CB Radio Showdown: Bearcat 980SSB vs President McKinley Which One is Best???

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
  • Lets compare the Bearcat 980SSB vs the President McKinley CB radios. Which one do you think is best?
    ► DISCLAIMER
    This video is for reference/entertainment purposes only and is just my opinion.
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    #cbRadio #president #bearcat
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ความคิดเห็น • 383

  • @calvinlong1265
    @calvinlong1265 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have a Bearcat in a base station configuration and love it!

  • @mikestone9129
    @mikestone9129 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I have owned both radios. I first had the 980ssb but after having the displays fail very quick on 2 I went to the McKinley and have been happy with it. I recently added the RM Italy KL203P to it and it's a game changer. My recommendation is go with the President McKinley.

    • @williamdarico2369
      @williamdarico2369 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So it has adjustable RF power so it won’t toast the amp?

    • @daviddunn5648
      @daviddunn5648 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@williamdarico2369 yes

  • @geraldscott4302
    @geraldscott4302 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    The McKinley has one really big advantage over the Bearcat. It has adjustable RF output power. Makes it real easy to turn the power down so you can add an amp without burning it up.

    • @jerrypolverino6025
      @jerrypolverino6025 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That’s a critical point for a mobile, especially for SSB.

    • @vics9830
      @vics9830 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@jerrypolverino6025 Bearcat does the same thing rf gain snd mic gain both adjustable on it I'm running one in my truck you gota hold the button to get to the power out put toggle.

  • @ericreif1032
    @ericreif1032 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I have the Bearcat 980 SSB. There is a lot to like about the radio. It looks sharp and sounds great. I had mine installed on the dash on my car and after some hot summer days, the screen started to die. It started in one corner and slowly spread over several days. After doing some research, I found this was not a rare problem for the 980SSB V2. Luckily my radio still had a little over a month on the warranty.

    • @superiorvideoandphotograph375
      @superiorvideoandphotograph375 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you call uniden about this issue they will say they never heard of the problem LOL

  • @ehayes5217
    @ehayes5217 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    In fact, that was a REALLY good video, especially with the scope comparisons at the end👍

  • @ehayes5217
    @ehayes5217 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    a great comparison (& I've had a Bearcat 980SSB for yrs now & love it)🇺🇸

  • @trackpackgt877
    @trackpackgt877 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I run the 980ssb in my dump truck and its peak aligned and tuned 15 watt average dang that thing kills it we use am at work nobody else has side band but with a Wilson 5K I have the best radio of all 40 trucks they're always commenting on how far away they can hear me that being said I think the advantage the president has is the RF power meter now if your radio stock there's no use for that but if it's peaked and turned and putting out something like 15 W that RF power would come in very handy especially if you want to drive an amp I really like that I think I'm going to get one of those President McKinley's as a backup radio great video

  • @drhobblgrewber2148
    @drhobblgrewber2148 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Nice comparison, thanks. I came to the same conclusion. Front fire speaker is great for mobile use. Some one else noted Variable RF power out on the McKinley. My 980 is set up as a base. My choice was real easy. I got from Amazon, damaged packaging for $80.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      good deal!

    • @jackgarrison8497
      @jackgarrison8497 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SevenFortyOne Does The Bearcat Radio do any Meowing? Just kidding I know that it's not A Cat

  • @jacktaylor3001
    @jacktaylor3001 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Well, now I want to try a McKinley. I'm running a Bearcat 980 as my base right now. It's definitely better as a base as it's a little more fragile than say a more robust Cobra 29, but all the bells and whistles make it a lot more fun. Other operators have told me it's got a good sound. For the money, it's a great base. That McKinley looks much better for a mobile application.
    Thanks for the vid!

  • @eddieslittlestack7919
    @eddieslittlestack7919 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well made video sir. Thumbs up!
    Leaning towards that uniden 980ssb myself. Need something for a base station next to my 2 meter.

  • @don_n5skt
    @don_n5skt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Been leaning towards a McKinley for a while and this video kind of solidified it for me. Thanks for this Rob.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cool - enjoy the radio if you get one!

