Reader connection problems

[Myrmidon]

Hello all.

Just homebrewed the sim reader and i have the device connected up, i'v tried com port 4 and 5 of my laptop but i get this error on both occasions:

Traceback (most recent call last):
File "pySimReader.py", line 267, in buttonConnectReader
File "pySIMserial.pyc", line 111, in connectReader
File "pySIMserial.pyc", line 158, in openSession
TypeError: ord() expected a character, but string of length 0 found

Any ideas?

I'm using the windows pysim and a usb to serial cable with all drivers installed.

[adafruit]

it means either your sim reader is not assembled/functioning correctly
or
your sim card is broken

[tc]

I get the same error. I don't see any prob with the assembly it looks exactly like the picture. Tried 2 diff sims same error with each.

[adafruit]

make sure its powered
make sure its not the serial cable
make sure its the right COM port

if you can post a very clear photo showing the top and bottom of the kit it would be useful to debug

[tc]

Was the cable. I grabbed it from work. I think it was for a UPS so maybe it wasnt normal. Got a usb-serial cable from bestbuy used now it works fine.

[Myrmidon]

After checking my wiring, i noticed a slight error with my crystal wiring so i changed it. Hooked it back up, but i'm still getting the same error.

EDIT: Also, after this error if i click on connect again i get this additional error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
File "pySimReader.py", line 267, in buttonConnectReader
File "pySIMserial.pyc", line 111, in connectReader
File "pySIMserial.pyc", line 143, in openSession
File "serial\serialutil.pyc", line 166, in __init__
File "serial\serialwin32.pyc", line 49, in open
serial.serialutil.SerialException: could not open port COM4: (5, 'CreateFile', 'Access is denied.')

[pedrosa]

i everybody

i have just made my simreader in the array test plate, and it just doesn't come alive.
the computer (xpsp3) doesn't detect it.
any good ideas?

BR
pedrosa