Uniden Bearcat BC-980 SSB CB Radio

Uniden CB Radio - Uniden BC-980 AM/SSB Bearcat Single Sideband CB Radio - CB Radio Supply

Uniden CB Radio - Uniden BC-980 AM/SSB Bearcat Single Sideband CB Radio

by UNIDEN

$205.00 - $205.00

$205.00

$205.00 - $205.00

$205.00

The Uniden Bearcat 980SSB is a 40-channel AM/SSB mobile CB radio built for drivers who want a serious sideband rig in a compact chassis. Single Sideband delivers the maximum legal transmit power the FCC allows on 11 meters — 12 watts PEP on USB and LSB, versus 4 watts on AM — and the 7-color customizable LCD, NOAA weather receiver, and noise-cancelling microphone round out one of the most feature-dense sideband CBs on the market.

This is a Uniden factory unit — brand new, in the original box, with the complete accessory kit. Ships from our Indiana shop.

Why drivers choose the Bearcat 980SSB

Maximum legal sideband power. Standard 40-channel AM is capped at 4 watts. USB and LSB modes on the 980SSB run 12 watts PEP — the maximum FCC allows on 11 meters. Sideband also concentrates all your transmit energy in a single sideband instead of splitting it across two, giving noticeably stronger, cleaner audio on the same channel.
The 7-color display is more than cosmetic. Match it to your dash lighting for a factory-installed look. The included dimmer keeps it readable in bright daylight and comfortable at night. Laser-etched keys stay legible under any backlight color.
NOAA weather built in. Full seven-channel weather receiver (162.400-162.550 MHz) with alert function — critical if you're running long-haul routes through storm belts.
Meter that actually shows what you need. The S/RF/CAL/SWR meter reads incoming signal strength on receive and RF output power on transmit. Built-in SWR calibration means you can tune your antenna at the antenna without pulling out a separate meter.
Talkback + Frequency Counter + Mic/RF Gain. Talkback lets you hear yourself as you transmit — instantly tells you your modulation is clean. Mic Gain adjusts your outbound audio; RF Gain filters weak signals when the channel is noisy. The onboard frequency counter reads the exact frequency you're transmitting on.
Noise cancellation done two ways. ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) and NB (Noise Blanker) can run independently or together — a 3-way switch handles both. That's the setting that lets you actually hear traffic while running down the interstate.

Complete specifications

General

Channels: 40 (AM / USB / LSB)
Frequency range: CB 26.965 - 27.405 MHz; Weather 162.400 - 162.550 MHz
Frequency control: PLL synthesizer
Antenna impedance: 50 ohms
Power input: 13.8V DC (fused 6A, in-line replaceable)
Operating temperature: -22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C)
Size (W × D × H): 7.25" × 7.5" × 2.25" (without knobs and jacks)
Weight: 2.2 lb

Transmitter

Output power: AM 4 watts | USB/LSB 12 watts PEP
Modulation: 100% peak (AM)
Frequency tolerance: ±0.002%
Spurious rejection: -70 dB
Unwanted sideband: -55 dB
Hum and noise: better than -40 dB

Receiver

Sensitivity (10 dB S+N/N): AM 0.5 µV | USB/LSB 0.25 µV
Adjacent channel selectivity: 60 dB
Image rejection: 80 dB
Audio output (max): 3 watts
Clarifier range: ±1.5 kHz (fine and coarse adjustment)
Internal speaker impedance: 16 ohms (external 8 ohms)

What's in the box

Uniden Bearcat 980SSB CB radio
Noise-cancelling microphone (6-pin)
Microphone hanger
Mounting bracket + hardware
DC power cord
6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter
Owner's manual + FCC Part 95 Subpart D rules

How the 980SSB compares to the Bearcat 880

The Bearcat 880 is Uniden's AM-only workhorse — 40 channels, same 7-color display, same NOAA weather, similar footprint. The 980SSB adds Single Sideband (USB + LSB), a clarifier for fine-tuning received signals, and a frequency counter. If you talk skip, run convoys with SSB operators, or want the maximum legal talk power the FCC allows on 11 meters, the 980SSB is the one to buy. If you only run local AM in-town and never touch sideband, the 880 saves you money.

