diff --git a/libraries/AP_Notify/RGBLed.cpp b/libraries/AP_Notify/RGBLed.cpp
index 5bb9737498..203de11126 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Notify/RGBLed.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Notify/RGBLed.cpp
@@ -220,9 +220,9 @@ void RGBLed::update()
 
     const uint8_t colour = (current_colour_sequence >> (step*3)) & 7;
 
-    _red_des = (colour & RED) ? brightness : 0;
-    _green_des = (colour & GREEN) ? brightness : 0;
-    _blue_des = (colour & BLUE) ? brightness : 0;
+    _red_des = (colour & RED) ? brightness : _led_off;
+    _green_des = (colour & GREEN) ? brightness : _led_off;
+    _blue_des = (colour & BLUE) ? brightness : _led_off;
 
     set_rgb(_red_des, _green_des, _blue_des);
 }