Uniden BC880 Bearcat 880 FM CB Radio Owner’s Manual

Uniden BC880 Bearcat 880 FM CB Radio

SAFETY NOTICE

The antenna used for this radio must be properly installed and maintained and must provide a separation distance of at least 16.9 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 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

Your Uniden Bearcat 880FM represents the highest quality communications device designed for use in the Citizens Band Radio Service. It will operate 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 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.

NOTE 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

1. Volume Control knob with Power On/Off. Turn the knob clockwise until it clicks to turn power on or counterclockwise until it clicks to turn power off.

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:

6. 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 Channel Selector/MENU/OK knob. (Levels 00 – 15)

7. MIC Gain: Adjusts microphone sensitivity. Delivers up to 100%modulation. With MIC Gain active, press PTT and adjust the gain levels with the Channel Selector/MENU/OK knob. (Levels 00 – 04)
   NOTE If Talkback is on when MIC Gain is also on, Talkback volume increases.

8. Weather: Press to toggle between Weather and CB channels. Turn Channel Selector to cycle through the 7 weather channels. (LED off = CB channels; LED on = Weather channels)
   Press and hold to turn Weather Alert on and off. ALERT displays.

9. Day/Night: Adjusts LCD backlight sensitivity between Day and Night modes. (LED off = Day; LED on = Night)

10. 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
      NOTE : 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.

11. Microphone socket.

12. Indicators turn on when the function is turned on.

13. S/RF/CAL/SWR: Push to to check RF signal strength, calibration, and SWR reading.

14. CB/PA: Selects CB (Citizens Band) or PA (Public Address).
    NOTE: Do not use the PA function unless an external speaker is connected.

15. MEM/SCAN: Press to start or stop scanning modes [All Channel Scan (see page 11) and Memory Scan (see page 13)]. Press and hold to set or clear channel memory while in Memory mode.

16. 9/19/NORM: Press to switch between emergency channel 9, channel 19, and standard CB channels.

17. Frequency Display: Displays the MHz of the selected channel. Also displays menu options.

18. ANL/NB: Turns ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) and NB (Noise Blanker) features on and off. ANL reduces external noise and NB reduces interference from vehicle ignition systems. Press ANL/NB to turn ANL and NB on or off in the following configurations:
    From ANL OFF/NB OFF|
    ---|---
    Press once.| ANL on/NB off
    Press twice.| ANL off/NB on
    Press three times.| ANL on/NB on
    Press four times.| ANL off/NB off

19. AM/FM: Change AM/FM modulation. Press AM/FM to toggle between AM or FM modulation.
    NOTE : AM/FM does not switch when the Bearcat 880FM is in Weather (WX) mode.

20. RF Gain knob: Improves reception in strong signal areas.

21. Antenna socket: Connects antenna to the unit.

22. 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./

23. 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 off.

24. POWER: Connects DC power to transceiver.

25. Fuse.

26. PTT: Push-to-Talk.

INSTALLATION

MOBILE INSTALLATION
NOTE: 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 9).
4. Attach the microphone bracket to side of the radio.
5. Attach radio to bracket.

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
NOTE: 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.

INSTALL 6-PIN TO 4-PIN ADAPTER
The Bearcat 880FM is pre-configured for Uniden’s 6-pin wireless, noise- cancelling technology. Your Bearcat 880FM 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 880FM 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 880FM

CB MODE
NOTE: 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 mode (AM or FM).

3. Select channel.

4. Set noise limitations as desired (ANL/NB).

5. 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.
   NOTE : Set SQUELCH only when the radio is not receiving a strong signal.

6. Turn RF Gain to set RF gain sensitivity.

7. Press MIC Gain to toggle microphone sensitivity between High and Low. (LED on = High; LED off = Low)

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 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 Memory 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 13).
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.

NOTE: 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 allows the radio to move to the next weather channel if no signal is detected after 3 seconds. Set Weather Scan mode to ON or OFF through the menus.

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. COLOR displays.
2. Turn the Channel Selector knob to cycle through the menu op-tions until WXSCAN displays.
3. Press MENU/OK. ON displays.
4. Press MENU/OK to set Weather Scan mode to ON or turn the se-lection knob until OFF displays and then press MENU/OK to set it. WXSCAN displays again.

NOTE: If Weather Scan is ON when you turn off the radio, it remains ON.

Left at these setting (WX mode, WX Scan), you will hear only weather broadcasts and Weather Alert signals. To use your CB radio normally while monitoring weather alerts, press WEATHER again.

Set Weather Alert Mode
Weather Alert mode only operates when you are in CB mode; it does not operate in 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. The WEATHER LED turns on.

MEMORY MODE
You can select channels to store into memory and then 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 (about 2 seconds).
3. Release MEM/SCAN.
4. The radio stays on the saved channel.

