Bearcat 980 SSB variable power mod

[DeedleD]

Does anyone know if a variable power mod exists for the 980 SSB?

 

[711]

Besides the AM carrier pot

 

[9C1Driver]

It's already a low powered radio, what are you trying to do? Like 711 stated, there should be an AM carrier VR pot as well as a SSB power VR pot. You should be able to set it up to match a small amplifier the way it is.

 

[sonoma]

here is the locations for the VR's to adjust dead key and mod
RT203 SSB ALC
RT205 AM AMC
RT206 AM POWER.

be very careful turning these little VR's. they break very easy. you break one and trying to find one and solder it back in place is very hard to do.

 

[DeedleD]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. I should have been more clear, the radio I have has been equipped with a “stinger” mod which yields around 120W PEP so I’m trying to find a way to turn the power down, there is no button to turn the stinger off. Thanks!

 

[711]

Lowering the AM pot effectively lowers over all power unless you NPC mod it.

 

[CB590]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated. I should have been more clear, the radio I have has been equipped with a “stinger” mod which yields around 120W PEP so I’m trying to find a way to turn the power down, there is no button to turn the stinger off. Thanks!

Maybe look up the wiring and see which one is power wire and install a switch on the back or side..

 

[sonoma]

what stinger board is in it. most have 2 wires to turn it off. as mentioned you can lower the radios dead key to turn it down also.if it is the ad-203 from RM it has 2 wires to turn it off.

 

[DeedleD]

Thanks for the replies! I believe it's RM Italy AD-203 stinger board so it should be fairly easy to just add a switch and call it a day I suppose instead of messing with variable power.

 

[El Kabong]

The makers of that board say no more than 4 watts input. Your stock radio should be just fine as-is.

 

[DeedleD]

The makers of that board say no more than 4 watts input. Your stock radio should be just fine as-is.

I was actually thinking of turning it down since it's set to 3.5W to feed the stinger board yielding 35-40W but the high drive linear can achieve max output with 25W and 35W max input and I don't want to overdrive it so I'll need to turn the power down to 2.5W which will hopefully get me 25-30W from the stinger board.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Just bought a 980 and was digging up info. Thanks Sonoma for the info on the adjustments.

 

[Slowmover]

Just bought a 980 and was digging up info. Thanks Sonoma for the info on the adjustments.

FWIW, I’ve been driving the same RM ITALY KL203 with 880, 885 and now a 980 Uniden. Unopened.

Not disagreeing with anyone who wants to lower power. I’m adding this for the inexperienced like myself

It’s the advantage of avoiding CB techs makes dead stock gear viable with these radios and a little amp (70W give or take). As a truck driver it’s called: order online. Get home and rig it up. Grab a gear.

Put time and effort towards mobile antenna. Count hairs on head first.

.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

FWIW, I’ve been driving the same RM ITALY KL203 with 880, 885 and now a 980 Uniden. Unopened.

Not disagreeing with anyone who wants to lower power. I’m adding this for the inexperienced like myself

It’s the advantage of avoiding CB techs makes dead stock gear viable with these radios and a little amp (70W give or take). As a truck driver it’s called: order online. Get home and rig it up. Grab a gear.

Put time and effort towards mobile antenna. Count hairs on head first.

.

I just turned the am modulation up a hair and put the cover back on. I know what you mean.

 

[Redbeard U812]

FWIW, I’ve been driving the same RM ITALY KL203 with 880, 885 and now a 980 Uniden. Unopened.

Not disagreeing with anyone who wants to lower power. I’m adding this for the inexperienced like myself

It’s the advantage of avoiding CB techs makes dead stock gear viable with these radios and a little amp (70W give or take). As a truck driver it’s called: order online. Get home and rig it up. Grab a gear.

Put time and effort towards mobile antenna. Count hairs on head first.

.

So all this about the 980......has me considering ordering. Especially Slow being able to run bone stock into amp......plug and play. Have couple lieiniieers lying around need'n jobs. Would make good set up on my Ram 3500. Hmmmmm.....order 2-3 from Amazon or go to Robstown Gun Show. Awe.......Hell.......I'll do both.