Thank you SO much for this video. I just ordered a 980. It's my first foray into SSB, and to have you go over every single button/knob/menu was great and I already feel like I understand it more.
I retired 20 years ago driving 18 wheelers. The CB saved me from smokey bear a few times. I drove before cell phones so the CB was our only was of communicating with the outside world. They are vital when it comes to danger ahead like wrecks, etc.
PRO DRIVER MYSELF DOWN UNDER TOTALY HEARING YOU BROTHER FELLOW TRUCKER ALL UHF HERE IN AUSTRALIA NOW RUBBISH RADIO THEY CALL IT BUT HERE IN OZ 40 UHF HIGHWAY CHANNEL IF YA EVER GET CHANCE COME OVER ,FEW OLD BOYS IN OUR YARD JUST GOT RID LAST OF THIER KENWORTHS TRANSITIONED TO SCANIAS, WELL LAST PAY SLIP ETC WE HAD,,,, FEW OLD GIRLS PARKED UP DECOMMISIHIONED PLATES TAKEN OFF ETC. KENWORTHS, WELL GUESS WHAT ALOT THEM KENWORTH EMBLEMS ON THEM TRUCKS WENT MISSING NOBODY FESSED UP LOL SENTIMENTAL REASONS OR NOT BOSS WAS PISSED ,WE ALL GOT THREAT OF TERMINATION IF FOUND OUT WHO TOOK EM ON OUR PAY SLIPS. WE ONLY GOT 3 KENNYS LEFT NOW THEY WILL GO IN NEXT THREE MONTHS.30 40 YEARS ETC NOW ALL OF SUDDEN ITS ALL HIGH TECH TOTAL HEADFUC. MAXIMUM STRESS EMAILS TAUNTS IF YOU YAUN LOKK LEFT OR RIGHT FOR TOO LONG TONS OTHER SHIT,ENJOY YA RETIREMENT MY USA FRIEND GOD BLESS FROM DOWN UNDER.......
What a refreshing experience! A presenter who actually brings a high level of expertise to his presentation, and delivers the information with an appropriate level of clarity!
I got the same radio,paired it up with a dual wilson trucker 5000 set up and it works pretty darn good right out the box for all three. I hadn't even modded anything but it's nice to know there's plenty of potential for a great cb rig.
Thank you thank you thank you. I bought one of these over 2 years ago. Put it in my truck and couldn't figure out all the whistles so after a couple days took it out. Put my old cobra back in but will now use the 980ssb. Great video
Love the video it helped me figure out that this is going to be my first cb radio I really appreciate it man thanks for making this video to help understand this one
Great commentary and explanation of the Bearcat 980SSB. Thinking about getting one and setting it up as a base but I didn't really know much about it but your video was a demonstration and gave me a great feel for what the Bearcat is capable of.
What are your thoughts on the display on the 980 being difficult to see during the daylight in a mobile environment? I've seen a lot of concerns about this I just want your thoughts on it
I've had this radio about three years and it's a nice talking radio. However, after about a year and a half, the display started going out, as many have mentioned. The display is unusable in a vehicle (unless it's wintertime!). Indoors, it powers up fine, but the display entities start to disappear after about 10 minutes. For grins, I threw it in the freezer for about 15 minutes, and after powering it up, the display was perfect. Then it faded...Oh well. I also have a Grant XL from the early 90s (along with a few old 23 channel units) which I use in the vehicle occasionally. The XL a GREAT radio. Thanks for the review!
Great video and CB radio. I just bought for my wife's vehicle and it arrived today. I installed it and it works great! I have it hooked up to a RM 203 P amp and a Tram 300 mag mount antenna. Cheers
@@nightlife7231 On my base stations at home I run Texas Star high amps 350 watt & 500 watt SWR on my 3 different antennas is 1.2 and goes up with amp on. In our vehicles we each run a 200 watt RM 203 P linear and Tram 300 antennas. Match is good without boot but never tested it with boot on
Awesome video. 357 NWCT waving!! 73’s....as soon as I heard that 38 QSO I’m like, I know that voice. Bruce, Mike, Andy, the whole crew. I’m a regular out there too. Thanks for helping me choose my next work truck mobile!!
