diff --git a/utils/serload.py b/utils/serload.py
index e69837f..0ee6962 100644
--- a/utils/serload.py
+++ b/utils/serload.py
@@ -78,6 +78,9 @@ def commandwait(ser, cmd):
         print("timeout sending '{}' command".format(cmd))
         return None
 
+    if resp.startswith(b"> "):
+        resp = resp[2:]
+
     if resp != bytearray(cmd + b"\r\n"):
         print("invalid response to '{}' command".format(cmd))
         return None
@@ -323,7 +326,7 @@ def showdata(ser):
             promptseen = True
         else:
             print(c.decode('utf8'), end='')
-    rest = ser.read(1)
+    rest = ser.read(1) # read trailing space of prompt
     
 
 def localdir():
@@ -360,8 +363,10 @@ def interactive(ser):
                     print("superfluous argument")
                 else:
                     localdir()
+            elif cmd == 'exit' or cmd == 'x':
+                done = True
             else:
-                print("Unknown command. Valid commands are: dir get ldir put")
+                print("Unknown command. Valid commands are: dir get ldir put exit")
                 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":