Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio Owner Guide

Uniden BEARCAT 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio

About Uniden 
Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufactures and markets wireless consumer electronic products including home security and video security systems, Bearcat® scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios, radar detectors, dash cams, and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Irving, Texas, Uniden sells its products through retailers and distributors throughout North, Central, and South America.

SAFETY NOTICE

The antenna used for this radio must be properly installed and maintained must provide a separation distance of at least 59 cm (23.2 inches) from all persons and must not be collocated or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.  Never transmit if any person is closer than the specified distance to the antenna.

Note that Uniden does not specify or supply any antenna with this transceiver. While a 0 dBi gain antenna is normal for a typical installation, the above limit applies to any antenna with up to 3 dBi gain.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this product or use of accessories not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as provided in the Uniden Owner’s Manual could void your authority to operate this product.

UNPACKING

Your Bearcat 980 SSB contains the following:

• Bearcat 980 SSB CB 2-way mobile radio
• Microphone
• Mounting Bracket Kit
• DC Power Cord
• 6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter
• Owner’s Manual
• Part 95 Subpart D (FCC Rules)

If any items are missing or damaged, contact your place of purchase immediately.

DESCRIPTION

Your Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB represents the highest quality communications device designed for use in the Citizens Band Radio Service. It will operate on any of the 40 AM frequencies authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Warning

• The Citizens Band Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Any adjustments or alterations that would alter the performance of the transceiver’s original FCC-type acceptance, or that would change the frequency-determining method, are strictly prohibited.

• Replacement or substitution of crystal, transistors, ICs, regulator diodes, or any other part of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Uniden, may cause violations of the technical regulations in Part 95 of the FCC Rules or violation of type acceptance requirements in Part 2 of the rules.

EMERGENCY OPERATION

1. Press 9/19/NORM or turn the Channel Selector knob to Channel 9.
2. Press PTT on the microphone and speak clearly.
3. If there is no response, select an active channel and ask that party to relay your emergency broadcast on Channel 9.

Warning

• All channels except Channel 9 may be used for normal communication. The FCC reserves Channel 9 for emergencies involving the immediate safety of individuals or the protection of property. Use Channel 9 to help a motorist. This is an FCC rule and applies to all CB radio operators.

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS

1. Volume Control knob with Power On/Off. Turn the knob clockwise until it clicks to turn the power on. Continue turning the knob clockwise to increase the volume. Turn the Volume Control knob counterclockwise to decrease the volume or until it clicks to turn the power off.
2. SQUELCH knob: Reduces background noise when there is no incoming signal.
3. S/RF/CAL/SWR Meter: Displays Receive signal strength, RF Power, and SWR reading.
4. Channel Number display.
5. Operation buttons and associated LEDs:

• • Talkback: Talkback lets you monitor yourself when transmitting. Press Talkback to activate the function (LED = on). With Talkback active, press and hold the PTT button and adjust the talkback volume with the Channel Selector (Levels 01 – 15). The LED will stay on for 5 seconds after you release the PTT button.
  • RF Gain: Adjusts receive signal sensitivity. With RF Gain active, press and hold the PTT button and adjust the gain levels with the Channel Selector (Levels 1 – 5). The LED will stay on for 5 seconds after being adjusted.
  • MIC Gain: Adjusts microphone gain. Delivers up to 100% modulation. With MIC Gain active, press and hold the PTT button and adjust the gain levels with the Channel Selector (Levels 1 – 4). The LED will stay on for 5 seconds after you release the PTT button.
  • Weather: Press to toggle between Weather and CB channels. Turn the Channel Selector to cycle through the 7 weather channels. (LED off = CB channels; LED on = Weather channels). Press and hold to turn Weather Alert on and off. ALERT displays.

