BearTracker 885 Quick Look

A quick look at the BearTracker 885 Hybrid CB + Digital Scanner

[@Anonymous_Viewer25]

This is literally what i need for my truck to give the peace of mind of keeping my family safe during the possibility of a crisis. Thank you for the video !

[@evi2083]

Same me and my wife travel a lot to visit family and just the tourist life with the kids. I was looking at the Uniden 980 bearcat but we have been stuck in stand still traffic for hours due to reasons we would not know until we started moving again and pass whatever it was. I decided to get this so when we are in situations like that we have a chance to avoid it before we get stuck or for other emergency situations.

[@Anonymous_Viewer25]

@@evi2083 how well would you say it works?

[@pr0579]

Bought me one. Thanks

[@MichaelVafaie]

Great video.

[@MikeBeaverTruckingLLC]

Just installed this radio and it's pretty great. Sitting here with the road shut down in Wyoming and I'm hearing what's going on at the accident site. 👍🏻

[@Smallengine37]

This is pretty cool

[@xsentrik1107]

Im buying one!

[@agordon20024]

Very good tutorial. I'm having trouble inserting the sd card back into the radio after updating the data base. Any tips?

[@davidvillarealbarraza]

Is there a way to program just the scanner part to include only the channels I want to scan or do I have to keep hitting AVOID every time I turn on the scanner to skip the channels I don't want to scan??? In other words, can I program the scanner portion of this radio with Sentinel software and set up my channel scan to my liking???

[@cwhitewelding9984]

Difference between level 1 2 and 3 scanner squelch?

[@spectrexiii5529]

Hmm, will Uniden bother to listen to radio enthusiasts and produce a "985" with all these options with SSB included? Many are hoping....waiting....willing to throw money at you if you do.

[@JCunningham21]

i was going to say the same thing

[@rkelly5803]

I want that and the ability to see the name of the agency you are receiving instead of it just saying police or fire.

[@scottwiseman8015]

I concur with that! 🤔👍

[@pennsylvanianrailfan]

Does the GPS work without cell service

[@tzbauknight]

Is this compatible with a DIN sleeve/bracket?

[@Michigan_Tactical]

This needs to have SSB

[@foxxfury145]

Are you able to program certain frequencies for the scanner

[@LynSkyn1981]

I wish it had sideband

[@deborahharrell3177]

We’re did you connect the power cord too

[@Rusted_Link]

🤬I sure wish the BearTracker Update Manager worked. I just got my 885 yesterday (09/15/2022). The BT885 Update Manager will not work. I have no idea if using the Sentinel got me the latest update or not. 🤬

[@stevegibbs5351]

Great radio! Great CB and scanner works as well! Microphone has to be plugged in or radio won’t play audio. Thought mine was broken but plugged in the mic and worked perfectly.

[@richardsmith7330]

What operating system do I need to update my SD card?

[@DanielNoblett1111]

One thing in the video is the going to the website for the updater utility, note the program installer is also in a folder on the SD Card.

[@TommyJoeDietz]

Does it pick up 800 mhz police radios?

[@farlowalexify]

I recently ordered this

[@kenwasserman4752]

Excellent video. How come the GPS icon doesn't display on the screen in your video? Asking because the manual says it should appear after about a minute and this is also happening on mine. My GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky so wondering what the deal is with the icon not showing on the screen.

[@Smallengine37]

So can I hook this up an do all this right out of the box or do I need to take it to a cb shop.

[@agordon20024]

If you can hook up the power and antenna there is no need for you to go to a cb shop.

[@andrewneidinger3726]

Will this radio pick up P-25 digital systems?

[@F41Driver]

Please, for the love of God, build a 985 with SSB. I love my 980 but I'd really love it with a built-in scanner.

[@davidfulkerson1187]

Andrew Sommers I second that. ssb is awesome, I wish more truckers would use it. Signal goes farther then am.

[@Johnysoutherner]

I heavily agree, a 985 would quickly find its place among my collection

[@morgansorensen9383]

Yes. I agree! 985!!!! Please!

[@WWS5097]

My vote for a 985 also!

[@DieselTrucker2018]

I thought this myself and wished for this and then found this video with this comment. I am 100% FOR IT!!

[@farlowalexify]

Does this come with cigarettes lighter plug instead of hot wire it and also does it come with regular plug for the home

[@DanielNoblett1111]

I like this radio a lot, the only thing I wish it would do is have an inverse display setting light background with black characters, it's hard to read in very bright daylight.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

With these being newish I wonder how hard a peak and tune is

[@CONFUCIUS-f2x]

SINGLE SIDE BAND AND FREEBANDS , DAMMIT , NOW BUILT IT.