  • @cadesmith4278
    @cadesmith4278 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I bought the 980 a couple of years ago, and after about a year the fading display problem began. In hot weather, the display pretty much goes away, so I use it as a base now indoors. Certain portions fade first, such as the ANL/NB segments, followed by the S/RF display, but otherwise it's a nice talking radio I'm told. Funny thing is, as an experiment I put the radio in the refrigerator for a while to cool it down, the display works as new, at least for a little while. Maybe I need to install a cooling fan...lol

  • @kkristopher7413
    @kkristopher7413 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was a great video. I loved the bandwidth that you had shown. I have both of those radios and I love to experiment with audio. I have multiple rack units for in line processing before the radio. I just hook it up to the front mic jack that most people say not to do and it gets around 5 khz on both sides in am mode that is nice sounding to the ears.

  • @jeffpierce6501
    @jeffpierce6501 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video definitely helped me make my mind. Looks like I am going with the McKinley. Thank you for your time brother.

  • @somejackball
    @somejackball ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i wish we still had local CB users out there! where you get radio checks like that, test mic's, radios etc. however pretty dead around here, accept for the skip, and it's been bangin' lately (Lk Texoma area). so the 980 is a pretty radio, but i've heard the displays can fail on some of them. i've had a new McKinley for about 2 weeks now and very happy with it! have made quite a few DX contacts the past week on LSB 38. ☮

  • @davidmiller6311
    @davidmiller6311 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have the 980 and it had stingy am modulation and ssb swing on the stock mic . I removed the white layer on front of the microphone element and also increased the size of the hole in the rubber element holder and I now get excellent audio reports on am and ssb. I think these were installed to reduce road noise but it really didn’t help anything at all. Now I really like this radio. The display failures I’ve heard about I am watching for that to happen or if it even does. The thin black layer dust screen in the mic I left in to keep dust from getting on the microphone element.

  • @tomgudaitis8076
    @tomgudaitis8076 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had the 980ssb ended up installing that in my son's pick up and he loves it.. I've been trying out a bunch of different radios in my big truck since the McKinley was sold out at the time.. I now have it on order and this review helped me think I have made a good choice for the big truck

  • @johnishikawa2200
    @johnishikawa2200 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good, thorough comparison. Liked the on air test with other CBers. Like your approach-you dive right in. I'm leaning toward the bear cat because I'm mainly a " base man " . Plus it looks a little better...more modern.

  • @ddixon72
    @ddixon72 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've had the McKinley for about 3 years or so it works very well on AM as well as SSB I've not had a bad report yet. I did have a problem with my speaker and sent it in for repairs President made the whole process very painless. And the five year warranty if you buy a president antenna is great. I don't know if I'll have another radio without ASC it's awsome not having to play around with the squelch control while driving down the road.
    Good video 73's

  • @SKYNET9er
    @SKYNET9er ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Not sure where the mic gain settings were on both radios during the tests but they both did a fine job. I like these apples 2 apples comparison vids. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

  • @BoB4jjjjs
    @BoB4jjjjs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    These CBs go along the conveyor belt so fast, there can be differences between radios of the same model.
    They do not get much time to work on them, as long as they meet the spec' away they go along the belt to the next stage. A lot of people would pay a bit more for a radio that has spent more time on the tuning station to get the best out of the radio that is allowed.

    • @dobermanguy9437
      @dobermanguy9437 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That goes for a lot of things that are mass-produced one good thing about the McKinley there is a service manual available to any service technician who can repair the radio and that is a big plus when it comes time if your radio ever needs work

    • @BoB4jjjjs
      @BoB4jjjjs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@dobermanguy9437 Service manuals should be with all CB and other radios.
      It might not mean anything to most, but to me, it saves hours!
      It is getting stupid these days, it is hard sometimes to even get an owner's manual on how to use some things!

  • @psmiley84
    @psmiley84 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great video, thank you! I own the uniden 980ssb and use it regularly as a base station connected to an Antron 99 about 50 ft at the tip. I also run a modern Cobra 29LX in my pickup with a 108 whip. I am frustrated not having the ssb in my truck and will be adding a Mckinley to my truck with a 108 whip. cant wait to see how the mckinley performs and i think for me it will be the better choice for the mobile ssb. WIll keep you posted on my results.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I prefer ssb myself. Better range and more people to talk to.