7. Channel Selector/MENU/OK. Press the inner MENU/OK button to select a menu option or other selection. Turn the outer Channel Selector knob to:
   • Select channels.
   • Select Night or Day Modes. Press MENU/OK to set up your preferred day and night mode settings.
   • Select menu modes.
   • Change scan resume direction (up or down).
   • Control Talkback volume.
   • Control RF gain.
   • Control Mic gain level. Warning All channels except Channel 9 may be used for normal communication. The FCC reserves Channel 9 for emergencies involving the immediate safety of individuals or the protection of property. Use Channel 9 to help a motorist. This is an FCC rule and applies to all CB operators.
8.  
9. Microphone socket.
10. Indicators turn on when the function is turned on.
11. S/RF/CAL/SWR: Press to check RF signal strength, calibration, and SWR reading.
12. CB/PA: Selects CB (Citizens Band) or PA (Public Address).
13. MEM/SCAN: Press to start or stop scanning modes [All Channel Scan (see page 12) and Memory Scan (see page 12)]. Press and hold to set or clear channel memory while in Memory mode.
14. 9/19/NORM: Press to switch between emergency channel 9, channel 19, and standard CB channels.
15. Frequency Display: Displays the MHz of the selected channel. Also displays menu options.
16. ANL/NB:
    • Provides 3-way control of ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) or NB (Noise Blanker) features — ANL on, NB on, or both ANL and NB on or off. ANL reduces external noise. NB reduces interference from vehicle ignition systems. Press and hold for one second to turn the key beep tone on and off.
    • AM/USB/LSB: Three-way switch to select AM, USB, or LSB operation.
      Note: Use this button to turn the key beep on and off. Press and hold until BP ON or BP OFF displays.
17. Clarifier: 1.5 kHz. Adjust the Receive Frequency without changing the transmitter frequency (Fine and Course adjustment)
18. Antenna socket: Connects antenna to the unit.
19. PA SP: Connects optional external 8-ohm, 4-watt speaker for use as a public address system.
    Note: To prevent acoustic feedback, separate the microphone from the speaker when operating the PA at high output levels.
20. EXT.SP: Connects 8Ω 4W speaker to remotely monitor receiver.
    Note: When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is off.
21. POWER +12 VDC: Connects DC power to transceiver.
22. FUSE 6A: Provides circuit protection to the transceiver. Inline replaceable.
23. PTT: Push-to-Talk. Push the microphone button.

INSTALLATION

MOBILE INSTALLATION

Note: Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before beginning installation.

1. Select a location that is convenient for operating the radio but does not interfere with the driver or passenger.
2. Install the bracket with self-tapping screws provided.
3. Connect the power cords (see below).
4. Attach the microphone bracket to the side of the radio or car dash.
5. Attach radio to bracket.

Mobile Antenna

• Because the maximum power output of the transmitter is limited by the FCC, the quality of your antenna is very important. To achieve the maximum transmission distance, Uniden strongly recommends that you install only a high-quality antenna. You have just purchased a superior transceiver; don’t diminish its performance by installing an inferior antenna.
• Only a properly matched antenna system will allow maximum power transfer from the 50-ohm transmission line to the radiating element. Your Uniden dealer is qualified to help you select the proper antenna for your requirements. A whip-style antenna may be used for automobile installation.
• A short “loaded” whip antenna is easier to install on an automobile, but its efficiency is less than that of a full quarter-wave whip antenna.

Connecting the Power Cords

• Uniden recommends connecting the power lead to the Ignition Switch Accessory Terminal. This way, the transceiver is automatically turned off when the ignition switch is turned off.
• As an alternative, the power cord may be connected to an available terminal on the fuse block or to a point in the wiring harness. However, caution must be taken to prevent a short circuit. If in doubt, contact your vehicle dealer for information.

Ground Information

Note: This transceiver may be installed and used in any 12-volt DC negative ground system vehicle.

Negative Ground System
With a negative ground system, the negative (-) battery terminal is usually connected to the vehicle motor block.

Connect the red DC power cord from the transceiver to the positive (+) battery terminal or other convenient point.  Then connect the black power cord to the vehicle chassis or negative (-) battery terminal.

INSTALL 6-PIN TO 4-PIN ADAPTER

The Bearcat 980 SSB is pre-configured for Uniden’s new 6-pin wireless, noise-canceling technology, available in 2012. Your Bearcat 980 SSB comes with an adapter to connect the radio’s 6-pin microphone jack to an aftermarket 4-pin microphone.

1. Insert the 6-pin side of the adapter into the Bearcat 980 SSB 6-pin microphone jack connection.
2. Plug a 4-pin microphone connector into the 4-pin side of the adapter.

MARINE INSTALLATION

Consult your dealer for information regarding marine installation. It is important to adequately ground the system and to prevent electrolysis between the fittings in the hull and the water.

USING YOUR BEARCAT 980 SSB

CB MODE

Note: Be sure that the power source, antenna, and microphone are properly connected before proceeding.

BASIC SETTINGS

1. Turn the unit on. Set the volume to a comfortable level.
2. Select channel.
3. Set noise limitations as desired (ANL or NB or both).
4. Adjust Squelch.
   • Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise to receive strong signals.
   • Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until you hear a hiss. All get through — noise, weak signals, and strong signals.
   • Turn SQUELCH back clockwise until the hiss stops. Only clearer signals get through
5. Press RF Gain to set RF gain.
6. Press MIC Gain then press PTT and turn the main control to adjust microphone sensitivity, up to 100% modulation between 1 – 4.
7. Set Backlight color (see page 14).
8. Set LCD Contrast (see page 15).
9. Set Brightness (see page 15).

