MBX2

User Manual
User Manual

Manual version: ENU 1274 05 01

© OMICRON electronics GmbH 2024. All rights reserved.
This manual is a publication of OMICRON. All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of
any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming, optical character recognition and/or storage in
electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or
in part, is not permitted.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this manual represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this manual is useful, accurate, up-to-
date, and reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which
may be present.
The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product.
OMICRON translates this manual from the source language English into a number of other languages.
Any translation of this manual is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute between
the English and a non-English version, the English version of this manual shall govern.

2 OMICRON
 Table of contents

Table of contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 About this document ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Symbols and conventions ................................................................................................................ 4
1.3 Compliance statements ................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Recycling ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2 Safety.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Designated use ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Operator qualifications ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Safety standards .............................................................................................................................. 8
2.4 Safety rules ...................................................................................................................................... 8
2.5 General instructions ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Work environment ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.7 Personal safety ................................................................................................................................ 9
2.8 Mechanical safety ............................................................................................................................ 9
3 Device overview ........................................................................................................................................ 10
3.1 Front view ........................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Back view ......................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Accessories...................................................................................................................................... 12
4 Wiring and installation.............................................................................................................................. 13
4.1 Installing the device in the substation .............................................................................................. 13
4.1.1 Mounting the device on a DIN rail ................................................................................... 13
4.1.2 Connecting to ground...................................................................................................... 15
4.1.3 Connecting the power supply.......................................................................................... 15
4.1.4 MBX2 DC power cord ..................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Software download and installation ................................................................................................. 17
4.3 Software connection ........................................................................................................................ 17
4.4 Test setup ........................................................................................................................................ 18
4.4.1 Connecting the device to the computer .......................................................................... 18
4.4.2 Connecting the device to the substation ......................................................................... 19
5 Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
6 Technical data MBX2 ................................................................................................................................ 21
6.1 Power supply ................................................................................................................................... 21
6.2 Connectors....................................................................................................................................... 22
6.3 Environmental conditions ................................................................................................................. 23
6.4 EMC and safety standards............................................................................................................... 23
Support....................................................................................................................................................... 24

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User Manual

1 Introduction
1.1 About this document
This document provides information on how to use this product safely, properly and efficiently.
It contains important safety rules for working with this product and gets you familiar with operating this
product. Following the instructions in this document will help you to prevent danger, repair costs, and
avoid possible down time due to incorrect operation.

1.2 Symbols and conventions

The following symbols indicate safety instructions for avoiding hazards:

NOTICE
Equipment damage or loss of data possible

CAUTION
Minor or moderate injury may occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not observed.

WARNING
Death or severe injury may occur if the appropriate safety instructions are not observed.

The following symbols and formatting styles are used:

Symbol/format Description
Conditions to be met before starting a task
u Instructions that can be carried out in any order
1. Instructions that have to be carried out in the given order
2. 1. Step
2. Step
2.1 Substep
2.2 Substep
/ Expected outcome of a step/task
Text in bold Text shown on a device, its display or in a software
Text in italics OMICRON product name
/ Note: Additional information, explanations or tips

4 OMICRON
 Introduction

1.3 Compliance statements

In the following statement, the device is designated as "product", "equipment", or "apparatus".
The OMICRON contact address can be found on the last page (back page) of this document.

Declaration of conformity (EU)

The equipment adheres to the guidelines of the council of the European Community for meeting the
requirements of the member states regarding the following directives:
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directive
• RoHS directive

Declaration of conformity (UK)

The equipment adheres to the regulations of the UK government for meeting the requirements
regarding the following regulations:
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Regulation
• Regulation for Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment

FCC compliance (USA)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, contact OMICRON Support.

Declaration of compliance (Canada)

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

The use of shielded LAN cables is required when connecting this equipment to any optional
peripheral or host devices. Failure to do so may violate FCC and ICES rules, and the EMC
directive.

Grounding is required to fulfill the immunity requirements according to the EMC directive.

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1.4 Recycling
This device (including all accessories) is not intended for household use. At the
end of its service life, do not dispose of the device with household waste.
EU countries (incl. European Economic Area)
OMICRON devices are subject to the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE directive). As part of our legal obligations under this
legislation, OMICRON offers to take back the device and to ensure that it is
disposed of by authorized recycling agents.
Outside the European Economic Area
For information on the environmental regulations relevant to your country, contact
the responsible authorities. Dispose of the OMICRON device only in accordance
with your local legal requirements.

