The Times Microwave Systems LMR™ product range is recognised globally as the industry standard Ultra Loss Insertion Loss, Flexible, Low Cost, Lightweight DC-6 GHz coaxial cable and connector solution for most applications – backed up by the best warranty and technical support in the business.
Times Microwave Systems introduces the LMR-DB™ Ultra Low Loss ,totally water blocked coaxial cable series
Times Microwave Systems has now innovated a totally water blocked version of the same popular LMR™ Coaxial Cable range – the LMR -DB™ product series – for use in external exposed, wet or saturated atmosphere applications – all backed up by a new industry leading 12 years product Warranty.
The DB series cable connectors are available from McGill Microwave Systems, Authorised UK & European distributor of Times Microwave Systems products, drawing on a near 30-year partnership.
The LMR®-DB Series has a very similar make up to the standard LMR® series and uses the exact same LMR™ connector ranges, however there is one critical difference.
Let’s compare the construction specifications of Standard LMR® Series versus the LMR®-DB Series in the table below .
| Description | Standard LMR® | LMR®-DB |
| Inner conductor | Solid BCCAI | Solid BCAAI |
| Dielectric | Foam PE (Closed Cell) | Foam PE (Closed Cell) |
| Outer Conductor | Aluminium Tape | Aluminium Tape |
| Overall Braid | Tinned Copper | Tinned Copper |
| Jacket | Polyethylene | Polyethylene (With water blocking feature) |
Now that we have the construction specifications for both cables in front of us, it is clear they are very similar, however the jacket on the LMR®-DB cable has an added water blocking feature.
In a normal scenario, if the outer jacket of a coaxial cable were to be cut for any reason – or damaged by wildlife , this would leave the cable with a potential leak path, directly leading to system performance degradation problems caused by increases of Attenuation due to internal corrosion over time – especially if the cable was installed vertically as the moisture would travel down the cable with gravity.
The significant advantage of the LMR-DB™ series is that in the event the cable outer jacket is damaged , the blocking agent flows to the area where the outer jacket has been damaged and effectively re-seals the cable – ensuring that the ingress threat is localised to the small area where moisture has entered the cable and prevents any further moisture ingress.
How does the water blocking feature work?
Between the tinned copper overall braid and the polyethylene jacket, there is a highly flexible water sealing compound. This acts as a fully sealed, protective secondary barrier should the jacket integrity be compromised anywhere along the cable.
The LMR-DB™ coaxial cable product series can therefore be used in any outdoor application, including underground and saturated environments.
How much does this increase the reliability?
When purchasing the LMR®-DB series, you immediately benefit from the best warranty in the business – Times Microwave Systems 12-year warranty for any of the LMR-DB™ cable sizes.
Does this have any negative effects on the cable performance?
The LMR-DB™ water blocking feature has no negative effects from the standard LMR® cable in the areas of Cable construction as well as Environmental, Mechanical and Electrical specifications – plus it remains compatibility with all of the existing LMR™ cable sized connectors available.
What is the price difference between standard LMR® and LMR®-DB?
Surprisingly, the price difference between the cables are much smaller than you would expect.
Across all sizes from LMR-195 to LMR-1700, the price difference is very small and an excellent investment to be able to fit and forget – a small price to pay when reliability is key
Want to know more? Great! You can talk to us now, we would be delighted to chat with you!
