Uniden BearTracker 885 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Printed in Vietnam
U01UT416ZZZ(0)
BearTracker 885

©2017 Uniden America Corporation
Uniden is a registered trademark of Uniden America Corporation.
Features, specications, and availability of optional
accessories are all subject to change without notice.

CONTENTS
OVERVIEW .................................................................................. 7
IT’S A SCANNER - ...................................................................................... 7
AND A CB RADIO - ..................................................................................... 7
AND AN EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM......................................................... 8
FEATURES................................................................................................... 8
WHAT’S IN THE BOX .................................................................................. 9
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS................................................................... 9
INSTALLATION.......................................................................... 12
MOBILE INSTALLATION ......................................................................... 12
Safety Notice......................................................................................... 12
Antennas............................................................................................... 13
GPS Receiver ......................................................................................... 13
Connecting the Power Cords ............................................................... 14
Ground Information ............................................................................. 14
MARINE INSTALLATION ......................................................................... 14
SET UP BEARTRACKER 885...................................................... 14
BEARTRACKER 885 INITIAL SETUP........................................................ 14
BASIC OPERATIONS ................................................................. 15
EMERGENCY OPERATION ...................................................................... 15
BASIC OPERATIONS................................................................................. 16
USING THE KEYS ...................................................................................... 17
SRF/CAL/SWR Key ................................................................................. 17
CB/PA/WX|WX ALT Key .......................................................................... 17
ANL/NB|TALKBACK Key ....................................................................... 18
9/19|DAY/NIGHT Key ........................................................................... 18
FUNC|MIC GAIN Key ............................................................................. 18
S. MUTE | AVOID Key ............................................................................. 19
Public Safety Keys................................................................................. 19

WEATHER MODE (WX MODE)................................................................. 19
SCANNER FEATURE ................................................................................ 20
FUNCTION KEY ........................................................................................ 21
Function +WX ALERT............................................................................ 21
Function + Talkback ............................................................................. 21
Function + Day/Night ........................................................................... 22
Function + AVOID ................................................................................. 22
Function + ZIP ....................................................................................... 22
Function + S. SQL .................................................................................. 23
MENUS...................................................................................................... 23
Select LCD Color ................................................................................... 23
Set LCD Contrast .................................................................................. 24
Set Brightness ....................................................................................... 24
LCD Color, Contrast, and Brightness Settings for Night LCD ............... 24
Set Weather Alert Scan......................................................................... 24
Set BWS Alert ........................................................................................ 25
Set Audio Priority.................................................................................. 25
Set Tone................................................................................................. 25
OTHER FEATURES .................................................................................... 26
SRF/CAL/SWR Meter ............................................................................. 26
Antenna System Check ......................................................................... 26
BEARTRACKER UPDATE MANAGER ....................................... 26
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE .................................................. 28
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................... 28
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................... 28
SERVICING YOUR TRANSCEIVER ........................................... 29
SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................... 29
SCANNER.................................................................................................. 31
CTCSS FREQUENCIES .............................................................................. 32
DCS CODES .............................................................................................. 33

FCC PART 15/IC COMPLIANCE ................................................ 35
FCC COMPLIANCE.................................................................................... 35
IC COMPLIANCE....................................................................................... 36
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................ 37
RADIO CODE DEFINITIONS ..................................................... 39

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UNIDEN CB + DIGITAL SCANNER
BearTracker 885
OVERVIEW
The BearTracker 885 combines Uniden’s top-rated Bearcat CB
communications technology and Uniden’s most popular scanners. Once
you know what public safety issues are ahead of you, you can talk to
others in that area for advice on avoiding traffic backup and other delays.
IT’S A SCANNER -
The BearTracker 885 includes a database of all known public safety
and DOT channels in the US and Canada. The included GPS allows the
scanner to select channels in your area, wherever you are. We update the
database weekly, so you can easily keep your BearTracker 885’s database
up-to-date using the BT885 Update Manager (see page 22). Listen to
these safety channels and always be aware of what’s ahead.
The BearTracker 885 cannot receive encrypted or some
proprietary types of digital systems
The scanner feature operates alongside the unit’s CB radio features. There
is no switching back and forth between modes; just press a button and
you’re listening to Police channels, Fire department channels, etc., while
standard CB channels are active.
AND A CB RADIO -
Like any CB radio, the BearTracker 885 opens communication between
you and other travelers. This full-featured CB radio provides 40 channels,
4-Watt RF power, a 7-color display, an SWR meter for precision antenna
tuning, RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA weather
channels with an Alert function. An ergonomic, noise-cancelling
microphone enhances your transmissions, even in the noisy environment
of a tractor-trailer cab.
The Citizens Band Radio Service is under the jurisdiction
of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Any

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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 recommended 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.
AND AN EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM
The BearTracker Warning System (BWS) alerts you whenever there is
nearby public safety radio traffic. The radio detects the public safety
vehicle’s radio’s low-power signals and alerts you if there are signals
up to about 3 to 5 miles from your location. If you are using this in a
commercial vehicle, it is NOT a radar detector but a completely legal
public safety service scanner.
Some states restrict the use of scanners in vehicles. Please
check your local state laws for any restrictions.
FEATURES
7-Color LCD Display
Day/Night LCD Settings
Weather Alert
Squelch Control
Weather Channel Scan
Emergency Channel 9
PA Function
Wireless Mic Compatible
Digital and Analog Police/Fire/Ambulance/DOT scanner
Scan system types include conventional analog and digital,
Motorola, LTR, EDACS, APCO P25 Phase I and Phase II
Includes VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz

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Quick avoid for unwanted channels
Individually select types of channels to receive
BearTracker Warning System
SWR Meter
CB/Scanner Audio Priority
Antenna System Check
Mic and RF Gain
Talkback
ANL/NB
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Your BearTracker 885 contains the following:
BearTracker 885 CB 2-way mobile radio
Noise-Cancelling Microphone
Mounting Bracket Kit
DC Power Cord
Window-Mount Antenna
Micro-SD card and SD Card adapter (pre-installed)
GPS Receiver/RJ45 cable
Owner’s Manual
Part 95 Subpart D (FCC Rules)
If any items are missing or damaged, contact your place of purchase
immediately.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
1 42 5 7
8 1615
14
1211109 13
3
17
6

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1. Volume Control knob with Power On/O. Turn the knob
clockwise until it clicks to turn 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 power o.
2. SQUELCH knob: Reduces background noise when there is no
incoming signal (see page 15).
3. SRF/CAL/SWR Meter: Displays Receive signal strength, RF Power,
and SWR reading.
4. Channel Number display.
5. Public Safety Channels/Functions (see page 19)
• BWS|ZIP
• POLICE/FIRE
• AMBULANCE/DOT
• HOLD/SCAN|S.SQL
6. SD Card Slot
7. MENU/OK|Channel Selector. This knob accesses the menu
system and changes selections for the menus. It also changes
channels.
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.
8. Microphone socket.
9. Indicates which public safety channels are active.
10. SRF/CAL/SWR: Press to switch the display between Signal
Strength / RF Mode, Calibration Mode, and SWR Mode (see page
21).
11. CB/PA/WX|WX ALT: Selects CB (Citizens Band) PA (Public
Address), Weather, or Weather Alert.
Do not use the PA function unless an external speaker is
connected.
12. ANL/NB|TALKBACK: Controls ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) and

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NB (Noise Blanker) settings (on or o) Talkback lets you monitor
yourself when transmitting (see page 18).
13. 9/19|DAY/NIGHT: Press to switch between emergency channel 9,
channel 19, and standard CB channels.
14. Frequency Display: Displays the MHz of the selected channel. Also
displays menu options.
15. FUNC|MIC GAIN: Press once to access the second function of
other buttons (indicated after the vertical bar on the button).
Press twice to adjust Mic Gain (see page 18).
16. S.MUTE|AVOID: Scanner Mute mutes the voice from incoming
transmissions. AVOID lets you put channels on a temporary
avoid list so the scanner will skip them (see page 22).
17. RF Gain: Adjust Receive frequency (see page 13).
20
22 23
21
1918
18. GPS Jack
19. CB Antenna socket: Connects antenna to the unit.
20. 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.
21. EXT. SP: Connects 8-ohm 4-watt speaker to remotely monitor
receiver.
When an external speaker is plugged in, the internal speaker
is o.
22. Scanner Antenna Socket
23. POWER +12 VDC: Connects DC power to transceiver.

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24. PTT: Push-to-Talk. Push microphone button.
24
INSTALLATION
MOBILE INSTALLATION
Safety Notice
The antenna used for this radio must be properly installed and
maintained. It must provide a separation distance of at least 16.92 inches
(43 cm) 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 CB 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.
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 the power cords, antennas, and GPS module (included).
4. Attach the microphone bracket to side of the radio or car dash.
Hang the microphone in the bracket.
5. Insert radio into the bracket and secure it with the included
knobs.

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Antennas
CB
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.
Scanner
Your radio kit includes a window-mount antenna. Follow the directions
included with the antenna for installation.
GPS Receiver
The GPS receiver provides location information so the radio can select
local public safety channels from the scanner database.
1. Connect the RJ45 cable to the GPS receiver and to the radio. The
GPS reciever automatically begins to acquire position information
from the satellite.
2. The GPS icon, , dispays in about 1 minute when the radio
receives GPS data. It remains on as long as GPS is connected and
receiving position information. The icon goes away if the GPS
disconnects and stops receiving position information.

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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
or other convenient point. Then connect the
black power cord to the vehicle chassis or negative (-) battery terminal.
MARINE INSTALLATION
Consult your dealer for information regarding marine installation. It
is important to adequately ground the system to prevent electrolysis
between the fittings in the hull and the water.
SET UP BEARTRACKER 885
BEARTRACKER 885 INITIAL SETUP
1. Remove SD card.
2. Install the GPS unit.
3. Insert the SD card into your computer (you may need an SD card
to USB adapter, not included). Update the database according to

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procedures in the BearTracker Update Manager, page 26.
4. Remove the SD card from your computer and insert it back into
the SD card slot on your BearTracker 885.
5. Turn unit on. LOAD displays while the database on the SD card
downloads.
6. After the database completes downloading, NO POS displays
under the channel numbers. Wait for the unit to acquire GPS data.
If you are not using the GPS receiver, you must tell the unit
what local channels to use. Enter your zip code (USA) or the
rst 3 digits of your Canadian postal code. See page 22.
7. Set volume to a comfortable level (VOLUME knob).
8. Select channel (CHANNEL knob).
9. Turn noise limitations on or o as desired (ANL/NB|TALKBACK
key, see page 13).
10. Adjust CB Squelch (outer ring of VOL/SQ knob).
• 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.
Set SQUELCH only when the radio is not receiving a strong
signal.
11. Adjust Scanner Squelch (see page 23).
12. Turn RF Gain knob clockwise to adjust RF Gain upwards and
counter-clockwise to adjust RF Gain downwards. (CB mode only)
13. Adjust MIC Gain (see page 20).
14. Set LCD color (see page 23).
15. Set LCD contrast (see page 24).
16. Set LCD brightness (see page 24).
BASIC OPERATIONS
EMERGENCY OPERATION
1. Press 9/19|DAY/NIGHT or turn Channel Selector knob to Channel
9.

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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.
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.
HOW IT WORKS
The CB, scanner, and weather features work together without having to
change from one feature to another. For example, you can have CB active,
Police enabled, and Weather Alert activated. Weather alerts have priority
over CB and scanner operations, so if a weather alert is detected, a
special alert tone sounds when you are not transmitting. You can also set
whether CB or Scanner audio has priority through the menus (see page
23).
BASIC OPERATIONS
To Do This... Do this...
Update the scanner radio
channels to the latest version
See BearTracker Update Manager, page 26.
Set your location so that local
scanner channels are selected
• If you are using the GPS receiver
(included), be sure it is connected to the
radio. Wait for it to aquire GPS location
data.
• If you are not using the GPS receiver, enter
your location code (5-digit USA zip code
or rst 3-digits of your Canadian postal
code). The radio accesses local channels
from that area. See page 22.
GPS data overrides zip codes and postal codes.
Listen to weather channels Switch to Weather mode (see page 17) and
then turn on Scan (see page 19). The radio
will stop on a channel with a signal.

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To Do This... Do this...
Listen to public safety channels Press a public safety key on the radio. (See item
#5 on page 9 and key descriptions on page
19.)
Decrease squelch so more CB
signals can get through
Adjust the squelch knob (see page 15).
Adjust scanner’s squelch level See page 23 for procedures.
Set which mode has priority for
voice signals
Set Audio Priority in Menus (see page 25).
Eliminate/reduce noise caused
by your vehicle’s electrical
system
Check Automatic Noise Limiter and Noise
Blanker levels (see page 18).
Change the LCD from day mode
to night mode
Make this change using the Function key and
9/19|Day/Night key (see page 22).
Check/calibrate the antenna See page 26 for procedures.
USING THE KEYS
SRF/CAL/SWR Key
This key checks incoming signal strength and received signal power or
allows you to tune your antenna for best performance. See page 26 for
operation details.
CB/PA/WX|WX ALT Key
This key lets you switch between CB, PA, and Weather modes. Enable/
disable the Weather Alert function using the Function key (see page
21).
1. Press the key once. CB is enabled. SCAN scrolls under the channel
number.
2. Press the key again. PA is enabled and PA displays on the LCD.
When you key the mic, PA replaces the channel number and
audio goes to the PA speaker only. As long as the radio is in PA
mode, any CB or scanner audio goes to the PA speaker.
3. Press the key a third time. Weather mode is enabled.
WX
displays on the LCD and the weather channel frequency number
displays under the channel number. You can hear local weather