  • @Patrickjdee66
    @Patrickjdee66 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a great in-depth video , thank you so much for doing , I would go with the Bearcat as it looks so cool , all the best 🍷

  • @dennisjones8991
    @dennisjones8991 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A correction for you, they both use LCD displays, the Uniden is blackout except for the data displayed, the President display is exactly opposite.

  • @dondineen110
    @dondineen110 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have both radios. I can't tell a difference. But, I replaced them with an Anytone 6666, and that radio seems to outperform both. I agree that the McKinley is a better mobile whereas the 980SSB makes a good base. Since there is no skip at this time, I installed President Bill II AM FM radios so I can use the FM mode locally. There is essentially no local AM traffic, even on 19, so I use the FM for family talk.

  • @MrMuppetbaby
    @MrMuppetbaby ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you 741! I wish you taught a class in how to review things. An amazing job and I know it wasn't easy. I used to be a CB guy as a kid and then discovered the world of Ham Radio. I am an Extra class radio operator but I still dig CB! All the best from Tod KJ6H. :)

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hmmm...that gives me an idea! I'm glad you found this helpful

  • @glenn2595
    @glenn2595 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the review. I'm looking into the Galaxy and these 2 ssb radios so this gives a me a good review as to what I would choose between these 2 (President). Another TH-camr did a review of the President Lincoln II, yes it's a ham, but he commented the stock microphone was 'garbage' and he wired and uses a Cobra power mic with good success.

  • @MichiganPeatMoss
    @MichiganPeatMoss 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dec 2021: I picked up the 980 two years ago. Great vid. Thanks. Inspired to get it back out. Michigan Pete. Out!

  • @DeputyChiefEMS57
    @DeputyChiefEMS57 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    One thing I feel important to bring up. Bearcats have a bad habit of the screen failing. I haven't heard of this problem with the McKinley. Also for those asking the President Lincoln 2 is a 10 meter ham radio not a cb radio

    • @rdsii64
      @rdsii64 ปีที่แล้ว

      Its a 10 meter radio until you open the top and clip very conspicuous white wire.

    • @jdoerr779
      @jdoerr779 ปีที่แล้ว

      My Bearcat is still running great after a year. I’ve gotten great distance running barefoot with a 102” whip. The one thing I’m not a fan of is that your fingernails will scratch the screen to hell if you have a habit of adjusting it while you drive so you are “feeling” around. Hope my screen holds up. If it doesn’t I’ll probably go with a President to get access to FM.

  • @dobermanguy9437
    @dobermanguy9437 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    There's a few reasons I like the McKinley better one I love that swr tone feature 2 there is a service manual available for the McKinley in case it ever needs to be repaired that's a plus three I love that front-firing speaker so for me it's the McKinley and also to me the McKinley sounds better with a smoother audio by the way excellent video of these two radios👍

  • @SnarkyRC
    @SnarkyRC ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice. My grandma was part of a CB club back in the 80s.

  • @jeremymyers5503
    @jeremymyers5503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the 980ssb like every one else for a base station radio. In the car I run the uniden beartracker 885 because I love the digital scanner option.

  • @rallypoint1
    @rallypoint1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have the McKinley so my opinion is biased. I love it!
    But I will say that McKinley has RF power option that the Bearcat doesn’t have. Much easier if you’re running a box. Also the McKinley is DIN sized so if can be mounted in a mobile easier than the Bearcat. You’re right about the slight hum in the McKinley. Very faint but it’s there. The Bearcat also has screen issues in a mobile. The screen goes blank in extreme temperatures.
    Glad I made the right choice for me! That was a good comparison….thanks for the vid!!!👍🏼

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      glad you enjoyed this!

    • @vics9830
      @vics9830 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Bearcat 980 SSB also has RF Gain output and Mic Gain output settings you must of missed it hold the second button from the top on the right side you'll get ur RF power out setting Mic is the next button 3rd from the top hold that get ur power setting adjust.

  • @MRLUGNUTS
    @MRLUGNUTS ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the 980 for 4years now and
    haven't had any of the problems like the other commenters, but I want to
    say the McKinley sounds a little crisper with the front mounted speaker. I might just have to buy
    one.. good video.

  • @hansshaffer3788
    @hansshaffer3788 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    fantastic video! subscribed!

