I have an encoder cable I am using to hook up my (you guessed it) encoders.

I am using a cable that has 4 individually shielded 18ga twisted pairs with overall shield and drain wire for each sheild.

Are the sheilds conductive to each other within the cable? The foil is blue on one side and silver on the other and I was just wondering because the sheilds all thouch within the cable wrapping.

Also, right down the middle of this whole thing is a very thin orange wire of about 20ga or 22ga. (what is this for?)

Thanks,
Murphy