diff --git a/Adafruit_GPS.h b/Adafruit_GPS.h
index bc6116f..1a7b289 100644
--- a/Adafruit_GPS.h
+++ b/Adafruit_GPS.h
@@ -43,6 +43,8 @@ All text above must be included in any redistribution
 #define LOCUS_OVERLAP 0
 #define LOCUS_FULLSTOP 1
 
+// ask for the release and version
+#define PMTK_Q_RELEASE "$PMTK605*31"
 
 // how long to wait when we're looking for a response
 #define MAXWAITSENTENCE 5
diff --git a/examples/parsing/parsing.pde b/examples/parsing/parsing.pde
index 9ce12d9..fe8d1fd 100644
--- a/examples/parsing/parsing.pde
+++ b/examples/parsing/parsing.pde
@@ -67,6 +67,8 @@ void setup()
   useInterrupt(true);
 
   delay(1000);
+  // Ask for firmware version
+  mySerial.println(PMTK_Q_RELEASE);
 }