diff --git a/NS.py b/NS.py
index 29e4ba4..446df32 100644
--- a/NS.py
+++ b/NS.py
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ class NS(Game, Animation):
     STEP = .4
     IDLE_TIMEOUT = 60000 * 5
     CHANNEL_COUNT = 8
+    NO_RESET_TIMEOUT = 3000
 
     def __init__(self):
         Game.__init__(self)
@@ -109,36 +110,37 @@ class NS(Game, Animation):
             name = self.get_configuration("input", "arduino-port")
             try:
                 transmission = self.serial_reader.readline().strip()
-                print transmission
+                print(transmission)
             except SerialException:
-                print "Serial not ready... passing..."
+                print("Serial not ready... passing...")
                 transmission = ""
             if len(transmission) == 4:
                 try:
                     self.serial_data = int(transmission, 2)
                 except ValueError:
-                    print "Value error checking four digit serial transmission"
+                    print("Value error checking four digit serial transmission")
                     self.handle_garbage(transmission)
                     self.reset_arduino()
-                self.idle_elapsed = 0
+                    self.idle_elapsed = 0
             elif len(transmission) > 0:
                 try:
                     int(transmission, 2)
                 except ValueError:
-                    print "Received a non-four digit serial transmission"
+                    print("Received a non-four digit serial transmission")
                     self.handle_garbage(transmission)
             else:
                 self.serial_data = 0
 
     def handle_garbage(self, transmission):
         self.serial_data = 0
-        print "Garbage detected: %s" % transmission
+        print("Garbage detected: %s" % transmission)
         self.serial_reader.reset_input_buffer()
 
     def reset_arduino(self):
-        self.serial_reader.dtr = False
-        self.serial_reader.reset_input_buffer()
-        self.serial_reader.dtr = True
+        if self.serial_enabled():
+            self.serial_reader.dtr = False
+            self.serial_reader.reset_input_buffer()
+            self.serial_reader.dtr = True
 
     def end(self, evt):
         if evt.type == QUIT or self.delegate.compare(evt, "quit"):
@@ -162,6 +164,7 @@ class NS(Game, Animation):
         self.chemtrails.reset()
         self.platform.reset()
         self.dialogue.reset()
+        self.no_reset_elapsed = 0
 
     def set_most_recent_time(self, score):
         self.most_recent_time = score
@@ -201,8 +204,16 @@ class NS(Game, Animation):
 
     def update(self):
         Animation.update(self)
-        if self.serial_enabled():
-            self.apply_serial()
+        last_frame_duration = self.time_filter.get_last_frame_duration()
+        if self.serial_enabled() or True:
+            # self.apply_serial()
+            if self.title.active or self.introduction.active or self.ending.active or \
+               self.dialogue.active:
+                self.no_reset_elapsed += last_frame_duration
+                if self.no_reset_elapsed >= self.NO_RESET_TIMEOUT:
+                    print("auto arduino reset triggered")
+                    self.reset_arduino()
+                    self.no_reset_elapsed = 0
         self.title.update()
         self.introduction.update()
         self.ending.update()