The Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB radio is a popular choice for those needing reliable communication while on the road. This is one of the best CB radios out there and is designed to provide users with clear and crisp sound quality and a wide range of features that make it easy to use and customize to your specific needs. With its compact size, easy-to-read display, and durable construction, the BEARCAT 980 is ideal for professional drivers and hobbyists. In this review, we’ll look closer at the features and performance of the Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB radio, helping you decide if it’s the right option for your needs.
Overview BEARCAT 980 CB Radio
The Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio is a powerful, feature-rich radio with advanced performance and compares in quality to the Cobra 29 CB radio. This CB radio packs impressive features, such as its Superheterodyne receiver, triple dial frequency tuning, and cutting-edge noise cancellations technology. Furthermore, it also has an adjustable squelch control to selectively reduce signal static when no communication is taking place, a front microphone jack for convenient access, and illuminated control knobs for ease of operation.
The BEARCAT 980 also comes with a unique Public Address (PA) feature, which allows users to connect the CB radio to an external horn speaker that can be used instead of a microphone for broadcasting. Additionally, this CB radio has emergency features such as an alarm key and an instant Channel 9/19 access button, allowing users to reach out for help in emergencies quickly. With its robust design and solid construction, the Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio is the perfect companion for long-distance journeys on the road.
Advanced Features of The BEARCAT 980.
The BEARCAT 980 offers a great range of advanced features, making it a truly exceptional CB radio. In addition to the previously mentioned noise cancellations technology, this CB radio also boasts an adjustable RF gain control to adjust signal sensitivity and selectivity in weak or strong signal conditions, an ANL switch for improved reception and sound clarity, an S/RF meter for clear signal strength indications, and adjustable power output for maximum power savings. Furthermore, it offers a Public Address capability and a Roger Beep tone signaling the end of transmission.
Other features include a full-featured six-digit frequency counter with memory recall and a BEARCAT backlit LCD with a dimmer switch for improved visibility in all weather conditions. Finally, the radio is designed to fit most cars as it has an easy-to-install bracket that can be mounted underneath the dash. With all these features, the BEARCAT 980 is among the best CB radios available today.
Easy It Is to Install & Use The BEARCAT 980
Installation of the BEARCAT 980 won’t take much of your time, as it has a unique plug-and-play design that lets you quickly connect it and start using it without adjusting its settings. Moreover, its intuitive user interface makes operating this CB radio easy. All channels are marked on the front panel with significant and distinct symbols providing a clean look, while all controls are conveniently located right beneath them. As a result, this two-way radio is perfect for users of all ages and levels of experience.
Large Easy-To-Read Display & Channel
One of the standout features of the Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio is its large, easy-to-read display and channel selector. The radio features a backlit LCD that is easily read, even in low-light conditions. The channel selector is also designed to be easy to use, with large, clearly labeled buttons that allow you to select the channel you want to use quickly. This makes the Bearcat 980 ideal for drivers who must keep their eyes on the road while communicating with other drivers. The large display also provides real-time information on various settings, such as the current channel, signal strength, and weather conditions, allowing you to stay informed and aware of your surroundings while using the radio. Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 980’s large, easy-to-read display and channel selector make it a user-friendly and convenient CB radio for novice and experienced users.
Noise Cancelling Microphone
Another key feature of the Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio is its new noise-canceling microphone. This microphone is designed to filter out background noise, making it easier to communicate clearly and effectively with other drivers. The microphone is also equipped with an adjustable gain control, which allows you to adjust the microphone’s sensitivity to suit your specific needs. This means you can customize the microphone to your distinct voice and speaking style, ensuring straightforward communication. Additionally, the noise-canceling microphone is designed to be comfortable to hold and easy to use, even for extended periods. Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 980’s noise-canceling microphone is a valuable feature that can enhance the quality of your CB radio communication, especially in noisy environments such as construction sites or busy highways.
Wireless Microphone Compatible
The Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio is also compatible with a wireless microphone, which can be especially useful for drivers who need to move around their vehicle while communicating. The wireless microphone allows you to communicate with other drivers without being tethered to the radio unit by a cord. This feature is beneficial for truck drivers who need to get in and out of their vehicles frequently or for drivers who need to communicate with other drivers outside their vehicles. The wireless microphone is sold separately and operates on a separate frequency from the radio unit, ensuring that your communication remains clear and interference-free. Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 980’s wireless microphone compatibility is a valuable feature that adds flexibility and convenience to your CB radio communication.
Pros and Cons of the Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB radio
Pros:
- Large and easy-to-read digital display with multiple color options for customization.
- Comprehensive control layout with multiple knobs and buttons for fine-tuning the radio settings.
- Dynamic microphone with noise-cancelling technology for clear audio output.
- NOAA weather alert feature to notify users of severe weather conditions.
