A method, apparatus and system for safe mode telemetry are provide. The method may include detecting a failure of an AC power supply, switching the AC power supply to a DC power supply, booting with a safe mode telemetry system by a control unit, and capturing downhole data for recording into a memory. The apparatus may include a telemetry cartridge, a control unit to detect a failure of an AC power supply, a DC power supply, and a switching device to change from the AC power supply to the DC power supply based on the control unit's detection of the failure in the AC power supply. The DC power supply of the apparatus may be used to power the telemetry cartridge after the detection of the failure. The system may further include a surface data acquisition unit and a downhole tool including the apparatus.