> May I suggest you take action, rather than just "one might wonder" and
toss
> out implications of property right infringements, that you call Times
> Microwave at 800-TMS-COAX (867-2629), and let them know of your concerns?
>
> Many different companies make RG-8 coax equivalents.....and I haven't
heard
> anyone complaining about that.
RG-8 is a published specification in the public domain. Anyone can make
something, call it RG-8, and as long as it meets the published
specification, they're perfectly ok to do so. If they make something, call
it RG-8, and it doesn't meet the specs, then they're committing a fraud.
If they make something called "RG-8 similar" or "designed to RG-8
specifications" or any other weasel words, they're also ok. If you buy it,
and it falls apart, or doesn't meet RG-8 specs, that's your problem, because
they never claimed it actually was RG-8.
LMR400 IS a proprietary part number and a trademark for Times-Microwave,
just as Belden 9913 is a proprietary partnumber for Belden, both for high
performance "RG-8 like" coaxial cable (i.e. 50 ohms, 0.4 inch in diameter,
etc.).
No matter if you went out and made coax that was identical in performance to
LMR-400, you still can't call it LMR-400. No matter if you reverse engineer
LMR-400 and make it yourself with the same materials, you can't call it
LMR-400.
You might be able to call it "LMR-400 similar" or "meets LMR-400 specs" or
anything along those lines. Times Microwave might have a problem with you
using their tradename to promote your product, but then, they might not.
Times Microwave might have patented their design for coaxial cable with low
loss, in which case, you could certainly NOT reverse engineer it and
duplicate the stuff, assuming the patent is still in force.
There's also the sticky issue of what specifications is Jefatech actually
claiming they meet with this stuff. Clearly they can't claim to meet ALL of
LMR-400's specifications (since that would probably embody some trade
secrets of Times Microwave, as far as materials used in construction,
etc.). They could claim that they meet some specifications on performance,
loss, aging, stability etc, which they are perfectly free to copy from Times
Microwave's datasheet or Belden's or whoever's.
The spool is marked "Jefatech", and the
> coax is labeled the same way - nothing about "LMR400".
>
> Does that assuage your "wonderment"?
It does answer my question... the stuff is "low loss coax claimed to be
similar in properties to LMR-400 with no guarantee of future or present
performance" which is just fine. If it works, it meets your budget, etc,
then it's great stuff. It fits in the great middle ground of products
between "traceability to sand" cable with a pallet load of certs and what
you find in the waterlogged dumpster at the end of the hamfest.
I do find, though, that vendors that attempt to trade off the reputation of
another product are a bit objectionable (depending on how blatant they
are..), and, I also find that there is a distressing tendency in today's
price sensitive market to turn a blind eye to fairly blatant ripoffs
produced by offshore suppliers.
I find JefaTech's website a bit objectionable, because they've tried to
create the impression (in my mind at least) that they're selling LMR400 or
an exact copy, but have included a few weasel words to try to keep them out
of legal hot water. Why not just say in the copy: "low loss 0.4 inch 50 ohm
coax with 0.01 dB/100 ft loss at 30 MHz". They could even put in a
comparative table showing their performance against LMR400 and 9913. I
recognize that they identify the stuff as LMR-400 because that's a handy
shorthand for describing the coax. Lots of people know what LMR-400 is,
mechanically, electrically, etc.
I think that we, as educated consumers, do have a responsibility to not
support vendors and manufacturers who are unethical. Most companies don't
have the resources to track down every infringer, and rely on their trade
reputation (why the label and the brandname is important) and that buyers
will know the difference. You'll have to decide for yourself where the
boundary lies.
Jefatech may be selling a great product, and if they are, I commend them,
and if you're happy with their product, you should tell them so. If you
think they've got a great product, but that they're getting towards a
disreputable salesmanship (perhaps out of ignorance or lack of concern) then
you should tell them so. If, on the other hand, you think that Jefatech is
wonderful because they're selling a cheap knockoff or de-facto counterfeit
of the real thing, and you think you are "getting a great deal", shame on
you.
And, for those who think that this is irrelevant to a hobby, think again.
Counterfeit goods are a real problem, not just an inconvenience. The
eternal downward pressure on pricing from large retailers has created a real
incentive for manufacturers (on and off shore) to make products that look
"good enough". In the last year there have been counterfeit aircraft
replacement parts; counterfeit structural bolts; counterfeit wire rope; and
so forth, all driven by a "lowest cost" objective, and things like testing,
inspections, and just general good manufacturing care often fall by the
wayside. Next time you're cranking that tower up, think about it. What if
the steel cable happened to be an "oops, the galvanizing didn't work quite
like we hoped, but ship it anyway because we can sell it at a reduced price
to the buyer at Home Depot" batch?
Jim, W6RMK
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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