- Wireless microphone compatibility for added convenience and flexibility.
- High power output of up to 40 watts for maximum range and communication capabilities.
Cons:
- More expensive than some other CB radios on the market.
- Requires a higher level of technical expertise to operate than some other CB radios.
- Larger and heavier than some other CB radios, which may make it less portable.
- Some users have reported issues with the squelch control and signal strength meter.
- May experience some interference from nearby electronic devices.
- Limited channel coverage with only 40 available channels.
Overall, the Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB Radio is a high-quality and feature-rich option for those who require advanced communication capabilities and are willing to pay a premium price. However, it may not be the best option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Uniden BEARCAT 980?
The Uniden BEARCAT 980 is one of the best two-way radios on the market. It has all the features you need for reliable two-way communication, and it does so with excellent audio quality. On top of that, its easy setup and intuitive user interface make this CB radio accessible to everyone. So, if you are in the market for a good quality two-way radio, then we absolutely recommend that you take a closer look at the Uniden BEARCAT 980.
The Uniden BEARCAT 980 is highly functional but is highly affordable. It costs significantly less than many competitors, yet it’s suitable for everyday and recreational use. The design is attractive and modern, which makes it fun to own and operate.
The Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB radio is an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable communication while on the road. This CB radio will meet your needs with its clear and crisp sound quality, user-friendly features, and durable construction. Whether you’re a professional driver who needs to stay connected with your team or a hobbyist who enjoys the occasional road trip, the BEARCAT 980 is a great option. With its advanced technology and user-friendly design, this CB radio is an excellent investment you won’t regret. We highly recommend the Uniden BEARCAT 980 CB radio to anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable communication tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uniden Bearcat 980 a good CB radio?
The Uniden Bearcat 980 is widely regarded as a good CB radio. It is designed with advanced features that make communication more transparent and manageable, such as noise-canceling technology, weather alerts, and instant access to emergency channels. The Bearcat 980 has received positive reviews for its reliability, performance, and overall quality.
How many watts is the Uniden Bearcat 980?
The Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio is a 40-channel radio capable of transmitting up to 4 watts of power. This is the maximum power output allowed for CB radios in the United States and sufficient for communicating within a reasonable range. The radio also has a built-in SWR meter, which helps ensure your antenna is tuned correctly for maximum performance and signal strength. Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 980 is a robust and reliable CB radio capable of meeting most drivers’ communication needs.
What is the range on Uniden Bearcat?
The range of the Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio can vary depending on several factors, including the terrain, weather conditions, the quality of the antenna, and other radio interference. Typically, the range of a CB radio is limited to a few miles. However, it can be extended by using a high-quality antenna and communicating with other radios on higher ground or with better signal strength. The Uniden Bearcat 980 is designed to provide reliable communication within a reasonable range for most drivers. It is important to remember that CB radio communication is intended for short-range communication and should not be relied upon for long-range communication.
How do I program my Uniden Bearcat CB radio?
Programming your Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio is a simple process that involves a few steps. Here’s a general guide on how to program your Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio:
- Turn on your CB radio by pressing the power button.
- Press the “Menu” button, then use the “Up” or “Down” arrows to select the feature you want to program.
- Use the “Up” or “Down” arrows to adjust the selected feature set. You can change features like volume, squelch, RF gain, etc.
- Press the “Menu” button again to exit the programming mode and save your settings.
If you need to program specific channels or frequencies into your Uniden Bearcat 980, you can do so by following these steps:
- Press the “Manual” button until the channel number appears on display.
- Use the “Up” or “Down” arrows to select the channel you want to program.
- Press the “Menu” button, then use the “Up” or “Down” arrows to select the “Frequency” setting.
- Use the keypad to enter the frequency you want to program, then press the “Menu” button to save your settings.
- Repeat this process for each channel you want to program.
Overall, programming your Uniden Bearcat 980 CB radio is a straightforward process that can be easily accomplished by following the instructions in the user manual.
Can you use a Uniden Bearcat CB radio in the house?
You can use a Uniden Bearcat CB radio in your home, but you must have an appropriate power source and antenna.
Connect the CB radio indoors to a power supply, such as an AC-to-DC adapter, which can convert household AC power to the DC power needed to operate the radio. You will also need to connect the radio to a CB antenna, such as an outdoor or indoor antenna, which can receive and transmit CB signals.
Keep in mind that the range of a CB radio is typically limited to a few miles, and using a CB radio indoors may reduce its range even further due to the building’s construction and potential interference from other electronics. Additionally, using a CB radio indoors may be subject to legal restrictions in some jurisdictions, so it is essential to research and comply with local regulations before using it indoors.
Jerome is an avid outdoorsman who moonlights as an attorney when he’s not creating the world’s greatest online content.