diff --git a/aprsd/conf/common.py b/aprsd/conf/common.py
index 07d69cc..710b80a 100644
--- a/aprsd/conf/common.py
+++ b/aprsd/conf/common.py
@@ -136,6 +136,11 @@ aprsd_opts = [
         default=True,
         help="Set this to False, to disable logging of packets to the log file.",
     ),
+    cfg.BoolOpt(
+        "load_help_plugin",
+        default=True,
+        help="Set this to False to disable the help plugin.",
+    ),
 ]
 
 watch_list_opts = [
diff --git a/aprsd/plugin.py b/aprsd/plugin.py
index 2819e81..e61c13a 100644
--- a/aprsd/plugin.py
+++ b/aprsd/plugin.py
@@ -472,9 +472,13 @@ class PluginManager:
             del self._pluggy_pm
             self.setup_plugins()
 
-    def setup_plugins(self, load_help_plugin=True):
+    def setup_plugins(self, load_help_plugin=None):
         """Create the plugin manager and register plugins."""
 
+        # If load_help_plugin is not specified, load it from the config
+        if load_help_plugin is None:
+            load_help_plugin = CONF.load_help_plugin
+
         LOG.info("Loading APRSD Plugins")
         # Help plugin is always enabled.
         if load_help_plugin:
diff --git a/aprsd/threads/rx.py b/aprsd/threads/rx.py
index 3c88958..4002541 100644
--- a/aprsd/threads/rx.py
+++ b/aprsd/threads/rx.py
@@ -328,8 +328,22 @@ class APRSDPluginProcessPacketThread(APRSDProcessPacketThread):
             # If the message was for us and we didn't have a
             # response, then we send a usage statement.
             if to_call == CONF.callsign and not replied:
-                LOG.warning("Sending help!")
-                message_text = "Unknown command! Send 'help' message for help"
+
+                # Is the help plugin installed?
+                help_available = False
+                for p in pm.get_message_plugins():
+                    if isinstance(p, plugin.HelpPlugin):
+                        help_available = True
+                        break
+
+                # Tailor the messages accordingly
+                if help_available:
+                    LOG.warning("Sending help!")
+                    message_text = "Unknown command! Send 'help' message for help"
+                else:
+                    LOG.warning("Unknown command!")
+                    message_text = "Unknown command!"
+
                 tx.send(
                     packets.MessagePacket(
                         from_call=CONF.callsign,