[comp.dcom.telecom] 5-level TTY code

clements@bbn.com (10/04/89)

andyb@coat.com writes:
>[In the code used on 5-level TTY machines] The most common letters
>of the English alphabet (ETAIONSHRDL....) and the word separators
>(space, return, line feed) have the codes with the fewest number of
>marking bits.
>
>Does anyone know why this is so?

To minimize the wear on the pins in the paper tape punches.
(I know, I've refurbished a number of those punches in my day.)

Bob Clements, K1BC, clements@bbn.com