diff --git a/models/bus.go b/models/bus.go
index 2c1727e..16357de 100644
--- a/models/bus.go
+++ b/models/bus.go
@@ -126,6 +126,8 @@ func (b *Bus) Start(log *logging.Logger) error {
 					interval = 5 * time.Second
 				} else {
 					b.Reachable = true
+					// send data as a heartbeat for the ArtNet Protocol
+					b.Send <- b.Data
 					log.Info("bus.Start", fmt.Sprintf("device:%s ip:%s watchdog running", b.Name, b.Ip))
 					interval = 30 * time.Second
 				}