split_libraries_fastq.py error

[lydiajleon]

Hi there

I have a 288 multiplex 16S amplicon fastq file from MiSeq for which I have combined the reads and barcodes and removed unused barcodes. I have also validated my mapping file. However when I go to split my library using split_libraries_fastq.py I keep getting an error. Please see the script below for an example:
MY INPUT:
qiime@qiime-190-virtual-box:~$ split_libraries_fastq.py -i /home/qiime/Desktop/Shared_Folder/out.extendedFrags.fastq -o /home/qiime/Desktop/Shared_Folder/split_lib/ -m /home/qiime/Desktop/Shared_Folder/mappingsheet.txt -b /home/qiime/Desktop/Shared_Folder/updated.barcodes.outfile.fastq --barcode_type 24

ERROR:
less /home/qi /Traceback (most recent call last):
File "/usr/local/bin/split_libraries_fastq.py", line 364, in
main()
File "/usr/local/bin/split_libraries_fastq.py", line 344, in main
output_f.write('>%s\n%s\n' % (fasta_header, sequence))
IOError: [Errno 71] Protocol error

When I observe the system monitor activity (I am using the ubuntu virtual machine) there seems to be no activity when I excecute the command - so something really is not working here.

Any ideas?

Many thanks in advance for your help,

Best wishes,

Lydia