[@jasonmiller9495]

I run a little 100 watts kicker with my radio. Would the little amp interfere with the scanner? This is the perfect trucker radio

[@ShorebillyFarmer]

This scanner DOES do P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 TDMA, FDMA and analog........Uniden...PLEAS PLEASE build the Uniden 985 with SSB. and add NOAA weather alerts.....You could charge $500 and they will sell!!!

[@davidvandergrift276]

Does the Uniden BC906W Wireless microphone work with the 885?

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

Does ir have P-25 phase 1 and 2 ?

[@jerrykr7kz]

Can you upgrade the 885 to receive police when dispatcher orders police involved in an incident to move to a given CHANNEL. Example, "Car 2159 and others, move to channel 10, I repeat Channel 10 to clear up MAIN." I live in boise and I hear this a lot. This 885 won't or can't pick up the frequency that Channel 10 is on, or for that matter, any other channels. I suspect that the frequencies for this area is obtain my UNIDEN are only the DISPATCH freq's. It would be ever so nice for people like me to have UNIDEN do further research for a list of police CHANNELS in order for us to upgrade. HUM-m-m? How 'Bout It. . . To those scanner buffs reading this, it agree, do a thumbs up click.

[@johneverest3679]

There all alot of agencies in Texas that still use analog/digital. I just purchased the 885 and it will work here in Texas... I still hear local PD, Sheriffs' departments, VFD's, and ambulances on analog frequencies here in North Texas...

[@wv02m]

Paul please show me the best antenna for the CB side and a alternative antenna for the scanner side.

[@saggon2001]

Which antennas are you all using on the 885? Do the firestik fiberglass antennas work? Mine didn’t come with the antenna.

[@user-jw4xy6vf4e]

I've recently purchased the BT885. So far it's been okay for c.b. side. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any issue with the scanner side with crappy reception? I've purchased another antenna and placed it outside the vehicle hoping I'd get better reception but I'm not. Analog signals are scratchy but audible. Digital signals comes in a few seconds then blanks out for a second then back in. I'm unable to actually hear a conversation of any kind. For 400 bucks I'm not really digging this unit.

[@mickgatz214]

does this scanner work with digital encrypted police channels

[@shutterrecoil]

How to switch to gps after zip code was set?

[@414RadioTech]

It would have been nice if I could have shown the frequency along with whatever else different scanner uses

[@k8ble]

looks good looking forward for a 10 and 11 meters combo w/scanner,,wow

[@JoeR203]

But if the local police are using encryption, you've wasted money.

[@hockeyfreak043]

How many watts is the radio

[@tishiebernath3822]

Can we use this in home just for scanner

[@HondaFit4Adventure]

Yes

[@MrThemeddleman]

Okay, I'm very late on this. Just saw only one of these on the shelf at a Love's in Tennessee just north of Nashville. Not that it matters but, didn't expect to find a 885 amongst everything behind the diesel counter. Looks like everyone wants a 985 version. Not too interested. What peaked my interest was the possibility of someone finally using the wx side of cb antennas ( those typically that arrive on newest of tractors) until I thought to seek out this video, and saw the wire antenna. Reminded me of sharing one antenna with two tx, that will never work. I understand why so many options omitted that could have been possible on this product. I will keep my peace as to why I'd rather have two separate devices in the big rig. Although, outside of my experience with Cobra 29 LX MAX, and it's adaptable features, not to mention the costly yearly fee for iRadar app, this might be a competitive alternative in the long run.

[@andrewking8934]

So when it's scanning will is scan both cb channels and the emergency services at the same time when you're on the road? Or do you have to put it in cb mode or scanner mode?

[@UnidenUpman]

It does both simultaneously.

[@Hotecce1]

hi. are these available to suit the New Zealand frequencies?

[@budgetoverlanding1062]

Can you explain what percentage of police this will pick up? Is it based on frequencies or how those radios operate, ie are they all truncated in operation? And they run split frequencies, does that factor? Thank you! I’m looking forward to buying one.

[@donniesnyder7752]

I'm having trouble locating one of those 885 the hard to find they seem to sell like hotcakes

[@jesussaves3981]

Wish this had ProVoice so we could hear every Bear out there lol. But this looks great though and it is so cool that everything comes with it!! The updatable database via the SD card is amazing! This is what the people want! Looks so user friendly! Integral SWR measurement will help us calibrate our own antennas if need be! I am stoked about this! WHEN CAN I ORDER ONE!!!!??

