convert old DOS Hebrew encoding

[Yedidyah Bar-David]

On Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 08:48:46AM -0400, Tzadik Vanderhoof wrote:
> I have a binary data file, in a format used by a relatively ancient program,
> which I am trying to convert into something sane. With the help of a Hex
> editor I have basically worked out the file format except that it contains
> Hebrew characters with an odd encoding.
> 
> All characters are 8 bits. The "standard" 27 consonants (including "final"
> consonants) go from hex *80* to *9A*. Then there are *vowels* that seem to
> start around hex *9B* or so (I'm guessing right after the standard
> consonants end). Then there are *"dotted" consonants* that seem to start at
> hex *E0*.
> 
> If I remember correctly, I think this is some sort of DOS encoding (perhaps
> connected to the old "Hebrew chip"). Does anyone have a table of this
> character mapping or a tool that will translate this mapping into a more
> normal Hebrew encoding like Unicode?

It's called CP862 and is supported by iconv. Try:
iconv -f cp862 -t utf-8 < inp > out
Not sure about the vowels/dotted consonants/etc.
-- 
Didi