay attention to the following steps:

• Alteration of the standard circuit for switching on lighting devices for starting at ignition (for this you can use thyristors of any kind. The main criterion is the permissible current - 0.3 A, while the power should be 0.25 W, and the resistance - 10 kOhm).
• Mandatory dismantling of the zero contact of the relay winding, which is responsible for lifting the glasses.
• Insulating the dismantled contact.
• Its connection to the winding of the power window relay.
• Installation of the circuit in the relay case.

The correct setting is when the running lights turn on simultaneously with the engine start. The norm is for the lights to fade out some time after the car stops.

Features of lighting controllers

• The controller of the DRL 8-in-1 control unit provides control of the system without the participation of the driver.
• Its installation does not require connection to sensors, relays, etc.
• The controller automatically adapts to the characteristics of the vehicle.
• It is also equipped with protection against short circuit and overcurrent in the load circuit, arbitrary shutdown at high loads.
• The lineup provides versions for 12 and 24 V. Suitable for all types of cars.
• Robust housing, reliable sealing and the use of quality joints ensure reliability and durability.
• Long-term operation is achieved by the absence of rapidly aging elements.

Important! Before purchasing a DRL unit, you should read technical characteristics car. In some cases, traffic rules prohibit the installation and operation of additional lighting devices. Also, the installation of colored navigation lights is not allowed.

Incorrect installation can cause Negative influence for car electronics.