diff --git a/examples/autoBaudrate.py b/examples/autoBaudrate.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fa81d622
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/autoBaudrate.py
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
+
+from brping import Ping1D
+import time
+import argparse
+
+##Parse Command line options
+############################
+
+parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Ping python library example.")
+parser.add_argument('--device', action="store", required=True, type=str, help="Ping device port.")
+args = parser.parse_args()
+
+#Make a new Ping
+myPing = Ping1D(args.device)
+
+baudrates = [9600, 115200]
+
+while (True):
+    for baudrate in baudrates:
+        if not myPing.initialize(baudrate):
+            print("failed to initialize at %d bps", baudrate)
+            exit(1)
+        print("ok")
+    time.sleep(0.01)
diff --git a/generate/templates/device.py.in b/generate/templates/device.py.in
index 9d6cb19f..e35dbad1 100644
--- a/generate/templates/device.py.in
+++ b/generate/templates/device.py.in
@@ -72,10 +72,19 @@ class PingDevice(object):
         return self.iodev.write(data)
 
     ##
-    # @brief Make sure there is a device on and read some initial data
+    # @brief initialize the device communication interface. A serial break signal
+    # is sent to the device followed by 'U' (0x55) to begin the autobaurate procedure
+    # on the device. Some data is then read from the device to verify communications
+    #
+    # @param baudrate: the baudrate to use. if None, the baudrate will not
+    # be changed (default is 115200)
     #
     # @return True if the device replies with expected data, False otherwise
-    def initialize(self):
+    def initialize(self, baudrate=None):
+        if baudrate is not None:
+            self.iodev.baudrate = baudrate
+        self.iodev.send_break()
+        self.iodev.write("U".encode("utf-8"))
         return self.request(definitions.COMMON_PROTOCOL_VERSION) is not None
 
     ##
diff --git a/generate/templates/ping1d.py.in b/generate/templates/ping1d.py.in
index 76de25cd..c3edaf8d 100644
--- a/generate/templates/ping1d.py.in
+++ b/generate/templates/ping1d.py.in
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ class Ping1D(PingDevice):
 
         return self.wait_message([m_id], timeout)
 
-    def initialize(self):
-        if not PingDevice.initialize(self):
+    def initialize(self, baudrate=None):
+        if not PingDevice.initialize(self, baudrate):
             return False
         if self.legacyRequest(definitions.PING1D_GENERAL_INFO) is None:
             return False