I just bought this radio for a new truck , my other radio wasn't transmitting but it was an older cobra but now I'm showing sky high swrs with this one and everything is new
Got given one yesterday from a friend who has many fine radios and had done the major clarifier unlock as it floated a bit but left everything else stock. An interesting SSB mobile that should not be taken mobile if you want the display to last I have heard. BUT I suspect that no-one has ever turned the brightness and contrast down to a lower level that could make it last longer. I always do this on any adjustable radio and believe it is better for it, Ham or CB! A comprehensive tutorial thank you, and now I know a few things more than what I had explored initially on the set. Own most high end CB's and this compares in RX favourably and with my TW232 Leson on the adaptor I can turn it to max with most excellent audio reports from interstate and local on SSB which was very surprising. AM will never be used so not tested. I will do a factory alignment as soon as I get the service info and see if it can be improved in power as seems low around 8 watts SSB.
I bought a Bearcat 980 from E bay new in the box. It is a not a bad radio. I have a lot fo CB radios vintage and new. My oldest is a Realistic TRC 48 with a Siltronix model 90 VFO, I shoot tons of skip with it, Cheers
thanks so much. I am getting back into CBs I am 56 but i had a CB from the time I was 10 to 25 and then life hit... "looking to walk that dog again" Hoping to get my HAM cert soon. Peace and things some much.
Get your Ham tickets at least a general. The FCC has made the tests a little easier they don’t want the hobby to die, remember radio is fun have fun. KJ7TBR JohnBoyUtah 😎🇺🇸📡🎙
Excllent video! Just got one of these and setting up in my comms room. Your video is just what I needed. Good instructions. Now I need to adjust swr and I will good to go. Thanks!
I have my radio installed and calibrated. Swr 9on channel 1 and 5 on channel 40. I'm using a Tram 1480 8ft antenna. What the heck am I doing wrong. SWR is way off.
@@SevenFortyOne It is a CB base antenna. It's 8ft long with a ground plane. I also have a 3ft antenna without a ground plane. The 3ft SWR is 1.9 on 1 and 1.9 on 40. For some reason the longer antenna is 9 on 1 and 5 on 40 as if it needs to be longer. I have been reading online and can't seem to find anything past the basics.
I'm ready to get one but it seems right now everyone is down to their last unit. I suspect a new shipment will be going out in the next few weeks and I'll hold off till then. I'm just leery of the last unit being damaged or a return
I have this radio and have noticed the mic is a little quiet. I may open it up and remove that filter thing you talked about. Somehow I missed the weather alert option thank you. As always great video thank you
@@harryallenpearce89 no there was no real instructions. They just said the filter was right in front of the mic. I havent opened mine up yet so I have no idea
I loved this Radio but display stop working after 2 years.Was using it as a mobile.I replaced it with a President McInley radio as the Uniden as a bad reputation here in Canada for screen issues.Best use as a base station.
I could only focus on the busted shelf , mount that mic on the side so the wood doesn’t split. Fix, Glue, clamp , pre drill holes for screws. What kind of antenna are you using?
Now recompound all the heat sink plates to cover the whole backing and add a stinger amp and a powered road devil mic. Now your set. The factories are a bit cheap these days. It’s a great radio though to have.
Very informative from a total noob. I was looking at the Cobra 29 LTD for a 1st CB but now I'm thinking a radio with SSB and Scan modes (not to mention NOAA) might be superior in similar price range! Cheers
Groovy looking at em tonight thinking of upgrading my uniden 510 pro in my old side by side definitely dig these a lot think I will go with one as early bday gift to myself Wat antenna setup would u recommend for one on off road conditions that will push good riding in steep mountains and deep hollows?
This is what is in my truck but I changed my display color to the Hartford whalers green. }3 and backed down the carrier to push a low drive RM Italy Guido torch
I am building an overland 4x4 and while I have an old Realistic TRC-465 AM/SSB radio, but am looking for a nicer radio with WX, this looks like a winner...
I have one i baught a few years ago iam still using it but the display fades out i tried to get uniden to warrienty it and no response, so i would be cautious about buying one.
