Uniden Bearcat 980SSB CB Radio - Detailed Overview, Demo and First Impressions

[@jeremycrumrine6091]

Why can’t all walkthrough and review videos be like this one? Very well spoken and to the point. Thank you for the information.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks, glad you liked this!

[@driversseat523]

Ok kids, this is how you do a complete review of a product on KZbin. Kudos to you sir, for the best review ever. Thank you.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks!

[@lowelltackett3323]

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!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Trig242]

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.

[@JohnSmith-cf4gn]

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.

[@user-my8zo8uh3n]

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.......

[@akbychoice]

Not many use a CB now, hence more pile up accidents and backed up traffic. No communication between drivers like there once was.

[@JamesSmith-mp6by]

Best video on bearcat 980ssb. Very easy to understand.👍👍👍

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I have this sitting on a shelf, been meaning to mount it. This was a helpful video!

[@tylerdean980]

When you gonna do a CB radio video?

[@wiscogsxr9504]

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

[@jpb5385]

Began looking at this unit today and found your excellent review. Thank you!

[@stevenjackson7067]

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

[@WarbirdPhoenix]

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.

[@tonydcola]

This is the best review I have ever seen. I just subscribed to your channel. You make everything so clear and easy to understand. Thank you for being so thorough. This is the radio. I am getting ready buy.

[@Captain1717Q]

Best review of this radio I've seen on the internet outstanding job 73

[@Captain1717Q]

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

[@user-my8zo8uh3n]

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

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks!

[@daveshea4209]

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.

[@richeastmain4031]

I’ve had this radio for a few years but I picked up some great info from this video. Thanks!

[@coblecam]

Great review! I've been considering this for my next purchase, and think it would be a great addition to my station. 73!

[@bkdexter79]

You explained all this very well and CONSICELY! Keep up the good work!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks!

[@junglejoecvideogates9705]

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]

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

[@junglejoecvideogates9705]

@@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

[@cadesmith4278]

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!

[@SevenFortyOne]

glad you enjoyed this!

[@sidjustus]

my 880 does the same thing, and the best radio I've ever had was a grant xl

[@richardmcdonald1938]

I recently bought a bearcat 980 the same radio you have I love it thank you for the overview

[@JohanPolson]

Excellent video You explained it very well for somebody like myself that does not know a whole lot about CB radios. Thank you.

[@Rusted_Link]

I love you guys that do these reviews. I won't even need to open the manual.

[@johnsewell1014]

Question: Would using the antenna diagnostic feature be adequate when tuning the antenna?

[@SevenFortyOne]

It will get you in the ballpark.

[@LouieNYI09]

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

[@Trashcan_Repairman]

Me too!! 357 NWCT waving!!

[@Trashcan_Repairman]

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!!

[@spiritualtraveler5473]

Thanks for the review a beautiful looking radio.

[@flintdavis2]

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?

[@BananaJSSI]

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

[@vintageguitarz1]

I just bought one thru Amazon, LOVE IT!!

[@Timberwolf191]

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!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Cool!

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have the non ssb 880, fantastic radio, thanks for the video Rob 👍

[@tonkaaddict7141]

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?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I have had good luck with fire stick antennas but some people like the Wilson 1000 better

[@djk8541]

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

[@icorezx14r]

Thanks for the vid. That's a much bigger brick than I was expecting.

[@FarpointFarms]

Great radio and great review! Glad to see some CB love here!! Hope you are doing well my friend!

[@SevenFortyOne]

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!

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

@@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 ?

[@Cqdx11]

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.

[@drjohnsonhungwell5115]

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

[@Tappedline]

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.

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

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 😎🇺🇸📡🎙

[@d32b44]

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

[@regisplump914]

Thank you, very helpful for me as a beginner. Got my 980ssb but can't get the antenna check via DIAG option..any suggestions?

[@clydeosterhout1221]

It has been 3 years. How is the display holding up? I have heard complaints about it failing.

[@SevenFortyOne]

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.

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

@SevenFortyOne Uniden Bearcat 980SSB CB Radio, a year & a half later do you still like it? I’m strongly considering buying this radio soon.

[@SevenFortyOne]

It's a decent radio but I think I like the president McKinley a little better

[@TheBGBstudio]

Thank you for this video, it saved me reading the manual!!! 😅

[@rrtdave]

Thanks! Bought one for a Christmas present for a friend. Might change the microphone, looking simple, maybe D-104...Great explanation!!

[@SevenFortyOne]

I don't like the stock mic...a replacent mic will serve you well.

[@Greg-zr4wm]

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

[@NoHandleNameScrewTube]

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!

[@harryallenpearce89]

Is there a instruction on removing the filter? I took the microphone apart, then realized, I don’t know what I’m doing, lol

[@Greg-zr4wm]

@@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

[@JKBowman]

Fantastic presentation!

[@francismcclaughry3794]

it is a nice radio and I got mine for a hundred which is cheap in today's standards

[@spirittravels.]

Nice video. In your opinion, which radio is best in terms of quality received audio and transmit audio. Thanks.

[@kIdRock7fan]

Awesome video. Really helpful for calibration on it!

[@JIMMorey1]

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.

[@alexisnavarro8734]

So I got this same radio but in the diagnose my antenna is failing, what can I do to fix that? Tia

[@SevenFortyOne]

Try another antenna?

[@Bigbrian12345]

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!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Wolcott radio online is pretty good. I don't think there are any CB shops left in CT aside from maybe truck stops

[@steveburnham5073]

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?

[@SevenFortyOne]

Is it just making the noise when you turn it on and it's fine otherwise? If so, that's nirmal

[@steveburnham5073]

@@SevenFortyOne, yes the rest fine and thank you for the reply back.

