diff --git a/python/redhawk_source.py b/python/redhawk_source.py
index 0eeb850..e4242d5 100644
--- a/python/redhawk_source.py
+++ b/python/redhawk_source.py
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ def __init__(self, data_transfer, gr_type):
             self.buffer_out = numpy.array(
                 bulkio_helpers.bulkioComplexToPythonComplexList(data_transfer.dataBuffer),
                 dtype=np_type)
+        elif np_type == numpy.int8:
+            self.buffer_out = numpy.fromstring(data_transfer.dataBuffer, dtype=np_type)
         else:
             self.buffer_out = numpy.array(data_transfer.dataBuffer, dtype=np_type)