CHAR field containing packed (comp-3) data

[kprenkert]

We are using Oracle 9i on the SUN Solaris with Microfocus Cobol.
We have a field defined as CHAR. Within this field, we can store packed (comp-3) data. We have found that on a subsequent SELECT of this field from the data base, if this packed data contains a byte or bytes with an ASCII Hexadecimal value of = or > than '80', Oracle will attempt to convert or change it (i.e. value '80' is actually returned as 0 (zero)). Is there anyway that we can tell Oracle to return these values as is and not try to change them?

[gandolf989]

Have you tried using NCHAR instead of CHAR?

[gamyers]

If this isn't character data, it shouldn't be in a character field. It should be in a RAW.