diff --git a/Sail_Instrument/plugin.py b/Sail_Instrument/plugin.py
index d67d2b7..4ce9f1d 100644
--- a/Sail_Instrument/plugin.py
+++ b/Sail_Instrument/plugin.py
@@ -380,7 +380,8 @@ def mag_variation(self, lat, lon):
         try:
           self.variation
         except Exception as x:
-          self.variation=0
+          self.variation = self.variation_model.GeoMag(lat, lon).dec
+          self.variation_time = time.monotonic()
         
         return self.variation