Tag: troubleshooting


how to terminate a coaxial cable
Here in AB Aerials world, we’re always trying to find ways for our customers to save a few quid as well as protect them from some of the rogues that lurk in nooks and crannies that are hungry to exploit unwitting folk!!

With this in mind, I want to push Mr and Mrs Customer of AB Aerials slightly out of their comfort zone because a common nuisance I hear is that “I’m not savvy with technology” or “I’ll leave it for the grandkids to sort out as they know how to do it”. This mindset leaves them wide open to vulnerability and to be taken advantage.

What’s that saying? Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Well AB Aerials is here to provide the rod and tackle!!

A common issue of loss of signal is that the plug at the end of the aerial/satellite cable has come away and the connection has been interrupted. It’s a very simple procedure to rectify and not one to be afraid.

 

The diagram below shows the various stages of stripping a cable and the two most common types of plugs that can be fitted at the end of the pre-terminated cable. The only tools you need are a Stanley Knife and a pair of cutters!

how to terminate a coaxial cable

How to terminate a coaxial cable and improve your signal issues.

The process is as follows and should take about 30 seconds

1.     Cut the cable to length –mind you fingers

2.     Strip the outer casing to a length of about 2.5 cms (an inch) to reveal a braided mesh and a metallic foil/shield which help to protect the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI) – mind your fingers

3.     Remove the foil and push the braiding down to the start of the outer casing. A white /clear insulation layer can be seen – mind your fingers

4.     Strip the insulating layer to reveal about 1.5cms of the copper conductor – mind your fingers

5.     Screw either the coax pug or F connector on the end of the cable ensuring that none of the braiding touches the copper element.

If this can be mastered there’s the saving of not having to pay for a call out, negating the chances of being “ripped off” and having the deep, deep satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done something for yourself. Anyway, if it all goes belly up call me and be safe in the knowledge you’ll get the job done properly at a reasonable cost!!

For more troubleshooting, how to, buyers advice and more useful info about your aerial, satellite and CCTV solutions, be sure to check out our blog!


Troubleshooting - the good, the bad, and the ugly

Troubleshooting, or as we like to say in Sheffield S6, dépanneuring (not really), is defined in Wikipedia (so it must be true) as “a form of problem-solving often applied to the repair of failed products or processes on a machine or system.”

The thrust of this blog has come about because people are being “ripped-off” by the unscrupulous and being sold a product or service which they don’t need at an inflated cost which could have otherwise been resolved much cheaply through Troubleshooting. The loss of your Freeview or Freesat service doesn’t necessarily mean having to resort to a new aerial, satellite dish or amplification system. The customer just needs an honest company, i.e. AB Aerials (check out the 5-star reviews!), to have a look and give a free, no obligation assessment of the issue.

See some other blogs from the archive about Which? Trusted Traders and Consumer Confidence

Which Trusted Trader Should I Go For?

Customer Confidence

Just like the Clint Eastwood hombre character in the Spaghetti Westerns AB Aerials are here to make Good what is Bad and Ugly.

I don’t think “The Man No Name” sartorial sympathies meet current Health and Safety requirements. We actually wear hard hats, steel toe cap boots and hi-vis jackets when necessary for the record!! However, we don’t look anywhere near as cool. I wonder what the local constabulary would say if we rocked up to job sporting a Smith & Western revolver on our hips??

How AB Aerials helps our customers

How do we help our customers and add value to our services? In this instance AB Aerials giveaway, at no cost, a Troubleshooting E-Book on the website which highlights SIX common TV signal issues and how to resolve them in relation to Freeview (free to air programmes received via an aerial) and Freesat (free to air programmes received through a satellite dish). Go grab your e-book from the home page today!

AB Aerials 5 step checklist for troubleshooting your issues

If you’re not confident in applying the advice given in the E-Book, AB Aerials will carry out a five step troubleshooting programme which includes:

  1. Verification that the problem actually exists

  2. Isolating the cause of the problem

  3. Correcting the cause of the problem

  4. Verifying the problem has been corrected and

  5. Follow up

    meeting

    to prevent future problems

A thorough investigation leading to a successful and permanent resolution.

Most importantly, if your TV picture is being disrupted, always check for cats on the aerial. An increasing issue spreading across the country affecting signal reception and setting temperatures rising on Saturday evening when trying to watch Match of The day. 8 out of 10 owners prefer to enjoy TV without the hindrance of a cat on the aerial.

New aerial installation in Sheffied.

How can AB Aerials help you? we are the regions leading installer of aerials, satellite, CCTV and home security in Sheffield. Why not give us a call or contact us to see how we can help you!

Meaow and goodbye for now.