6 OMICRON
 Safety

2 Safety
u Before operating the device, make sure that you have read this document and fully understood all
instructions.
u Only install and operate the device and any accessories according to the instructions in the
corresponding user documentation.
u Make sure that this document is available on the site where the device is operated, either digitally
or in print.
u Contact OMICRON Support (page 24) if you do not understand any of the instructions in this
document.

2.1 Designated use

The MBX2 is a test set for testing substation automation systems (SAS). It can be used to verify,
analyze, and test the SAS and the underlying communication network (station bus and process bus) of
an electrical power substation.
StationScout allows you to inspect SCL (system configuration language) files, verify the
communication and test the SAS using automated test plans.
IEDScout provides an in-depth look into the IEC 61850 functions of an intelligent electronic
device (IED), and records and analyzes raw IEC 61850 network traffic.
StationGuard is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that monitors Ethernet networks in substations
and identifies cyber threats, prohibited actions, and malfunctions on the IEC 61850 station or process
bus.
u Only use the MBX2, StationScout, IEDScout, or StationGuard as described in this document and
the corresponding user documentation, and in a working environment according to the
specifications given in the Technical data MBX2 (page 21) section.

2.2 Operator qualifications

Only authorized and qualified personnel who are regularly trained in electrical engineering and their
specific tasks are permitted to operate the device and any accessories.
Personnel receiving training, instructions, directions, or education on the device must be under
constant supervision of an experienced operator while working with the equipment.
u Before starting to work, clearly establish the responsibilities:
• Designated person in control of the electrical installation
• Designated person in control of the work activities
u Make sure that the designated person in control of the work activities coordinates the
communication with all persons involved in work activities.

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2.3 Safety standards

Using the device must comply with the internal safety instructions and additional safety-relevant
documents. In addition, observe the following safety standards, if applicable:
• EN 50191 (VDE 0104) "Erection and Operation of Electrical Test Equipment"
• EN 50110-1 (VDE 0105 Part 100) "Operation of Electrical Installations"
• IEEE 510 "IEEE Recommended Practices for Safety in High-Voltage and High-Power Testing"
• LAPG 1710.6 NASA “Electrical Safety”

2.4 Safety rules

Always observe the five safety rules:
u Disconnect completely.
u Secure against re-connection.
u Verify that the installation is dead.
u Carry out grounding and short-circuiting.
u Provide protection against adjacent live parts.

2.5 General instructions

u Stay focused on your tasks to ensure safety.
u Visually check the device for damage. If the device or any accessory is damaged, not in
technically sound condition, or does not seem to function properly, do not use it. If in doubt,
contact OMICRON Support (page 24).
u Only use original cables provided by OMICRON.
u Only use original accessories provided by OMICRON.

The use of different cables and accessories is at the operator's own risk, considering the
necessary high safety standards, the technical requirements, as well as relevant norms and
certification standards. If in doubt, contact OMICRON Support (page 24).

2.6 Work environment

u Only use the device on dry, solid ground.
u Do not operate the device in a condensing environment.
u Do not operate the device in the presence of explosive gas or vapors.
u Do not operate the device under environmental conditions that exceed the temperature and
humidity limits listed in the "Technical data" section.
u Before using any additional equipment, make sure that the environmental conditions are suitable
for that equipment.
u Make sure that the device and all accessories are dry and clean. In dusty regions, use protective
cable caps.

8 OMICRON
 Safety

2.7 Personal safety

u Warn other people prior to any operation to make them aware of any possible disturbances.
u If you have a cardiac pacemaker, do not use the device. If you have another type of electronic
medical implant consult a medical professional before operating the device. Make sure there is no
person with an electronic medical implant such as a cardiac pacemaker in the immediate vicinity.
u Leave the danger zone before performing a test with the device. Stay in the work area during the
test.

2.8 Mechanical safety

u Do not insert objects into any of the device’s openings.
u Do not cover the device and make sure any ventilation openings remain unobstructed.
u Do not open the device without authorization.
u Contact OMICRON Support (page 24) for maintenance and repair.

