diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
index bff571e0..12f66512 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
@@ -1540,7 +1540,7 @@ void MyMesh::handleCmdFrame(size_t len) {
     if (recipient == NULL) { // FIRMWARE_VER_CODE 13+,  allow non-contact requests
       memset(&anon, 0, sizeof(anon));
       memcpy(anon.id.pub_key, pub_key, PUB_KEY_SIZE);
-      anon.out_path_len = OUT_PATH_UNKNOWN;
+      anon.out_path_len = 0;   // default to zero-hop direct
       anon.type = ADV_TYPE_NONE;  // unknown
 
       if (addContact(anon)) recipient = &anon;