diff --git a/OpenEphys.Onix1/ConfigurePortController.cs b/OpenEphys.Onix1/ConfigurePortController.cs
index 0bad98f8..de1a7742 100644
--- a/OpenEphys.Onix1/ConfigurePortController.cs
+++ b/OpenEphys.Onix1/ConfigurePortController.cs
@@ -84,8 +84,9 @@ public override IObservable<ContextTask> Process(IObservable<ContextTask> source
                                          .GetCustomAttribute<DescriptionAttribute>()?
                                          .Description ?? "Address " + deviceAddress.ToString();
                     var message = portVoltage.Requested.HasValue ?
-                        $"Unable to acquire communication lock on {portString}" :
-                        $"Unable to acquire communication lock on {portString}. You may need to manually specify a PortVoltage greater than {PortVoltage.Applied} volts, the maximum automatic value for this device.";
+                        $"Unable to acquire communication lock on {portString}. Confirm the headstage port is turned on." :
+                        $"Unable to acquire communication lock on {portString}. Confirm the headstage port is turned on."
+                        + $"\n\nIf the problem persists, you may need to manually specify a PortVoltage greater than {PortVoltage.Applied} volts, the maximum automatic value for this device.";
 
                     dispose();
                     throw new InvalidOperationException(message);