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    PR # 31511                                                                   
     We propose to observe a sample of cataclysmic variables with weak           
      magnetic fields in order to determine their detailed X-ray spectra         
       and thus to test the validity of standard models, developed on the        
        basis of low spectral resolution observations of a very few bright       
         CVs. Recent observations of other weak-field CVs demonstrate the        
          weakness of present models and make it unclear whether the prope       
     rties of the brightest systems are typical of the whole class. Our          
            understanding of weak-field CVs can only be placed on a firm f       
     ooting  by obtaining high quality hard X-ray spectra from a wide samp       
     le of    objects, a programme to which ASCA is ideally suited.              
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
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