diff --git a/daq/src/mxlibs3/tell_client.py b/daq/src/mxlibs3/tell_client.py
index c358f665..60f3c613 100755
--- a/daq/src/mxlibs3/tell_client.py
+++ b/daq/src/mxlibs3/tell_client.py
@@ -392,6 +392,7 @@ class TellClient:
     def dry(self, heat_time=None, speed=None, wait_cold=None, wait=False):
         if self.__simulation:
             time.sleep(5.0)
+        self.pshell.wait_state("Ready", timeout=30.0)
         self._last_cmd_id = self.start_cmd("dry", heat_time, speed, wait_cold)
         if wait:
             self.check_command_ok(timeout=360.0, msg=f"Dry failed")