Student?
BurningMan,
The guys are right about "scanners". You mentioned you're still a student, that's good. A thirst for and a burning desire for "knowledge" about "Radio" & "Electronics". At age 12 (in 1958, LOL!) that got me started as well. Then, it was "short-wave" radio and hearing guys talking a "strange language" about "grid leak detectors". bias, plate current, "ohms", etc.
I got into it with a passion (still have it today as well). Learning about how scanners "work" can only be described as "how deep do you want to learn about them? Starting in reading material, from your local library about "Basic Electronics" is a good start, that is, if you want to get into the depth of things. Once you have an "idea" how that works (radio, repeaters, antennas, etc.), you'll need to also get some "computer & programming" knowledge. This will aid you in understanding how the various "systems" work: trunking, APCO-25, etc. With this computer knowledge, you can use it to learn the various "programs" with which to use data bases, spreadsheets, to "chart" your scanner findings or "log" them.
But, basically, a "scanner" is merely a radio that "changes either a programmed frequencies" or "tunes" a wide swath of frequencies in time increments, jumping forward (or backwards, he he) as it attempts to "hear" radio transmissions. It's like taking your TV remote and going "up the channels" and "starting over again" at a very rapid rate. Yeah, it's like a "GUY THANG", LOL! We don't look at the "GUIDE", we "surf". Now, each repeater manufacturer has a differnt way of how their transmitters and recievers work, Motorola is different from Erricson, etc. Then, there is the "programming" of how the transmitters and recievers work in conjuntion with various mobile units.
Sorry guys for taking up so much "bandwidth". When I went to school in the early 50's, the kids made fun of me by calling me "Doctor" or "Professor" because of my want to "share" what I knew. I was too "stoopid" to realize it and took it as a compliment. :-( I still do it, "teach" when asked a question. I believe when you "share" your knowledge, (Elmer), not only do other's LEARN, but you "reteach" yourself and that keeps that knowledge "fresh" in your mind.
Respectfully submitted,
73,
Don/KA5-LQJ