Uniden Bearcat 880 Owner's Manual

Safety Notice

The antenna used for this radio must be properly installed and maintained, providing a separation distance of at least 16.9 inches (43 cm) from all persons. It must not be collocated or operated with any other antenna or transmitter. Never transmit if any person is closer than the specified distance to the antenna.

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.

Unpacking

Your Bearcat 880 contains the following:

• Bearcat 880 CB 2-way mobile radio
• Microphone
• Mounting Bracket Kit
• DC Power Cord
• 6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter
• Reference Guide
• Part 95 Subpart D (FCC Rules)

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

Description

The Uniden Bearcat 880 is a high-quality communications device designed for the Citizens Band Radio Service. It operates on any of the 40 AM frequencies authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The Citizens Band Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the FCC. Any adjustments or alterations that would modify the transceiver's original FCC type acceptance or change the frequency determining method are strictly prohibited. Replacement or substitution of internal parts with non-Uniden recommended parts may violate FCC regulations.

Emergency Operation

1. Press 9/19/NORM or turn the Channel Selector knob to Channel 9.
2. Press PTT 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.

All channels except Channel 9 may be used for normal communication. Channel 9 is reserved by the FCC for emergencies involving immediate safety of individuals or property. Use Channel 9 to assist motorists. This is an FCC rule applicable to all CB radio operators.

Controls and Functions

The front panel of the Uniden Bearcat 880 features a central display showing channel number and operational status. To the left are controls for Volume/Squelch, a S/RF/CAL/SWR meter, and buttons for WX ALERT, MEM SCAN, ANL, and NB. To the right are controls for TALKBACK, MIC GAIN, WEATHER, RF GAIN, and DAY/NIGHT. A large Channel Selector knob surrounds a MENU/OK button. Below the display are channel indicators numbered 1 through 16. Further to the right are buttons for CB/PA and 9/19/NORM.

1. Volume Control: Knob with Power On/Off. Turn clockwise to power on, counterclockwise to power off.
2. SQUELCH knob: Reduces background noise when no signal is incoming.
3. S/RF/CAL/SWR Meter: Displays Send/Receive signal strength, RF Power, and SWR reading.
4. Channel Number display.
5. Operation buttons and associated LEDs:
   • Talkback: Monitors your transmission. Press Talkback to activate (LED on). With Talkback active, press PTT and adjust volume with Channel Selector/MENU/OK knob (Levels 00-15).
   • MIC Gain: Adjusts microphone sensitivity up to 100% modulation. With MIC Gain active, press PTT and adjust gain with Channel Selector/MENU/OK knob (Levels 00-04). If Talkback is on, Talkback volume increases.
   • Weather: Toggles between Weather and CB channels. Turn Channel Selector to cycle through 7 weather channels (LED off = CB, LED on = Weather). Press and hold to turn Weather Alert on/off (ALERT displays).
   • Day/Night: Adjusts LCD backlight sensitivity for Day/Night modes (LED off = Day, LED on = Night).
6. Channel Selector/MENU/OK: Press MENU/OK to select menu options. Turn Channel Selector knob to:
   • Select channels
   • Select menu modes
   • Change scan resume direction
   • Control Talkback volume
   • Control Mic gain level
   • Control Calibration volume
7. Microphone socket.
8. Indicators: Turn on when the function is active.
9. S/RF/CAL/SWR: Push to check RF signal strength, calibration, and SWR reading.
10. CB/PA: Selects CB (Citizens Band) or PA (Public Address). Do not use PA unless an external speaker is connected.
11. MEM/SCAN: Starts or stops scanning modes (All Channel Scan, Memory Scan). Press and hold to set or clear channel memory.

The rear panel includes an Antenna socket, a PA SP (Public Address Speaker) connector, an EXT. SP (External Speaker) connector, a POWER input connector, a Fuse holder, and a PTT (Push-to-Talk) connector for the microphone.

Installation

Mobile Installation

Plan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before installation.

1. Select a convenient location that does not interfere with the driver or passenger.
2. Install bracket with provided self-tapping screws.
3. Connect power cords (see page 9).
4. Attach the microphone bracket to the side of the radio.
5. Attach radio to bracket.

Mobile Antenna

Antenna quality is crucial for maximum transmission distance, as output power is FCC limited. Uniden recommends a high-quality antenna. A properly matched antenna system ensures maximum power transfer. Consult your Uniden dealer for antenna selection. A whip style antenna is suitable for automobiles. Short 'loaded' whip antennas are easier to install but less efficient than full quarter-wave whips.

Connecting the Power Cords

Uniden recommends connecting the power lead to the Ignition Switch Accessory Terminal for automatic power-off when the ignition is turned off. Alternatively, connect to an available fuse block terminal or wiring harness point, taking caution to prevent short circuits. Consult your vehicle dealer if unsure.

