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Old 22nd Jan 2015, 9:28 pm   #89
Phil G4SPZ
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK.
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Default Re: Technology related anachronisms on TV and in films etc.

I imagine that the right-hand thread became the de facto 'standard' purely because the majority of people are right-handed, and with manual thread-cutting and screw-driving the maximum torque can be exerted by the right hand in a clockwise direction. And of course ergonomics.

It's more difficult to suggest why electronic controls such as volume, brightness, contrast etc all tend to be 'clockwise to increase'. That said, I believe the BBC adopted the opposite direction for their studio equipment, and stuck with it for many years. It probably has its roots deep in the early days of telegraphy or telephony; I'm sure someone will know.

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Last edited by Phil G4SPZ; 22nd Jan 2015 at 9:31 pm. Reason: Witty attempt at humour added
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