diff --git a/xvf3800.py b/xvf3800.py
index 4d8a8b0..b8a0e01 100644
--- a/xvf3800.py
+++ b/xvf3800.py
@@ -46,6 +46,13 @@ class XVF3800:
 
     def __init__(self, usb_device):
         self.dev = usb_device
+        # Detach kernel driver if attached, so we can send vendor control transfers
+        try:
+            if self.dev.is_kernel_driver_active(0):
+                self.dev.detach_kernel_driver(0)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        self.dev.set_configuration()
         self.serial = usb_device.serial_number or "unknown"
         self.bus = usb_device.bus
         self.address = usb_device.address