  • @IZ0MTW
    @IZ0MTW 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You deserve a thumbs up after the effort you put 👍🏻

  • @coryboyd7958
    @coryboyd7958 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have both. And use both just as you described!

  • @davidrfuller3626
    @davidrfuller3626 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Definitely the McKinley.
    Thank you for the in-depth demonstration!

  • @Simon-qn5wm
    @Simon-qn5wm 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Quite pleased the George II has just been released. It's bought down the cost of a used Mckinley to a price I can afford. Just bought it & delivery tomorrow 😁. I do like the look of the Bearcat though.

  • @brucefeela6076
    @brucefeela6076 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review, I'm looking at getting back to the CB after many years away. I think that you've convinced me to get the president. It really seems to be the top of the line. Thanks

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  ปีที่แล้ว

      I think it's a good choice if you are just getting back in to the hobby. Good value for the money.

  • @RemyRAD
    @RemyRAD 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well thanks to your superb review here. I am very pleased to know. Since my younger, 64-year-old brother, dropped dead. A few months back. I inherited his car and his numerous, 2 way radios. Mostly all 2 meter ham stuff. But there is also this, President McKinley, CB Radio. There is a box for another different unit. Also looking very nice. I have not yet located? But the box looks brand-new just like the Pres. McKinley box. And the Icon 705. And numerous walkie-talkies of GMRS variety I think? Though could also be 2 meter units? I have no idea? I haven't been into this stuff for, well over 50 years. When I was a teenager. Playing with Ham and CB Radios. While, on the air, overnights at Baltimore's #1 FM Album Rock Station. Back in 1976. Just a couple of weeks ago. Or so it seems? I think I am now fully senile? And everything is working great. Hi my name is Remy what's yours? What did you say your name was again? What do you mean I've already asked you 50 times? No you didn't I am.
    Yes I am boning up on my future senility. I want to be able to make the least amount of sense possible. And that is very difficult for me since I am no sense at all. And so in the paper with ice cream there are always pencils to be trapped. When senility takes full hold of your shrinking brain. As it has,, mine. And Donald Trump's. Most definitely. Yes we can see for ourselves. Clear through. From one ear canal to the other. He has nothing left inside his Orange Jesus.
    Without a care in the world. He adjusts his petticoats and heads out the door.
    RemyRAD

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you liked the video?

  • @jamesmoore1341
    @jamesmoore1341 ปีที่แล้ว

    That recieve audio on the President is a beautiful crisp sound

  • @slidewaze
    @slidewaze 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I've had the Mckinley for over a year and am very happy with it. It's been a nice work horse and simple to use. Did you have both radios set with NB and ANL active? Hi-Cut? It does affect how the receiver sounds. Unfortunately, my Uniden had to go back due to a failed display. Funny you selected the same two radios I did. Nice review and comparison. 73

    • @robertmanning8246
      @robertmanning8246 ปีที่แล้ว

      NO NOONE AROUND HERE KNOWS HOW TO SET ALL DIALS ON MY REALISTIC TRC 450

  • @M0RMY
    @M0RMY 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great comparison - over here in UK we have FM as well on the McKinley as "standard" CB is FM (but we now have AM and SSB too on some bands) - I still prefer the Lincoln I or Lincoln II. Merry Christmas!

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I haven't tried the modern Lincoln radios yet but I've heard good things

  • @johnmayer158
    @johnmayer158 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have the 980ssb and love the radio. The only criticism I have is the lous chirp when changing channels or settings. I run it as a base. I have a President Bill in the car, and for as small as it is, it hears almost everything, and gets out nicely.
    Good luck,
    0576 Michigan.

    • @Tom-ii9oy
      @Tom-ii9oy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      you can turn off the chirp sound!

  • @joneses1962
    @joneses1962 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really liked your comparison. I'm an amateur operator (kb7rxp) who still uses CB from time to time. I just bought a slightly used 980 ssb. I haven't had an 11 meter ssb unit for about 20 years, but the atmosphere has been insane lately so I decided to get back into it. I've had my ham ticket for about 30 years, I really should upgrade so I can work more HF, but I'm lazy and haven't gotten around to it 🙂

  • @poppasmurf63
    @poppasmurf63 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have gone thru two 980's to my now current Pres. McKinley. Don't know why. Same antenna same power supply same install location. Didn't notice anything stand out stellar of one radio over the other. The bearcats just crapped out after a few months. Have had the McKinley little over a year now and still going strong.

