diff --git a/python/__init__.py b/python/__init__.py
index c8f83e5b..7c29bc5b 100644
--- a/python/__init__.py
+++ b/python/__init__.py
@@ -112,6 +112,8 @@ class Panda:
 
   # from https://github.com/commaai/openpilot/blob/103b4df18cbc38f4129555ab8b15824d1a672bdf/cereal/log.capnp#L648
   HW_TYPE_UNKNOWN = b'\x00'
+  HW_TYPE_WHITE = b'\x01'
+  HW_TYPE_BLACK = b'\x03'
   HW_TYPE_RED_PANDA = b'\x07'
   HW_TYPE_TRES = b'\x09'
   HW_TYPE_CUATRO = b'\x0a'
@@ -208,7 +210,8 @@ class Panda:
     logger.debug("connected")
 
     hw_type = self.get_type()
-    assert hw_type in self.SUPPORTED_DEVICES, f"Unknown HW: {hw_type}"
+    if hw_type not in self.SUPPORTED_DEVICES:
+      print("WARNING: Using deprecated HW")
 
     # disable openpilot's heartbeat checks
     if self._disable_checks: