diff --git a/afsk/main.c b/afsk/main.c
index 6d100f7e..d8e25b87 100644
--- a/afsk/main.c
+++ b/afsk/main.c
@@ -440,7 +440,7 @@ int main(int argc, char * argv[]) {
   // try connecting to STEM Payload board using UART
   // /boot/config.txt and /boot/cmdline.txt must be set correctly for this to work	
 
-  if (!ax5043 && !vB3 && !(mode == CW)) // don't test if AX5043 is present
+  if (!ax5043 && !vB3 && !(mode == CW) && (mode == SSTV)) // don't test for payload if AX5043 is present or CW or SSTV modes
   {
     payload = OFF;