Remember Your 70s "handle" and trying to find a channel without a motormouth ? I turned mine on a while ago and put it on scan and it was hours before it picked up half of a Trucker conversation.
I am from CT as well, best suggestion for a radio and antenna - then place to have it tuned? Going to be doing a lot of upcoming highway work and am compiling suggestions! Many thanks!
THANK YOU, VERY INFORMATIVE‼️🙏🏼 I just bought this 980. If I want to listen from home what type of regulated converter can I buy? Any suggestions. Please! I am new to owning a CB,. And just saw someone say that a ac to dc converter is needed. Would I need a certain wattage for the 980🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤫
Getting back into CB after many, meany years... pretty sure I'm gonna get this unit. I'm on a tight budget so if anyone has a recommendation for a better radio at the same price point, let me know. Thanks.
@@SevenFortyOne Haha just found your video comparing these two exact radios! This will be a base station in temperature controlled room so, I think I am gonna stick with the Bearcat 980. The only thing that bums me out is the bottom speaker... but I can prop it up or buy some cheap externals. Thanks.
I've recently bought this and other equipment to have at home. I had recently moved my Uniden 980 SSB CB and it has a thud sound after I turn it on now. I was wondering how to fix the issue without going to a repair man?
Hi Rob I currently just purchased this radio the Bearcat 980SSB I’m hoping you can answer something for me, every time I push to talk on my mic nobody answers me, everything is calibrated correctly I’ll do a test 123 test 123 radio check and no one answers me do you know why? Or am I just being ignored? I’d appreciate your help. Thank you Chris
This is basically a throw away radio after a couple of years of heavy use. The screen goes out and buttons fail after being pushed many times. It is average at the beginning, receive and transmit, and as it drops out, losing one thing after another, it goes to the closet. When you try and design a modern menu operated CB, and you try to do it cheaply, you get this. Keep it simple at the bottom end and just design a radio that works reliably. Save the fancy things for the higher end (cost). The 980 is over designed for the quality of parts used. (My Opinion)
Talk about in depth details on a unit. The truck I bought came with one of these radios but no antennas. I could still chat a LITTLE with someone very, VERY close to me and receive, but only if they're right beside me basically. Reckon now I need to find good whips and learn how to tune them. Any recommendations?
So for a beginner that know nothing about CB radios and lives in the city can you make a video on what we’re going to Experience as new CB owners and how to get around typical issues that one might face like how long the cable should be for the antenna or if that matters SWR and if radios work in the city or if you’re better off not having one if you live in the city what kind of an antenna is a Wilson 5000 to strong?
Thank you so much for all this info! This was so helpful and educational. I am totally new to CB use and getting into pilot car work. If you wanted to upgrade your mic choice, do you have a suggestion?
For pilot car work I'd actually suggest looking at president radios. In my opinion they are better suited for Mobile work then this radio and are generally a little smaller too. They also offer the noise canceling digimike which works with their radios but I'm not sure it works on this bearcat radio
I never thought I'd come back to Cb radio. had one when I was a kid along with my friends ...listening to CB freq on my Yaesu Ftdx10 today...was a crazy blast..but couldn't join in no TX ..so now I'm looking to pickup a CB radio haha go figure ..thanks again for the review K9JFO AND CLEAR
Heh I just realized your CT when you radio checked on 38l. You can hear that SCADA system on 23 all over CT but its strong as heck in litchfield county because Plymouth uses them. I don't know if other towns are using it or if Plymouth's system is just getting out statewide. On ch23 1 way scada is allowed 25 watts. -909Connecticut
Every situation is different so I can't recommend exact items, but in addition to the radio you'll need: 13.8vdc power supply, 50 ohm coax, and an external antenna of some sort. You can browse around on the copper electronics website to get an idea of what each of these items might cost and research which ones might be the best for you. I'm not suggesting you need to buy from them - they just have a nice website that has everything you'd need on one place.
Danm dude, good review... the Bearcat 980 isn't the radio for me, but your reviews are. Not too basic and glossed over, but not too deep and nerding out either, just the right amount of information.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Why can’t all walkthrough and review videos be like this one? Very well spoken and to the point. Thank you for the information.
