Customer Reviews

Uniden Bearcat PC68XL 40-Channel CB Radio

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This unit looks and works great. Installation was easy and the performance has been great. Has all the adjustments that I was looking for plus the weather channels. I didn't really want the weather channels at the time of purchase, but I'm glad I have them now.

The cosmetics are great -- chrome dials, silver face, green back-lighting, analog signal meter.

The unit is not a compact unit, but I was able to fit it under the radio in my '96 Ford Ranger without too much trouble. The 9' microphone cord seemed really long to me when I saw that on the spec sheet, but it is actually about perfect.

There are a couple of downsides: The Dynamic Squelch Control is completely useless. As far as I can tell, it just automatically sets the squelch to a higher-than-appropriate level. With DSC on, you miss all low-powered transmissions and some high-powered ones. DSC works great if you're only interested in a ~300' radius. I never turn mine on.

The other downside is that it's nearly impossible to determine the knob positions by sight. That is, you can't easily look down and see that the volume is at 1/2 and squelch is at 1/8, etc.

Neither of these downsides are that big of a deal, though.

BTW, I use the RF Gain control much more than squelch to fine tune my reception. Don't buy a CB radio without RF Gain.

This CB is perfect for any person interested in CB radios. Mounted it in my 94 Ford Explorer easily. Every aspect of the CB is useful. The dynamic squelch is very useful for beginners when they're not quite sure how to set the squelch just right. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a CB.

I am very happy with the CB itself, good range and very clear. If I was still in the Navy I'd say it will give you "5X5" tx/rx. However, the mic quit working within two months, and I had to purchase an alternate brand mic. Apparently in order to have the mic replaced under warrenty, I would have had to send the mic and the radio back for repair. For less than the cost of shipping I was able to buy another mic.

Purchased the radio new, and installed in the same place my old radio was mounted.

My first impression was: "Wow is this thing quiet, compared to my old radio."

Well, that is because the squelch circuit was defective, and a person had to be within 100 ft of my car for me to hear them. Took it to my local CB repair shop, just to make sure it was the radio, before sending it back, and it was. The repair shop said this is not the first time they had seen this problem. Did not have anything to do with the Dynamic Squelch.

Sent the radio back and received a refund.

Never did get to run it through its paces to compare perfomance. Now I'm a bit gun-shy to try a Uniden 68 again.

What I did like, was the good sound of the speaker, and the microphone. The front panel lights and meter were not too bright at night. Overall, had the radio worked, I would have given it a high rating.

Just the luck of the draw, I received a bad one.

I loves it, great price middle of the road radio, the stock mic is very clear. Matched it up with k30 mag antenna, flat SWR. No hum or road noise, excelent in simplicity.

Product shipped fast, in fantastic condition. Exactly as I would expect out of a Uniden, great quality and works like a charm.

--If you are looking for a good all-around A.M. only (no Sidebands) mobile CB radio (operates on automobile voltage, not 120V mains), this is it. This is the second one of these radios I have purchased for friends, and they work great. This radio has great receive and great transmit audio as well. At the current price of $69.15 (which includes free shipping), the price is unbeatable. If a quality mobile CB radio is what you are after, buy this Uniden.