diff --git a/utils.py b/utils.py
index c035384..3f21cab 100644
--- a/utils.py
+++ b/utils.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import sys
 import time
+import os
 
 
 def eprint(*args, **kwargs):
@@ -25,11 +26,10 @@ def sync_r2_output(r2):
 
     Read stuff from the process pipe until it stops being stupid.
     """
-    for i in range(10):
-        p = r2.process.stdout.read(1)
-        if len(p) > 0:
-            break
-        time.sleep(1)
+    time.sleep(1)
+    os.set_blocking(r2.process.stdout.fileno(), False)
+    p = r2.process.stdout.read(1)
+    os.set_blocking(r2.process.stdout.fileno(), True)
     output = r2.cmd(f"?vi 123").strip()
     if output != "123":
         raise Exception("R2 state never got synced")