diff --git a/RFM69.cpp b/RFM69.cpp
index b6d5db3..d0f6c97 100644
--- a/RFM69.cpp
+++ b/RFM69.cpp
@@ -87,6 +87,7 @@ bool RFM69::initialize(uint8_t freqBand, uint8_t nodeID, uint8_t networkID)
     {255, 0}
   };
 
+  digitalWrite(_slaveSelectPin, HIGH);
   pinMode(_slaveSelectPin, OUTPUT);
   SPI.begin();
 
@@ -456,6 +457,7 @@ void RFM69::setHighPowerRegs(bool onOff) {
 
 void RFM69::setCS(uint8_t newSPISlaveSelect) {
   _slaveSelectPin = newSPISlaveSelect;
+  digitalWrite(_slaveSelectPin, HIGH);
   pinMode(_slaveSelectPin, OUTPUT);
 }