diff --git a/src/ingest.c b/src/ingest.c
index 8ec9deb..e417ee2 100644
--- a/src/ingest.c
+++ b/src/ingest.c
@@ -33,6 +33,13 @@ static int read_cmd_page(const char *home_dir, int idx);
 static void update_cmd_pg_status(void);
 static void inter_command_wait(void);
 
+#ifndef KEY_CUP
+#  define KEY_CUP   (566)
+#endif
+#ifndef KEY_CDOWN
+#  define KEY_CDOWN (525)
+#endif
+
 int
 ingest_start(bytenuts_t *bytenuts)
 {
@@ -46,6 +53,12 @@ ingest_start(bytenuts_t *bytenuts)
     ingest.cmd_pg_cur = -1;
     ingest.xmodem_hist = bstr_history_create();
 
+    /* ensure character sequences work in all terminals */
+    define_key("\033[1;5A", KEY_CUP);
+    define_key("\033[1;5B", KEY_CDOWN);
+    define_key("\033[1;2H", KEY_SHOME);
+    define_key("\033[1;2F", KEY_SEND);
+
     HOME = getenv("HOME");
     if (HOME) {
         int idx = 0;
@@ -801,10 +814,10 @@ handle_functions(int ch)
     case KEY_SEND: /* go to front of log */
         cheerios_gofwd(-1);
         return 1;
-    case 566: /* ctrl + up arrow */
+    case KEY_CUP: /* ctrl + up arrow */
         cheerios_goback(1);
         return 1;
-    case 525: /* ctrl + down arrow */
+    case KEY_CDOWN: /* ctrl + down arrow */
         cheerios_gofwd(1);
         return 1;
     case KEY_RESIZE: