Uniden Bearcat 880FM 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.

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.

Unpacking

Your Bearcat 880FM contains the following:

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

The Citizens Band Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Any adjustments or alterations that would affect the transceiver's original FCC type acceptance or change the frequency determining method are strictly prohibited. Replacement or substitution of components with parts other than those recommended by Uniden may cause violations of technical regulations or type acceptance requirements.

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. The FCC reserves Channel 9 for emergencies involving the immediate safety of individuals or protection of property. Use Channel 9 to render assistance to a motorist. This is an FCC rule and applies to all CB radio operators.

Controls and Functions

The front panel features a display screen, various knobs, and buttons. A diagram shows numbered controls:

• 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 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 for up to 100% modulation. With MIC Gain active, press PTT and adjust gain with Channel Selector/MENU/OK knob (Levels 00-04).
• Weather: Press to toggle 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 (LED off) and Night (LED on) modes.
• 6. Channel Selector/MENU/OK: Press the inner MENU/OK button to select menu options. Turn the outer Channel Selector knob to select channels, menu modes, scan resume direction, Talkback volume, Mic gain level, or 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 the PA function unless an external speaker is connected.
• 11. MEM/SCAN: Press to start/stop scanning (All Channel Scan or Memory Scan). Press and hold to set or clear channel memory.
• 12. 9/19/NORM: Press to switch between emergency channel 9, channel 19, and standard CB channels.
• 13. Frequency Display: Shows MHz of selected channel and menu options.
• 14. ANL/NB: Turns Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) and Noise Blanker (NB) on/off. ANL reduces external noise; NB reduces vehicle ignition interference. Press ANL/NB to cycle through configurations: ANL on/NB off, ANL off/NB on, ANL on/NB on, ANL off/NB off.
• 15. AM/FM: Changes AM/FM modulation. AM/FM does not switch in Weather (WX) mode.
• 16. RF Gain knob: Improves reception in strong signal areas.

The rear panel includes connections for antenna, PA speaker, external speaker, and DC power, along with a fuse.

A diagram illustrates connecting the DC power cord for a negative ground system: red cord to positive (+) battery terminal, black cord to vehicle chassis or negative (-) battery terminal.

Installation

Mobile Installation

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

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

Mobile Antenna

Antenna quality is crucial for maximum power output and transmission distance, as limited by the FCC. Uniden strongly recommends a high-quality antenna to match the superior transceiver. A properly matched antenna system allows maximum power transfer. Consult your Uniden dealer for antenna selection. A whip style antenna is suitable for automobile installation; a short 'loaded' whip is easier to install but less efficient than a full quarter-wave whip.

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 terminal on the fuse block or a point in the wiring harness, 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.

Install 6-Pin to 4-Pin Adapter

The Bearcat 880FM is pre-configured for Uniden's 6-pin wireless technology. 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 880FM'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 information. Proper grounding and prevention of electrolysis between hull fittings and water are important.

Using Your Bearcat 880FM

CB Mode

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

Basic Settings

1. Turn the unit on and set the volume to a comfortable level.
2. Select mode (AM or FM).
3. Select a channel.
4. Set noise limitations as desired (ANL/NB).
5. Adjust Squelch: Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise for only strong signals. Turn fully counterclockwise until a hiss is heard (all signals pass). Turn back clockwise until the hiss stops for clearer signals. Set SQUELCH only when the radio is not receiving a strong signal.
6. Set RF Gain for RF gain sensitivity.
7. Press MIC Gain to toggle between High (LED on) and Low (LED off) microphone sensitivity.
8. Set Backlight color (see page 14).
9. Set LCD Contrast (see page 14).
10. 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 in CB mode (twice in Memory mode). SCAN displays.
2. The radio scans upward through channels. To skip a channel, turn the Channel Selector clockwise or counterclockwise.
3. To change to Memory Channel Scan, press MEM/SCAN while in All Channel Scan mode (see page 13).
4. To exit All Channel Scan mode, press PTT, 9/19/NORM, WEATHER, or CB/PA.

Weather Mode (WX Mode)

The radio combines CB and Weather radio functions with a Weather Alert system. The Weather Alert system sounds a seven-second signal for severe weather when in CB mode. In Weather mode, the radio continually broadcasts weather conditions.

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

You cannot change ANL, NB, or AM/FM settings while in WX mode. The radio will sound an alert tone.

