Public index · Computing
FORTYtwo
FORTYtwo
Recorded
IRIG 106 Chapter 10 directory-block magic number: BCS FORTYtwo, hex 0x464F52545974776F.
When a telemetry recording is damaged, a machine looks for the eight letters FORTYtwo. That marker says: here is a directory. Here is how to find the rest. A recovery word, written into the standard.
What it supports
IRIG 106-23 Chapter 10 specifies BCS FORTYtwo and hexadecimal 0x464F52545974776F as the directory-block magic number. Intentional technological encoding. Why those letters is not sourced. Adams remains open.
What it does not
Not a measured 42. Not proof the committee was joking. TIFF’s 42 is a different header.
ExactnessAuthored use
Form42
Unitmagic number
Strengthhard
WhenIRIG 106 Chapter 10