diff --git a/rtu/startup.lua b/rtu/startup.lua
index 2e2272d..76944c6 100644
--- a/rtu/startup.lua
+++ b/rtu/startup.lua
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ local sna_rtu      = require("rtu.dev.sna_rtu")
 local sps_rtu      = require("rtu.dev.sps_rtu")
 local turbinev_rtu = require("rtu.dev.turbinev_rtu")
 
-local RTU_VERSION = "beta-v0.9.6"
+local RTU_VERSION = "beta-v0.9.7"
 
 local rtu_t = types.rtu_t
 
diff --git a/rtu/threads.lua b/rtu/threads.lua
index 3d5b690..8027f34 100644
--- a/rtu/threads.lua
+++ b/rtu/threads.lua
@@ -341,10 +341,11 @@ function threads.thread__unit_comms(smem, unit)
                 util.nop()
             end
 
-
             -- check if multiblock is still formed if this is a multiblock
             if (type(unit.formed) == "boolean") and (util.time() - last_f_check > 1000) then
-                if (not unit.formed) and unit.device.isFormed() then
+                local is_formed = unit.device.isFormed()
+
+                if (not unit.formed) and is_formed then
                     -- newly re-formed
                     local iface = ppm.get_iface(unit.device)
                     if iface then
@@ -394,6 +395,8 @@ function threads.thread__unit_comms(smem, unit)
                         log.error("failed to get interface of previously connected RTU unit " .. detail_name, true)
                     end
                 end
+
+                unit.formed = is_formed
             end
 
             -- check for termination request