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Frequently Asked Questions Below is a list of questions which have been asked by our customers.
If your question does not appear in this list, please contact us and we'll provide you with a quick answer. If your question proves popular we will add it with the answer to the list.

What is SIMcommander?

SIMcommander is a quick, easy to use tool to communicate with any GSM SIM card.

Whenever you need to quickly test or diagnose a problem with a SIM card, SIM Commander is the ideal tool for job. With SIMcommander you can quickly construct a sequence of commands then execute them against the SIM.

The only hardware required for the product is a PC/SC compatible card reader (supplied with the product).

Why is SIMcommander better than other tools?

Most tools on the market, which read data from SIM cards are supplied by companies who also manufacturer SIM cards. Very often, when those tools are used to work with other manufacturers' SIM product, many problems can arise - even though the SIM is a standard item. Quantaq is a third party to all SIM card manufacturers. As such, we make sure SIMcommander operates with any GSM SIM, no matter the manufacturer.

We believe SIMcommander is by far the easiest to use of all SIM command scripting tools on the market. Our years of experience tells us that most people want a simple, easy to use tool, which can be used intuitively by anyone to access SIM data in seconds.

SIMcommander provides that high level of user experience.

Quantaq's mission is make very powerful, but incredibly easy to use tools, and with SIMcommander, we have fulfilled this mission once again...

What do I need in order to use SIMcommander?

You only require a PC running Windows NT, 2000 or XP, with an attached PC/SC compatible card reader, or free USB slot.

Quantaq supplies both the card reader and a converter module for handling mini-SIM devices.

If your computer does not have any USB ports, don't worry. You can specify a serial port reader instead when you order.

Can I execute scripts from within scripts?

Yes. Simply use the "Execute" script command within your script, as in the following example:

main_test_script.txt:	setup.txt:
// Initial settings Execute setup.txt // Modify Services Select $DF_GSM Select $EF_SST UpdateBinary FF	Set $verifyADM = A020000A080102030405060708 Apdu $verifyADM Set $DF_GSM = 7F20 Set $DF_TELECOM = 7F10 Set $EF_SST = 6F38

Does SIMcommander handle TLV objects?

Yes. Firstly. SIM Commander allows you to build up TLV objects for use in commands such as ENVELOPE.

Secondly, when in receipt of TLV-structured data from the SIM, SIMcommander provides script commands to break this data down into smaller parts, and also to search for particular TLV tags.

What if the GSM specifications change?

The ETSI GSM specifications for phase 2+ SIM cards are now frozen, but whenever specifications are still being updated periodically, Quantaq free-issues updates to our customer base for the first 24 months, then by an inexpensive support agreement thereafter.

Our customers are also free to make changes themselves if they prefer.

Is the script command language a standard?

No, Quantaq designed this especially to allow users fast operation of SIMcommander to achieve their goals. View the script commands available.

It is not intended to become standard, but we expect that if usage continues as it has been, many of our customers will share scripts etc.

Set $menuItem = 2
Set $text = "NEWS"

TerminalProfile
Fetch
TerminalResponse

Envelope $menuItem
Fetch
TerminalResponse_GetInput $text

One thing we can say is that we continually add new commands/features to the scripting language to make it more powerful.

Many of the features added over the last few months have been a direct result of customer feedback.

As this undoubtedly makes are products more useable, we're always listening to our customers.

Can I purchase multiple licenses?

Yes. Please send us an email detailing your order requirement.

Quantaq offers a discount for any single purchase of 3 licenses or more.

Will SIMcommander work with USIM?

Yes, SIM Commander already incorporates a provisional "3GMode" command, allowing you to communicate with USIM cards. The next release of SIMcommander will formalise this 3G capability.

Who will use SIMcommander?

Anyone who requires to analyse, diagnose or test GSM SIM cards.

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