Ground Information

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 typically connected to the vehicle motor block. Connect the red DC power cord from the transceiver to the positive (+) battery terminal or another convenient point. Then, connect the black power cord to the vehicle chassis or the negative (-) battery terminal.

Install 6-Pin to 4-Pin Adapter

The Bearcat 880 is pre-configured for Uniden's 6-pin wireless, noise-cancelling microphone. An adapter is included to connect the radio's 6-pin microphone to a standard 4-pin microphone.

1. Insert the 6-pin side of the adapter into the Bearcat 880's 6-pin microphone connection.
2. Plug a standard 4-pin microphone connector into the 4-pin side of the adapter.

Marine Installation

Consult your dealer for marine installation guidance. Proper grounding and prevention of electrolysis between hull fittings and water are important.

Using Your Bearcat 880

CB Mode

Ensure the power source, antenna, and microphone are properly connected before proceeding.

Basic Settings

1. Turn the unit on. Set volume to a comfortable level.
2. Select channel.
3. Set noise limitations (ANL/NB) as desired.
4. Adjust Squelch:
   • Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise for only strong signals.
   • Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until a hiss is heard (all signals pass).
   • Turn SQUELCH back clockwise until the hiss stops (only clearer signals pass).

   Set SQUELCH only when the radio is not receiving a strong signal.

5. Set RF Gain for RF gain sensitivity.
6. Press MIC Gain to toggle microphone sensitivity between High and Low (LED on = High, LED off = Low).
7. Set Backlight color (see page 14).
8. Set LCD Contrast (see page 14).
9. Set Brightness (see page 15).

All Channel Scan

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

1. Press MEM/SCAN once (twice in Memory mode). SCAN displays.
2. The radio scans channels upward.
   • To skip a stopped channel, turn Channel Selector clockwise (next channel) or counterclockwise (previous channel). Scanning continues in the selected direction.
   • To switch to Memory Channel Scan, press MEM/SCAN while in All Channel Scan mode.
3. To exit All Channel Scan, press PTT, 9/19/NORM, WEATHER, or CB/PA.

Weather Mode (WX Mode)

Your radio combines CB, Weather radio, and Weather Alert functions. The Weather Alert system provides a seven-second signal for severe weather in CB mode. The Weather radio broadcasts conditions when in Weather mode.

1. Press WEATHER. The radio enters Weather radio mode.
2. Select one of 7 weather channels using the Channel Selector.

ANL or NB settings cannot be changed 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. Configure this mode via the menus.

1. Press MENU/OK to access menus. COLOR displays.
2. Turn Channel Selector to cycle through menu options until WXSCAN displays.
3. Press MENU/OK. ON displays.
4. Press MENU/OK to set Weather Scan to ON, or turn the selector until OFF displays and press MENU/OK to set it. WXSCAN displays again.

If Weather Scan is ON when the radio is turned off, it remains ON.

With WX mode and WX Scan active, only weather broadcasts and alerts are heard. To use CB radio normally while monitoring weather alerts, press WEATHER again.

Set Weather Alert Mode

Weather Alert mode operates only in CB mode, not 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 Weather Alert on (WEATHER LED illuminates).

Memory Mode

Select and store channels for scanning only those specific channels.

Save Channels Into Memory

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

Scan Channels in Memory

1. From All Channel Scan mode, press MEM/SCAN until MEM SCAN displays to scan only memory channels.
2. Press MEM/SCAN again to return to Memory mode or the last scanned channel.

Listen to Channels in Memory

1. Press MEM/SCAN until MEM displays.
2. Turn the Channel Selector knob; only saved channels will be heard.

Clear Channels from Memory

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

Menus

Access menus by pressing MENU/OK. The first menu, COLOR, displays. Turn the Channel Selector knob to cycle through other menus:

• COLOR - Backlight color
• CONT - LCD Contrast
• BRIGHT - Brightness
• WXSCAN - Weather Scan mode
• DIAG - Diagnostics (Battery Check, Antenna Mismatch Check, RF Power Check)
• Exit

Select Backlight Color

1. Press MENU/OK. Turn Channel Selector until COLOR displays.
2. Press MENU/OK. Turn Channel Selector until DAY displays.
3. Press MENU/OK. DAY blinks.
4. Turn Channel Selector to cycle through available backlight colors or OFF. The selection number for the color displays in that color. Available colors:

   Option No.	Color	Option No.	Color
   0	None (Off)	4	Red
   1	Blue	5	Magenta
   2	Green	6	Yellow
   3	Cyan	7	White

5. Press MENU/OK to select the color. COLOR displays.
6. Repeat for the NIGHT backlight color.

Set LCD Contrast

1. Press MENU/OK. Turn Channel Selector until CONT displays.
2. Press MENU/OK. Turn Channel Selector until DAY displays.
3. Press MENU/OK. DAY blinks.
4. Turn Channel Selector to cycle through contrast options (Lowest = 00; Highest = 15).
5. Press MENU/OK to select. CONT displays again.
6. Repeat for the NIGHT contrast level.

