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Bearcat980 SSB cb radio

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DaveDesjardins

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Hi im planning to buy the bearcat980 SSB cb radio and i was wondering if it’s good?

also i want to know if i can plug an external jumbo meter on it? (i want to use it mainly to speak with other people. but also to play transmitter hunting sometimes)
 

iMONITOR

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While I don't own one I've read/watched a lot of reviews on the 980SSB and it appears to one of the best out-of-the-box "legal" SSB CB's available today. There is a simple modulation adjustment that can improve modulation to perform a little better if you feel the need.
 

DaveDesjardins

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I have two. They work great... Don't pay to have it peaked, they don't peak...
They perform (IMHO) better when using side band.
You'll want a good antenna.
Don't rely on the built-in SW meter...

Thanks for the information, for the antenna i heard that the wilson 5000 is one of the best antenna is that true?
 

jassing

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They are fine. If you want the best, get a 1/4 wave whip (about 102")
I like the 5' firestik, but those are stout antennas, meaning they transfer any impact to the mount.
The most important thing is tune the antenna once everything is installed : preferably in an open field.
 

Super60

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I have one and its very good for the price. Its more stable on SSB than most CBs and it has a good receiver. A few simple adjustments to the transmitter and an aftermarket preamp mic will make it sound nice.


I am considering one of these 980's for a base station for mainly SSB. Where can I find these few adjustment points you speak of? I am just getting back into CB's and like the fact that the 980's don't really need to be tuned by a technician to work well. I am also considering a small sized helper for it also.
Thanks
 

SouthernRoller

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The 980 is a good radio, but comparing it to the President line of SSB radios would be like comparing a Volkswagen to a Cadillac.. Hard to beat the new President line of radios.. That's my .02 on the subject:)
 

prcguy

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I found a couple of Youtube videos that pointed out the mod limiter for AM and ALC adjustment for SSB. I don't recommend making any other transmitter adjustments unless you are well versed in alignment procedures and have proper test equipment. Anyway, disabling most of the mod limiter and adding a good preamp mic will really wake things up on transmit. I find the receiver to be just fine and very stable on SSB.

I am considering one of these 980's for a base station for mainly SSB. Where can I find these few adjustment points you speak of? I am just getting back into CB's and like the fact that the 980's don't really need to be tuned by a technician to work well. I am also considering a small sized helper for it also.
Thanks
 
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