[@paulgrodkowski5839]

I have been stopped by bears in my youth so many times... I gotta keep learning one of these things may save me one day!!!😋💣🌎🏁🏴‍☠🏴‍☠🏴‍☠ flying the skull & bones in the jolly north

[@NullaNulla]

PLEASE make a SSB version of this that supports 415meg P25P2 in Australia.

[@yamran]

This would be ultimate if you integrated the new R3 into it. Wow. Lens in the rear (for dash top mounting) . A small area on screen dedicated to radar settings and function. But we would need all the current R3 settings available for customization.

[@J_David_Worthington_III]

Does the decode P25 digital signals? Great video!

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes

[@TheFykle]

@@UnidenUpman phase I & II ?

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes.

[@bigwhiskey83]

I have an idea for this scanner/CB unit to make it just a bit sweeter!

[@soupydog1]

Well ????

[@AuctioneerElite]

Do you have to switch back & forth between scanner & cb functions to hear them? If not, what happens if scanner traffic is occurring at same time as cb traffic, do they both play audio at same time & drown each other out?? I don’t understand if you need to switch functions or if it plays scanner & cb audio at same time??

[@AuctioneerElite]

Never mind. You explained it at 9:30 into video. I asked early, thanks.

[@flintbarnes9291]

Can you upgrade the police scanner antenna? Possibly run dual 102s one for CB and the other for the scanner? Or would that be complete overkill? I don’t like the tacky look of the suction cup antenna.

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes, but you would not want to run a CB antenna as the scanner antenna...wrong frequency band in most cases. Since the GPS limits the scan list to local (and normally strong) signals, you don't need much of an antenna for normal use.

[@crosstaylor2492]

Need help with mine

[@jorgezuni2818]

What’s DOT ?

[@HondaFit4Adventure]

Department Of Transportation.

[@markkinslow128]

How do they get by with the fact that it is illegal to have a police scanner in ANY vehicle in EVERY state...

[@151bradhatt]

It's not illegal

[@SuperAjej]

Nobody ever says you need a windows computer to do the manager

[@Rhine_Labs]

Will a din sleeve be available?

[@steviedee71]

We don't have ZIP Codes in Canada we have postal code's will they work as well?

[@847MicRoss]

Are they 5 digits as well?

[@markchicketano6289]

Question for you sir: I don't do a lot of traveling beyond a typical 1 or 2 county area. I know which frequencies and talk-groups I'm interested in listening to and really wouldn't want the scanner to work off the GPS system. Is there a way to program the scanner for a limited # of frequencies or talk-groups so it only listens to a few towns' police and fire departments? Is there perhaps some way to easily delete all the data from the SD card except for those areas you want to listen to??

[@847MicRoss]

I think entering in your zipcode manually on the 885 and locking it will only give you what you want. (Not recommended while driving.) As far as deleting information on the memory card I will have to get back to you. When mine arrives I'll look at the data that gets written to the SD and let you know what I see.

[@Adamdaj]

It's really too bad the Uniden Bear Tracker 885 scanner feature doesn't allow users to program in channels they want monitor as a scanner, even though the primary purpose is a CB Radio.

[@alcolussi2529]

i dont know what the point of putting in your zip code is because this thing picks up everything but the zip code im actually in...

[@madhtrr]

I bought this unit and I love it ... One problem though. Setting talkback to zero is not really zero, and I still get talkback, which turns into feedback when I'm running the radio into my car stereo aux. Am I missing something?

[@richa9073]

My question is - "Beartracking" - what states are still using the low frequency repeaters that these go off on? How well does it work in Texas/Oklahoma - does it still work now that a lot of state highway patrol have gone to P25 systems?

[@UnidenUpman]

See my reply to you at RadioReference.

[@richa9073]

Thanks.

[@nonyabeezzzwaxxx2705]

Well why not answer here too we all want to know.

[@UnidenUpman]

forums.radioreference.com/uniden-prospective-owners/350095-beartracker-885-a-6.html#post2777071

[@JohnnyAGraves]

question..Can i use a mac to update the scanner data base?

[@LuisJoseCasalesPerez]

The police in my community changed their analog equipment for digital equipment, will this equipment help me to listen to its frequency again?

[@JoeR203]

www.radioReference.com Click on Databases, then select Frequency Database. Find your area, county, town. If it says P25E, it's encrypted and you won't hear anything. I don't know if this radio even does P25.

[@amandabunger5820]

The link in product support is not there as shown on the video. Where do I go to update my Beartracker 885 now? I've been searching the Uniden site and it just keeps taking me back to the product page.

