diff --git a/sf_daq_broker/detector/pedestal.py b/sf_daq_broker/detector/pedestal.py
index fb301bc..ccaf127 100644
--- a/sf_daq_broker/detector/pedestal.py
+++ b/sf_daq_broker/detector/pedestal.py
@@ -4,54 +4,66 @@ from time import sleep
 import epics
 from slsdet import Jungfrau, gainMode
 
+
 _logger = logging.getLogger("broker_writer")
 
 pulse_id_source = "SLAAR11-LTIM01-EVR0:RX-PULSEID"
 
-def take_pedestal(detectors_name=[], rate=1):
+
+
+def take_pedestal(detectors_name=None, rate=1):
+    detectors_name = detectors_name or []
 
     if len(detectors_name) < 1:
         return None, None
 
     detectors_number = [int(detector_name[2:4]) for detector_name in detectors_name]
-
     detectors = [Jungfrau(detector_number) for detector_number in detectors_number]
 
     pulse_id_pv = epics.PV(pulse_id_source)
 
-    # switch detectors to G0 mode
+    # switch to G0
     for detector in detectors:
         detector.gainmode = gainMode.DYNAMIC
+
     sleep(1)
 
     start_pulse_id = int(pulse_id_pv.get())
 
     # collect in G0
-    sleep(10*rate)
+    sleep(10 * rate)
 
-    #G1
+    # switch to G1
     for detector in detectors:
         detector.gainmode = gainMode.FORCE_SWITCH_G1
-    sleep(10*rate)
 
-    #G2
+    # collect in G1
+    sleep(10 * rate)
+
+    # switch to G2
     for detector in detectors:
         detector.gainmode = gainMode.FORCE_SWITCH_G2
+
+    # collect in G2
     sleep(10*rate)
 
     stop_pulse_id = int(pulse_id_pv.get())
 
-    # switch detector back to dynamic mode
+    # switch back to dynamic mode
     for detector in detectors:
         detector.gainmode = gainMode.DYNAMIC
+
     sleep(1)
 
     det_start_pulse_id = 0
     det_stop_pulse_id = stop_pulse_id
     for p in range(start_pulse_id, stop_pulse_id+1):
-        if p%rate == 0:
+        if p % rate == 0:
             det_stop_pulse_id = p
             if det_start_pulse_id == 0:
                 det_start_pulse_id = p
 
     return det_start_pulse_id, det_stop_pulse_id
+
+
+