In article ,
mo wrote:
I need some advice -

How do I ensure my co ax aerial connection is 100% right? Mainly what
should I do with the 'braids'?

when i cut into the chunky white section of the wire most of the braids
just break off anyway.

Means you've cut through them. You need either to take more care or buy a
proper sheath cutter. Maplin sell them as do some of the sheds. They
consist of a blade with a stop which only cuts to a preset depth when the
tool is rotated round the sheath. Can be used for mains cables too to
prevent damage to the conductors and their individual insulation. You can
also cut down the sheath axially with a small pair of cutters - but this
too needs skill and cutters with a pointed rather than rounded end.

All i do is then wrap them aorudn the wire (white bit) and attach the
connector - so the main aerial wire inside the wire doesnt tocuh any of
the braiding.

Is this correct?

Also, my aerial doesn't have shielding (the stuff that looks like foil?)
- is this bad for Freeview? and will i benefit much from changing the
cable?

Depends on how long the run is and the strength of any interference fields
it runs through. Ordinary UHF cable should be OK in a high signal strength
area - but always use the sat stuff for new installations.

Finally, i have read getting 'satelite grade' cable might be an option
to improve thigns - any truth in this?

As I said it might improve things under poor conditions. But try with
proper connections first.

Here's details on how to connect a Belling Lee UHF plug correctly.

http://www.megalithia.com/elect/bellinglee/

--
*Letting a cat out of the bag is easier than putting it back in *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.