diff --git a/sergio.py b/sergio.py
index 9b1e777..04de99a 100755
--- a/sergio.py
+++ b/sergio.py
@@ -159,7 +159,10 @@ class Pira:
     def __init__(self, backend: Backends):
         self.log = logging.getLogger("Pira")
         self.backend = backend
-        self.set_variable("ECHO", "0")
+        try:
+            self.set_variable("ECHO", "0")
+        except CommandError:  # this sometimes fails, it's a fact
+            pass
 
     def recv_response(self) -> str:
         def msg_complete(s: str) -> bool: