  We present the K-band spectrum of the cataclysmic variable RXJ 0502.8+1624
(Tau 4). The spectrum shows a broad, smooth hump, with no absorption lines from
the secondary star visible. This result indicates that the infrared light of
this system is dominated by cyclotron emission, and, in combination with the
optical spectrum and X-ray properties, suggests that Tau 4 is a polar-type
cataclysmic variable (CV).
  The system was chosen for study because the broadband JHK colours of Tau 4
are consistent with an L-type dwarf, suggesting that this system might harbour
an elusive sub-stellar secondary star. The result presented here, along with
the recent discovery of cyclotron emission in the cataclysmic variable EF Eri,
suggests that care must be taken when using the broadband JHK colours of CVs
when targeting searches for sub-stellar secondary stars