[@jmarquez03]

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.

[@SevenFortyOne]

You'll have plenty of people to talk to 7n Enfield

[@jmarquez03]

@@SevenFortyOne Glad to hear. I have plenty to learn but am looking forward to figuring it all out.

[@jmarquez03]

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]

I have no idea, is that a cb antenna or something 3lse? The swr reading makes me think your antenna is too short

[@jmarquez03]

@@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.

[@kulkajim]

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?

[@SevenFortyOne]

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.

[@leovidallon]

Hi..sir did you have 2meter radio that you did not use..

[@PennSyx]

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

[@SevenFortyOne]

I doubt you are being ignored if. Hard to say what is going on without being there myself...

[@thespiritof76.]

Very good explanation! Thanks.

[@BrandonSwogger121]

I've got this unit and can recieve but can not transmit. Any help?

[@kilobyts5703]

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

[@ostensiblysapient5615]

Thanks for the video! What would you say is the best CB Radio and microphone that I could buy?

[@SevenFortyOne]

That really depends on what you want to do, where you are using the radio, and how much you want to spend.

[@27julio]

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.

[@BillCoSmith]

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.

[@michelst-jacques9555]

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.

[@vashino4829]

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..

[@alvindueck8227]

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?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I've had good luck with Fire Sticks but there are lots of options that will work well. Wilson antennas, K40, Etc...

[@kenn743]

i like this channel 73-51 from denmark

[@MowerJunkie]

Very cool! Enjoy Your new radio. Thanks for sharing, 73's from 151 SC.

[@SevenFortyOne]

151 .... Iron Duke?

[@MowerJunkie]

@@SevenFortyOne You know it buddy! Best Engine ever built!

[@SevenFortyOne]

@@MowerJunkie I had one back in the day...it was a good engine and a good car.

[@sorehair7075]

can this radio be modified? One of my local repair shops said that uniden hasnt released the schematics so they cant tweak n peak.

[@marktaylor9975]

Modified thru boards I seen a few modes and a few boards.

[@robertholloway4179]

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

[@HomemakingWithHesed]

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?

[@SevenFortyOne]

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

[@carma518187]

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🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤫

[@sgtdanielty]

Does this radio let you adjust the swr? Or see the swr readings?

[@SevenFortyOne]

You can measure swr but you can't adjust it, you need a tuner for that

[@garyseward7058]

good video is it legal in the UK from Gary.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I don't know the laws in the UK...check with Fred in the shed on KZbin

[@kerbyruiz-harrigan9909]

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.

[@SevenFortyOne]

not sure....

[@anthonyglaser929]

thanks for posting this video. it's a big help. What SDR setup do you use? Or which SDR setup do you like best?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I'm using the SDRplay RSPdx and SDRuno software

[@kenn743]

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

[@SevenFortyOne]

No

[@thatfonkyhonky336]

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

[@dennisriblett4622]

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.

[@NoHandleNameScrewTube]

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.

[@travel4you573]

Very discriptive and informative video excellent Job

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thank you!

[@nickedens3358]

Would the tram 300 antenna work with this radio for indoor use?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I don't know anything about that antenna but if it is made for a cb it will work. It may not work well indoors though...cb antennas are always best outdoors and as high in the air as possible

[@nickedens3358]

@@SevenFortyOne ok thank you

[@MrLesliedavidson]

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?

[@SevenFortyOne]

I've never lived in a city so I really can't make a video from that perspective

[@gregellis5435]

Thanks for the review - Very helpful to get to know my new radio Is it possible to adjust the RF Gain directly or is it necessary to go into the menu every time I want to make an adjustment? I tend to play with the RF Gain to adjust for signal strength of an incoming signal. Am I going about things wrong? Thanks again.

[@SevenFortyOne]

You have to push and hold the RF gain button each time you want to adjust it

[@binaryglitch64]

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.

[@SevenFortyOne]

I'm glad you liked this, thanks for letting me know!

[@binaryglitch64]

@@SevenFortyOne I don't often sub within a few vids, but I did yesterday. You earned it, keep up the great work.

[@autistichead8137]

Excellent. Can you listen to NOAA stations on this radio?

[@SevenFortyOne]

yes

[@b3j8]

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!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Yes that's an frg7700...I've had mine for something like 30 years now

[@michigannative2951]

Cool video thanks for sharing this information with us.

[@k3dydxing708]

Sounded like Packet Radio on 23 LSB as you powered on?

[@troydhansen4990]

Just bought a new one online yesterday for $60 with free shipping. Score!!!

[@SevenFortyOne]

Wow... That's a fantastic deal!

[@e.s.l5861]

That’sa great deal. I was stoked when I got one used like new for $107 out the door on amazon

[@sledgehammer9739]

How popular are CB radios these days? I haven't used one since the mid 80's.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Still pretty popular

[@leonlove9605]

I have a 980 have had 2of them why do they all get hot after running a few hours

[@SevenFortyOne]

Not sure...just the way they are made I guess

[@johnmiyahara2025]

What software defined receiver do you use?

[@SevenFortyOne]

SDRplay RSPDX

[@klv400]

Awesome demonstration.

[@crazycat8817]

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?

[@marktaylor9975]

If new it should have came with one. Check eBay.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Turner mic has better presence.

[@TheProsaicCult]

is there an ac adaptor?

[@kilobyts5703]

What is the best antenna for the uniden 980ssb wilson 1000 or k30 magnet mount

[@SevenFortyOne]

I like the wilson 1000 better than the k30. But I've had good luck with the k40 too

[@kilobyts5703]

@@SevenFortyOne thank you sir iwill return the k30 then and ill get the wilson 1000

[@alexmcleod3883]

Great video! Thank you.

[@mailmannb7970]

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.