If your Bearcat 980SSB CB radio is experiencing issues where it doesn't power on consistently or the display flashes repeatedly after running for a short time, there could be a few potential causes for this behavior. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
1. Check the power supply: Even though you mentioned using a proper 13-volt supply, it's worth double-checking the power connection and ensuring that it is providing a stable voltage. You might want to try using a different power supply or test the current one with a multimeter to ensure it's delivering the correct voltage consistently.
2. Examine the power connections: Inspect the power cable and its connections to ensure they are secure and not damaged. Sometimes, loose or faulty connections can lead to intermittent power issues. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the power cable, making sure it fits snugly.
3. Check the fuse: Locate the fuse on your Bearcat 980SSB CB radio and verify if it is intact. If the fuse is blown, replace it with the appropriate rating and see if that resolves the issue.
4. Reset the radio: Perform a factory reset on the radio to see if it helps resolve any potential software or configuration issues. The procedure for resetting the radio should be outlined in the user manual. Keep in mind that a factory reset will erase any personalized settings or configurations, so you may need to reconfigure the radio afterwards.