ALL CHANNEL SCAN

When All Channel Scan is on, the radio scans channels until it receives a signal. It moves to the next channel if it receives no signal after 3 seconds.

1. Press MEM/SCAN twice if in CB mode (once if in MEM mode). SCAN
2. The radio begins scanning upward through the channels.
   • To skip the channel the radio has stopped on, turn the Channel Selector clockwise to move to the next channel or counterclockwise to move to the previous channel. The radio continues scanning in the selected direction.
   • To change to Memory Channel Scan mode, press MEM/SCAN while in All Channel Scan mode (see page 10).
3. To exit All Channel Scan mode, press PTT, 9/19/NORM, WEATHER, or CB/PA.

WEATHER MODE (WX MODE)

Your radio combines a CB radio with a Weather radio and a Weather Alert system. The Weather Alert system sounds a 7-second signal in the event of severe weather when in CB mode. The Weather radio continually broadcasts weather conditions when you are in Weather mode.

1. Press WEATHER. Your radio is now in Weather radio mode.
2. Select 1 of 7 weather channels using Channel Selector.

Note: You cannot change ANL or NB settings while in WX mode. The radio will sound an alert tone.

Set Weather Scan Mode

Weather Scan mode allows the radio to move to the next weather channel if no signal is detected after 3 seconds. Set Weather Scan mode to ON or OFF through the menus.

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. DAY/NT
2. Turn the Channel Selector knob to cycle through the menu options until WXSCAN
3. Press MENU/OK. ON
4. Press MENU/OK to set Weather Scan mode to ON or turn the selection knob until OFF displays and then press MENU/OK to set it. WXSCAN displays again.

Note: If Weather Scan is ON when you turn off the radio, it remains ON.

Left at these settings (WX mode, WX Scan), you will hear only weather broadcasts and Weather Alert signals. To use your CB radio normally while monitoring weather alerts, press WEATHER again.

Set Weather Alert Mode

Weather Alert mode only operates when you are in CB mode; it does not operate in Weather mode. In CB mode, the radio sounds an alert tone when it detects a 1050Hz tone on a weather channel.

• Press and hold WEATHER to turn the Weather Alert on. ALERT displays.

MEMORY MODE

• You can store channels in memory and then scan only those channels.

Save Channels Into Memory

1. Tune to a channel in CB mode.
2. Press and hold MEM/SCAN until SAVE appears (about 2 seconds).
3. Release MEM/SCAN.
4. The radio stays on the saved channel.

Scan Channels in Memory

1. From All Channel Scan mode (see page 12), press MEM/SCAN until MEM and SCAN display; the radio scans memory channels only.
2. Press MEM/SCAN again to return to MEMORY mode or the last channel scanned.

Listen to Channels in Memory

1. Press MEM/SCAN until MEM
2. Turn the Channel Selector knob to hear the channels you saved.

Clear Channels from Memory

1. In MEM mode, select a channel.
2. Press and hold MEM/SCAN until CLEAR
3. Release MEM/SCAN. The radio plays the next channel in memory.

MENUS

Access menus by pressing MENU/OK. The first menu selection is the Day or Night setting.  Turn the Channel Selector knob to change the Day or Night setting.

Press MENU/OK again for:

• Day/Night – display intensity
• COLOR – Backlight color
• CONT – LCD Contrast
• BRIGHT – Brightness
• WXSCAN – Weather Scan mode
• DIAG – Diagnostics
  • Battery Check
  • Antenna Mismatch Check
  • RF Power Check
• Exit

Select Display Mode (Day/Night)

1. Press MENU/OK to access the Day or Night selection.
2. Select the Day or Night mode setting.
3. Press MENU/OK to activate your selection.

Select Backlight Color

1. Press MENU/OK to select the Day or Night setting and then press MENU/OK again to activate your selection.
2. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. Turn the Channel Selector until COLOR
3. Press MENU/OK. Turn the Channel Selector until DAY
4. Press MENU/OK. DAY
5. Turn the Channel Selector to cycle through the available backlight colors or off (none). The selection number for that color displays in that color. The available colors are:
6. Press MENU/OK to select a color. COLOR
7. Repeat these procedures to set the NIGHT backlight color.

Set LCD Contrast

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. Turn the Channel Selector until CONT
2. Press MENU/OK. Turn the Channel Selector until DAY
3. Press MENU/OK. DAY
4. Turn the Channel Selector to cycle through the contrast options. (Lowest = 01; Highest = 15)

5. Press MENU/OK to select the one you want. CONT displays again.
6. Repeat these procedures to set the NIGHT contrast level.

