diff --git a/Desktop_Air_Monitor/code.py b/Desktop_Air_Monitor/code.py
index 17874a048..ba55b3e47 100644
--- a/Desktop_Air_Monitor/code.py
+++ b/Desktop_Air_Monitor/code.py
@@ -26,19 +26,22 @@ i2c = board.STEMMA_I2C()
 reset_pin = None
 
 pm25 = PM25_I2C(i2c, reset_pin)
-aqdata = pm25.read()
 
 scd4x = adafruit_scd4x.SCD4X(i2c)
 scd4x.start_periodic_measurement()
 
 time.sleep(5)
 
+try:
+    aqdata = pm25.read()
+    pm2 = int(aqdata["pm25 standard"])
+except RuntimeError:
+    pm2 = 0
+
 co2 = scd4x.CO2
 temp = scd4x.temperature
 humidity = scd4x.relative_humidity
 
-pm2 = int(aqdata["pm25 standard"])
-
 def rate_pm25(pm25_data):
     if pm25_data <= 12:
         pm25_outline = 94
@@ -98,8 +101,12 @@ while True:
         co2 = scd4x.CO2
         temp = c_to_f(scd4x.temperature)
         humidity = scd4x.relative_humidity
-        aqdata = pm25.read()
-        pm2 = int(aqdata["pm25 standard"])
+        try:
+            aqdata = pm25.read()
+            pm2 = int(aqdata["pm25 standard"])
+        except RuntimeError:
+            print("Unable to read from PM2.5 sensor, no new data..")
+            continue
         pm2_color, pm2_outline.x = rate_pm25(pm2)
         sensor_data = [pm2, co2, temp, humidity]
         pixels.fill(pm2_color)
diff --git a/MIDI_Melody_Maker/code.py b/MIDI_Melody_Maker/code.py
index 69f8e9251..571661291 100644
--- a/MIDI_Melody_Maker/code.py
+++ b/MIDI_Melody_Maker/code.py
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ splash.append(blinka_grid)
 #  USB MIDI:
 #  midi = adafruit_midi.MIDI(midi_out=usb_midi.ports[1], out_channel=0)
 #  UART MIDI:
-midi = adafruit_midi.MIDI(midi_out=busio.UART(board.TX, board.RX, baudrate=31250), out_channel=0)
+midi = adafruit_midi.MIDI(midi_out=busio.UART(board.TX, board.RX, baudrate=31250, timeout=0.001), out_channel=0)
 
 #  potentiometer pin setup
 key_pot = AnalogIn(board.A1)
diff --git a/MIDI_for_Makers/Receive_MIDI_Over_UART_and_Send_Over_USB/code.py b/MIDI_for_Makers/Receive_MIDI_Over_UART_and_Send_Over_USB/code.py
index 0b27830ec..7aace3eea 100644
--- a/MIDI_for_Makers/Receive_MIDI_Over_UART_and_Send_Over_USB/code.py
+++ b/MIDI_for_Makers/Receive_MIDI_Over_UART_and_Send_Over_USB/code.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from adafruit_midi.note_off import NoteOff
 from adafruit_midi.note_on import NoteOn
 
 #  uart setup
-uart = busio.UART(board.TX, board.RX, baudrate=31250)
+uart = busio.UART(board.TX, board.RX, baudrate=31250, timeout=0.001)
 #  midi channel setup
 midi_in_channel = 1
 midi_out_channel = 1
diff --git a/QT_Py_RP2040_USB_to_Serial_MIDI_Friends/code.py b/QT_Py_RP2040_USB_to_Serial_MIDI_Friends/code.py
index e8a481f4a..359a7e74d 100644
--- a/QT_Py_RP2040_USB_to_Serial_MIDI_Friends/code.py
+++ b/QT_Py_RP2040_USB_to_Serial_MIDI_Friends/code.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from adafruit_midi.note_on import NoteOn
 from adafruit_midi.program_change import ProgramChange
 
 #  uart setup
-uart = busio.UART(board.TX, board.RX, baudrate=31250)
+uart = busio.UART(board.TX, board.RX, baudrate=31250, timeout=0.001)
 #  midi channel setup
 midi_in_channel = 1
 midi_out_channel = 1