diff --git a/adafruit_dotstar.py b/adafruit_dotstar.py
index 27e5977..e2581c9 100755
--- a/adafruit_dotstar.py
+++ b/adafruit_dotstar.py
@@ -83,7 +83,8 @@ def __init__(self, clock, data, n, *, brightness=1.0, auto_write=True, pixel_ord
             while not self._spi.try_lock():
                 pass
             self._spi.configure(baudrate=4000000)
-        except ValueError:
+
+        except (NotImplementedError, ValueError):
             self.dpin = digitalio.DigitalInOut(data)
             self.cpin = digitalio.DigitalInOut(clock)
             self.dpin.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT