What Sets LMR400 Apart from LMR300 for Your Next Project

The main difference between LMR400 vs LMR300 lies in their performance and construction. LMR400 offers lower attenuation, meaning it loses less signal over long distances. For example, at 850 MHz, LMR400 loses 3.8 dB per 100 feet, and at 1900 MHz, it loses 5.8 dB per 100 feet, making it ideal for longer cables and higher frequency applications. 

On the other hand, LMR300 is smaller and more flexible, fitting well in tight spaces. When deciding between LMR400 vs LMR300, factors like signal strength, installation space, and how to design a good PCB structure come into play. Additionally, if you need to find a reliable component distributor or are wondering where to find resistors, understanding these cable differences can help you make better choices for your projects.

Key Takeaways

• LMR400 loses less signal and works best for long cables and high-frequency projects.

• LMR300 is thinner, bends easily, and fits well in tight or crowded spaces.

• Choose LMR400 for outdoor use, high power, and when signal quality matters most.

• Pick LMR300 for short runs, easy installation, and when budget or space is limited.

• Check cable length, space, frequency, and cost to select the right cable for your project.

Quick Comparison

Specs Table

Note: LMR300 is a lot like LMR240. They are close in size and can bend easily. The table shows the best match from industry sources.

Pros and Cons

LMR400

• It loses less signal over long cables.

• It works well with higher frequencies.

• It blocks outside signals better.

• It is thick and not easy to bend.

• It is tough to use in small spaces.

LMR300

• It bends more and is easier to move.

• Its small size fits in tight places.

• It is simple to put in crowded spots.

• It loses more signal, mostly at high frequencies.

• It is not good for very long cables.

Both cables are good for inside or outside. LMR400 is best for long cables and high frequencies. LMR300 is better when you need to bend the cable or fit it in small spaces.

LMR400 Overview

Features

LMR400 is special because it does not lose much signal. It is built strong and lasts a long time. The cable has a copper-clad aluminum conductor. This helps signals move with less resistance. The cable is thick, about 0.405 inches wide. It can handle more power and keeps signal loss low over long distances. Foam polyethylene insulation helps keep the signal steady. The cable has two shields. One is bonded aluminum foil. The other is tinned copper braid. These shields block outside interference and keep the signal clear.

Tip: LMR400’s shielding is very strong at 90 dB. This means it protects signals from outside noise very well.

The cable works in hot and cold places, from -40°C to 75°C. It can be used for many wireless and high-frequency projects. It supports up to 11 GHz. Signals move fast through the cable, with a velocity of propagation of 85%. Here are some important technical details:

Best Uses

LMR400 is best for projects that need long cables or high-frequency signals. People use it for outdoor antennas and cellular towers. It is also used for satellite communication. The cable does not lose much signal, even over long distances. For example, at 400 MHz, it loses only 3.9 dB per 100 feet. Wireless networks and radio systems use LMR400 to keep data clear and reliable.

The cable is thick, so it is not very flexible. It can be hard to bend around tight corners or fit into small spaces. But its strong build and weather-resistant jacket make it great for outdoor use. LMR400 is often chosen instead of older cables like RG213. It works better and supports higher frequencies.

Note: LMR400 is tough and does not lose much signal. This makes it perfect for jobs where signal quality is very important.

LMR300 Overview

Features

LMR300 is special because it is thin and bends easily. The cable has a bare copper conductor. This helps signals move well. Its outer diameter is about 0.240 inches. This is much thinner than LMR400. Installers can bend LMR300 around corners. It fits into small spaces without trouble. The cable uses foam polyethylene as its dielectric. This helps keep the signal strong for short distances.

Tip: LMR300 is great when there is not much space. Its small size lets it fit behind walls or inside conduits. It can also go around equipment racks.

The cable has a strong shield. It uses aluminum foil and a copper braid together. This shield blocks outside noise and keeps the signal clear. LMR300 also has a tough polyethylene jacket. This jacket protects the cable from weather and damage. The cable works in temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. It is good for both indoor and outdoor use.

Here is a quick look at the main features:

Best Uses

LMR300 is used for many jobs in different industries. People use it for short cables when they need flexibility. It works well for Wi-Fi routers and small antennas. It is also good for security camera systems. Installers pick LMR300 for projects inside buildings. It is used for office networks and home automation. The cable’s small size makes it easy to hide. It is simple to run through crowded spaces.

LMR300 has low signal loss for short distances. For example, at 900 MHz, it loses about 7.6 dB per 100 feet. This is okay for most indoor uses. The cable supports up to 5.8 GHz. This covers many wireless uses.

Note: LMR300 is a smart pick when you need a cable that bends easily and fits where bigger cables cannot go.

lmr400 vs lmr300

Attenuation

Attenuation tells us how much signal is lost in a cable. LMR400 has less attenuation than LMR300. This means LMR400 keeps the signal strong for longer distances. At 900 MHz, LMR400 loses about 3.9 dB per 100 feet. LMR300 loses about 7.6 dB per 100 feet at the same frequency. Less attenuation is good for sending signals far or using high frequencies. People pick LMR400 for outdoor antennas or long cables because it keeps signals clear. LMR300 is fine for short cables where some loss is okay. When you compare lmr400 vs lmr300, attenuation is very important for strong signals.

