Bought a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB today. any tips?

[mty pocketz]

I'm new at SSB and bought a Uniden Bearcat 980SSB today. Any tips for talking skip on SSB or tips for this radio?
Do i have to worry about using the coarse/fine clarifiers much??

I'm hearing alot of robot/alien voices, which I've read is usually somebody talking on the same freq but on different mode(AM, usb, lsb), but when i toggle mode i don't hear them.

[MDYoungblood]

The knobs for the clarifiers have a mark on them, put both marks at 12 o'clock, set the radio on channel 38LSB and listen to what people sound like, turn the fine clarifier one way or the other until the people sound human. The most used channel is 38 for LSB but 36 to 40 usually is SSB, you have to forgive the misguided AM'er that runs on the channels.

3's

Greg

[mty pocketz]

10-4. I noticed that some people were coming in like alien/robots and others came in crystal clear. I'm just not used to hearing that.
one of the first ops I heard was from Scotland.

So, will i need to worry abt the coarse clarifier? I read that on some radios, it will adjust it up or down .005, but not on this one

[silvereagle1]

Congrats on the 980 duke... It's a great little radio. Once you get used to ssb you'll really enjoy the dx. Not sure why uniden put a coarse clarifier on the 980 because I've never had to take mine out of the 12 o'clock position. I've only had to use the fine clarifier to tune in stations. the only thing I find a little irritating with the 980 is the screen is sensitive to scratches. I think you'll really like sideband. Enjoy!

Hey, when are you driving thru k-town?

[North Texas Mudduck]

if you have the course and fine tune clarifier knobs in the 12 oclock you should be pretty close to being on freq
if your own 38 lsb
now if you can hear and understand some of the people then those are the folks that are on freq
the others are the ones with unlocked clarifers trying to communicate with others that are off freq
so you have to choose and pick
and then you have those that like to use all the echo and alien robot voices that the radio comes with
which is not needed but somewhere in their childhood they were abused and left unattended .
Now they are lashing out without with what ever they think they can use to bring attention to themselves.

if you get up early you can have some good side band conditions
anything past the noon hour then they wake up from their nighttime activities and are looking for attention again..

so good luck with that new radio.
my 980 had a simple tune and alighnment done and that was it.
no need to get every watt out of the radio
i got a little fire to get the word out.
a good antenna will bring great rewards

[mty pocketz]

Thanks for the info.

I just wish it would scan memory channels on different modes. It'll be OK, though. I'll probably just try to play on SSB on long boring stretches or when i'm stopped and keep it on 19 in populated areas.

Silvereagle1, i never know when and where i'm heading. Since leaving the house in GA, i've done PA, NY, PA, MA, PA, IN, GA, TX, NV, CA, NV, CA, WA, CO, OH, and now MI. Tomorrow heading back to OH, then NJ, then IN. After that, i dont know, but i'm working toward getting home next tuesday

[Sporty Mike]

Is this the same Empty Pockets that I've talked to here in Alabama? I go by Redbeard on the radio, I'm just about 4 miles from the Bass Pro Shop exit on I-20 east of Bham.


Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

[mty pocketz]

If you're speaking of one time not far back and were trying to sell some kickers, then yes.
i was rolling into the T/A for the night and you said i was kinda low bc of all the traffic

---

Monday, 17 March 2014, 15:52 PM

Or Petro, one or the other. Petro/TA, same thing

[Sporty Mike]

Yep, sounds like me
Holler for me anytime you're coming through my area!
Be safe out there, 73s


Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

[silvereagle1]

Is this the same Empty Pockets that I've talked to here in Alabama? I go by Redbeard on the radio, I'm just about 4 miles from the Bass Pro Shop exit on I-20 east of Bham.


Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

I used to live 1/4 mile from the fuzzy mule there in Leeds. the bass pro shop is right at that same spot mike. The fuzzy mule has been gone for many years. do you remember the fuzzy mule?

[Sporty Mike]

Do I remember it!?!? Oh yes!! My first bar I ever frequented when I turned 21, and became a regular until they tore her down to build the Chevron.
Miss that place...lots of stories.
Well if you only lived a 1/4 mile from there, then you know where the Overnite Terminal was on Lovick Rd. off of Hwy. 78.....my shop and my Dad's house is just 3 miles up Lovick Rd. from the Overnite terminal.
My dad drove OTR for Overnite for 34 years.


Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

[Sporty Mike]

My now vintage Fuzzy Mule T-shirt

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Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

[silvereagle1]

I know exactly where the overnite terminal is. I had a friend that lived in that mobile home park across the street. I lived in kings forest apartments in the 1980's. walking distance from the mule. Ron Harris (rons automotive) used to do all my auto work. there used to be a drive in resturant called "Jill's" back in the day. I know all those spots. I was down there back in June. Irondale has changed!!! Sad to find century plaza and Eastwood mall gone. Do you remember L&T electronics in irondale in that little shopping center across from hamburger heaven? I bought my first cb from that store.

[Sporty Mike]

Yes, I lived in King's Forrest back in 03-04...You gotta PM me next time you're in my backyard.


Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

[Sporty Mike]

Do you remember Statham 's TV in Center Point, by the Mustang Drive In?


Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.

[Sporty Mike]

We're totally hijacking this thread...LOL!
pm me Silvereagle.....again LOL!



Mike

Sent from Sporty Mike's phone.