diff --git a/pioreactor/actions/self_test.py b/pioreactor/actions/self_test.py
index 2d044f21..0e66cac4 100644
--- a/pioreactor/actions/self_test.py
+++ b/pioreactor/actions/self_test.py
@@ -67,7 +67,9 @@ def test_REF_is_in_correct_position(
     signal2 = []
 
     with stirring.start_stirring(
-        target_rpm=900, unit=unit, experiment=experiment
+        target_rpm=900,
+        unit=unit,
+        experiment=experiment,
     ) as st, start_od_reading(
         od_angle_channel1="90",
         od_angle_channel2="90",
diff --git a/pioreactor/background_jobs/stirring.py b/pioreactor/background_jobs/stirring.py
index 6f6f1b10..cf54bc5a 100644
--- a/pioreactor/background_jobs/stirring.py
+++ b/pioreactor/background_jobs/stirring.py
@@ -459,7 +459,7 @@ def start_stirring(
     target_rpm: float,
     unit: Optional[str] = None,
     experiment: Optional[str] = None,
-    use_rpm: bool = False,
+    use_rpm: bool = True,
 ) -> Stirrer:
     unit = unit or get_unit_name()
     experiment = experiment or get_latest_experiment_name()