Uniden Bearcat 880FM AM/FM CB Radio with NOAA Weather
The Uniden Bearcat 880FM is a mobile CB radio with 40-channel AM/FM operation, seven NOAA weather channels, and a customizable seven-color display. Its built-in SWR meter, RF gain, microphone gain, and talkback give you useful setup and audio controls in one radio.
Choose AM or FM to match the other station on the same CB channel. This is the 880FM model, not the older AM-only Bearcat 880.
Key features
- AM and FM CB operation: All 40 CB channels, with instant access to channel 9 or 19.
- NOAA weather reception: Seven weather channels and a weather-alert function for use while operating in CB mode.
- Seven-color display: Select your display color and adjust day/night brightness for your cab.
- Audio controls: RF gain, microphone gain, built-in talkback, and separate volume and squelch controls.
- Noise controls: Automatic noise limiter and noise blanker.
- Antenna setup: Built-in SWR meter and calibration function to help check an installed antenna system.
- Channel tools: Channel scanning, memory scanning, and a frequency display.
- External audio connections: Separate external-speaker and PA-speaker jacks.
Specifications
| Specification | Bearcat 880FM |
|---|---|
| Radio service | 40-channel CB |
| Transmit modes | AM and FM |
| CB frequency coverage | 26.965–27.405 MHz |
| Transmitter output | 4 watts |
| Weather reception | Seven channels, 162.400–162.550 MHz |
| Power requirement | 13.8 V DC; 12-volt negative-ground vehicle system |
| Dimensions | 7.25 inches wide × 7.5 inches deep × 2.25 inches high, excluding knobs and jacks |
| Microphone connection | Six-pin socket; six-to-four-pin adapter included |
Allow additional installation space for the microphone plug, rear connections, cables, and mounting bracket. The dimensions above are the manufacturer's radio dimensions, not a complete installation envelope.
What's included
- Bearcat 880FM radio
- Six-pin noise-cancelling microphone and microphone hanger
- DC power cord
- Mounting bracket and hardware
- Six-to-four-pin microphone adapter
- Owner's manual
A CB antenna system is required and is not included with the radio-only listing. Install the antenna and check SWR before transmitting.
Compatible antenna and audio options
For a removable antenna on a suitable steel mounting surface, consider the President Virginia magnetic-mount CB antenna. For a threaded mirror-mount installation, the Stryker SR-A10 antenna, Driver Extreme DRX-3402 mount, and DRX-1518 coax cable are available together in the truck combo.
The Driver Extreme DRX-9010 external speaker connects to the radio's external-speaker output. The DRX-6560 four-pin microphone uses the six-to-four-pin adapter supplied with the Bearcat 880FM; it does not plug directly into the radio's six-pin microphone socket.
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.
Complete Bearcat 880FM Kits & Combos
- Virginia antenna and Aries speaker starter combo: A magnetic-mount antenna with attached coax and a compact external speaker.
- Driver Extreme audio combo: DRX-9010 external speaker and DRX-6560 microphone.
- Stryker SR-A10 truck install combo: Threaded antenna, DRX-3402 mirror mount, and DRX-1518 coax.
- Hustler IC56 102-inch whip installation kit combo: RG8X coax, mounting hardware, barrel spring, and tie-down.
- Hustler IC56 102-inch mirror-mount bundle: Driver Extreme mount and M213 coax with a barrel spring.
Replacing the original Bearcat 880?
The Bearcat 880FM is our recommended current replacement for the discontinued AM-only Uniden Bearcat 880. The 880FM supports both AM and FM on all 40 CB channels; the original model supports AM only.
Check mounting clearance, wiring, and accessory compatibility before swapping radios. Use the 880FM's included microphone and mounting hardware rather than assuming every older part transfers unchanged.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bearcat 880FM support both AM and FM?
Yes. The Bearcat 880FM supports AM and FM on all 40 CB channels. Both radios must use the same channel and mode to communicate.
Does the Bearcat 880FM have SSB?
No. This model provides AM and FM operation, not upper or lower sideband.
How large is the radio?
Uniden lists the Bearcat 880FM at 7.25 inches wide, 7.5 inches deep, and 2.25 inches high, excluding knobs and jacks. Allow additional room for the bracket, plugs, and cables.
Is an antenna included?
No antenna is included with the radio-only listing. Choose a compatible CB antenna, mounting arrangement, and coax cable, or select one of the antenna combos linked above.
Can I use a four-pin microphone?
The radio has a six-pin microphone socket and includes a six-to-four-pin adapter for standard four-pin CB microphones. The Driver Extreme DRX-6560 in our audio combo connects through that included adapter.
Does the built-in SWR meter automatically tune my antenna?
No. The meter and calibration function help you check SWR. Antenna adjustment and installation corrections must still be made at the antenna system.
How does the weather-alert function work?
With weather alert enabled, the radio monitors for the weather-alert tone while operating in CB mode. The manual states that the alert function does not operate in Weather mode. Reception depends on an available weather broadcast signal.
Can I add an external CB speaker?
Yes. Connect a standard CB external speaker to the EXT. SP. jack, not the separate PA speaker jack. Using the external-speaker jack disables the radio's internal speaker.