Set Brightness

1. Press MENU/OK. Turn Channel Selector until BRIGHT displays.
2. Press MENU/OK. DAY displays.
3. Press MENU/OK. DAY blinks.
4. Turn Channel Selector to cycle through brightness options (Lowest = 00; Highest = 15).
5. Press MENU/OK to select. BRIGHT displays again.
6. Repeat for the NIGHT brightness level.

Diagnostic Menus

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

Battery Check

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

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

RF Power Check

RF alerts indicate unacceptable transmission levels.

1. Once DIAG displays, press MENU/OK; VOLT displays.
2. Turn Channel Selector until RF OUT displays.
3. Press MENU/OK. GO PTT displays.
4. Press and hold PTT. RF power condition (PASS or FAIL) displays. (If FAIL, refer to Troubleshooting section, page 17.)
5. Release PTT: GO PTT displays.
6. Press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG level.

Antenna Mismatch Check

An antenna mismatch may impair reception quality.

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

EXIT Menu

Exit menus (COLOR, CONT, BRIGHT, WXSCAN, DIAG) by turning the Channel Selector until EXIT displays, then press MENU/OK. The radio returns to the last operating mode and channel.

Other Features

S/RF/CAL/SWR Meter

Check incoming and outgoing signal strength and wattage. The 12-column LCD display shows this data. Press and hold PTT to see RF output power levels; release PTT to see incoming signal strength.

Calibrate Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)

Check and calibrate SWR for effective power usage.

1. Press S/RF/CAL/SWR until CAL appears.
2. Press and hold PTT, then rotate the channel selector to the CAL point on the bar graph meter.
3. Press S/RF/CAL/SWR until SWR appears.
4. Press PTT and note the SWR reading. Release PTT. If the reading is > 1.5, follow your antenna's instructions to adjust antenna length, then repeat this step.

Preventive Maintenance

Every six months:

• Check the SWR.
• Ensure all electrical connections are tight.
• Inspect antenna coaxial cable for wear or breaks in shielding.
• Ensure all screws and mounting hardware are tight.

Maintenance

The Bearcat 880 is designed for trouble-free service with no user-serviceable parts inside, except for the fuse in the DC power cord.

To Replace a Blown Fuse:

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

Use only the specified fuse for your Bearcat 880. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

Troubleshooting

In case of system malfunction, follow these procedures:

If satisfactory results are not achieved, visit the Uniden website (www.uniden.com) for troubleshooting and FAQ information.

Servicing Your Transceiver

Users are responsible for ensuring the radio operates according to FCC Citizens Radio Service regulations. Consult a qualified radio/telephone technician for servicing and aligning this CB radio product.

When ordering parts, specify the correct model number and serial number.

Specifications

General

Transmitter

Receiver

Public Address

Specifications are typical and subject to change without notice.

FCC Part 15 & IC Compliance

FCC Part 15 Compliance

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

(French summary: This device has been tested and found to comply with Article 15 of FCC regulations. Operation is subject to conditions: 1) it must not cause harmful interference, and 2) it must accept interference, including that which may affect its operation. Unauthorized modifications may void the user's right to operate the equipment.)

IC Compliance

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) it must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

(French summary: This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standards. Operation is subject to conditions: 1) it must not cause harmful interference, and 2) it must accept interference, including that which may affect its normal operation. Unauthorized modifications may void the user's right to operate the equipment.)

One-Year Limited Warranty

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

WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”)

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants this Product to the original retail owner for one year, free from defects in materials and craftsmanship, subject to limitations and exclusions.

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty terminates one year after the original retail sale date. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained, (B) modified or altered, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by unauthorized personnel, (E) used with non-Uniden equipment, or (F) installed/programmed by anyone other than as detailed in the owner's manual.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: If the product does not conform to warranty, Uniden will, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit without charge for parts, service, or other costs (except shipping/handling). Uniden may replace the unit with a new or refurbished unit. This limited warranty is the sole and entire warranty and excludes all other warranties, express or implied. It does not cover incidental or consequential damages.

Some states do not allow limitations on incidental or consequential damages.

LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If the Product is defective after following manual instructions, pack it carefully (preferably in original packaging) with all original parts and accessories. Include proof of purchase and a note describing the defect. Ship freight prepaid, by traceable means, to: Uniden America Service, C/O Saddle Creek, 743 Henrietta Creek Rd., Suite 100, Roanoke, TX 76262.

Radio Code Definitions

The following list contains common "10-Codes" used by CB radio operators for faster communication and better understanding.