Uniden BEARCAT 880 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Printed in China
U01UT390ZZZ(0)
®880

CONTENTS
UNPACKING ................................................................................. 2
DESCRIPTION .............................................................................. 2
EMERGENCY OPERATION .......................................................... 2
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS ..................................................... 3
INSTALLATION............................................................................. 5
MOBILE INSTALLATION .............................................................................. 5
Mobile Antenna........................................................................................... 6
Connecting the Power Cords ...................................................................... 6
Ground Information ................................................................................... 6
INSTALL 6PIN TO 4PIN ADAPTER ............................................................. 7
MARINE INSTALLATION ............................................................................... 7
USING YOUR BEARCAT 880 ........................................................ 7
CB MODE........................................................................................................ 7
ALL CHANNEL SCAN..................................................................................... 8
WEATHER MODE WX MODE ...................................................................... 8
Set Weather Scan Mode .............................................................................. 8
Set Weather Alert Mode.............................................................................. 9
MEMORY MODE ............................................................................................ 9
Save Channels Into Memory....................................................................... 9
Scan Channels in Memory ........................................................................ 10
Listen to Channels in Memory .................................................................. 10
Clear Channels from Memory................................................................... 10
MENUS ......................................................................................................... 10
Select Backlight Color............................................................................... 10
Set LCD Contrast ....................................................................................... 11
Set Brightness ........................................................................................... 11
Diagnostic Menus ..................................................................................... 11
EXIT Menu.................................................................................................. 12
OTHER FEATURES ....................................................................................... 13
S/RF/CAL/SWR Meter ................................................................................ 13
Calibrate Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) ..................................................... 13

Uniden is a registered trademark of Uniden America Corporation.
Bearcat is a registered trademark of Uniden America Corporation.
Features, specications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to
change without notice.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ................................................... 13
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................... 14
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................ 14
SERVICING YOUR TRANSCEIVER ............................................. 15
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................ 15
TWOYEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY ........................................ 17
RADIO CODE DEFINITIONS ...................................................... 19

4
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
Your Uniden Bearcat 880 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).
The Citizens Band Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). Any adjustments or alterations which would
alter the performance of the transceiver's original FCC type acceptance, or which
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 recommend by Uniden,
may cause violations of the technical regulations in Part 95 of the FCC Rules or in
violation of type acceptance requirements in Part 2 of the rules.
EMERGENCY OPERATION
1. Press 9/19/NORM or turn 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.

5
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
1 42 5 6
7151413 111098 12
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16
1. Volume Control knob with Power On/O. Turn the knob
clockwise until it clicks to turn power on or counterclockwise until
it clicks to turn power o.
2. SQUELCH knob: Reduces background noise when there is no
incoming signal.
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: Talkback lets you monitor yourself when transmitting.
Press Talkback to activate the function (LED = on). With Talkback
active, press PTT and adjust the volume with the Volume Control
knob. (Levels 00 - 15)
MIC Gain: Adjusts microphone sensitivity. Delivers up to 100%
modulation. With MIC Gain active, press PTT and adjust the gain
levels with the Volume Control knob. (Levels 00 - 04)
If Talkback is on when MIC Gain is also on, Talkback volume increases.
Weather: Press to toggle between Weather and CB channels. Turn
Channel Selector to cycle through the 7 weather channels. (LED
o = CB channels; LED on = Weather channels)
Press and hold to turn Weather Alert on and o. ALERT displays.
Day/Night: Adjusts LCD backlight sensitivity between Day and
Night modes. (LED o = Day; LED on = Night)

6
6. 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 menu modes
Change scan resume direction (up or down)
Control Talkback volume
Control Mic gain level
Control Calibration volume
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 operators.
7. Microphone socket.
8. Indicators turn on when the function is turned on.
9. S/RF/CAL/SWR: Push to 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 or stop scanning modes [All Channel
Scan (see page 10) and Memory Scan (see page 12)]. Press and hold
to set or clear channel memory while in Memory mode.
12. 9/19/NORM: Press to switch between emergency channel 9,
channel 19, and standard CB channels.
13. Frequency Display: Displays the MHz of the selected channel. Also
displays menu options.
14. ANL: Turns ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) feature on and o.
ANL reduces external noise.
15. NB: Turns NB (Noise Blanker) feature on and o. NB reduces
interference from vehicle ignition systems.
16. RF Gain knob: Improves reception in strong signal areas.

7
17 18 19
20
21
22
17. Antenna socket: Connects antenna to the unit.
18. PA SP: Connects optional external 8-ohm, 4-watt speaker for use
as a public address system.
To prevent acoustic feedback, separate the microphone from the speaker when
operating the PA at high output levels.
19. EXT. SP: Connects an 8-ohm 4-watt speaker to remotely monitor
the receiver.
When the external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker is o.
20. POWER: Connects DC power to transceiver.
21. Fuse.
22. PTT: Push-to-Talk.
INSTALLATION
MOBILE INSTALLATION
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 bracket with self-tapping screws provided.
3. Connect power cords (see page 8).
4. Attach the microphone bracket to side of the radio.
5. Attach radio to bracket.

8
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
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

9
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 880 is pre-configured for Uniden’s new 6-pin wireless, noise-
cancelling technology, available in 2012. Your Bearcat 880 comes with an
adapter to connect the radio’s 6-pin microphone to a current standard
4-pin microphone.
1. Insert the 6-pin side of the adapter into the Bearcat 880 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 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 880
CB MODE
Be sure that the power source, antenna, and microphone are properly connected
before proceeding.
BASIC SETTINGS
1. Turn unit on. Set volume to a comfortable level.
2. Select channel.
3. Set noise limitations as desired (ANL/NB).
4. Adjust Squelch.
• Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise so only strong signals can get
through.
• Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until you hear a hiss.
Everything gets through - noise, weak signals, and strong signals
• Turn SQUELCH back clockwise until the hiss stops. Only clearer
signals get through.
Set SQUELCH only when the radio is not receiving a strong signal.

10
5. Turn RF Gain to set RF gain sensitivity.
6. Press MIC Gain to toggle microphone sensitivity between High
and Low. (LED on = High; LED o = Low)
7. Set Backlight color (see page 12).
8. Set LCD Contrast (see page 13).
9. Set Brightness (see page 13).
ALL CHANNEL SCAN
When All Channel Scan is on, the radio scans channels until it receives
a signal. It will move to the next channel if no signal is received after 3
seconds.
1. Press MEM/SCAN once if in CB mode (twice if in MEM mode).
SCAN displays.
2. The radio begins scanning upward through the channels.
• To skip the channel the radio has stopped on, turn Channel
Selector clockwise to move to the next channel or counter-
clockwise 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 12).
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 seven-second signal in the
event of severe weather when you are 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.
You cannot change ANL or NB settings while in WX mode. The radio will sound an
alert tone.