SW Sextantis in an excited, low state

We present low-resolution spectrophotometric optical observations of the ec lipsing nova-like cataclysmic variable SW Sex, the prototype of the SW Sex stars. We observed the system when it was in an unusual low state. The spec trum is characterized by the presence of strong HeII and CIV emission lines as well as the normal single peaked Palmer emission lines. The radial temp erature profile of the disk follows the expected T proportional to R-3/4 on ly in the outer parts and flattens off inside 0.5 times the white dwarf Roc he lobe radius. The single peaked emission lines originate in a region abov e the plane of the disk, at the position of the hot spot.