diff --git a/src/default_lowlevel.c b/src/default_lowlevel.c
index 918567bbe..452771085 100644
--- a/src/default_lowlevel.c
+++ b/src/default_lowlevel.c
@@ -50,6 +50,14 @@ void uart1_init(uint16_t inc, uint16_t mod, uint8_t samp) {
 	*UART1_UCON = 0;
 	*UART1_UBRCNT = ( inc << 16 ) | mod; 
 
+	/* TX and CTS as outputs */
+	GPIO->PAD_DIR_SET.GPIO_14 = 1;
+	GPIO->PAD_DIR_SET.GPIO_16 = 1;
+
+	/* RX and RTS as inputs */
+	GPIO->PAD_DIR_RESET.GPIO_15 = 1;
+	GPIO->PAD_DIR_RESET.GPIO_17 = 1;
+
 	/* see Section 11.5.1.2 Alternate Modes */
 	/* you must enable the peripheral first BEFORE setting the function in GPIO_FUNC_SEL */
 	/* From the datasheet: "The peripheral function will control operation of the pad IF */