Uniden Beartracker 885 Review: Should You Purchase It?

By: Jeremy Neisser

Are you in the market for a CB radio that can do more than just transmit and receive messages? Look no further than the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885. We've been testing this hybrid CB radio and scanner combo, and we're impressed with its features and capabilities.

One of the standout features of the BEARTRACKER 885 is its ability to scan for public safety activity in the US and Canada. With the BearTracker Warning System, you'll be alerted when nearby police, fire, ambulance, or DOT transmissions are detected. Plus, the included GPS allows you to automatically select nearby channels from its nationwide database.

The CB radio features are just as impressive, with 40-channel CB operation, 4-Watt RF power, and a 7-color display. The SWR meter ensures precision antenna tuning, while RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA Weather with Alerts provide additional functionality.

We particularly enjoyed the scanner feature, which operates alongside the CB radio features without the need to switch back and forth between modes. Simply press a button, and you're listening to police, fire department, and other transmissions while standard CB channels are active.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio + Digital TrunkTracking Police/Fire/Ambulance/DOT Scanner w/ BearTracker Warning System Alerts is a great choice for those looking for a versatile CB radio and scanner combo. Its ergonomic noise-canceling microphone and included components make it a solid investment for anyone in need of a reliable CB radio. Click here to purchase the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 and stay up-to-date with public safety activity.

Uniden Beartracker 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio Overview

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Uniden Beartracker 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio, and we were impressed with its capabilities. This radio is unique in that it can keep you up-to-date with current public safety activity in the US and Canada by scanning for Police, Fire, Ambulance, and/or DOT radio traffic. The BearTracker Warning System alerts you when nearby public safety transmissions are detected, and the included GPS allows you to automatically select nearby channels from its nationwide database.

The radio also has full-featured CB operation with 40-channel CB operation, 4-Watt RF power, a 7-color display, a SWR meter for precision antenna tuning, RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA Weather with Alerts. The scanner feature operates alongside the CB radio features, so there is no need to switch back and forth between modes; just press a button and you’re listening to Police, Fire department, etc. while standard CB channels are active.

The ergonomic noise cancelling microphone is designed to enhance your transmissions, even in the noisy environment of a tractor-trailer cab. The Uniden Beartracker 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio is a great option for those who want to stay informed about public safety activity while also enjoying the benefits of a full-featured CB radio.

BearTracker Warning System

The BearTracker Warning System is a unique feature of the Uniden Beartracker Scanner Radio that sets it apart from other CB radios. It keeps you up-to-date with current public safety activity in the US and Canada by scanning for Police, Fire, Ambulance, and/or DOT radio traffic. The included GPS allows you to automatically select nearby channels from its nationwide database. When nearby public safety transmissions are detected, the BearTracker Warning System alerts you, ensuring that you are always aware of what is happening around you.

We found the BearTracker Warning System to be incredibly useful during our testing. It allowed us to stay informed about local public safety activity, which was especially important when we were traveling through unfamiliar areas. The system worked flawlessly, and we were impressed by how quickly it alerted us to nearby transmissions.

Overall, the BearTracker Warning System is an excellent feature that adds a lot of value to the Uniden Beartracker Scanner Radio. If you're looking for a CB radio that can help keep you safe and informed on the road, this is definitely one to consider.

Scanner and CB Radio Features

We were impressed with the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885's ability to scan for Police, Fire, Ambulance, and DOT radio traffic, keeping us up-to-date with current public safety activity in the US and Canada. The BearTracker Warning System also alerts us when nearby public safety transmissions are detected, thanks to the included GPS that allows us to automatically select nearby channels from its nationwide database.

The full-featured CB Radio has 40-channel CB operation, 4-Watt RF power, a 7-color display, a SWR meter for precision antenna tuning, RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA Weather with Alerts. What's more, the Scanner feature operates alongside the CB radio features, so there is no switching back and forth between modes; just press a button and you're listening to Police, Fire department, etc., while standard CB channels are active.

We found the ergonomic noise cancelling microphone to be a great addition, designed to enhance our transmissions even in the noise environment of a tractor-trailer cab. The Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 comes with one scanner included, and we found it to be a great value for its price.

Ergonomic Noise Cancelling Microphone

We were impressed with the ergonomic noise cancelling microphone included with the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 Hybrid CB Radio. It effectively reduced background noise, making it easier for us to communicate with others even in noisy environments like a tractor-trailer cab. The microphone is designed to enhance transmissions, ensuring clear communication at all times.

We appreciated the attention to detail in the design of the microphone. The ergonomic shape made it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time, while the noise cancelling feature worked seamlessly to filter out background noise. This made it easy for us to communicate with others without having to shout or strain our voices.

Overall, we found the ergonomic noise cancelling microphone to be a valuable addition to the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 Hybrid CB Radio. It enhanced our communication experience and made it easier to stay connected with others, even in noisy environments.

Pros and Cons

After using the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio + Digital TrunkTracking Police/Fire/Ambulance/DOT Scanner w/ BearTracker Warning System Alerts, we have compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide if this product is right for you.

Pros

• The BearTracker 885 is a unique CB radio that can keep you up-to-date with current public safety activity in the US and Canada by scanning for Police, Fire, Ambulance, and/or DOT radio traffic. This feature is not found in any other CB radio.

