Recording data to a strand of wire? AND Upcoming PBS special on bit rot

From: Bill Yakowenko <yakowenk_at_cs.unc.edu>
Date: Wed Jan 14 14:18:40 1998

These two threads just bumped together in my head. Has anybody got
an idea of how long data should last on wire? It can't have the same
problem with oxide coating that tapes do - the main problem might be
to keep any oxide coating from developing. :-) Are the early wire
recordings still readable?

Maybe CDROMs beat wire in resisting rust, even if they are still not
quite perfect on that count. Still, something about the idea of using
such an old storage medium appeals to me.

Anyone want to try running some fine ferrous wire through an old
cassette (or even reel-to-reel) recorder, and see if the result is
readable? Given Allison's warning about head-wear, I wouldn't try
it on my favorite stereo system.

Just what we need, another incompatible storage medium. :-)

        Cheers,
        Bill.
Received on Wed Jan 14 1998 - 14:18:40 GMT