Connectors & cables SPOTTING FAKE LMR CABLES
Jamal Hagi, RF expert and engineer at electrical cable and connector specialist PEI-Genesis explains how to spot fake or cloned LMR components, and why choosing an authorised distributor is the best method for defence.
S
ince their release 30 years ago, LMR cables have served as a reliable and efficient alternative to stiff traditional RG coaxial cables. Their superior attenuation rate of 3.9 decibels (dB) per 100 feet, 3.6 dB less than alternative cable solutions, is what defines the cable’s popularity, especially in applications where signal integrity is crucial like military communications. Yet as their popularity has grown, so has circulation of cloned or counterfeit LMR® products. While these fake products may appear to be better value, they fail to meet critical safety or performance standards.
Take low-smoke cables, for example. Low grade plastic in counterfeit cables struggles to withstand real-world conditions, unlike composites in the genuine product. Therefore, they fail standards like UL 1581 for dielectric strength or IEC 61196 for mechanical and electrical reliability, potentially releasing harmful gases or failing during use.
FAILURES IN THE FIELD
interconnect points rather than software or mechanical faults. The reliability of connectors has become a top-tier priority for organisations scaling robotics at speed. Power architecture is also undergoing transformation. Robots now carry heavier computational loads, more advanced sensing arrays and increasingly energy- hungry machine-vision systems. Meanwhile, operators push for accelerated charging cycles, extended run times and reduced energy loss during peak operation. This combination drives demand for connectors capable of managing higher current densities with precise thermal dissipation properties and robust insulation. Customisable assemblies, an area where PEI-Genesis maintains deep expertise, ensure that connectors match the exact electrical and thermal requirements of each robotic platform instead of relying on generic configurations.
As warehouses transition into fully autonomous, high-bandwidth environments, the performance of the interconnect layer becomes inseparable from the performance of the robots themselves. Every navigation decision, sensor update and charging cycle relies on connectors engineered to withstand constant motion, electrical noise and environmental stress. Going forward, the real differentiator in warehouse automation will lie in how effectively these physical interfaces support scalability, uptime and system longevity. With the right connector strategy, operators can build robotic fleets that are not only faster and smarter, but far more resilient to the demands of continuous operation.
PEI-Genesis
www.peigenesis.com Instrumentation Monthly February 2026
Faults in counterfeit LMR cables are not always visible at installation, instead they emerge quickly once deployed. One common issue is jacket deterioration, where the outer layer begins to crack and degrade prematurely under exposure to UV. This leaves the cable exposed to water ingress, with moisture tracking along the braid and down toward the centre conductor. Over time, this process leads to cracking in the outer conductor tape and corrosion around the core. Another serious issue is the breakdown of the dielectric material. When made from inferior compounds, the dielectric does not hold up under prolonged use and begins to lose its insulating properties. This leads to fluctuating impedance and a gradual loss of signal integrity. Electrical instability in fake products can also occur due to poor dimensional tolerance of the dielectric, degrading signal transmission in mission-critical systems. Counterfeit components are also costly for a business long term. The average cost difference between fake cables and genuine LMR is 25 per cent. However, using counterfeit cables in a project could result in up to 75 per cent loss in costs as the cable lacks longevity, and requires replacements after three years rather than 20+ for the genuine LMR.
HOW TO VERIFY YOUR LMR CABLE Spotting a fake cable isn’t always straightforward, particularly when clones are designed to look legitimate. One of the most important identifiers is the Times Microwave Systems branding.
Every genuine LMR cable and its reel will be clearly marked with the company name and the registered trademark symbol following LMR. Missing branding is an immediate red flag. Counterfeits may also display misleading language like ‘LMR alternative’ or ‘Equivalent to LMR’ to confuse buyers.
Buyers should look for four key indicators to verify their product. First, confirm that the Times Microwave Systems name is printed on both the cable jacket and reel. Second, check for the official Cage Code, which for Times Microwave is 68999. Third, verify the country of manufacture, all genuine LMR components are made in the United States. Finally, ensure that the LMR trademark is shown correctly with the registered symbol. If any of these are missing, the cable should be treated as suspect and investigated before installation.
SOURCING FROM TRUSTED DISTRIBUTORS
As an authorised distributor, PEI-Genesis ensures that every LMR product it supplies is genuine. In partnership with Times Microwave Systems, it offers the full range of low-loss, interference- resistant cables that meet stringent military and industry specifications. These include LMR 195-600 Standard, 900-1200, Ultraflex, LLPX and 75 Ohm variants. All meet standards such as MIL-C-17, TIA-329-C, IEC 61196 and NFPA 1221. This makes them suitable for high-stakes environments like emergency response, military field comms and industrial installations. Fake cables amount to losses far greater than replacements. It is in downtime, safety risks and compromised system performance. By taking the steps to verify a product, along with sourcing genuine LMR cables from trusted distributors like PEI-Genesis, businesses can ensure they are receiving the real deal, including high levels of durability and stable performance to last 20 years.
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