diff --git a/bit_train/bit_train.ino b/bit_train/bit_train.ino
index ab172cb..8447a87 100644
--- a/bit_train/bit_train.ino
+++ b/bit_train/bit_train.ino
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ const byte numChars = 255;
 char receivedChars[numChars]; // an array to store the received data
 char receivedCommand[numChars]; // an array to store the received command
 char receivedValue[numChars]; // an array to store the received command
-const byte numBits = 500;
+const int numBits = 500;
 bool gpio[40][numBits]; // storage of the gpio output spike train
 int gpiolen[40];        // number of bits per gpio output