AM CB communication and digital scanning in one radio

The Uniden BearTracker 885 combines a 40-channel AM CB radio with a built-in analog and digital public-safety scanner. Its included GPS receiver selects scanner channels from a U.S. and Canadian database as your location changes, while the CB side provides familiar controls for communicating with other CB users.

Choose CB or scanner audio priority, select the public-safety service types you want to monitor, and use the seven-color display's separate day and night settings. The scanner is receive-only; CB transmissions remain on the 40 AM CB channels.

Key features

• 40-channel AM CB: 4-watt transmitter output with instant access to channels 9 and 19. This model does not provide FM CB or single sideband.
• Analog and digital scanner: Supports conventional analog and digital systems, Motorola, LTR, EDACS, and APCO P25 Phase I and Phase II.
• Included GPS receiver: Automatically selects local scanner channels from the preloaded database. ZIP or Canadian postal-code entry is available when GPS is not used.
• BearTracker Warning System: Provides alerts when it detects public-safety radio activity. It is not a radar detector.
• NOAA weather reception and alert: Seven weather channels with a selectable weather-alert function.
• Built-in SWR meter and antenna check: Check the installed CB antenna system without adding a separate SWR meter.
• RF gain, mic gain and talkback: Adjust receiver gain and microphone sensitivity, and monitor your transmitted voice locally through talkback.
• ANL and noise blanker: Selectable receive-noise controls help reduce electrical interference.
• Scanner controls: Select police, fire, ambulance and DOT services, hold on a channel, mute scanner audio or temporarily avoid an unwanted channel.
• Seven-color display: Adjustable brightness and contrast with separate day and night settings. External-speaker and PA connections support optional audio accessories.

Specifications

Allow additional installation room for connectors, cables and the mounting bracket. Mount the radio securely without obstructing vehicle controls, and follow the manufacturer's power-wiring and antenna-installation instructions.

What's included

• Radio and microphone: BearTracker 885 and noise-cancelling microphone.
• Mounting and power: Mounting bracket kit, microphone hanger and DC power cord.
• Scanner equipment: Window-mount scanner antenna, GPS receiver with RJ11 cable, and preinstalled microSD card with SD adapter.
• Documentation: Owner's manual and supplied operating documentation.

A CB antenna and its installation hardware are purchased separately. The included window-mount antenna is for scanner reception, not CB transmission.

Installation and accessories

Connect a suitable CB antenna system to the CB antenna socket and install the included scanner antenna separately. Check CB antenna SWR before transmitting; the radio's built-in SWR meter supports this setup check.

The optional Driver Extreme DRX-9010 external speaker lets you position receive audio where it is easier to hear. Connecting an external speaker switches off the radio's internal speaker.

Use a microphone specifically compatible with Uniden's six-pin BearTracker 885 connection. A standard Cobra-style four-pin microphone does not plug directly into this radio.

Scanner setup and listening limitations

The scanner uses its preloaded database and GPS position to select supported public-safety channels. Without GPS, enter a U.S. ZIP code or the first three characters of a Canadian postal code; GPS location takes priority when available.

Keep the scanner database current using BearTracker Update Manager on a compatible Windows PC. With the radio powered off, remove the SD card, update it through the computer's card reader, then reinstall it; a separate card reader may be needed.

The BearTracker 885 cannot decode encrypted communications or some proprietary digital systems. Reception depends on supported local systems and active transmissions, so it does not guarantee that every agency can be heard. Check applicable vehicle-scanner laws before use.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is the BearTracker 885 an AM/FM or SSB CB radio?

No. Its CB section operates on 40 AM channels with 4-watt transmitter output. The separate digital scanner does not add FM CB or single-sideband operation.

Can the CB and scanner operate together?

Yes. Scanner reception operates alongside the CB radio. The audio-priority menu lets you favor CB audio, favor scanner audio or hear both when both have a signal.

Does it receive encrypted police radio?

No. The BearTracker 885 cannot decode encrypted communications or some proprietary digital systems. Check the systems used by the agencies you want to monitor before choosing a scanner.

Does it support P25 Phase II?

Yes. Uniden lists APCO P25 Phase I and Phase II among the supported scanner systems. Encryption and other unsupported system types remain limitations.

Is a CB antenna included?

No. The included window-mount antenna is for the scanner. A separate CB antenna system is required for CB operation, and the radio has separate CB and scanner antenna sockets.

Do I need to program scanner channels as I travel?

The included GPS receiver selects supported local channels from the stored U.S. and Canadian database. Manual ZIP or Canadian postal-code entry is available without GPS, and database updates are performed through BearTracker Update Manager using the SD card.

Is BearTracker a radar detector?

No. The BearTracker Warning System responds to detected public-safety radio activity, not radar speed-measuring signals. Vehicle-scanner restrictions can apply, so check the rules where you intend to use it.

What microphone connection does it use?

The BearTracker 885 uses Uniden's six-pin microphone connection. Uniden identifies the BMKG0689001 as a compatible replacement; a standard Cobra-style four-pin microphone is not a direct plug-in replacement.

How large is the BearTracker 885?

Uniden lists chassis dimensions of 7.28 × 8.1 × 2.2 inches (185 × 205 × 56 mm), excluding knobs and jacks. Allow additional space for the mounting bracket, cables and connectors.

Does it have a built-in SWR meter and talkback?

Yes. The BearTracker 885 includes an SWR meter and antenna-system check for CB antenna setup, plus selectable talkback, RF gain and mic gain.