  • @flpirate4565
    @flpirate4565 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Both radios sound great. Tha n KS for the comparisons

  • @genieur8188
    @genieur8188 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for testing and the comparision.
    Very much appreciated?
    Any chance to have both radios receiving the very same communicationnin separate rooms? This would help to compare both recordings.

  • @Patrickjdee66
    @Patrickjdee66 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi there, your video stopped me from going crazy, I bought the McKinley and noticed the whining noise, considering my other radio the President Richard doesn’t make the same noise, I’m surprised President didn’t address the issue, other users were saying it didn’t happen to there McKinley so I was ready to send radio back, maybe other users were not in a quiet room to notice it, overall it’s a great radio other than RF power adjustment, I had to get out instructions to adjust it, great video and so in-depth , thank you

  • @leowetzel2497
    @leowetzel2497 ปีที่แล้ว

    Perfect! Thanks! I just had a Galaxy DX 959B delivered yesterday and it has a fairly loud wine coming from the cabinet. I am returning it and I was considering the two radios in this video and it made my decision much easier! I could not stand the buzzing from the President, so I am going to get the Uniden instead. I will be using it as a base station and also like the better appearance of the Uniden.

    • @rogerxxxxxxx
      @rogerxxxxxxx ปีที่แล้ว

      For reducing whining, need to likely run the power straight to the battery, with an additional inline fuse for protecting the radio. Then run a ground cable connected to the screw on the radio to some metal on the vehicle. First identify any other vehicle circuits are not causing the problem by pulling fuses where possible, although most circuits are not easily fixed.
      Inline fuse
      InstallGear 8/10 Gauge AWG In-Line AGU Fuse Holder with 60 Amp Fuse
      Bullz Audio (BAGU30P) Platinum 30 Amp AGU Fuse - 5 Piece
      Think I ran 10 gauge stranded cable for the power (some charts call for 8 AWG for 30A), then maybe box store green 12 or 14 AWG THWN stranded for ground.
      Whining noise decreased by ~30-50%, significant and at times almost inaudible, but still present at times. Heard this is likely due to the electronics on newer vehicles. I've pulled fuses to isolate, but failed further isolating.
      On my setup, I also wired in a relay, for having the CB radio turn-off or on with the vehicle key, rather than always remaining turned-on and accidentally draining the battery. The relay is connected to the radio fuse, two wires one hot one ground(?), when the relay senses the vehicle electric turned on (eg. power to radio), the relay opens the direct 30A wire from the battery to CB.
      Here's the relay parts:
      Absolute RLS125 12-VCD Automotive Relay SPDT 30/40A
      SURBLUEXX 5 SET 5 Pin Relay Socket Connector 12V 30Amp 40Amp 6.3mm Car Truck Vehicle Terminal Relay Case Holder
      Also best to solder the cabling/wiring, for significantly increasing durability. Use a hot soldering iron for these thicker cables, such as the Weller D650PK. (Think I also used silver solder, definitely not going to break easily!) Best to also use shrink tubing, but sure electrical tape will suffice.

  • @clarenceswope6706
    @clarenceswope6706 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hearing-wise I would say that the McKinley has better ears especially on sideband and that's like comparing a Kenwood HF radio to a ft 991 a

  • @allenmaty9349
    @allenmaty9349 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have used them both, I prefer the mckinly. Simpler to use and has automatic squelch

  • @omnisteverino
    @omnisteverino 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    interesting comparison, however I wonder if the receive test would be better if an external speaker was used, just as you used the same mic for transmission. Thanks 741!

    • @BeingRomans829ed
      @BeingRomans829ed ปีที่แล้ว

      I thought the same thing about the external speaker. I thought maybe the receive audio trouble on the Bearcat was due to the sound firing directly into that hard countertop surface.

    • @jamesmaddox1450
      @jamesmaddox1450 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I tested out my Bearcat 980 next to my President George using the same external speaker. I got the same results as the video. The Bearcat was more base and easier on the ears, and the President was crisper/sharper.

