Uniden Bearcat 980 is a SSB performance driven CB radio with an impressive design and stunning multicolor display. Loaded with advanced features, this easy to set up CB radio is great for monitoring both weather and CB communication.
We highly recommend the powerful CB for truckers, pickups and job sites for it’s high quality performance.
So if you are someone with a long drive ahead of you, Uniden 980 SSB is definitely your choice!
Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Features ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | User Interface ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Value for money ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
It brings the best in class features with a power-packed performance. This CB radio giant offers you high-quality long-range communication | Bearcat 980 is loaded with cutting edge features. The gorgeous 7- Color Digital Display, PA/CB Switch, and the noise-canceling mic are only a few to count | The stunningly large and easy to read display makes life easy for you. The nicely laid out interface provides you the most convenient operation environment | Despite being priced at a $150 range, Bearcat 980 assures you a surprisingly good and top-notch experience for your money |
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Uniden 980 SSB Review
With Bearcat 980, the age-old wireless communication industry legend Uniden offers you features that blend well with the technology of today’s world.
Bearcat 980 is Uniden’s answer to the long-sought question to provide an advanced CB radio with SSB functionality. With a fresh and efficient design and a massive color LCD display, this super modern CB radio is one of a kind from Uniden.
One of the best CB radio ever made, Uniden 980 SSB radio offers you a large-sized radio with advanced features and impressive design at an affordable price.
Here is a detailed review of the CB radio from xRoadGPS!
Modulation
Uniden 980 SSB CB radio offers you a full spectrum CB operation and instantly switches to emergency channel 9. With a simple push of a button, you can access the NOAA weather channels.
Supporting SSB, the Bearcat 980 SSB transmits between 5 to 8 watts on AM and has 10 to 12 watts SSB peak. With a bit of fine-tuning, you can enhance it to 15 watts.
The integrated SWR assures you perfect antenna matching and the calibration is awesome. You get a clean reception of the AM stations and the signals even at the edge of the reception are astonishingly crisp and clear.
The local/DX switch comes handy for you to filter local signals from long-range signals to reduce channel interference.
Range
If you are looking for long-range communication, Uniden Bearcat 980 is a must-have for you. The Single Side Band (SSB) capability brings you the ultimate CB experience by allowing you to broadcast at 12 watts – effectively tripling the distance you can broadcast- perfect for the CBer who wants to reach as far as possible.
In fact, this CB holds a key place in our list of best SSB CB radios.
Equipped with the RF gain feature, the CB can adjust the receive gain in weak and strong signal areas, keeping you in the range all the time during long motoring.
Another major advantage of the device is its compatibility with all CB antennas on the market. The integrated SWR gives perfect antenna matching. Cable connection utilizes standard CB PL-259 connection.
Perfect CB for long-distance communication
Uniden Bearcat 980 is an advanced CB radio with SSB perfect for users frequently in need to communicate over long distances. So if you have a long drive ahead, go for it.
Great to monitor the weather and CB communications, the compact Uniden 980 SSB CB radio can decently function as your base station radio.
Equipped with PA capability, Uniden Bearcat 980 can function efficiently as a public address system with a PA speaker. It also assures you monitoring of incoming signals through PA.
User-friendly and feature-rich
Everyone expects a user-friendly experience with gadgets and Uniden Bearcat 980 is above those expectations. Its high-tech interface has a 7-color digital display that comes fully equipped with a
- Digital SWR meter
- Radio diagnostics
- PA capability
- Channel scanning
- Dimmer switch
This device is really going to surprise you with other features including
- Weather
- Built-in SWR
- Channel scanning (LSB/USB/AM)
- PA/CB/NOAA switch
- Dynamic boost
- High SWR indicator
- Instant channel 9/19
- Noise reduction (NB/ANL)
- RF and mic gain
The Noise Blanker and Automatic Noise Limiter (NB/ANL) in Uniden Bearcat 980 perform well to reduce the amount of unwanted static, or interference from sources like ignition noise, power lines, inverters, etc. Trapped among blaring engines on the highway? This feature will save you.
The Radio Check Diagnostic is another lifesaver feature you will notice in Uniden Bearcat 980. It provides you information on critical CB aspects such as battery voltage, RF power, and antenna condition.
Radio mounts with “U” mounting bracket to any flat surface- be it professional type vehicles, everyday cars or homemaking life easier for you.
Massive multicolor digital display
The CB radio will surely amaze you with the massive, multicolor digital display. The enormous display offers information on all radio functions, can be set to one of seven colors and can be dimmed for night driving.
A convenient feature to switch display colors between the night and day profiles is something that you are going to love.
This massive backlit and color customizable digital display has an illuminated control panel with 7 color personalized display options for easy use in all lighting conditions. The Uniden 980 display also features easy-to-read laser-etched keys. Once you get the hang of it, the menus are easy to navigate and all that you need to know appears on the display, be it the CB channel, frequency, digital SRF, and SWR meters or other radio functions.
Best in class noise-canceling mic
Uniden Bearcat 980 offers you crystal clear communication with the best in class noise-canceling mic that reduces background noise. It is also loaded with features like memory channel scan, dynamic squelch control, and a noise blanker filter to reduce background noise. For increased voice clarity, an adjustable microphone gain feature is also included.
What more do you ask for?
Unlike most CB mics with a 4 pin plug, Uniden Bearcat 980 comes with a 6 pin plug. Need not worry, you can use another mic conveniently with the adapter included in the package. The six-pin microphone is also compatible with Uniden’s new wireless microphone technology.
The compatible extra-long microphone cord comes in very handy when you consider the 980 SSB for larger vehicles. So no worries if you want to pass the mic back to your buddies in the back seat.
Minor Drawbacks of Uniden Bearcat 980
Sunlight readability of Uniden Bearcat 980 display is a little lacking even when set all the way. It won’t be a showstopper if you’re not messing with all the options while driving.
FAQ
Wrapping Up!
Uniden‘s modern and feature-rich CB radio Bearcat 980 SSB sets a benchmark for modern consumer-grade CB radios.
This is a great deal for any serious CB users. I am damn sure that it’s advanced features and interfaces will tempt even the hardcore two-way radio engineers.
With a customizable multi-color digital display, scan functionality, noise-canceling mic, on-board diagnostics and SSB at an affordable price range, Uniden Bearcat 980 is an offer you cannot refuse.
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