diff --git a/wiring/inc/spark_wiring_stream.h b/wiring/inc/spark_wiring_stream.h
index 2547aa758e..11738aea38 100644
--- a/wiring/inc/spark_wiring_stream.h
+++ b/wiring/inc/spark_wiring_stream.h
@@ -83,6 +83,8 @@ class Stream : public Print
   // terminates if length characters have been read or timeout (see setTimeout)
   // returns the number of characters placed in the buffer (0 means no valid data found)
 
+  size_t readBytes(uint8_t *buffer, size_t length) { return readBytes(reinterpret_cast<char*>(buffer), length); }
+
   size_t readBytesUntil( char terminator, char *buffer, size_t length); // as readBytes with terminator character
   // terminates if length characters have been read, timeout, or if the terminator character  detected
   // returns the number of characters placed in the buffer (0 means no valid data found)