diff --git a/fand.py b/fand.py
index 718ade8..a1aef52 100755
--- a/fand.py
+++ b/fand.py
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ class PWM:
 		self.chip_base = "/sys/class/pwm/pwmchip%d/" %(chip)
 		self.ch_base = "/sys/class/pwm/pwmchip%d/pwm%d/" %(chip, ch)
 		self.period = period
+		self.duty_cycle = 0
 		
 		# export the channel to sysfs if necessary
 		if not os.path.isdir(self.ch_base):
@@ -45,6 +46,9 @@ class PWM:
 		# disable channel
 		self.set_enabled(False)
 		
+		# set 0 duty cycle so period can be freely set
+		self.set_duty_cycle(0)
+		
 		# set period & polarity
 		with open(self.ch_base + "period", "w") as f:
 			f.write(str(period))
@@ -71,7 +75,10 @@ class PWM:
 				f.write(requested)
 	
 	def set_percent(self, pc):
-		self.duty_cycle = int(self.period * pc/100)
+		self.set_duty_cycle(self.period * pc/100)
+	
+	def set_duty_cycle(self, dc):
+		self.duty_cycle = int(dc)
 		self.f_dc.seek(0)
 		self.f_dc.write(str(self.duty_cycle))
 		self.f_dc.flush()