Thanks, glad you liked this!
Ok kids, this is how you do a complete review of a product on RUclips. Kudos to you sir, for the best review ever. Thank you.
Thanks!
Thank you SO much for this video. I just ordered a 980. It's my first foray into SSB, and to have you go over every single button/knob/menu was great and I already feel like I understand it more.
Best video on bearcat 980ssb. Very easy to understand.👍👍👍
I retired 20 years ago driving 18 wheelers. The CB saved me from smokey bear a few times. I drove before cell phones so the CB was our only was of communicating with the outside world. They are vital when it comes to danger ahead like wrecks, etc.
PRO DRIVER MYSELF DOWN UNDER TOTALY HEARING YOU BROTHER FELLOW TRUCKER ALL UHF HERE IN AUSTRALIA NOW RUBBISH RADIO THEY CALL IT BUT HERE IN OZ 40 UHF HIGHWAY CHANNEL IF YA EVER GET CHANCE COME OVER ,FEW OLD BOYS IN OUR YARD JUST GOT RID LAST OF THIER KENWORTHS TRANSITIONED TO SCANIAS, WELL LAST PAY SLIP ETC WE HAD,,,, FEW OLD GIRLS PARKED UP DECOMMISIHIONED PLATES TAKEN OFF ETC. KENWORTHS,
WELL GUESS WHAT ALOT THEM KENWORTH EMBLEMS ON THEM TRUCKS WENT MISSING NOBODY FESSED UP LOL SENTIMENTAL REASONS OR NOT BOSS WAS PISSED ,WE ALL GOT THREAT OF TERMINATION IF FOUND OUT WHO TOOK EM ON OUR PAY SLIPS.
WE ONLY GOT 3 KENNYS LEFT NOW THEY WILL GO IN NEXT THREE MONTHS.30 40 YEARS ETC NOW ALL OF SUDDEN ITS ALL HIGH TECH TOTAL HEADFUC. MAXIMUM STRESS EMAILS TAUNTS IF YOU YAUN LOKK LEFT OR RIGHT FOR TOO LONG TONS OTHER SHIT,ENJOY YA RETIREMENT MY USA FRIEND GOD BLESS FROM DOWN UNDER.......
Not many use a CB now, hence more pile up accidents and backed up traffic. No communication between drivers like there once was.
What a refreshing experience! A presenter who actually brings a high level of expertise to his presentation, and delivers the information with an appropriate level of clarity!
Thanks for the kind words!
I have this sitting on a shelf, been meaning to mount it. This was a helpful video!
When you gonna do a CB radio video?
I got the same radio,paired it up with a dual wilson trucker 5000 set up and it works pretty darn good right out the box for all three.
I hadn't even modded anything but it's nice to know there's plenty of potential for a great cb rig.
Thank you thank you thank you. I bought one of these over 2 years ago. Put it in my truck and couldn't figure out all the whistles so after a couple days took it out. Put my old cobra back in but will now use the 980ssb. Great video
Began looking at this unit today and found your excellent review. Thank you!
Love the video it helped me figure out that this is going to be my first cb radio I really appreciate it man thanks for making this video to help understand this one
Great commentary and explanation of the Bearcat 980SSB. Thinking about getting one and setting it up as a base but I didn't really know much about it but your video was a demonstration and gave me a great feel for what the Bearcat is capable of.
Best review of this radio I've seen on the internet outstanding job 73
What are your thoughts on the display on the 980 being difficult to see during the daylight in a mobile environment?
I've seen a lot of concerns about this I just want your thoughts on it
OLD CB GUY YEARS GONE PAST, SEEN DONE ALOT TX RX , YOUR VIDEOES ONE CLEAREST MOST INFORMATIVE IVE SEEN IN LONG LONG TIME GREAT CHANNEL
Thanks!