  • @terryshrives8322
    @terryshrives8322 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have both radio’s. The one thing that is consistent, is that people can’t hear me as well on the bearcat. I sold it and stuck with the McKinley

  • @brucewebber6983
    @brucewebber6983 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review I purchased the McKinley yesterday waiting to get it shipped. I read up on it many places I needed something smaller then the spare full sized mobiles I have . I been been in CB's for 50 + years . I am going on a 2600 mi road trip (WA to OH)wanted a smaller CB with weather band will be running it off a old Wilson 5000 mag base . Papa Smurf 109 waving bye bye

  • @timmotel5804
    @timmotel5804 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought a Uniden radar detector years ago and it false alarmed all across West Texas during a road trip. I'll never buy one of their products again. The President is always my choice. As soon as they make an AM/SSB/FM President radio, I'll buy one.Till then I'll stick with my old Realistic TRC-421A. Thanks for the posting.

  • @ku4uv
    @ku4uv 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the 980 and have made some DX contacts on it o0n SSB. Looking back, I wish I would have bought the McKinley instead though.

  • @clydeosterhout1221
    @clydeosterhout1221 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the vid! It was very informative. I am trying to decide which one of these to get to replace my 40 year old Realistic SSB base station radio. I had decided to get the Bearcat, but the McKinley comes with CB FM, which I have in the car. I am not convinced that FM really makes much sense in a base station, especially as I use GMRS and a repeater for my local communications (and the McKinley costs $90 more!) So I’m your opinion is FM really worth it in a base station setting? If not now, in the future? Hopefully my new CB will last as long as my old one!

  • @kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953
    @kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you rob, I came to same conclusion two years ago and thankfully I chose Ham vs Cb to equip my station at home and in the mobile. Sounds so thin love my ftdx10 on Am ☺️

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      There is a time and place for all types of radios. I like having options...

  • @eyestoenvy
    @eyestoenvy 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really REALLY miss my old "PRESIDENT 2510" ..... great comparison video bro, thanks for posting.

  • @student6045
    @student6045 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Job. You were fair in your observation. Price goes to the Uniden.

  • @wild-radio7373
    @wild-radio7373 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great test♡👍

  • @fansalarmslightingetc
    @fansalarmslightingetc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    From my family to yours… Merry Christmas!

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Merry Christmas to you and your family too! Enjoy the day!

    • @fansalarmslightingetc
      @fansalarmslightingetc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SevenFortyOne You too bud

  • @DiggerX
    @DiggerX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those are both nice radios, but I went with a dual band ham radio and had the 11meter chip added when ordered it and had it aligned and tuned for max performance, best of both worlds.

    • @echo-hotel
      @echo-hotel 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      What did you get? I’ve been thinking of modding my ic705.

    • @DiggerX
      @DiggerX 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@echo-hotel I Got the RCI 2970N4 for a mobile/base. it's now 10, 11, and 12 meters with the 11 meter chip installed. 400+ watts. I also have the IC 7200 that does a Great job on skip land.

  • @cbmikey
    @cbmikey 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very nice review and comparison! I do wonder though if an external speaker would have made either rig sound better. I know I usually get better results if I go external. My external speaker has an integrated capacitor to help filter out noise.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It would but I wanted to compare the radios as they come with no accessories

    • @cbmikey
      @cbmikey 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@SevenFortyOne oh your review is perfect the way it is! I'm just thinking out loud!

  • @johnbosler2211
    @johnbosler2211 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Would like to see the McKinley with am/fm/ssb and it would definitely be the winner

    • @StorminNorvin
      @StorminNorvin 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It already exists with the President McKinley EU Export model.

    • @clydeosterhout1221
      @clydeosterhout1221 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      2 years later, your wish had been granted!

  • @larsschmidt7249
    @larsschmidt7249 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i own both i use the Mckinley in the car easyer to fit in dash with front firing speaker and bearcat on base station in house both great radio's

  • @gregkelleher8974
    @gregkelleher8974 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I agree with you McKinley...not much in it.
    This has helped me make a decision...thank you.
    Also thank you for your honesty.

