character codes, was RE: Really stupid PDP assembler question

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Sat Jun 26 16:44:00 2004

> >(Why five? how many fingers you got?)
> >
> >
> Don't know if that was the real reason, more important probably was the
> fact the 5 bits could
> code up to 32 symbols, sufficient for the alphabet.

I believe the original Baudot telegraph (probably the first device to use
a 5 bit character code) used a 5 key chording keyboard, but I seem to
recall you used both hands on it (3 fingers of 1 hand, 2 of the other).

The fact that 5 bits allows the complete alphabet is probably the real
reason...

-tony
Received on Sat Jun 26 2004 - 16:44:00 BST