How Motorola DP1400 Radios Set the Stage for Prism Lighting

Prism Lighting, a leading provider of high-quality lighting solutions for events and exhibitions, partnered with SFL Mobile Radio to enhance their on-site communication. By implementing Motorola DP1400 two-way radios, they achieved improved efficiency and safety across their event sites. The DP1400 radios provided clear and reliable communication, enabling the Prism Lighting team to coordinate tasks effectively and respond promptly to any issues, thereby ensuring smooth operations during events.

Prism Lighting is a leading provider of high-quality lighting solutions for events, exhibitions, and displays. As a regular presence at event sites across the UK, Prism Lighting often need reliable communication tools to coordinate their setup efficiently, especially during large-scale events where their team is spread across a wide area.

Previously, event organisers would provide radios on-site, but Prism Lighting decided it was time to invest in their own radio system to have full control over their communications. The motivation was twofold: they needed their own system when they were the only team on-site, and owning their own radios gave a higher sense of professionalism at events.

The Challenges

Prism Lighting required a communication solution that could:

• Provide long-range, reliable comms in open, outdoor spaces.

• Be durable and user-friendly for their team, who often work in large areas, all weather and spread across stages.

• Be cost-effective, as they needed to outfit the entire team with radios and accessories.

• Be wearable to keep both hands free to carry heavy equipment.

• Have long battery life to last a full day of events, from set-up to breakdown.

The company needed something robust that would fit seamlessly into their operations, allowing their crew to stay connected, whether coordinating lighting setups, operating forklifts, or unloading equipment.

The Solution

Prism Lighting contacted SFL Mobile Radio, and after discussing their needs, they received a demo featuring the Motorola DP4400 radios, along with belt clips, D-shaped earpieces and a number of accessories to test out. Although the radios were a perfect fit, they found the earpieces too delicate for their active work environment. After a quick discussion with Neil at SFL, who provided expert advice, Prism Lighting was sent RSM Fist Mics instead, which were a more robust solution. The response was fast, with the replacement mics arriving the next day.

After a successful trial period, Prism Lighting opted to purchase the Motorola DP1400 radios, as they offered the functionality needed at a more affordable price. Along with the radios, SFL Mobile Radio helped them obtain an Ofcom License for their own dedicated private frequency, as well as chargers, and belt clips, equipping the entire team with the communication tools they needed.

Results

The radios have been a game-changer for Prism Lighting. The ability to communicate across a large area saves significant time, reducing the need for staff to walk back and forth between stages or across fields to locate equipment or ask questions. Whether a crew member is on a forklift or unloading a truck, the radios allow the team to quickly coordinate tasks and streamline the setup process.

The range of the DP1400 radios has been excellent, easily reaching up to a mile in open spaces, which suits their needs perfectly. The team found that, while range may vary indoors, the radios have consistently performed well outdoors at event sites.

Ian Haley, Project Manager at Prism Lighting says:

“We found the radios perfect for our needs. The demo was great, and Neil at SFL was extremely helpful, answering all our questions with patience and expertise. The fist mics were the perfect solution, and the speed of delivery was fantastic. We’re looking forward to using our radios at Wembley next week and highly recommend SFL.”

Prism Lighting is excited to take their radios to Wembley Stadium for an upcoming event, where they plan to test the range further and continue using them in a large, dynamic environment.

SFL says

“We love supporting local businesses like Prism Lighting because it means we get recommended to others in that industry and we can build up a decent network via word of mouth. These guys travel all across the country with our radios and they seem really happy with the performance, no matter where they go, which is a success.”

About the products

What made the Motorola DP1400 so special?

• Packed with features

• Superior audio quality

• Outstanding coverage

• Long-lasting battery life

• 32 channels

• Easy to use (even wearing gloves)

• Wide range of accessories

As this line has been discontinued now, please read our dedicated guide on entry-level radios that compare with the DP1400.

Do you work outdoors across large sites? If you’re in need of a reliable and cost-efficient radio set-up or simply need advice, get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.