diff --git a/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py b/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py
index 9bbca355..bfc88f81 100644
--- a/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py
+++ b/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import time
 from datetime import datetime
 from math import ceil
 from typing import List, Tuple
+import secrets
 
 import cv2
 import numpy as np
@@ -796,23 +797,27 @@ class AareDAQ:
             if not self.__loop_center_sequence(sample.db_id):
                 raise LoopCenteringFailed
 
-            self.zoom = 700
+            self.zoom = 500
             time.sleep(0.5)
 
-            self.__auto_center(RasterGridRequest(
-                exp_time_s=0.01,
-                file_prefix=sample_prefix,
+            hex_string = secrets.token_hex(3)  # 3 bytes = 6 hex characters
+            print(hex_string.upper())
+
+            if not self.__auto_center(RasterGridRequest(
+                exp_time_s=0.05,
+                file_prefix=sample_prefix + f"_{hex_string}",
                 smargon= SmargonCoordinate(),
                 n_x=1,
                 n_y=1,
                 dtz=110.0,
                 grid_size_mm=Coordinate(x=geom.beam_size_mm.x * 0.8, y=geom.beam_size_mm.y * 0.8),
                 omega_deg=0
-            ))
+            )):
+                raise LoopCenteringFailed
 
             self.__rotation( RotationScanRequest(start_omega_deg=0,
                                                  dtz=110.0,
-                                                 file_prefix=sample_prefix,
+                                                 file_prefix=sample_prefix + f"_{hex_string}",
                                                  exp_time_s=0.003,
                                                  incr_omega_deg=0.4,
                                                  steps=900,))