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

Let's take a look at the Uniden Bearcat 980SSB CB Radio.
Product Page: amzn.to/32bnnOz
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#cbradio #shortwave #hamradio

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@JamesSmith-mp6by]

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

[@jpb5385]

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

[@richeastmain4031]

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

[@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

[@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

[@coblecam]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@Rusted_Link]

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

[@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.

[@richardmcdonald1938]

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

[@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.

[@JohanPolson]

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

[@308hit]

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

[@308hit]

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

[@bkdexter79]

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

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks for sharing. I might have to consider this someday.

[@maikerumine]

Excellent review, man! Made me want to buy one actually. :)

[@kIdRock7fan]

Awesome video. Really helpful for calibration on it!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@kevinblair191]

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!

[@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!

[@vintageguitarz1]

I just bought one thru Amazon, LOVE IT!!

[@JKBowman]

Fantastic presentation!

[@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

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@michigannative2951]

Cool video thanks for sharing this information with us.

[@icorezx14r]

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

[@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.

[@klv400]

Awesome demonstration.

[@TheBGBstudio]

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

[@wileycavanah7202]

Great review, thanks.

[@alexmcleod3883]

Great video! Thank you.

[@thespiritof76.]

Very good explanation! Thanks.

[@robertduncan2742]

Great review, with things going on in the world this should be a good one you think

[@meep2059]

Superb explanation!

[@SuperMeganw]

video good video nice RADIO from Gary in the UK 73.

[@travel4you573]

Very discriptive and informative video excellent Job

[@SevenFortyOne]

Thank you!

[@LEXPIX]

That's a nice looking rig.

[@markgabello58]

Good review

[@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

[@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

[@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🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤫

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Wildersport]

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...

[@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

[@dobermanpac1064]

Nice info.

[@JamesOrcutt]

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

[@SevenFortyOne]

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

[@spirittravels.]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@hwsadberry6781]

Nicely done.

[@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.

[@ruggugglan]

Looks a lot like the Grant 2. Good video

[@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

[@madjack-1145]

Use the 980 as my base station. Excellent sidebander radio.

[@thewatcher5271]

What Brand Of Power Supply Do You Use?

[@madjack-1145]

@@thewatcher5271 Pyramid ps8kx

[@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

[@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..

[@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

[@gone2dmtns]

All that's missing is the Roger Beep 😁

[@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?

[@kenn743]

i like this channel 73-51 from denmark

[@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

[@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

[@adamwolf4041]

Excellent video, thank you. What type of radio software are you using?

[@SevenFortyOne]

Its an SDRplay radio using SDRuno

[@jeffsidell1495]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@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

[@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

[@just_in_time5518]

Nice review. But i think ill stick with my old cobra! lol

[@spankthemonkey3437]

@SevenFortyOne I got the president Lincoln 2+ or v3. I was looking at this radio but i was told it was too hard to unlock the clarifier and add extra channels. I do like the looks of the bearcat but that's about it. I when I got my Lincoln 2+ in I put the half watt 1k ohm resistor in it and took the audio limiter out so the radio would swing to 45 to 50 watts depending on swr 1.1 or 1.2, the radio sounds real good without the Audio limiter it's not like other radio when you remove it. I can easily turn the mic gain down to control the pep or swing power. The channel nob is continus rotating it acts like a vfo and has a 6 digit frequency counter. It has a clarifier but it doesn't even sound like it does anything 🤷🤣. No need for clarifier if you have a VFO. Push in channel knob and you can select which digit or Hertz you want to adjust. It goes from 24.7 mhz to 30.1mhz and literally every Hertz in between 😊. In other words it's a 10 and 12 meter ham radio that works on CB frequency too. Even works in 25 mhz too🤫. It also has of course AM, FM, upper and lower side band and has CW or Morse code too. For $240 dollars you can't beat what this radio does. It also has different colors for screen lights and brightness adjustment, I like the blue light. The only radio I loved more than this was an old Midland 7001 precision series made in 1981 had ssb and extra channels but dang that thing sounded good on SSB, it sounded like a ham radio. That's another story I got that old Midland in 2015 when I was first getting into CB radio, this guy sold radios and I wanted a SSB so he sold me a brand new 148 pop the transitor after about a week he warranty it and gave me another it popped again in three days 🤣 yet again he gave me another one just to see what happens and in 5 days pop goes the Cobra 🤣. He turned the radios up himself that's probably why. He said the New 148s have bad transitors in them so he said I got something for you he gave me this kinda beat up ugly green thing had a couple little dents and a few scratches and a cracked knob. But that Midland out perform many other radios around on sound quality. Right on frequency didn't drift any I loved that radio it lasted me about a year and half before it bowed out on me😔.

[@spankthemonkey3437]

Another thing I forgot to mention it has adjustable echo 2 different adjusts. And it also has 10 meter repeater capability split shift frequency and ctcs and dcs tones for repeater

[@gazzabyerun9556]

Wondering if you did a review on the wireless mike by Uniden? Nice job, i have been considering on getting this radio but been holding off to pull the trigger, saw some un happy people about the screen display fading away!

[@SevenFortyOne]

I've not reviewed the wireless mic so I can't comment on that. Ad far as the screen goes,vive heard that too but my radio seems fine so far . Mine lives in 4he house though so I wonder if screen problems are more likely if the radio is mounted in a car

[@scott762mm]

Cool radios.

[@icesecurity]

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.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Check out channel 39 lower sideband. That's where most of the local CT activity is

[@icesecurity]

@@SevenFortyOne I will, thanks.

[@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.

[@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.

[@27julioo]

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.

[@jacakjacak]

What a clear and nice review , I was just looking to buy not to expensive cb radio with ssb for my small car , will buy exactly this one . By the way , what kind of camera did you use to make this movie , its so good quality ? Thank you very much , 73 from ve6pll , before sq5nbz.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Glad this was helpful!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@Oldcomputer]

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

[@thatfonkyhonky336]

By the way to adjust your transmit frequency to zero it in it is L215 216 and 217

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

A very informative video, thanks. I wonder if they will bring out a version which includes FM now the FCC allow it? Here in the UK the rig does hot have FM and is the US version but the price is almost double at £296.00!!

[@SevenFortyOne]

I have a feeling you'll see president release an fm version of the McKinley before bearcat updates this radio

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

@@SevenFortyOne Thanks for the reply. I'm sure FM was the true marketing reason behind the industry petitioning the FCC to allow it.

[@k3dydxing708]

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

[@rebelredRC]

Been debating on switching from my cobra 29 lx to one of these

[@SevenFortyOne]

I'd look at the McKinley too...in fact, I'll have a video on Friday that may help you

[@johnsewell1014]

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

[@SevenFortyOne]

It will get you in the ballpark.

[@leovidallon]

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