Set Weather Scan Mode

Weather Scan mode moves to the next weather channel if no signal is detected after 3 seconds. Set Weather Scan mode to ON or OFF via the menus.

1. Press MENU/OK to activate 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 knob 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 settings, you will only hear weather broadcasts and alerts. To use your CB radio normally while monitoring alerts, press WEATHER again.

Set Weather Alert Mode

Weather Alert mode operates only in CB mode. It sounds an alert tone (1050Hz) on a weather channel when a tone is detected. Press and hold WEATHER to turn Weather Alert on; the WEATHER LED turns on.

Memory Mode

You can store channels into memory and 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 (approx. 2 seconds).
3. Release MEM/SCAN.
4. The radio stays on the saved channel.

Scan Channels in Memory

1. From All Channel Scan mode (page 11), press MEM/SCAN until MEM SCAN displays; 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 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 is COLOR. Turn the Channel Selector knob to cycle through other menus: COLOR (Backlight color), CONT (LCD Contrast), BRIGHT (Brightness), WXSCAN (Weather Scan mode), DIAG (Diagnostics), and 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 that color displays in that color. Available colors: 0-None (Off), 1-Blue, 2-Green, 3-Cyan, 4-Red, 5-Magenta, 6-Yellow, 7-White.
5. Press MENU/OK to select the color. COLOR displays.
6. Repeat for 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 (00-15, 15 is highest).
5. Press MENU/OK to select. CONT displays again.
6. Repeat for 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 (00-15, 15 is highest).
5. Press MENU/OK to select. BRIGHT displays again.
6. Repeat for NIGHT brightness level.

Diagnostic Menus

Access menus by pressing MENU/OK, then Channel Selector to DIAG, then MENU/OK to enter the DIAG level. From here, check battery power, RF power, and antenna mismatch.

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 the condition: PASS (good), FAILLO (too low), FAILHI (too high).

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. The RF power condition (PASS or FAIL) displays. (If FAIL, refer to Troubleshooting, page 17.)
5. Release PTT: GO PTT displays.
6. Press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG level.

Antenna Mismatch Check

Antenna mismatch can 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. The Antenna Mismatch condition (PASS or FAIL) displays.
5. Release PTT and press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG level.

EXIT Menu

Exit menus from the main levels (COLOR, CONT, BRIGHT, WXSCAN, DIAG). 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

Check incoming and outgoing signal strength and wattage. The 12-column LCD display shows this data. Press and hold PTT on the microphone 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 until the bar graph meter is at the CAL point.
3. Press S/RF/CAL/SWR until SWR appears.
4. Note the SWR reading and 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 880FM is designed for years of trouble-free service. There are no user-serviceable parts inside, except for the fuse in the DC power cord. No other maintenance is required.

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 fuse.

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

Troubleshooting

In case of system malfunction, perform the following procedures:

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

Servicing Your Transceiver

It is the user's responsibility to ensure this radio operates in accordance with FCC Citizens Radio Service regulations. Consult a qualified radio/telephone technician for servicing and alignment.

When ordering parts, be sure to specify the correct model number and serial number of the unit.

Specifications

General

Transmitter

Emission Type

Receiver

Public Address

Weather Channels

Specifications shown are typical and subject to change without notice.

FCC Part 15

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

FCC Compliance Notice (French): Ce dispositif a été testé et s'avère conforme à l'article 15 des règlements de la Commission fédérale des communications (FCC). Ce dispositif est soumis aux conditions suivantes: 1) Ce dispositif ne doit pas causer d'interférences nuisibles et; 2) Il doit pouvoir supporter les parasites qu'il reçoit, incluant les parasites pouvant nuire à son fonctionnement. Tout changement ou modification non approuvé expressément par la partie responsable pourrait annuler le droit à l'utilisateur de faire fonctionner cet équipement.

One-Year Limited Warranty

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

WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”)

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

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty terminates one year after the date of original retail sale. 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 someone other than an authorized Uniden service center, or (E) used with equipment or parts not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the owner's manual.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: If the product does not conform to this warranty, Uniden will, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit without charge for parts, service, or other costs (except shipping and handling). Uniden may replace the unit with a new or refurbished unit. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

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

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If the Product is defective, pack it carefully (preferably in original packaging), including all parts and accessories. Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the defect. Ship the Product 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.