diff --git a/src/aare/daq/daq.py b/src/aare/daq/daq.py
index 6a75d8cb..79aeba1c 100644
--- a/src/aare/daq/daq.py
+++ b/src/aare/daq/daq.py
@@ -2313,8 +2313,8 @@ class AareDAQ:
             LoopCenteringFailed: If the centering sequence fails
         """
         start = time.perf_counter()
+        self._cfg.try_set_busy(timeout=360)
         try:
-            self._cfg.try_set_busy(timeout=360)
             if sample is None:
                 if self.sample is None:
                     raise LoopCenteringFailed(