diff --git a/colourterm/mainwindow.py b/colourterm/mainwindow.py
index 2224c4f..0c8978b 100644
--- a/colourterm/mainwindow.py
+++ b/colourterm/mainwindow.py
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ class MainWindow(QtGui.QMainWindow, UiMainWindow):
                     bytesize=self.connect_dialog.get_data_bits(),
                     parity=self.connect_dialog.get_parity(),
                     stopbits=self.connect_dialog.get_stop_bits(),
-                    timeout=0,
+                    timeout=1,
                     xonxoff=self.connect_dialog.get_software_handshake(),
                     rtscts=self.connect_dialog.get_hardware_handshake(),
                     dsrdtr=None