diff --git a/startup.lua b/startup.lua
index 73373c5..fb2ad48 100644
--- a/startup.lua
+++ b/startup.lua
@@ -122,17 +122,6 @@ end
 
 if transceiver == nil then
     print("WARNING: No transceiver found. Remote iris detection and GDO support disabled.")
-else
-    -- Configure transceiver IDC to match iris password (if GDO enabled)
-    if config.enableGDO and config.irisPassword then
-        local idcCode = config.irisPassword
-        if idcCode then
-            transceiver.setCurrentCode(idcCode)
-            utils.log("Transceiver IDC configured to: " .. idcCode)
-        else
-            print("WARNING: irisPassword must be a number for GDO support")
-        end
-    end
 end
 
 if chatBox == nil and config.enableChatboxDebug then
@@ -159,6 +148,17 @@ utils.init(config, gate)
 display.init(mon, config, addresses, utils, localGateAddress)
 handlers.init(config, gate, mon, utils, display, events)
 
+-- Configure transceiver IDC after utils is initialized (so we can use utils.log)
+if transceiver and config.enableGDO and config.irisPassword then
+    local idcCode = config.irisPassword
+    if idcCode then
+        transceiver.setCurrentCode(idcCode)
+        utils.log("Transceiver IDC configured to: " .. idcCode)
+    else
+        print("WARNING: irisPassword must be a number for GDO support")
+    end
+end
+
 -- Helper function for chatbox debugging
 local function debugChat(message)
     if config.enableChatboxDebug and chatBox then