I've had this radio about three years and it's a nice talking radio. However, after about a year and a half, the display started going out, as many have mentioned. The display is unusable in a vehicle (unless it's wintertime!). Indoors, it powers up fine, but the display entities start to disappear after about 10 minutes. For grins, I threw it in the freezer for about 15 minutes, and after powering it up, the display was perfect. Then it faded...Oh well. I also have a Grant XL from the early 90s (along with a few old 23 channel units) which I use in the vehicle occasionally. The XL a GREAT radio. Thanks for the review!
glad you enjoyed this!
my 880 does the same thing, and the best radio I've ever had was a grant xl
You explained all this very well and CONSICELY! Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Excellent video
You explained it very well for somebody like myself that does not know a whole lot about CB radios. Thank you.
I recently bought a bearcat 980 the same radio you have I love it thank you for the overview
I’ve had this radio for a few years but I picked up some great info from this video. Thanks!
Great review! I've been considering this for my next purchase, and think it would be a great addition to my station. 73!
Great video and CB radio. I just bought for my wife's vehicle and it arrived today. I installed it and it works great! I have it hooked up to a RM 203 P amp and a Tram 300 mag mount antenna. Cheers
Are your swrs with that amp on I have a 300 watt and when I run it on high the swr goes up a little .. but running a good antenna also
@@nightlife7231 On my base stations at home I run Texas Star high amps 350 watt & 500 watt SWR on my 3 different antennas is 1.2 and goes up with amp on. In our vehicles we each run a 200 watt RM 203 P linear and Tram 300 antennas. Match is good without boot but never tested it with boot on
I love you guys that do these reviews. I won't even need to open the manual.
Awesome video. 357 NWCT waving!! 73’s....as soon as I heard that 38 QSO I’m like, I know that voice. Bruce, Mike, Andy, the whole crew. I’m a regular out there too. Thanks for helping me choose my next work truck mobile!!
I just bought this radio for a new truck , my other radio wasn't transmitting but it was an older cobra but now I'm showing sky high swrs with this one and everything is new
Im in New Fairfield, i'll keep an ear out for you. I always have a radio in the shack tuned to 38LSB just for old times sake. Great content, 73! Lou
Me too!! 357 NWCT waving!!
Got given one yesterday from a friend who has many fine radios and had done the major clarifier unlock as it floated a bit but left everything else stock. An interesting SSB mobile that should not be taken mobile if you want the display to last I have heard. BUT I suspect that no-one has ever turned the brightness and contrast down to a lower level that could make it last longer. I always do this on any adjustable radio and believe it is better for it, Ham or CB! A comprehensive tutorial thank you, and now I know a few things more than what I had explored initially on the set. Own most high end CB's and this compares in RX favourably and with my TW232 Leson on the adaptor I can turn it to max with most excellent audio reports from interstate and local on SSB which was very surprising. AM will never be used so not tested. I will do a factory alignment as soon as I get the service info and see if it can be improved in power as seems low around 8 watts SSB.
I bought a Bearcat 980 from E bay new in the box. It is a not a bad radio. I have a lot fo CB radios vintage and new. My oldest is a Realistic TRC 48 with a Siltronix model 90 VFO, I shoot tons of skip with it, Cheers
That over the air review at the end was great LOL
I think I want to get one of these just to see if I enjoy it
thanks so much. I am getting back into CBs I am 56 but i had a CB from the time I was 10 to 25 and then life hit... "looking to walk that dog again" Hoping to get my HAM cert soon. Peace and things some much.
Get your Ham tickets at least a general. The FCC has made the tests a little easier they don’t want the hobby to die, remember radio is fun have fun. KJ7TBR JohnBoyUtah 😎🇺🇸📡🎙
Excllent video! Just got one of these and setting up in my comms room. Your video is just what I needed. Good instructions. Now I need to adjust swr and I will good to go. Thanks!
Cool!
Thanks for the review a beautiful looking radio.
Question: Would using the antenna diagnostic feature be adequate when tuning the antenna?
It will get you in the ballpark.
I am from Enfield. I have a bearcat 980 coming by the end of the week. It will be my first CB radio and I am excited to get started.
You'll have plenty of people to talk to 7n Enfield
@@SevenFortyOne Glad to hear. I have plenty to learn but am looking forward to figuring it all out.
I have my radio installed and calibrated. Swr 9on channel 1 and 5 on channel 40. I'm using a Tram 1480 8ft antenna. What the heck am I doing wrong. SWR is way off.
