diff --git a/impsy/impsio.py b/impsy/impsio.py
index 3ac291e..8430b48 100644
--- a/impsy/impsio.py
+++ b/impsy/impsio.py
@@ -70,7 +70,10 @@ def send(self, output_values) -> None:
         # click.secho(f"Serial out: {output_message}")
         if self.serial is not None:
             self.serial.write(output_message.encode())
-    
+        else: 
+            # try to reconnect -- may as well, alternative is just never working.
+            self.connect()
+
 
     def handle(self) -> None:
         """read in the serial bytes and process lines into value lists for IMPSY"""