diff --git a/door_pi_control/bell.py b/door_pi_control/bell.py
index c78239f..6e26833 100644
--- a/door_pi_control/bell.py
+++ b/door_pi_control/bell.py
@@ -121,7 +121,10 @@ class Reader(util.Loggable):
     def alternate_msgs(self, names, times = 3, *, dt = 0.04):
         for _ in range(times):
             for m in names:
-                self.write(msgs[m])
+                if type(m) == str:
+                    self.write(msgs[m])
+                else:
+                    self.write(m)
                 time.sleep(dt)
 
     def send_light_msg(self):