Flexibility

Flexibility means how easy a cable bends or fits in small spaces. LMR300 is thinner and bends more than LMR400. Its small size lets installers move it around corners or through walls. It also fits inside crowded racks. LMR400 is thick and stiff. It does not bend much and needs more space. In tight places, LMR300 is usually better. If a project needs many bends or small spaces, LMR300 is the flexible choice in the lmr400 vs lmr300 comparison.

Power Handling

Power handling shows how much power a cable can carry safely. LMR400 can handle more power than LMR300. This is because LMR400 has a thicker conductor and loses less signal. For example, LMR400 has a peak power rating of 16. LMR300 has a peak power rating of 10. The table below compares them:

Projects that need more power, like radio transmitters or long cables, use LMR400. LMR300 works for less power or short cables. When choosing between lmr400 vs lmr300, power handling matters for big jobs.

Installation

Installation depends on the cable’s size, weight, and how it bends. LMR300 is easier to install in small or crowded places. Its small size lets installers pull it through pipes or sharp turns. LMR400 is heavier and bends less. It needs bigger turns and more space. This makes it harder to install in old buildings or tight spots. For quick or easy jobs, LMR300 saves time and work. LMR400 is best when space is not a problem and signal quality is most important.

Tip: Always check the smallest bend radius before installing any cable. For LMR400, the minimum bend radius is 1 inch. For LMR300, it is 0.6 inch.

Cost

Cost is a big part of picking between lmr400 vs lmr300. LMR400 costs more for each meter than LMR300. For example, LMR400 is about $2.59 per meter. LMR300 costs from $1.88 to $2.00 per meter. LMR400 is more expensive because it is thicker and works better. Projects with small budgets may pick LMR300, especially for short or indoor cables. LMR400 is worth the price if you need less signal loss and more power. Buyers should think about what they need and how much they can spend.

Note: Prices can change by supplier, amount, and place. Always check prices before you buy.

Choosing the Right Cable

Application Scenarios

Selecting the right coaxial cable depends on the needs of each project. Some projects require long cable runs, while others need cables to fit in tight spaces. For example, a large outdoor antenna system often uses a cable that keeps signal loss low over long distances. In this case, LMR400 works well because it has lower attenuation. On the other hand, a home Wi-Fi setup or a security camera system inside a building may need cables that bend easily and fit behind walls. LMR300 fits these situations because it is thinner and more flexible.

Budget also plays a role. LMR300 costs less and works for short runs where some signal loss is acceptable. Outdoor projects need cables with jackets that resist weather and sunlight. Installers should check the cable’s rating to make sure it matches the environment. For example, cables with CMP or CMR ratings work in plenum or riser spaces. Matching the cable’s impedance to the system, such as 50 Ohm for radio systems, helps avoid signal loss.

Tip: Use online calculators to estimate signal loss before choosing a cable. This helps prevent problems after installation.

Decision Guide

Choosing between LMR400 and LMR300 becomes easier with a step-by-step approach:

1. Check the Cable Run Length:

   • For long runs (over 50 feet), LMR400 keeps signals strong.

   • For short runs, LMR300 often works well.

2. Look at Installation Space:

   • Tight spaces or sharp bends favor LMR300.

   • Open areas with fewer bends can use LMR400.

3. Consider Frequency and Power:

   • High-frequency or high-power systems need LMR400.

   • Lower frequencies or less power can use LMR300.

4. Match the Environment:

   • Outdoor use needs weather-resistant jackets.

   • Indoor use may need special ratings like CMP or CMR.

5. Stay Within Budget:

   • LMR300 costs less for short, simple jobs.

   • LMR400 is worth the price for long runs or critical signals.

By following these steps, installers can make the right choice in the lmr400 vs lmr300 decision.

The table below shows the main ways LMR400 and LMR300 are different:

LMR400 is better for long cables and high power. It has less signal loss and a thicker conductor. LMR300 is good for small spaces and bends easily. But it loses more signal than LMR400. Picking the right cable helps your project work well and fit where you need it.

FAQ

What makes LMR400 better for long cable runs?

LMR400 loses less signal than LMR300. This helps the signal stay strong over long cables. People pick LMR400 when they need cables to go far.

What situations call for LMR300 instead of LMR400?

LMR300 is best for small or crowded places. It bends more and fits behind walls or around racks. Its small size helps in tight spots.

What is the main difference in flexibility between LMR400 and LMR300?

LMR300 bends easier than LMR400. Its smaller size lets it fit in small spaces. LMR400 is stiffer and needs bigger turns.

What should installers check before choosing between LMR400 and LMR300?

Installers should look at cable length, space, frequency, and cost. These things help them pick the right cable for the job.

What frequency range do both cables support?

Both LMR400 and LMR300 work up to 5.8 GHz. This covers most wireless, Wi-Fi, and radio uses.

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