Installation notes

Two ways to run this radio:

Under-dash mount — the standard install. The included bracket screws to the underside of your dash or center console. Route the DC power cord to your accessory or battery bus with an inline fuse holder in-cabin.
DIN slot swap — the 980SSB is close in width to a standard car-stereo DIN opening. If you have a dead factory stereo slot, a universal CB mounting kit lets you flush-mount the radio in the dash for a cleaner look.

Antenna wise: any 50-ohm CB antenna will work — magnet mount, 102" whip, fiberglass, base-loaded. Tune SWR after install using the radio's built-in CAL/SWR function; aim for under 2:1 on all 40 channels.

Wireless mic upgrade path: the 980SSB is compatible with Uniden's wireless microphone accessories if you want to cut the cord — useful for OTR sleepers where you want the mic to go with you into the bunk.

Pro Tune & Alignment

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

Do I need a license to operate the Uniden Bearcat 980SSB?

No FCC license is required for CB radio use in the United States. The 980SSB operates on the 40 AM/SSB channels authorized under FCC Part 95 Subpart D, which is license-free for personal, business, or off-road communication.

Why choose SSB over an AM-only CB?

Sideband gives you 12 watts PEP of transmit power on USB and LSB — three times the 4 watts you're limited to on AM, and the maximum the FCC allows on 11 meters. SSB also concentrates all your transmit energy in a single sideband rather than splitting it between two, so on-channel audio comes through stronger and cleaner. If you already talk sideband, run convoys with other SSB operators, or want the most capable CB the FCC permits, the 980SSB is the right pick.

What's the difference between USB and LSB?

USB (Upper Sideband) and LSB (Lower Sideband) are two halves of the sideband spectrum. Neither is technically "better" — CB SSB tradition uses LSB for casual chat and USB more commonly among truckers and DX operators, but there's no rule. Both run at the same 12 watts PEP. Set your rig to match whoever you're trying to reach.

Is the microphone included?

Yes. A noise-cancelling 6-pin microphone is included in the box, along with a 6-pin to 4-pin adapter so you can also use standard 4-pin CB mics if you already have a favorite (Astatic 636L, Road King, etc.).

What antenna should I pair with this radio?

For maximum SSB performance, a 102" stainless steel whip is still the gold standard — full quarter-wave for 11 meters, no coil losses. For mobile installs where a whip isn't practical, a Wilson 1000 or 5000-series magnet mount, or a Stryker SR-A10 base-loaded antenna, all pair well. Whatever you choose, tune SWR to under 2:1 across the band using the 980SSB's built-in SWR meter.

Will this fit in my truck's DIN slot?

The 980SSB measures 7.25" wide × 2.25" tall — very close to a standard single-DIN car stereo opening (7" × 2"). A universal CB flush-mount kit will let you install it in a dead factory stereo slot. If you need a slimmer profile, look at the Uniden CMX760 or a hand-held-style CB like the Cobra 75 series.

Can I run this on 24V in a Class-8 truck?

The 980SSB is a 13.8V DC radio. For a 24V rig (older Volvo, Peterbilt with 24V primary, or a European tractor), you'll need a 24-to-12V DC converter rated for at least 6-8 amps continuous. Wire the converter output to the radio's power leads and fuse both sides.

Does it receive weather alerts automatically?

Yes. The 980SSB has a dedicated weather-alert function on top of manual weather-channel scanning. When armed, the radio will automatically switch to the NOAA weather channel and sound an alert tone if the National Weather Service broadcasts a warning for your area.

What's the warranty?

Uniden covers the Bearcat 980SSB with a two-year limited manufacturer warranty from date of purchase. Register your unit at uniden.com within 30 days of purchase to activate. If your radio ever needs service under warranty, we handle the RMA with Uniden directly on your behalf.