Result of radio frequency analysis of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with high power

Recently I had tested certain parameters of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with high power.

Here are the optional powers list: 10kW, 15kW and 20kW.

==Background of Bukit Palong, Kedah==
Latitide: 05° 36' 29"N
Longitude: 100° 55' 21"E
District: Baling
State: Kedah
Location: Nearby Kedah-Perak border
Target coverage: Baling, Kedah.

==RF analysis of Bukit Palong Kedah FM 103.1MHz==
- Bukit Larut 103.3MHz: NO INTERFERENCE
- Songkhla 103.25MHz: NO INTERFERENCE
- Padang Pauh 102.9MHz: NO INTERFERENCE 

==Coverage analysis of Bukit Palong with 10kW power==

==Field strength result of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with 10kW power (dBuV/m)==
- Bayan Lepas: 42
- Georgetown: 46
- Bukit Mertajam: 51

==Coverage analysis of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with 15kW power==

==Field strength result of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with 15kW power (dBuV/m)==
- Baling (85)
- Kepala Batas (54) 
- Georgetown (47) 
- Juru (50) 
- Bukit Mertajam (54) 
- Nibong Tebal (47)
- Batu Feringghi (46) 
- Bayan Lepas (44) 
- Alor Setar (43) 
- Taiping (42) 

==Coverage analysis of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with 20kW power==

==Field strength of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with 20kW power==
- Bukit Mertajam (54) 
- Alor Setar (44) 
- Sg Petani (60) 
- Nibong Tebal (49) 
- Batu Feringghi (49) 
- Bayan Lepas (45) 
- Taiping (44) 
- Kulim (60) 
- Butterworth (52) 
- Perai (50) 
- Juru (52)
- Baling (87)
- Parit Buntar (48)
- Pengkalan Hulu (78)
- Ipoh (37)
- Georgetown (49)

Based on the coverage analysis above, there is nothing difference of field strength analysis between 15kW and 20kW. In addition, Bukit Palong can cover only East Kedah like Baling, Sik and North East Perak like Gerik, Pengkalan Hulu, Belum.

In terms of commercial value, Bukit Palong is not high as Gunung Jerai, Alor Setar Tower and Bukit Penara because coverage of population is small.

The source is based on fmscan.org roughly calculation. For more expert analysis, a professional broadcasting frequency interference and coverage analysis software is required which features directional antenna analysis function.

In conclusion, Bukit Palong cannot cover Penang with minimum field strength 54dBuV/m. 

Penang is large city and urban state, minimum field strength 54dBuV/m (STEREOPHONIC PROPAGATION). Based on analysis above, most of Penang large cities and urban towns field strength are unable to reach 54dBuV/m.

Here is the requirement of field strength, based on ITU recommendation:

Previously I attempted to help analyze Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz for BFM 89.9 to cover Penang, also submitted roughly calculation of radio parameters to telecommunication regulator, MCMC. I had contacted with related person in charge which are from spectrum department, I also got same result from them. The analysis of Bukit Palong 103.1MHz 10kW also showed same answer, even 15kW and 20kW that I made.

Although the field strength analysis of Bukit Palong FM 103.1MHz with 10kW, 15kW and 20kW power in Penang urban towns above, where get between 43-53dBuV/m, the reception are in MONO.

MONO propagation will not give clear reception. 54dBuV/m is the minimum field strength of Stereo reception.

In conclusion, I recommend BFM to broadcast in Bukit Tokun FM 103.0MHz to cover Penang, instead of Bukit Palong, perhaps Bukit Tokun has higher commercial values.

Sources: 
- fmscan.org (amateur tester)
- Recommendation ITU-R BS. 412-9 

Field strength analysis