diff --git a/adafruit_ra8875/ra8875.py b/adafruit_ra8875/ra8875.py
index fbad93a..29ac5f7 100755
--- a/adafruit_ra8875/ra8875.py
+++ b/adafruit_ra8875/ra8875.py
@@ -222,6 +222,8 @@ def _write_data(self, data, raw=False):
         """
         with self.spi_device as spi:
             spi.write(reg.DATWR)  # pylint: disable=no-member
+            if raw and isinstance(data, str):
+                data = bytes(data, 'utf8')
             spi.write(data if raw else bytearray([data & 0xFF]))  # pylint: disable=no-member
 
     def _read_reg(self, cmd):