Raydex/CDT, the leading manufacturer in the UK for TV cables, have developed a cable solution for the new Sky+ system.

The development engineering team at Skelmersdale have been working in conjunction with Sky to produce a cable for the new Sky+ set top box that requires two signal feeds for the built-in dual tuner. The new twin coaxial cable called 'CT63 Dual', is available on 100 metre reels. This cable, the first to be tested and approved by Sky for use with Sky+ installations, has been designed to be aesthetically acceptable and electrically correct.

Typical questions that have been asked by installers so far when considering the new cable are as follows:

Q: Why is the cable so small?
A: Drilling holes for cable access can be time consuming and noisy and can be the cause of concern for a customer. The new dual cable rolls up to an O/D of less than 9.7mm fitting the 10mm hole previously drilled to take the single CT100 coaxial it replaces.

Q: What's the longest length run of cable that you can use?
A: Typically up to 25 metres depending on local conditions. You should consider switching to CT100 for runs of 30 metres and over.

Q: Does the quad LNB indicate that you might need to install up to four cable feeds from the dish?
A: Yes, and this is another good reason for using the smaller cable which is available in a CT63 single or dual version. The impact of four of the smaller cables on a wall is considerably less than four CT100 cables.

Q: What about bending the cable during installation?
A: Double screened tape and braid 'CT' cables are designed to give optimum performance for fixed installations. A minimum-bending radius of 25mm is recommended to avoid bursting the outer foil screen. When bending the dual cable to one side simply clip/secure the cable before the bend area, bend the cable allowing the dual coaxial to twist, then clip/secure the cable again after the bend area. Each coaxial has been designed to take an equal length path meaning that the cable will tend to roll slightly away from the wall. This is considered acceptable and quite normal.

Q: What connectors and clips should I use for the new dual cable?
A: 'F' connectors and Shotgun cable clips are available from your nearest Solutions Group depot. Do not attempt to nail the cable to the wall through the web between the two coaxial components.

Q: Is there a danger of signals crossing between the two coaxial cables?
A: The dual coaxial cables run side by side and any 'crosstalk' between the two would cause major problems. The new cable has been designed with a heavy copper screen to prevent signal transfer from one cable to the other.

Q: What's the best way to split the cable down the centre to fit the connectors?
A: Start the tear on the centre web with a sharp knife then simply peel the two coaxial cables apart as far as required to reach the terminations on the set top box or LNB. Tearing the cable apart without starting it off with a Stanley knife can result in the loss of insulation from one coaxial or the other.

Q: When can I get hold of the new cable?
A: The cable is available now.