def METHOD_NAME(self, *args):
    """
    Try to ping board, reconnecting if needed
    """
    # If board is disconnected, try to connect / reconnect
    if not self.connected:
        try:
            self.driver = PnuematicActuatorDriver(
                self.port,
                baud=self.baud_rate,
                simulated=self.is_simulation,
            )
        except SerialException as e:
            rospy.logwarn(e)
            return
    # Try to ping
    try:
        self.driver.ping()
    except (PnuematicActuatorDriverError, SerialException) as e:
        rospy.logwarn(f"Could not ping actuator board: {e}")
        if self.connected:
            rospy.logerr("Board not responding to pings. Disconnected.")
            self.connected = False
        return
    # If made it this far, you are not connected
    if not self.connected:
        rospy.loginfo("Board connected!")
        self.connected = True