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information from the national weather service.
4. From Weather mode, press the key again. CB is active again.
ANL/NB|TALKBACK Key
Controls ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) and NB (Noise Blanker) features
— ANL on, NB on, or both ANL and NB on or off. ANL reduces external
noise and NB reduces interference from vehicle ignition systems.
Talkback lets you monitor yourself when transmitting, and is accessed
with the Function key (see page 21).
1. Press ANL/NB|TALKBACK. ANL displays (ANL function on).
2. Press the key again. ANL goes off (ANL function off) and NB displays
(NB function on).
3. Press the key again. Both ANL and NB display (ANL and NB functions
on).
4. Press the key again. both ANL and NB go off (ANL and NB functions
off).
9/19|DAY/NIGHT Key
Press this key to switch to emergency service channels (9/19) and then
back to the starting channel. Switch between day and night LCD display
settings with the Function key (see page 22).
FUNC|MIC GAIN Key
If a key has the “ | ” symbol on it, the setting after that symbol cannot be
changed until Function is enabled. Press this key once to enable Function
operations. See page 21 for a description of this function and the
operations that are enabled with it.
The MIC Gain setting adjusts the microphone’s sensitivity. Levels are 1
(Low Gain) to 4 (High Gain).
1. Press FUNC|MIC GAIN twice then press and hold PTT.M-GAIN and
the current Mic Gain level (1 - 4) display.
2. Turn the channel selector knob to adjust microphone sensitivity,
up to 100% modulation (1 - 4).
3. Release PTT. M-GAIN and the MIC Gain level display for about 5

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seconds and then returns to a normal display.
S. MUTE | AVOID Key
Press S. MUTE (Scanner Mute) to mute the voice from incoming signals.
Press FUNC + AVOID to put a channel in an avoid list so future channel
scans will ignore it (see page 22).
Public Safety Keys
The 4 keys indicated with #5 in the graphic on page 9 are:
BWS|ZIP: Press this key to turn the BearTracker Warning System
(BWS) on and o. If turned on, the icon displays. BWS
activates an alert if the radio detects nearby public safety
transmissions. ZIP, used with the Function key, lets the radio nd
public safety channels near your location (see page 22).
POLICE/FIRE: Press this key once to enable Police department
transmissions, twice to enable Fire department transmissions,
three times to enable both Police and Fire department
transmissions, or four times to disable both Police and Fire
transmissions.
AMBULANCE/DOT: Press this key once to enable Ambulance
transmissions, twice to enable Department of Transportation
transmissions, three times to enable both Ambulance and
Department of Transportation transmissions, or four times to
disable both Ambulance and Department of Transportation
transmissions.
HOLD/SCAN|S. SQL: Press HOLD/SCAN|S. SQL to stop on an
interesting scanner transmission. Press again to resume normal
scanning. S. SQL, used with the Function key, selects between 3
squelch levels for scanner signals (see page 23).
WEATHER MODE (WX MODE)
Your radio combines a CB radio with a Weather radio and a Weather
Alert system. You can hear weather information while in WX mode and
weather alerts while in CB mode (see page 21).
1. Press CB/PA/WX|WXALT several times until
WX
displays. The

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WX channel numbers (1-7) and their frequency number scan;
Your radio is now in WX mode. When the radio receives WX
transmissions, it will stop on that channel, display RX WX , and
broadcast the received transmission.
2. To manually scan the WX channels, press HOLD/SCAN|S.SQL
to stop scanning. Turn the Channel Selector knob to select a
weather channel (1 - 7).
3. Press HOLD/SCAN|S.SQL again to resume scannning.
You cannot change ANL or NB settings while in WX mode. The
radio will sound an alert tone.
Set Weather Alert
Turn Weather Alert on using the Function key. When turned on, the radio
sounds an alert tone and flashes an indicator if it detects a weather alert.
See page 21 for activation information.
Set Weather Alert Scan
Weather Alert Scan allows the radio to move to the next weather channel
if the signal is lost. Set WX Alert Scan to ON or OFF through the menus.
1. Press MENU/OK several times until WXSCAN ON displays.
2. Turn the channel selector to change between on and o (ON, OF)
and then press MENU/OK to set it. The next menu item displays.
SCANNER FEATURE
The BearTracker 885’s built-in scanner lets you:
Change what’s being scanned to match your location
Listen to emergency services in your area (Police, Fire,
Ambulance, DOT)
Be notied when there is potential public safety activity in your
area (BWS)
TIP: DOT channels are often used for snow plows and other road
crews. You might hear other agencies that are not as interesting
when you are in and around a town, but out on the open road,
you’ll want to keep this on – especially in the winter or near
construction zones.