Scan Channels in Memory

1. From All Channel Scan mode (see 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 and 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 the 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 to activate the menus. 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 the available backlight colors or OFF. The selection number for that color displays in that color. The available colors are:
   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 that color. COLOR displays.
6. Repeat these procedures to set the NIGHT backlight color.

Set LCD Contrast

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. 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 the contrast options. (Lowest = 00; Highest = 15)
5. Press MENU/OK to select the one you want. CONT displays again.
6. Repeat these procedures to set the NIGHT contrast level.

Set Brightness

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus. 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 the brightness options.(Lowest = 00; Highest = 15)
5. Press MENU/OK to select the one you want. BRIGHT displays again.
6. Repeat these procedures to set the NIGHT brightness level.

Diagnostic Menus

1. Press MENU/OK to activate the menus.
2. Turn Channel Selector until DIAG displays.
3. Press MENU/OK to enter the DIAG level.
   From the DIAG level, you can check battery power levels, RF power levels, and antenna mismatch.

Battery Check
Check the DC power levels if you feel your radio is not performing properly.

1. Once DIAG displays, press MENU/OK; VOLT displays.
2. Press MENU/OK; the battery voltage displays for 2 seconds and then the battery voltage condition displays:
   • PASS – Voltage is good.
   • FALLO – Voltage is too low.
   • FAIL – Voltage is too high.
3. Press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG level.

RF Power Check
RF alerts indicate that the transmission levels are not acceptable.

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 displays, refer to the 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 indicates that reception quality may be impaired.

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 Antanna Mismatch condition, PASS or FAIL, displays.
5. Release PTT and press MENU/OK to return to the DIAG level.

EXIT Menu

Exit the menus from the main menu levels (COLOR, CONT, BRIGHT, WXSCAN, and DIAG). From this level, 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
You can check your incoming and outgoing signal strength and wattage as you use your Bearcat 880FM. The 12-column LCD display (refer to item number 3 on page 6) displays this data. Press and hold PTT on the microphone to see the RF output power levels. Release PTT to see incoming signal strengh.

Calibrate Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)
Check and calibrate the SWR to ensure that you are using power effectively.

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 the antenna length. Then, repeat this step.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Every six months:

1. Check the 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.

MAINTENANCE
The Bearcat 880FM 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 specified for your Bearcat 880FM. Failure to do so may void your warranty.

TROUBLESHOOTING

In the event of system malfunction, perform the following procedures:

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| Verify that modes between Bearcat 880FM and other radio match (AM – AM or FM – FM).

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.
Using MEM/SCAN does not access channels in memory| Verify that there are channels saved into memory.
Unit does not work as well as previously.| Turn the power off then back on. The channels will reset.
Battery power check returned

FAILLO or FAILHI.

| Make sure your power wires have a good connection.

Check your battery charge; it needs to be fully charged. Lower voltage will cause a failure.

Check your alternator.

Antenna check returned FAIL.| Make sure your antenna ground is good. Check for damage to the antenna.

Check the SWRs at a CB shop. High SWRs will damage the radio.

RF power diagnosis check returned FAIL.| Make sure your antenna ground is good. Check for damage to your antenna.

Check the antenna connection on the back of the radio. Be sure it is tight.

If you do not get satisfactory results after performing these checks, visit the Uniden website (www.uniden.com) for troubleshooting and FAQ information.

SERVICING YOUR TRANSCEIVER
It is the user’s responsibility to see that this radio is operating at all times in accordance with the FCC Citizens Radio Service regulations. We highly recommend that you consult a qualified radio/telephone technician for servicing and aligning this CB radio product.

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

SPECIFICATIONS

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.

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 with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect one year after the date of original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the owner’s manual for this product.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, warrantor will either, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by warrantor or
its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty. Warrantor, at its option, 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 this 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, after following the instructions in the owner’s manual you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). The Product should include all parts and accessories originally packaged with the Product. Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means, to warrantor at:

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.

assignment
10-20| My location is| 10-67| All units comply
10-21| Call by telephone| 10-70| Fire at
10-22| Report in person to| 10-71| Proceed with transmission in sequence
10-23| Stand by| 10-77| Negative contact
10-24| Completed last assignment| 10-81| Reserve hotel room for
10-25| Can you contact| 10-82| Reserve room for
10-26| Disregard last information| 10-84| My telephone number is
Code| Meaning| Code| Meaning
---|---|---|---
10-27| I am moving to channel| 10-85| My address is
10-28| Identify your station| 10-91| Talk closer to microphone
10-29| Time is up for contact| 10-93| Check my frequency on this channel
10-30| Does not conform to FCC rules| 10-94| Please give me a long count
10-32| I will give you a radio check| 10-99| Mission completed, all units secure
10-33| EMERGENCY TRAFFIC| 10-200| Police needed at

References

• Uniden – Uniden America Corporation

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