I have no idea, is that a cb antenna or something 3lse? The swr reading makes me think your antenna is too short
@@SevenFortyOne It is a CB base antenna. It's 8ft long with a ground plane. I also have a 3ft antenna without a ground plane. The 3ft SWR is 1.9 on 1 and 1.9 on 40. For some reason the longer antenna is 9 on 1 and 5 on 40 as if it needs to be longer. I have been reading online and can't seem to find anything past the basics.
I have 3, after 6 months to a year the displays went out on 2 of them.
Works great just not sure where I am at all the time.
I'm ready to get one but it seems right now everyone is down to their last unit. I suspect a new shipment will be going out in the next few weeks and I'll hold off till then. I'm just leery of the last unit being damaged or a return
I have this radio and have noticed the mic is a little quiet. I may open it up and remove that filter thing you talked about.
Somehow I missed the weather alert option thank you.
As always great video thank you
Get a powered road devil and put the radio mic gain on 3 on the radio and a tiny bit of echo and your golden!
Is there a instruction on removing the filter?
I took the microphone apart, then realized, I don’t know what I’m doing, lol
@@harryallenpearce89 no there was no real instructions. They just said the filter was right in front of the mic. I havent opened mine up yet so I have no idea
I have the non ssb 880, fantastic radio, thanks for the video Rob 👍
Thanks! Bought one for a Christmas present for a friend. Might change the microphone, looking simple, maybe D-104...Great explanation!!
I don't like the stock mic...a replacent mic will serve you well.
Thanks for the vid. That's a much bigger brick than I was expecting.
I loved this Radio but display stop working after 2 years.Was using it as a mobile.I replaced it with a President McInley radio as the Uniden as a bad reputation here in Canada for screen issues.Best use as a base station.
I believe mine is not as bright as it used to be.. I'm looking for a new rig now.. great radio and served its purpose..
I could only focus on the busted shelf , mount that mic on the side so the wood doesn’t split. Fix, Glue, clamp , pre drill holes for screws. What kind of antenna are you using?
Thank you for this video, it saved me reading the manual!!! 😅
I just bought one thru Amazon, LOVE IT!!
Fantastic presentation!
Now recompound all the heat sink plates to cover the whole backing and add a stinger amp and a powered road devil mic. Now your set. The factories are a bit cheap these days. It’s a great radio though to have.
Very informative from a total noob. I was looking at the Cobra 29 LTD for a 1st CB but now I'm thinking a radio with SSB and Scan modes (not to mention NOAA) might be superior in similar price range! Cheers
Groovy looking at em tonight thinking of upgrading my uniden 510 pro in my old side by side definitely dig these a lot think I will go with one as early bday gift to myself
Wat antenna setup would u recommend for one on off road conditions that will push good riding in steep mountains and deep hollows?
I have had good luck with fire stick antennas but some people like the Wilson 1000 better
This is what is in my truck but I changed my display color to the Hartford whalers green. }3 and backed down the carrier to push a low drive RM Italy Guido torch
I am building an overland 4x4 and while I have an old Realistic TRC-465 AM/SSB radio, but am looking for a nicer radio with WX, this looks like a winner...
I have one i baught a few years ago iam still using it but the display fades out i tried to get uniden to warrienty it and no response, so i would be cautious about buying one.
Great radio and great review! Glad to see some CB love here!! Hope you are doing well my friend!
Things are moving slow due to C19 but we are making progress...so far so good. More CB stuff is on the way so stay tuned!
@@SevenFortyOne is the UNIDEN 980 CB radio a better performer than my COBRA 148 GTL CB radio made in the Philippines in the year 1994 ?
Very cool! Enjoy Your new radio. Thanks for sharing, 73's from 151 SC.
151 .... Iron Duke?
@@SevenFortyOne You know it buddy! Best Engine ever built!
@@MowerJunkie I had one back in the day...it was a good engine and a good car.
I've got this unit and can recieve but can not transmit. Any help?
Remember Your 70s "handle" and trying to find a channel without a motormouth ? I turned mine on a while ago and put it on scan and it was hours before it picked up half of a Trucker conversation.
