When designing tables, I\'ve developed a habit of having one column that is unique and that I make the primary key. This is achieved in three ways depending on requirements
A natural key, if available, is usually best. So, if datetime/char uniquely identifies the row and both parts are meaningful to the row, that's great.
If just the datetime is meaningful, and the char is just tacked on to make it unique, then you might as well just go with an identify field.