diff --git a/artiq/frontend/artiq_gui.py b/artiq/frontend/artiq_gui.py
index a55a5e532..fc8442512 100755
--- a/artiq/frontend/artiq_gui.py
+++ b/artiq/frontend/artiq_gui.py
@@ -120,14 +120,8 @@ def main():
     d_log = log.LogDock(sub_clients["log"])
     smgr.register(d_log)
 
-    def _set_dataset(k, v):
-        asyncio.ensure_future(rpc_clients["dataset_db"].set(k, v))
-    def _del_dataset(k):
-        asyncio.ensure_future(rpc_clients["dataset_db"].delete(k))
-    d_console = console.ConsoleDock(
-        d_datasets.get_dataset,
-        _set_dataset,
-        _del_dataset)
+    d_console = console.ConsoleDock(sub_clients["datasets"],
+                                    rpc_clients["dataset_db"])
 
     area.addDock(d_console, "bottom")
     area.addDock(d_log, "above", d_console)
diff --git a/artiq/gui/console.py b/artiq/gui/console.py
index b7b98e573..223fc7d6d 100644
--- a/artiq/gui/console.py
+++ b/artiq/gui/console.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+import asyncio
+
 from pyqtgraph import console, dockarea
 
 
@@ -12,12 +14,25 @@ The following functions are available:
 """
 
 class ConsoleDock(dockarea.Dock):
-    def __init__(self, get_dataset, set_dataset, del_dataset):
+    def __init__(self, dataset_sub, dataset_ctl):
         dockarea.Dock.__init__(self, "Console", size=(1000, 300))
+        self.dataset_sub = dataset_sub
+        self.dataset_ctl = dataset_ctl
         ns = {
-            "get_dataset": get_dataset,
-            "set_dataset": set_dataset,
-            "del_dataset": del_dataset
+            "get_dataset": self.get_dataset,
+            "set_dataset": self.set_dataset,
+            "del_dataset": self.del_dataset
         }
         c = console.ConsoleWidget(namespace=ns, text=_help)
         self.addWidget(c)
+
+    def get_dataset(self, k):
+        if self.dataset_sub.model is None:
+            raise IOError("Datasets not available yet")
+        return self.dataset_sub.model.backing_store[k][1]
+
+    def set_dataset(self, k, v):
+        asyncio.ensure_future(self.dataset_ctl.set(k, v))
+
+    def del_dataset(self, k):
+        asyncio.ensure_future(self.dataset_ctl.delete(k))
diff --git a/artiq/gui/datasets.py b/artiq/gui/datasets.py
index 05031e727..4b3db669c 100644
--- a/artiq/gui/datasets.py
+++ b/artiq/gui/datasets.py
@@ -84,9 +84,6 @@ class DatasetsDock(dockarea.Dock):
             self.table_model_filter.setFilterFixedString(
                 self.search.displayText())
 
-    def get_dataset(self, key):
-        return self.table_model.backing_store[key][1]
-
     def set_model(self, model):
         self.table_model = model
         self.table_model_filter = QSortFilterProxyModel()