Getting keys to work right across ssh

[David Abrahams]

Hi,

Whenever I ssh into a system and run a terminal-based emacs I find
that some keys are mapped in surpising ways.  For example, it's common
that the backspace key I usually use to delete the character before
point is mapped to `C-h' (yes, I know that's the backspace character)
which lands me in help every time I try to correct a mistake.  Today I
ssh'd into a Mac and Alt+x (usually `M-x') is interpreted as `M-8'.  

When I can use an X-enabled emacs, I'll generally do that and wait
through the horrible startup delays, but that's not always an option.
For example, some of my machines don't have X.

I understand there are probably several layers of configuration
involved with this problem, and I'm willing to slog through them to
make it right, but I can't even find a systematic guide to attacking
it.  Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com