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User Manual

3 Device overview
3.1 Front view

1 2 3

1 STATION - X20:1–4 – SFP ports for 3 Power button – Switch the device on and
connection to substation and devices off. The indicator light is continuously on
while the device is switched on.
2 Cooling fans 4 Bumpers

10 OMICRON
 Device overview

3.2 Back view

1 2 3

6 5

1 USB ports – USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 5 4 Grounding screw for connection to

GBit/s (for future use) ground (for example with a 6 m/19.8 ft
grounding cable with a battery clamp and
an M6 cable lug)
2 CTRL – Ethernet connector for 5 DC input for connection to power supply
connection to a computer (24 V)
3 HDMI port – HDMI 2.0b, 4096 × 2304 at 6 Device reset – Refer to the software
60 Hz (for future use) documentation for further information.

CAUTION
Minor or moderate injury due to ignition sources
If the device is mounted in any position different from how it is described in this document,
flammable parts could fall out in the event of a fire inside the device
u Install the device as described in section Installing the device in the substation (page 13).

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3.3 Accessories
SFP modules available from OMICRON
Module Characteristics
SFP module for 10/100/1000Base-TX (acc. to –
IEEE 802.3) with RJ45 connector
SFP module for 1000Base-SX with LC connector • Multi-mode fiber
• 850 nm wavelength
• Up to 500 m (via 50/125 μm)
• Up to 300 m (via 62.5/125 μm)
SFP module for 1000Base-SX with LC connector • Multi-mode fiber
• 1310 nm wavelength
• Up to 2 km (via multi-mode OM3)
SFP module for 1000Base-LX with LC connector • Single-mode fiber
• 1310 nm wavelength
• Up to 10 km (via 9/125 μm)
SFP module for 100Base-FX with LC connector • Multi-mode fiber
• 1310 nm wavelength
• Up to 2 km (via 50/125 μm)
SFP module for 100Base-LX with LC connector • Single-mode fiber
• 1310 nm wavelength
• Up to 10 km (via 9/125 μm)

12 OMICRON
 Wiring and installation

4 Wiring and installation

4.1 Installing the device in the substation
4.1.1 Mounting the device on a DIN rail
The device offers versatility, as it can function as a mobile device or be mounted onto a DIN rail (top
hat rail type specified in IEC/EN 60715) within the substation. We recommend mounting the device on
the same rack that contains the automation, telecommunications, or network security-related
equipment of the substation, such as HMI, firewall, router, touch panel, gateway, RTU, or switches.

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to high voltage
Connecting the MBX2 DC power cord at the wrong voltage level in the substation can lead to
dangerous voltages at touchable parts of the device or connected accessories.
u Ensure the connected voltage level is 24 V.
u Ensure that the connected voltage is isolated from other voltage levels by reinforced isolation.
u Ensure sufficient overvoltage protection is given.
u Ensure a safe and reliable connection to PE.
u Use only power supply adapters provided by OMICRON.
u Only use the MBX2 DC power cord provided by OMICRON.

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to high voltage
Open racks have touchable parts with dangerous voltages.
u Switch off all power supplies of the rack.
u Follow the five safety rules before making connections (→ Safety rules (page 8)).

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to ignition sources
If the device is mounted in any position different from how it is described in this chapter, flammable
parts could fall out in the event of a fire inside the device.

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User Manual

To mount the device on a DIN rail, proceed as follows:

Preconditions
The mounting set included in the delivery is available. The set contains a DIN rail clip and 4 M4
(4 mm x 3 mm) hexalobular internal drive (Torx) T20 countersunk screws.
A T20 screwdriver is available.

1. On the side of the power button, remove the rubber bumper from the device by pulling it outwards
to expose the screw threads necessary to attach the clip.
2. Align the holes on the clip with those on the device body.
3. Place the 4 screws to fasten the clip securely to the device, and tighten each screw to a torque of
1.2 Nm for a stable attachment. Make sure there is no wobbling or loose screws.

3 2

1 Torx T20 screws 3 Mounting points

2 DIN rail clip
4. Mount the device on the DIN rail. Make sure the front side of the device, where the power button
and STATION ports are located, is facing downwards. This orientation is crucial for proper
functionality and safety reasons. Make sure that the DIN rail securely fits into the appropriate slots
on the clip.
5. Verify the installation. Make sure the device is firmly seated on the DIN rail, with the power button
facing downwards.

14 OMICRON
 Wiring and installation

4.1.2 Connecting to ground

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to high voltage
If you use long Ethernet cables, high electromagnetic disturbances from the field (for example,
connections to a danger zone in substations or power stations) can be transferred to touchable
parts of the device.
u Keep cables as short as possible.
u Isolate test signals from the signals coming from the field.
u Connect the grounding screw of the device to equipotential ground.