Awesome video. Really helpful for calibration on it!
I am from CT as well, best suggestion for a radio and antenna - then place to have it tuned? Going to be doing a lot of upcoming highway work and am compiling suggestions! Many thanks!
Wolcott radio online is pretty good. I don't think there are any CB shops left in CT aside from maybe truck stops
it is a nice radio and I got mine for a hundred which is cheap in today's standards
Hi, i just bought this same CB radio for my semi and i would like some help to set it up with an external antenna. I am from New Britain. Thanks.
Straight up, informative. Verygood useful review! And is that a Yaesu "FROG " 7700 I see in the background? Had one for 10 yrs. Loved it!
Yes that's an frg7700...I've had mine for something like 30 years now
Thank you, very helpful for me as a beginner. Got my 980ssb but can't get the antenna check via DIAG option..any suggestions?
It has been 3 years. How is the display holding up? I have heard complaints about it failing.
Mine is ok still but I think it's not quite as bright as it once was...hard to say. Mine has never been used mobile.
I just picked up this radio yesterday. Anybody know where I can get the pin config for a D104 mic for this 6 to 4 adapter?
If new it should have came with one. Check eBay.
@SevenFortyOne
Uniden Bearcat 980SSB CB Radio, a year & a half later do you still like it? I’m strongly considering buying this radio soon.
It's a decent radio but I think I like the president McKinley a little better
THANK YOU, VERY INFORMATIVE‼️🙏🏼 I just bought this 980.
If I want to listen from home what type of regulated converter can I buy? Any suggestions. Please!
I am new to owning a CB,. And just saw someone say that a ac to dc converter is needed. Would I need a certain wattage for the 980🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤫
I have this radio, and find my SWR is all over the place according to the radio.
I also heard the SWR reading may not be right.
Getting back into CB after many, meany years... pretty sure I'm gonna get this unit. I'm on a tight budget so if anyone has a recommendation for a better radio at the same price point, let me know. Thanks.
I like the president McKinley better than this one
@@SevenFortyOne OK thanks... looks a little pricier. Any rationale or just personal preference?
@@SevenFortyOne Haha just found your video comparing these two exact radios! This will be a base station in temperature controlled room so, I think I am gonna stick with the Bearcat 980. The only thing that bums me out is the bottom speaker... but I can prop it up or buy some cheap externals. Thanks.
i like this channel 73-51 from denmark
Nice video. In your opinion, which radio is best in terms of quality received audio and transmit audio. Thanks.
I've recently bought this and other equipment to have at home. I had recently moved my Uniden 980 SSB CB and it has a thud sound after I turn it on now. I was wondering how to fix the issue without going to a repair man?
Is it just making the noise when you turn it on and it's fine otherwise? If so, that's nirmal
@@SevenFortyOne, yes the rest fine and thank you for the reply back.
Hi Rob
I currently just purchased this radio the Bearcat 980SSB
I’m hoping you can answer something for me, every time I push to talk on my mic nobody answers me, everything is calibrated correctly I’ll do a test 123 test 123 radio check and no one answers me do you know why? Or am I just being ignored? I’d appreciate your help.
Thank you
Chris
I doubt you are being ignored if. Hard to say what is going on without being there myself...
So I got this same radio but in the diagnose my antenna is failing, what can I do to fix that? Tia
Try another antenna?
This is basically a throw away radio after a couple of years of heavy use. The screen goes out and buttons fail after being pushed many times. It is average at the beginning, receive and transmit, and as it drops out, losing one thing after another, it goes to the closet. When you try and design a modern menu operated CB, and you try to do it cheaply, you get this. Keep it simple at the bottom end and just design a radio that works reliably. Save the fancy things for the higher end (cost). The 980 is over designed for the quality of parts used. (My Opinion)
Very good explanation! Thanks.
just picked up the same one, had to order a power supply, location here is Harwinton Connecticut , I was in cb in the 70's.
Check out channel 39 lower sideband. That's where most of the local CT activity is
@@SevenFortyOne I will, thanks.
