diff --git a/ArduCopterMega/system.pde b/ArduCopterMega/system.pde
index 4a4836c83e..82e8ef9c92 100644
--- a/ArduCopterMega/system.pde
+++ b/ArduCopterMega/system.pde
@@ -115,6 +115,8 @@ static void init_ardupilot()
 		*/
 
 		// erase all parameters
+		Serial.printf_P(PSTR("Firmware change: erasing EEPROM...\n"));
+		delay(100); // wait for serial send
 		AP_Var::erase_all();
 
 		// save the new format version