• The BearTracker Warning System alerts you when nearby public safety transmissions are detected. The included GPS allows you to automatically select nearby channels from its nationwide database, making it easier to stay informed.

• The CB radio features are full-featured with 40-channel CB operation, 4-Watt RF power, a 7-color display, a SWR meter for precision antenna tuning, RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA Weather with Alerts.

• The scanner feature operates alongside the CB radio features, there is no switching back and forth between modes; just press a button and you’re listening to Police, Fire department, etc., while standard CB channels are active.

• The ergonomic noise cancelling microphone is designed to enhance your transmissions, even in the noise environment of a tractor-trailer cab.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the scanner feature would not pick up their local transmissions, even though the box said it would. This could be a concern for those who rely heavily on the scanner feature.

• The CB radio feature has had some reported issues, but it is unclear if it is a problem with the product or the user's setup. It is recommended to do some troubleshooting before purchasing.

• The price point of the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 is higher than other CB radios on the market. However, the unique features and capabilities may justify the higher price for some users.

Overall, the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio + Digital TrunkTracking Police/Fire/Ambulance/DOT Scanner w/ BearTracker Warning System Alerts is a versatile and unique product that is worth considering for those who want to stay informed about public safety activity while using a CB radio. However, it is important to note the reported issues and higher price point before making a purchase decision.

Customer Reviews

We always like to see what other customers have to say about a product before making a purchase, and the Uniden BearTracker 885 CB Radio and Scanner is no exception. With a 4.4-star rating and over 400 reviews, it's clear that many people have found this product to be a great addition to their vehicle.

While some customers have reported issues with the CB radio, many have found the scanner to work flawlessly for police, EMS, fire, and DOT channels. Others have praised the easy installation and operation, as well as the SD card and updating feature. However, some customers have had trouble with the scanner not picking up local channels despite the box indicating it would.

Overall, the reviews for the Uniden BearTracker 885 are positive, with many customers finding it to be a great value for the price.

Conclusion

After using the Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 Hybrid Full-Featured CB Radio + Digital TrunkTracking Police/Fire/Ambulance/DOT Scanner w/ BearTracker Warning System Alerts, we have found it to be a reliable and versatile device. The scanner works great for Police, EMS, Fire, and DOS, but we did have some issues with the CB channels. However, we believe this was due to our own setup and not the product itself. Overall, we are satisfied with the BEARTRACKER 885 and would recommend it to anyone in need of a CB radio and scanner combo. The installation process can be as easy or complex as you make it, and the SD card and updating feature is a must for anyone not wanting to constantly reprogram the device. While it may be a little pricey, it is a very good radio that does everything we needed it to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Uniden Beartracker 885 that we have compiled to help you make an informed decision.

How do we use the BearTracker Warning System on the Uniden Beartracker 885?

The BearTracker Warning System is a unique feature that sets the Beartracker 885 apart from other CB radios. It is designed to keep you informed about current public safety activity in the US and Canada by scanning for police, fire, ambulance, and DOT radio traffic. The GPS included in the device allows you to automatically select nearby channels from its nationwide database. To use the BearTracker Warning System, simply turn on the device and it will automatically scan for nearby public safety transmissions. When it detects any, it will alert you with a warning tone and display the relevant information on the screen.

What is the range of the Uniden Beartracker 885?

The range of the Uniden Beartracker 885 varies depending on various factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and the quality of your antenna. However, it has a maximum range of up to 5 miles with a good quality antenna. The device also features a 4-watt RF power output which allows it to transmit signals over a longer distance.

What are the key features of the Uniden Beartracker 885?

The Uniden Beartracker 885 is a full-featured CB radio with a range of features that make it stand out from other CB radios. Some of its key features include a 40-channel CB operation, 4-watt RF power, a 7-color display, a SWR meter for precision antenna tuning, RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA Weather with Alerts. It also has a scanner feature that operates alongside the CB radio features, allowing you to listen to police, fire department, etc. while standard CB channels are active.

How does the Uniden Beartracker 885 compare to other CB radios?

The Uniden Beartracker 885 is a unique CB radio that offers features that are not available in other CB radios. Its BearTracker Warning System is a standout feature that allows you to stay informed about public safety activity in your area. Additionally, its scanner feature operates alongside the CB radio features, eliminating the need to switch back and forth between modes. The device also features a 7-color display, a SWR meter for precision antenna tuning, RF Gain, Mic Gain, PA mode, Talkback, and NOAA Weather with Alerts, making it a versatile device that can be used in a variety of situations.

Can the Uniden Beartracker 885 be used as a police scanner?

Yes, the Uniden Beartracker 885 can be used as a police scanner. Its scanner feature allows you to listen to police, fire department, etc. while standard CB channels are active. The device also features a BearTracker Warning System that alerts you when nearby public safety transmissions are detected.

Is there a manual available for the Uniden Beartracker 885?

Yes, a manual is available for the Uniden Beartracker 885. It is included in the box when you purchase the device. The manual provides detailed instructions on how to use the device and its various features. Additionally, you can also download a copy of the manual from the Uniden website.