[@UnidenUpman]

On the product page it says "To update your BearTracker 885’s scanner database, download, unzip, and install BearTracker 885 Update Manager." (The last part is a link that takes you to get the software.)

[@WhoElseButMe909]

Can you do more details videos of the 885 .

[@arif-jaleabo4097]

2019 I bought identical Uniden model I like it

[@richa9073]

So my real question is GPS - will that be built into any of the new Scanners (coming soon I hope) to replace the 436/536/HP2 - I really like this but don't want to give up my display of my 536 and hate that I have to use an add-on antenna for the 536 for GPS.

[@bobszejk9620]

RF gain control?

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes. The knob on the lower right side.

[@kb6kgx]

It’s good that you can deselect any of the services since, for me, I’m primarily interested in police and fire. By “ambulance”, does that mean only “private” ambulance companies or anything normally categorized as “EMS”? Also, will this radio also receive state forestry departments and National Forest frequencies? These also have a lot of law enforcement and fire-related activity.

[@threesetstofailure9941]

Sounds like LT Dangle from Reno 911

[@roxfire23]

On the scanner side of this unit what bands does it scan ?

[@bwilliams6839]

Does the DOT side of it work with LTR Multinet systems?

[@mrtrido]

Great Video Paul, Thanks Jeff

[@harold17562]

It's Great for us fire police people. Got a radio to talk to trucks plus hear everything other than just our regular fire radio that we keep on 1 channel

[@jss672006]

No download manager software for MacOS?

[@UnidenUpman]

Correct.

[@847MicRoss]

Figures, Buy a Mac they say, it's easy and less problems. Those people must only check there email.

[@jss672006]

@@847MicRoss I'd rather have it for Linux.

[@rickywhite5712]

Can you just program the fire ambulance and police frequencies you want in the radio. It would be nice to have a cb dual band and scanner radio all in one even be able to make phone calls from it

[@dpl2617]

Does this radio have the ability to scan the CB channels?

[@rodneystuder]

No it won't scan cb channels it will only scan police fire ambulance and dot

[@lacrossewieas2411]

Is there 800mhz?

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes, it includes 700/800 MHz

[@georgespeck2289]

enjoyed the video, great CB and scanner combo, what's next that's uniden can come up with?.

[@847MicRoss]

Audio out for megaphone

[@my4re]

Can you power Valentine 1 with the phone jack ?

[@my4re]

No, tried, but show me a custom flush install next to a 10” touch screen!

[@bwilliams6839]

Will this receive LTR Multinet? My local DOT runs on That system and I see this says it receives LTR and I would love to find out if it receive the Multi Net system. If so I’d buy it.

[@glasspaul101]

I can not find the update manager on your website. Can you post a link here please?

[@UnidenUpman]

It is linked on the BearTracker 885's product Page on Uniden's main site. As that link could change from time to time, I won't post it, here, to avoid future conrfusion.

[@Rusted_Link]

@@UnidenUpman too bad it doesn't work!

[@MichaelVafaie]

Can you listen to airplane?

[@pennsylvanianrailfan]

you should be able to they are usually between 120. and 124.

[@RonnieSixx]

Does it get EDACS?

[@UnidenUpman]

Yes

[@RonnieSixx]

Cool, thanks for the reply.

[@boberbib3178]

Yes and no that scanning is usles.my town runs standard anolog digital p25 trunking phase one.there is no encryption in my town.there a very very little encryption In my state.not my town.there's a lot states and towns that still are not encryption.

[@Rusted_Link]

14:26 this does not work anymore

[@rubberdiscoduck]

I'm looking at getting this but I have a issue. More and more cops are encrypting the radio messages. Will the 885 still pick it up. I'm not sure if the signal or the message is encrypted. Please help me with this

[@UnidenUpman]

Encrypted comms cannot be received by anything other than a government-issued radio.

[@cliffordbevis9161]

better make sure these has phase 2 because all police has went to phase 2 system

[@847MicRoss]

Or both

[@robertschlotterbeck4314]

I'll wait to see if Uniden goes the 985 rout, if not, I'll keep my 980 thank you.

[@captainofframp9416]

Can I purchase this through you? There's no info on your channel here on You Tube about who or what or where you are at...?

[@samarthrhegde]

Hi, can it scan air band?

[@847MicRoss]

Are most police channels encrypted now? Yes Is this product useless now? No Where I live they still use normal and encrypted communication. Things like traffic and speed traps I can still hear, but when it's sensitive information involving a shooting etc I will hear them say "Switch to encrypted channel"