  • @raymondward4796
    @raymondward4796 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a President Grant 2. I don’t have the McKinley but I do have a Uniden Bearcat 980 with the Grant 2. These two radios look very similar up front with the knobs and buttons. In back and mind you both radios are low power-the Grant 2 has a heat sink whereas the 980 does not. Both are sold as cb radios. The 980 has 3 modes (AM, SSB, and WB). The Grant 2 has AM,FM, and SSB. Yes, the Grant 2 is sold as a cb radio but a simple adjustment under the cover will give you as many channels as a Lincoln 2 plus. I got mine from a UK 🇬🇧 Retailer.

  • @anthonymigliori4703
    @anthonymigliori4703 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bought 2 of the Bearcats 980s and both of the screens went out on both of them.

  • @robinthurston3382
    @robinthurston3382 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought the 980 on my fuel points. It's a nice ssb radio and stable. The problem is that you can't see the display in the day time. In your test, I think the McKinley has a warmer tone than the 980. The 980 is tinny. A back lit lcd display would definitely be better in a mobile environment. I have the 980 in my hamshack, and I don't regret owning one. It's a great addition to leave on 38 lsb and use as a propagation beacon for 10 meters. There's hardly any activity on 10 because hams, think the band is not up.

  • @foxtrot684
    @foxtrot684 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @user-bd4zb8jk6w
    @user-bd4zb8jk6w หลายเดือนก่อน

    Back in the 70s i had 3 president cb raidos ar7 jfk and grant. All very good raidos. I regret getting rid of them.

  • @Joe-KN4IFI
    @Joe-KN4IFI 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would take either radio giving a slight edge to the McKinley. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 73 Joe

  • @danielsteenis1623
    @danielsteenis1623 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well I have a McKinley and love it...but in my other car I was gonna get a bearcat just for being able to get the wireless Uniden mic...but now come to find out the 6 pin uniden wireless WILL fit the McKinley without mods...sold..going to get another McKinley and order 2 wireless mics.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Double check that before you order...I may have mis spoken in the video

  • @Brenda-jf2pe
    @Brenda-jf2pe 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Also with a small Phillips screw drive, such as used. For cellphone repair there are pots in the radio for alc and dead key! Video are out there ! WR038 aka UDX038 Utah.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The point of test was to compare the radios out of the box as they come

  • @peternewman958
    @peternewman958 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The President McKinley is outright the far better radio, in RX and TX. Plus it doesn’t have screen issues like the 980SSB does. Also you can still buy the McKinley as its replaced the President Grant II.

  • @kennethherd8850
    @kennethherd8850 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey, are you sure the displays are not b oth LCD and just polarized differently? L.E.D. went out a long time ago.....

  • @madmax2069
    @madmax2069 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would have to invert the display on the President, its one of a few reasons why i bought the Uniden (that and the price). I do believe the updated version of the President also has FM as well.

  • @ehayes5217
    @ehayes5217 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When first receiving on the Bearcat, it sounded fine except that the background seemed quite noisy; wonder if u had the ANL engaged? I leave mine on continuously when on AM🇺🇸

  • @eecook79
    @eecook79 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m glad I am not the only one that hears that president speaker whine, it’s especially bad when connected to my external speaker. I can hear it in my Lincoln 2+ over the highway noise, it drives me nuts.

  • @CL-ty6wp
    @CL-ty6wp ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video.
    Would these run on a 12v psu? I have an old xbox brick.
    Or does it need closer to 14v to emulate vehicle voltage?

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It might mot produce enough current...check the label against the radio specs.

  • @Orefamilylawncare
    @Orefamilylawncare ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have both radios. The best feature on the 980 is the weather band..........that's about it. The McKinley is decent but lacks the power to really get out. My Lincoln 2 blows both out of the water. On that note they are all menu driven and I don't like that. Id rather have switches and knobs.

  • @KutWrite
    @KutWrite หลายเดือนก่อน

    I wonder how the President George would measure up.
    That Bearcat mic looks retro, like an old Astatic or Electro-Voice studio mic or something from Flash Gordon!
    At this point, being in observer mode, I'm working on a scanning SDR setup. After that, I'll see if I want to transmit anything.
    Kudos on your collection, especially those two Drakes. I always loved those.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Someday I'll get the drakes going..I'm waiting for a break iñ my work schedule...

  • @DAVIDGREGORYKERR
    @DAVIDGREGORYKERR ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Maybe it is time to do all the signal processing in C++ on a DSP Processor like radios like the latest ICOM SDR range of transceivers.

