> baudot | 5-bit | telex <
// Baudot Code - Historic 5-bit telegraph encoding from the teleprinter era
Telegraph Era
Original digital encoding from 1870s, predating ASCII by decades.
Compact Code
Uses only 5 bits per character with clever shift mechanism.
Letters & Figures
32 codes represent 58+ characters using shift states.
>> technical info
How Baudot Code Works:
Baudot uses 5 bits (32 combinations) with two shift states: Letters (LTRS) and Figures (FIGS). Each code represents different characters depending on the current state, allowing 58+ unique characters from just 32 codes.
Encoding Example:
'A' = 00011 (Letters) '1' = 00011 (Figures) Text: A1 Baudot: 00011 [FIGS] 00011 Binary: 00011 11011 00011
Historical Uses:
- >Teleprinters (TTY)
- >Telex networks
- >Radio teletype
- >Maritime communication
- >News wire services
>> frequently asked questions
What is Baudot code?
Baudot code is a 5-bit character encoding invented by Émile Baudot in the 1870s. It was the predecessor to ASCII and was widely used in telegraphy and early telecommunications.
How does LTRS/FIGS shifting work?
Baudot uses two modes: Letters (LTRS) and Figures (FIGS). The same 5-bit code represents different characters in each mode. Special shift codes (11111 for LTRS, 11011 for FIGS) switch between modes.
ITA2 vs US-TTY?
ITA2 (International Telegraph Alphabet No. 2) is the international standard. US-TTY is the American variant with some different symbol assignments in figures mode.
Why only 5 bits?
In the 1870s, mechanical limitations and the need for simple, reliable transmission made 5 bits optimal. It provided enough combinations (32) while keeping hardware simple.