FM 102.0MHz test transmission in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka

On 26th June 2017 (2nd day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri), when I was on the way from Muar to Teluk Intan, suddenly I received a FM radio signal on FM 102.0MHz around Rembau, Simpang Ampat and Tampin around PLUS Highway.

FM 102.0MHz had signal there, but no any music or sound on that frequency. Reception was clear and stable around there. Compare with Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin, the FM 102.0MHz is better. Initially I heavily suspected FM 102.0MHz was from Gunung Telapak Burok, but the signal went weak when I came to Senawang and Seremban. Technically, I suspected the FM 102.0MHz was carried trial transmission in Bukit Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.

Talk about if FM 102.0MHz in Bukit Tampin, I don't think it is good enough because the frequency is too closed with Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang. For your information, Bukit Tampin can covers Melaka, not only Tampin and Rembau. I will show you the RF analysis of FM 102.0MHz in Bukit Tampin:

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.0MHz: Bukit Tampin
<200kHz, OK>

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai
102.0MHz: Bukit Tampin
<100kHz, OK>

There is critical RF analysis below:

102.0MHz: Bukit Tampin
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz>

Actually the minimum frequency separation between Gunung Ledang and Bukit Tampin must be 400kHz as Gunung Ledang and Bukit Tampin have same coverage in Melaka and South Negeri Sembilan, although Bukit Tampin does not cover North Johor. I think it is ok if FM 102.0MHz is located in Gunung Telapak Burok, instead of Bukit Tampin.

In my opinion, private broadcasters will not choose Bukit Tampin for Melaka due to commercial value, instead they will choose Gunung Ledang for Melaka as Gunung Ledang can cover Melaka, North Johor, South Negeri Sembilan (Tampin and Rembau) and parts of South Pahang. Gunung Ledang also can cover Tampin clearly where it cannot receive from Gunung Telapak Burok.

MCMC may not allow FM 102.1MHz to be occupied in Gunung Telapak Burok as it may interfere Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang coverage in Kem Terendak, Masjid Tanah, Lubok China and Kuala Sungai Baru as these areas can receive Gunung Telapak Burok signal clearly and loudly like what receive in Seremban and Nilai. In addition, Melaka FM only has 1 frequency from Gunung Ledang on 102.3MHz to cover whole Melaka, there is no any alternative frequency, just like Selangor FM 100.9MHz.

RF analysis FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok:

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.0MHz: Test transmission Gunung Telapak Burok
<200kHz, OK>

101.9MHz: Johor FM Gunung Pulai
102.0MHz:Test transmission Gunung Telapak Burok
<100kHz, OK>

102.0MHz: Test transmission Gunung Telapak Burok
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

Due to Melaka FM only run 102.3MHz for Melaka, so minimum frequency separation between Gunung Telapak Burok and Gunung Ledang (for Melaka) should be 300kHz. Actually there is no problem if 102.1MHz use in Gunung Telapak Burok, but Tx antenna should not beam to Melaka direction to prevent interference to Melaka FM coverage within Melaka.

I may guess there is new radio station will use 102.0MHz in Negeri Sembilan, it may be Kool FM by Media Prima. If Kool FM uses 102.0MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok, I think My FM 101.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali may have minor interference by Kool FM 102.0MHz in South Klang Valley, but My FM can be received alternatively on FM 100.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban) there.