  • @mscir
    @mscir 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like the more minimalistic design of the McKinley and the front facing speaker. Is the McKinley whining noise from the power supply section? I had a Hallicrafters shortwave and when I used SB I could adjust the tuning and it changed the frequency of the static, that was a nice feature.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think the noise is from a poorly shielded circuit inside the radio. It happens sometimes.

  • @1958johndeere620
    @1958johndeere620 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    They were very nice in the way they said " Your piss weak " LOL!!!

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah - they cut me some slack

  • @colinthompson2267
    @colinthompson2267 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm an old cb'er from the 70's and to me, I like the McKinley, sounds better to me.
    The fact that the power can be turned down is also a seller to me.

  • @lordaresthefirst
    @lordaresthefirst ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done

  • @almartiniii1541
    @almartiniii1541 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love my McKinley. It looks good and fits better in modern crowded vehicles. Also it's lack of bling makes it less likely to cause a broken window. Of course the 980 kinda looks like a low to mid budget replacement car radio so it also might get passed over as well as opposed to your cobra 29 chromes and export radios.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good points

    • @bluegrassman3040
      @bluegrassman3040 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I like the look of the 980 better, but I’m thinking the McKinley is a better radio.

  • @skinny-peters-JR.
    @skinny-peters-JR. 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just ordered me a new uniden bearcat 980 ssb and. Bearcat 20. Speaker getting back into. Ssb after 15 years. Hope gen 2. Is better then gen one. Bearcat

  • @junglejoecvideogates9705
    @junglejoecvideogates9705 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just bought a Uniden Bearcat 980 for my wifes vehicle and we are very happy with it. Do you know anything about channel mods? I want to put the extra frequencies in it like our others radios. I am sure there is a mod to do that

    • @miketaylor2197
      @miketaylor2197 ปีที่แล้ว

      The 980 is not modifiable for extra channels except for a channel king mod board. And the guy who made them hasn't released a new batch in awhile due to the screen failures these radios are prone to

  • @williamdarico2369
    @williamdarico2369 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like the McKinley you can turn the RF power down if you have a little kicker i here. I herd one guy say Putnam Ct, that’s funny I live in the same state

  • @terencegillespie6675
    @terencegillespie6675 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you.

    • @terencegillespie6675
      @terencegillespie6675 ปีที่แล้ว

      I slept on it and bought the 980. It’s going in my Jeep Wrangler probably roof mounted over the mirror. POOF. Good show, man.

  • @thequarantinecatholic
    @thequarantinecatholic ปีที่แล้ว

    What antenna were you using for your base station? Great video!

  • @Radiowild
    @Radiowild 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looks like the McKinley is the better rig. I'm not a fan of the orange backlight. I prefer green or blue. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Merry Christmas to yo too! The backlight color can change. My crappy eyes see orange the best so I leave it there

  • @joeh773
    @joeh773 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Could you please do a vid on battery powered mobile setup like you use in your vid "Are HAM stick on car..." from December 2021? And one more vid on inexpensive/easy setup of CB antennas for home base? I purchased McKinley last November, your channel was one of few that inspired me to do that, but I have no clue hot to set it up as home base in garage antenna-wise. For mobile I use k40/k30 mag ant in the center of the roof and was amazed to get 1.0 swr on the internal meter, seems too easy :) tried plugging headphones (so my daughter in the backseat does not hear the profanity and crazies) into the back and get a lot of hum... :( any idea why? I enjoy and appreciate ALL your videos, thanks!

  • @1crazynordlander
    @1crazynordlander 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Rob, Another great video! Thanks for sharing and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It looks as though either of them would be a great choice. I was going to wait for the McKinley to ship with FM mode to the states but not sure when that ruling will take effect that is if it has even been passed yet. I think that will really mess up the CB band when it happens. I would hope there would be an agreed upon channel or range of channels that the FM users can go play on. A band plan. I wonder what the Europeans do since they have FM capabilities over there.

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I bought this one before the FM thing was announced or I might have waited myself.

    • @1crazynordlander
      @1crazynordlander 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SevenFortyOne Have you heard a release date for FM models?

    • @SevenFortyOne
      @SevenFortyOne  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I haven't...