I couldn't see the digital read-out or channel even after setting it for daytime mode
That's been a common complaint with these radios especially as they age
@SevenFortyOne That's why I went to a President Walker III. Great display
Excellent review, man! Made me want to buy one actually. :)
Superb explanation!
How popular are CB radios these days? I haven't used one since the mid 80's.
Still pretty popular
Talk about in depth details on a unit.
The truck I bought came with one of these radios but no antennas. I could still chat a LITTLE with someone very, VERY close to me and receive, but only if they're right beside me basically.
Reckon now I need to find good whips and learn how to tune them. Any recommendations?
I've had good luck with Fire Sticks but there are lots of options that will work well. Wilson antennas, K40, Etc...
Cool video thanks for sharing this information with us.
uniden 980 ssb can one buy this radio with fm have written to uniden but they do not respond and now fm is legal in the usa
No
Hey 741 I bought the BEARCAT980ssb
I was following the your demetraction but I still get that noise and can't hear no body, what am I doing wrong.
not sure....
Great review, with things going on in the world this should be a good one you think
Just bought a new one online yesterday for $60 with free shipping. Score!!!
Wow... That's a fantastic deal!
That’sa great deal. I was stoked when I got one used like new for $107 out the door on amazon
can this radio be modified? One of my local repair shops said that uniden hasnt released the schematics so they cant tweak n peak.
Modified thru boards
I seen a few modes and a few boards.
So for a beginner that know nothing about CB radios and lives in the city can you make a video on what we’re going to Experience as new CB owners and how to get around typical issues that one might face like how long the cable should be for the antenna or if that matters SWR and if radios work in the city or if you’re better off not having one if you live in the city what kind of an antenna is a Wilson 5000 to strong?
I've never lived in a city so I really can't make a video from that perspective
Thank you so much for all this info! This was so helpful and educational. I am totally new to CB use and getting into pilot car work. If you wanted to upgrade your mic choice, do you have a suggestion?
For pilot car work I'd actually suggest looking at president radios. In my opinion they are better suited for Mobile work then this radio and are generally a little smaller too. They also offer the noise canceling digimike which works with their radios but I'm not sure it works on this bearcat radio
Hi..sir did you have 2meter radio that you did not use..
Awesome demonstration.
I never thought I'd come back to Cb radio. had one when I was a kid along with my friends ...listening to CB freq on my Yaesu Ftdx10 today...was a crazy blast..but couldn't join in no TX ..so now I'm looking to pickup a CB radio haha go figure ..thanks again for the review K9JFO AND CLEAR
I don't use mine much but it's handy to have to keep in touch with people in the community who aren't hams
Heh I just realized your CT when you radio checked on 38l. You can hear that SCADA system on 23 all over CT but its strong as heck in litchfield county because Plymouth uses them. I don't know if other towns are using it or if Plymouth's system is just getting out statewide. On ch23 1 way scada is allowed 25 watts. -909Connecticut
By the way to adjust your transmit frequency to zero it in it is L215 216 and 217
Very discriptive and informative video excellent Job
Thank you!
is there an ac adaptor?
I'm new to CB...can you recommend what else I'd need in addition to the radio in order to set up as a base in-home?
Every situation is different so I can't recommend exact items, but in addition to the radio you'll need: 13.8vdc power supply, 50 ohm coax, and an external antenna of some sort. You can browse around on the copper electronics website to get an idea of what each of these items might cost and research which ones might be the best for you. I'm not suggesting you need to buy from them - they just have a nice website that has everything you'd need on one place.
Thank you sir you have a great video im waiting mine to come but i need some antenna what is the best antenna for it i need a magnet mount antenna
Danm dude, good review... the Bearcat 980 isn't the radio for me, but your reviews are. Not too basic and glossed over, but not too deep and nerding out either, just the right amount of information.
I'm glad you liked this, thanks for letting me know!
@@SevenFortyOne I don't often sub within a few vids, but I did yesterday. You earned it, keep up the great work.
Great review, thanks.
I have a 980 have had 2of them why do they all get hot after running a few hours
Not sure...just the way they are made I guess
good video is it legal in the UK from Gary.
I don't know the laws in the UK...check with Fred in the shed on RUclips
1st mod you might want to check out is unlocking the clarifier.