Uniden BEARCAT 880 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Printed in China
U01UT389ZZZ(0)
®880
Downloaded from www.cbradio.nl

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Contents
Unpacking...............................................................................................................2
Description ............................................................................................................2
Elimination of Licensing ...................................................................................3
Emergency Operation .......................................................................................3
Controls and Functions ......................................................................................4
Installation ..............................................................................................................6
Mobile Station Installation.............................................................................6
Connecting the Power Cords........................................................................6
Ground Information .........................................................................................7
Marine Installation............................................................................................7
Using Your Bearcat 880.......................................................................................7
S/RF/SWR Meter.................................................................................................7
To Receive.............................................................................................................8
To Transmit ..........................................................................................................9
Preventive Maintenance ...................................................................................9
Maintenance .........................................................................................................9
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 10
Servicing Your Transceiver ............................................................................ 11
Specications...................................................................................................... 11
Two-Year Extended Warranty ....................................................................... 12
Radio Code Denitions .................................................................................. 14
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.

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UNPACKING
Carefully unpack your Bearcat 880 and check the contents against this
list:
Bearcat 880 CB 2-way mobile radio
Microphone
Mounting Bracket Kit
DC Power Cord
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.
ELIMINATION OF LICENSING
The FCC has ruled that CB Radio Service operators are no longer required
to obtain an FCC License to operate their CB equipment. In doing so, the
FCC now also permits CB station operation without station identification.
Elimination of individual station licenses does not reduce the operating
privileges or responsibilities of CB users. An operator of a CB radio station
is still required to comply with the Communications Act and with the
rules of Citizens Band Radio Service.

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EMERGENCY OPERATION
1. Press 9/19/NORM or turn Channel Selector knob to Channel 9.
2. Press PTT switch on 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 emergency communications 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
1 42 5 6
7151413 111098 12
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1. Volume Control knob with Power On/OFF
2. SQUELCH knob: Reduces background noise when there is no
incoming signal.
3. S/RF/SWR Meter: Displays Send/Receive signal strength, RF Power,
and SWR reading.
4. Channel Number display.
5. Operation buttons:
Talkback: Press to hear what you sound like when transmitting.
MIC Gain: Adjusts microphone sensitivity. Delivers up to 100%
modulation.
Weather: NOAA weather channels
Day/Night: Adjusts LCD backlight sensitivity between Day and
Night modes.

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6. Channel/Select knob: Selects transmission and reception chan-
nels. Push knob to select.
All channels, except Channel 9, may be used for normal communication. Channel
9 is reserved by the FCC for emergency communications involving the immediate
safety of individuals or protection of property. Channel 9 may also be used to
render assistance to a motorist.
This is an FCC rule and applies to all CB operators.
7. Microphone socket: 6 poles.
8. LEDs light when their corresponding function is active.
9. S/RF/CAL/SWR: Push to to check signal strength, RF Power, and
SWR reading.
Do not use PA function unless an external speaker is connected.
10. CB/PA: Selects CB (Citizens Band) or PA (Public Address).
11. MEM/SCAN: Last channel selected or scan channels.
12. 9/19/NORM: Press to button to switch between emergency
channel 9, channel 19, and standard CB channels.
13. MHz Display: Displays the MHz of the selected channel.
14. ANL: Turns ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) feature on and o.
ANL reduces external noise.
15. NB: NB (Noise Blanker) feature on and o. NB reduces interfer-
ence from vehicle ignition systems
16. RF Gain knob: Improves reception in strong signal areas.
17 18 19
20
21

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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
INSTALLATION
MOBILE STATION 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 wiring (see page 7).
4. Attach the microphone bracket to side of the radio.
5. Attach radio to bracket.
Mobile Station 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

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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
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 istallation. It is
important to adequately ground the system and to prevent electrolysis
between the fittings in the hull and the water.

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USING YOUR BEARCAT 880
S/RF/SWR METER
You can check your incoming and outgoing signal strength and wattage
as you use your Bearcat 880. The 12-column LCD display (refer to item
number 3 on page 4) displays this data. Press and hold the PTT button
on the microphone to see the RF output power levels. Release the PTT
button to see incoming signal strengh. Press and release S/RF/SWR to
cycle through these measurements as well.
TO RECEIVE SIGNALS
Be sure that the power source, antenna, and microphone
are properly connected before proceeding.
1. Turn unit ON. Set VOLUME to a
comfortable level.
2. Select CHANNEL.
3. Set noise limitations as desired (ANL/NB).
Dynamic Squelch Control automatically sets Squelch to the optimal level
for stronger transmission and signal clarity. To scan for weaker signals,
turn off Dynamic Squelch Control and perform the following steps:
4. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise
so only strong signals can get
through.
4b. Turn SQUELCH fully
counterclockwise until you
hear a hiss. Everything gets
through - noise, weak signals,
and strong signals.

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4c. 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.
5. Turn the RF Gain knob to set the RF gain sensitivity to Local or
Distance.
6. Press MIC Gain to adjust the microphone sensitivity.
TO TRANSMIT
Perform a voltage Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) measurement prior to using the
transmitter. A SWR ratio in excess of 2:1 may damage the transmitter.
Be sure to read and understand Part 95, FCC Rules and
Regulations before operating your transmitter.
1. Select a channel.
2. Press MIC Gain to adjust the microphone
sensitivity.
3. When the channel is clear, press
the PTT button and speak. Release the
button when you have nished speaking.
You can also transmit while you are on emergency channels 9 or19. Press
the PTT button to transmit emergency information.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Every six months:
1. Check the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR).
2. Be sure all electrical connections are tight.
3. Inspect antenna coaxial cable for wear or breaks in shielding.
4. Be sure all screws and mounting hardware are tight.
PTT

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MAINTENANCE
The Bearcat 880 is designed to give you years of trouble-free service.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Except for the fuse in the DC
power cord, no maintenance is required.
To replace a blown fuse:
1. Press 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 specied for your Bearcat 880. Failure to do so may void your
warranty.
TROUBLESHOOTING
In the event of system malfunction, perform the following
procedures:
Problem Suggestion
Unit does not power up • Check power cord connections.
• Check fuse.
• Check vehicle electrical system.
No reception • Check microphone connection.
• Set CB/PA to CB.
• Check VOLUME and SQUELCH.
• Check antenna.
• Check antenna connection.
• Adjust RF Gain.
Poor Reception • Check VOLUME and SQUELCH.
• Be sure antenna SWR is normal.
• Adjust RF Gain.
No Transmission • Set CB/PA switch to CB.
• Check microphone connection.
• Adjust MIC Gain.
Low Transmission • Adjust MIC Gain.