Set Brightness

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. Turn the Channel Selector until BRIGHT
2. Press MENU/OK. DAY
3. Press MENU/OK. DAY
4. Turn the Channel Selector to cycle through the brightness options. (Lowest = 01; Highest = 15)
5. Press MENU/OK to select the one you want. BRIGHT displays again.
6. Repeat these procedures to set the NIGHT brightness level.

Diagnostic Menus

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus.
2. Turn the Channel Selector until DIAG
3. Press MENU/OK to enter the DIAG

From the DIAG  level, you can check battery power levels, antenna mismatch, and RF power levels.

Battery Check

Check the DC power levels if you feel your radio is not performing properly.

1. Once DIAG displays, press MENU/OK; VOLT
2. Press MENU/OK; the battery voltage displays for 2 seconds and then the battery voltage condition displays:
   • PASS – Voltage is good.
   • FAILLO – Voltage is too low.
   • FAILHI – Voltage is too high.
3. Press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG

Antenna Mismatch Check

An antenna mismatch indicates that reception quality may be impaired.

1. Once DIAG displays, press MENU/OK; VOLT
2. Turn the Channel Selector until ANT
3. Press MENU/OK. GO PTT
4. Press and hold PTT. The Antenna Mismatch condition, PASS or FAIL, displays.
5. Release PTT and press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG

RF Power Check

RF alerts indicate that the transmission levels are not acceptable.

1. Once DIAG displays, press MENU/OK; VOLT
2. Turn the Channel Selector until RF OUT
3. Press MENU/OK. GO PTT
4. Press and hold PTT. The RF power condition, PASS or FAIL, displays. (If FAIL displays, see the Troubleshooting section, page 18.)
5. Release PTT: GO PTT
6. Press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG

EXIT Menu

Exit the menus from the main menu levels (COLOR, CONT, BRIGHT, WXSCAN, and DIAG). From this level, turn Channel Selector until EXIT displays. Press MENU/OK. The radio returns to the last operating mode and channel.

OTHER FEATURES

S/RF/CAL/SWR Meter
You can check your incoming signal strength and output power as you use your Bearcat 980 SSB. The 12-column LCD (refer to item number 3 on page 6) displays this data. Press and hold PTT on the microphone to see the RF output power levels. Release PTT to see incoming signal strength.

Calibrate Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)

Check and calibrate the SWR to ensure your antenna system is properly tuned.

1. Connect the antenna.
2. Turn the Channel Selector to set the channel.
3. Press S/RF/CAL/SWR until CAL
4. Press and hold PTT, then rotate the Channel Selector until the bar graph meter is at the CAL point.
5. Press PTT and note the SWR reading. If the reading is > 1.5, follow your antenna’s instructions to adjust the antenna length. Then, repeat this step.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Every six months:

1. Check the SWR.
2. Be sure all electrical connections are tight.
3. Inspect antenna coaxial cable for wear or breaks in shielding.
4. Be sure all screws and mounting hardware are tight.

MAINTENANCE

The Bearcat 980 SSB is designed to give you years of trouble-free service. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. It requires no maintenance except replacing the inline fuse in the fuse holder of the DC power cord.

To replace a blown fuse:

1. Press the ends of the fuse holder together. Twist to open. Carefully separate the two pieces.
2. Remove the fuse and inspect. If blown, replace with the same type of 6-amp fuse.

TROUBLESHOOTING

In the event of system malfunction, perform the following procedures:

If you do not get satisfactory results after performing these checks, call the Uniden Customer Service Center at 1-800-297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.

SERVICING YOUR TRANSCEIVER

Technical information, diagrams, and charts are provided on request. It is the user’s responsibility to see that this radio is operating at all times by the FCC Citizens Radio Service regulations. We highly recommend that you consult a qualified radio/telephone technician for servicing and aligning this CB radio product.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Specifications shown are typical and subject to change without notice.

TWO-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY

Important: Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service.

WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”)

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for two years, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect two years after the date of the original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the owner’s manual for this product.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: If the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, the warrantor will either, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by the warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty. Warrantor, at its option, may replace the unit with a new or refurbished unit. THE LIMITED

LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in the owner’s manual you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). The Product should include all parts and accessories originally packaged with the Product. Include evidence of the original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means,

to warrantor at:

• Uniden America Service C/O Saddle Creek 743 Henrietta Creek Rd., Suite 100 Roanoke, TX 76262
• (800) 297-1023,
• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
• Central, Monday through Friday

FAQs about Uniden BEARCAT 980 40- Channel SSB CB Radio

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