Uniden Bearcat 880FM + Virginia Antenna & Aries Speaker Combo
Build a compact AM/FM CB installation around the Uniden Bearcat 880FM, President Virginia magnetic-mount antenna, and Aries 3-inch wedge external speaker. The Virginia includes its coax cable, while the separate speaker lets you place received audio where it is easier to hear.
The Uniden Bearcat 880FM provides 40-channel AM/FM CB operation, seven NOAA weather channels, a seven-color display, RF gain, microphone gain, built-in talkback, and an SWR meter with calibration. Both stations must use the same CB channel and mode to communicate.
Included components
| Component | Quantity | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| Uniden Bearcat 880FM | 1 | AM/FM CB radio with its standard microphone, power cord, mounting hardware, and microphone adapter |
| President Virginia antenna | 1 | 19.69-inch magnetic-mount CB antenna with 12 feet of coax |
| Aries 40851 external speaker | 1 | 3-inch wedge speaker with mounting bracket and 6-foot cable |
Choosing a mounting location
The Virginia needs a suitable steel mounting surface and an appropriate vehicle ground plane. A magnetic base will not attach directly to aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Check cable routing and clearance before selecting the mounting position.
Check the installed antenna's SWR using the Bearcat's built-in meter and calibration function. An antenna's listed or factory SWR value does not replace a check on your own vehicle.
External speaker setup
Connect the Aries speaker to the radio's EXT. SP. jack. That connection switches received audio from the internal speaker to the external speaker; the separate PA jack is for a different purpose.
Don't forget to add the Pro tune and alignment option at checkout so that your radio is professionally bench-tuned for best performance per the manufacturer's service manual.
Other Bearcat 880FM packages
- Bearcat 880FM radio only
- Driver Extreme microphone and speaker audio combo
- Stryker SR-A10 mirror-mount truck combo
- Hustler 102-inch whip with RG8X installation kit
- Hustler 102-inch whip with Driver Extreme mirror mount and M213 coax
Frequently asked questions
Does this combo include the antenna coax?
Yes. The President Virginia antenna includes 12 feet of coax. A separate coax cable is not listed as an additional component in this combo.
Will the magnetic mount work on an aluminum or fiberglass roof?
No. The magnetic base needs a suitable steel surface. Choose a different mounting arrangement if your intended location is aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic.
Does the radio operate in FM as well as AM?
Yes. This package includes the Bearcat 880FM with AM and FM operation on 40 CB channels. The other station must use the same channel and mode.
Is the Aries speaker a PA speaker in this package?
It is supplied as an external receive speaker. Connect it to EXT. SP., not the separate PA speaker jack.
Where should I position the Virginia antenna?
Choose a suitable steel vehicle surface with an appropriate ground plane, enough antenna clearance, and a safe route for the supplied 12-foot coax. Do not assume every metal panel is magnetic.
Do I need to check SWR after installation?
Yes. Check the installed antenna system before transmitting. The Bearcat 880FM includes an SWR meter and calibration function, but it does not automatically adjust the antenna.