1. Connect the grounding cable clamp to substation ground. Do not ground in series with other
equipment in the rack.
2. Loosen the grounding screw on the back side of the device (→ Back view (page 11)).
3. Insert the ground connection into the grounding screw.
4. Tighten the grounding screw.

4.1.3 Connecting the power supply

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to high voltage
u Only connect the device to the power supply if the device is safely connected to ground
(→ Connecting to ground (page 15)).

1. Make sure the installation is touch-safe, depending on the location (→ Personal safety (page 9)).
2. Connect the power cord (page 16) to the DC power supply input (→ Back view (page 11)).
3. On the DC power supply, connect the power cord as described in the power supply's manual.

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User Manual

4.1.4 MBX2 DC power cord

Designated use
The MBX2 DC power cord is an accessory for MBX2 test sets only. It is designed to connect the DC
input of the MBX2 to an appropriate power supply in a fixed installation.

Declaration of conformity (EU)

The equipment adheres to the guidelines of the council of the European Community for meeting the
requirements of the member states regarding the following directives:
• RoHS directive

Declaration of conformity (UK)

The equipment adheres to the regulations of the UK government for meeting the requirements
regarding the following regulations:
• Regulation for Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment

Safety information
Improper use could lead to electrical shock.
u Only use the DC power cord with MBX2 devices.
u Connect the grounding cable to the installation.
u Before connecting the DC power cord, ensure that the installation is de-energized.
u If the fuse has to be replaced, follow the steps below.

Exchanging the fuse

1. Disconnect the DC power cord on both sides.
2. Unscrew the fuse holder.
3. Replace the fuse with the fuse specified below.
4. Close the fuse holder.
5. Reconnect the DC power cord.

Fuse information
• 4 A, 500 VAC / 400 VDC, breaking capacity: 500 A DC
• Manufacturer: Littelfuse
• Item number: 0477004.MXP

16 OMICRON
 Wiring and installation

4.2 Software download and installation

Depending on your configuration, you can use the MBX2 with either StationScout, IEDScout, or
StationGuard.
Software download
omicronenergy.com/my-stationscout

omicronenergy.com/my-iedscout

omicroncybersecurity.com/my-stationguard

1. Download the installation package from the designated software page.

2. Start the installer. After reading the software license terms, click Install.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
OMICRON Device Link is a setup tool that supports you with the access to and configuration of
OMICRON devices connected to your computer.
OMICRON Device Link and the relevant user documentation are included in the installation of
StationScout, IEDScout, and StationGuard.

NOTICE
Data loss and damage
As a cybersecure barrier, the MBX2 protects the substation network.
u To protect your computer and data, keep your computer's protective software up to date. This
includes but is not limited to a secure system configuration and firewall, virus and malware
protection software, and responsible patch management.

4.3 Software connection

1. Start StationScout, IEDScout, or StationGuard.
2. Use the USB to Ethernet adapter to connect the MBX2 to the computer (→ Connecting the device
to the computer (page 18)).
3. After connecting the MBX2 to your computer, identify and select your device with the correct serial
number from the list.
We recommend using the Windows default setting to automatically obtain an IP address. If you want
to use static IP addresses, use OMICRON Device Link to configure an IP address for your MBX2.

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User Manual

The IP address of the MBX2 control port (CTRL) must be in a different subnet than the station
ports (STATION - X20).

u If necessary, use OMICRON Device Link to solve connectivity problems.

u Refer to the OMICRON Device Link help for more information.

4.4 Test setup

4.4.1 Connecting the device to the computer
Preconditions
The device is connected to ground (→ Connecting to ground (page 15)).
The device is connected to the power supply (→ Connecting the power supply (page 15)).

1. Connect the USB to Ethernet adapter to the USB port of your computer and to the control port
(CTRL) of the device.

You can also directly connect the device to your computer's Ethernet connector but we
recommend using the USB to Ethernet adapter, the IP settings defined for the USB to
Ethernet adapter will be saved for the next connection.

2. Switch on the device by pressing the power button on the front panel (→ Front view (page 10)).

The power button indicator light will light up in green.

18 OMICRON
 Wiring and installation

4.4.2 Connecting the device to the substation

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to high voltage
Disabled interlocks could lead to dangerous control operations on the field.
u Always check the status of interlocks before starting a test.

