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Hyerta PD78X0 DMR radio provides crystal clear sound |
In June 2013, Benjamin Pothier, a PhD researcher in Arts, Anthropology and Architecture, became the first French Artist and researcher participating to the ARCTIC CIRCLE RESIDENCY, a project organised by the New York based cultural organisation THE FARM, INC. He travelled the high arctic sea on a vessel for 18 days and was allowed to stay at Ny-Alesund for expedition and documentary recording. Ny-Alesund, the northernmost public settlement on earth, was described in a recent BBC article as “so unearthly”.
When Benjamin prepared for his expedition one and half a year ago, he made a research, and concluded that Hytera PD78X would be the best solution with both analogue and digital feature, which means that he will be able to use the two-way radios in the future and in multiple scenarios.
The two-way radios were used to make sure that nobody was on the "natural set" during filming and test in Arctic Circle, and to communicate with each other during trekking in the expedition. Benjamin also made a test with one of their Arctic Guide who carries rifle and flare guns in order to protect them in case of polar bear encounter, and felt reassured that there is no interference between PD78X0 and their Marine VHF radio so there wouldn’t be any communication problem in an emergency.
Now Benjamin is back in Paris, working on the photos and editing the video, which will be public in September. The radios are currently stored in his studio. "Rough and tough”, a comment that Benjamin’s colleague photographer made about him, was re-applied to PD78X by Benjamin: “and it has crystal clear sound, feels really great when you hold it in the hand. There is no doubt that I’m going to bring the radios for the next adventure.”