1. Use a network cable to connect one of the MBX2 station ports (STATION - X20) to the substation
network switch.
2. The MBX2 can be connected to any network switch in the substation bus network. If the network is
segregated, connect the MBX2 to the sub-network from which you want to receive signals.
3. If you want to connect to multiple sub-networks simultaneously, connect each sub-network to an
MBX2 station port (STATION - X20).
4. To prevent signal disturbances, use shielded twisted pair network cables (Cat7 recommended).

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User Manual

5 Cleaning
Preconditions
The device is switched off/de-energized.
All connection cables are disconnected from the device.

u Clean the device with a cloth dampened with isopropanol alcohol.

20 OMICRON
 Technical data MBX2

6 Technical data MBX2

Computing performance
Processors Secure cryptoprocessor according to TPM 2.0
(ISO/IEC 11889)
Quad-core processor with hardware
multithreading
Memory 16 GB memory
256 GB SSD

Power consumption
Typical power consumption 50 W

Mechanical data
Weight 1.6 kg
3.5 lb
Dimensions W × H × D 180 × 80 × 180 mm
7.1 × 3.1 × 7.1 in
Ingress protection (IEC 60529) IP30

6.1 Power supply

AC power supply

WARNING
Death or severe injury due to electrical shock
u The AC power supply is suitable for indoors use only, do not use outdoors.

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User Manual

Connection C14 connector in accordance with EN IEC/

IEC 60320-1
Power connector Standard DC barrel jack, positive center pin
⌀ 2.1 × 5.5 × 11 mm
⌀ 0.08 × 0.22 × 0.43 in
Input voltage, single phase
Nominal voltage (AC) 100 V … 240 V
Maximum input current 2A
Overvoltage category II
Output
Output voltage (DC) 24 V (±5 %)
Output power 120 W
Frequency
Nominal frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Operational range 50 Hz … 60 Hz

6.2 Connectors
Ethernet port (CTRL – X10)
Type 10/100/1000Base-TX
Connector RJ45
Cable type LAN cable of category 5 (CAT5) or better
Status indication Green indicator light: physical link present
Yellow indicator light: network traffic on interface

SFP ports (STATION – X20:1-4)

Type 10/100/1000Base-TX
Connector SFP
Status indication Green indicator light: network traffic on interface

USB ports (X61 – X62)

Type USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed, 5 Gbit/s)
Connector USB type A

HDMI port (X50)

Type HDMI 2.0b, 4 096 × 2 304 at 60 Hz
Connector HDMI type A

22 OMICRON
 Technical data MBX2

6.3 Environmental conditions

Temperature Operating 0 °C … +70 °C
32 °F … +158 °F
Storage –40 °C … +80 °C
–40 °F … +176 °F
Maximum altitude Operating 4 000 m
13 123 ft
Storage 15 000 m
49 212 ft
Humidity 20 % … 80 % relative humidity; non-condensing

6.4 EMC and safety standards

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Europe EN IEC 61326-1, EN IEC 61000-3-2/3, EN 55032 (Class A)
International IEC 61326-1, IEC 61000-3-2/3, CISPR 32 (Class A)
USA 47 CFR 15 Subpart B (Class A) of FCC

Electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS)

Europe EN IEC 61326-1 (industrial electromagnetic environment)
International IEC 61326-1 (industrial electromagnetic environment)

Safety standards
Europe EN IEC 62368-1
International IEC 62368-1
USA UL 62368-1
Canada CAN/CSA-C22.2 No 62368-1
Certificates

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Support
When you are working with our products, we want to provide you with the greatest possible benefits. If
you need any support, we are here to assist you.

OMICRON Support – get in touch

omicronenergy.com/support
At our support hotline, you can reach well-educated technicians for all of your
questions.
Make use of our 24/7 hotlines:
Americas: +1 713 830-4660 or +1 800-OMICRON
Asia-Pacific: +852 3767 5500
Europe / Middle East / Africa: +43 59495 4444
Additionally, you can find the service center or sales partner closest to you at
omicronenergy.com.

OMICRON Customer Portal – stay informed

my.omicronenergy.com
Browse through the knowledge library and find manuals, application notes,
conference papers, and much more.
Download the latest software updates and learn about upcoming events.

OMICRON Academy – learn more

omicronenergy.com/academy
Learn more about your product in one of the training courses offered by the
OMICRON Academy.

24 OMICRON
UK importer:
OMICRON electronics UK Limited
Staples Close
Redhill Business Park
Stafford
ST16 1WQ
United Kingdom

Manufacturer:
OMICRON electronics GmbH
Oberes Ried 1
6833 Klaus
Austria ENU 1274 05 01