Wednesday 28 November 2018

List of empty FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia (2018 update)

Empty FM radio frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia (as 2018):

- Gunung Raya (Langkawi): Not available
- Alor Setar Tower: 91.5MHz, 94.3MHz
- Gunung Jerai (Kedah, Penang, Perlis): Not available
- Bukit Penara (Penang): Not available
- Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau): 97.7MHz, 99.9MHz, 100.7MHz, 104.6MHz
- Bukit Larut (Taiping and North Perak): 93.1MHz, 105.7MHz
- Gunung Kledang (Ipoh and Central Perak): 93.9MHz (subject Bernama Radio 93.9 is not moved to Gunung Ulu Kali)
- Changkat Rembian (Tapah): 94.9MHz, 106.0MHz, 107.7MHz
- Gunung Ulu Kali (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, South Perak, West Pahang): Not available
- Kuala Lumpur Tower (Klang Valley): Not available
- Bukit Sungai Besi (Klang Valley): Not available
- Gunung Telapak Burok (Negeri Sembilan): 102.1MHz (subject 102.0MHz Bukit Tampin is off permanently)
- Bukit Tampin (Melaka): 87.6MHz, 101.1MHz
- Gunung Ledang (North Johor, Melaka): 100.9MHz (subject 101.1MHz Bkt Tampin is not used), 103.9MHz
- Gunung Pulai (South Johor): Not available
- Bukit Pelindung (East Pahang): 96.5MHz, 101.6MHz, 102.2MHz, 106.5MHz
- Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu): 88.3MHz, 89.1MHz, 90.1MHz, 90.9MHz, 91.3MHz, 92.1MHz, 92.9MHz, 103.5MHz, 104.4MHz, 105.5MHz
- Bukit Panau/Bukit Bakar (Kelantan): 100.4MHz, 107.9MHz
- Bukit Tinggi (Mersing): 100.8MHz
- Fraser's Hill (Raub): 88.5MHz, 89.5MHz, 90.3MHz, 92.3MHz/92.4MHz, 93.5MHz

One FM Negeri Sembilan coverage directory 森美蘭州覆蓋範圍指南






中文: One FM 森美蘭州覆蓋範圍列表指南
English: One FM Negeri Sembilan coverage list directory

- FM 88.3MHz (Bukit Gan): Seremban 芙蓉, Senawang 森那旺, Labu 拉務, Pantai, East Lenggeng良冷東部, Tanjung Ipoh, Ulu Bendul, Mambau萬茂, Sendayan, North Pedas不叻士北部, Sungai Gadut, Kuala Sawah瓜拉沙娃, Ulu Klawang烏魯格拉旺

- FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali): Nilai汝來, Lenggeng良冷, Mantin文丁, Port Dickson波德申, Lukut盧骨, Silliau西廖, Rantau晏斗, Simpang Pertang葫蘆頂

- FM 88.1MHz (Gunung Ledang): Tampin淡邊, Gemencheh利民濟, Gemas金馬士, Rompin弄邊, Batu Kikir峇都基基, Kuala Pilah瓜拉庇勞, Jempol仁保, Sungai Lui雙溪鐳, Serting斯汀, Rembau林茂, Kota高島, Linggi寧宜, Johol柔河, Pasir Panjang老港, Palong巴弄, Seri Menanti神安池

Tuesday 27 November 2018

Best FM coverage



Best FM coverage in Malaysia. A Johor based radio station can be heard outside Johor and Klang Valley.

==Johor==
* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Pulai: Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Pontian, Simpang Renggam, Kulaijaya, Air Hitam, Benut, Rengit, Parit Raja
* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: Muar, Tangkak, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Segamat, Yong Peng, Pagoh, Gerisek, Chaah, Jementah, Semerah, Parit Sulong, Sri Gading, Bakri, Parit Jawa, Bekok, Tenang, Batu Anam
* FM 102.5MHz Bukit Tinggi: Mersing, Endau, Kahang

==Melaka==
* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: All

==Negeri Sembilan==
* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: Tampin, Rembau, Kuala Pilah, Bahau, Gemas, Gemencheh, Johol, Bandar Seri Jempol, Simpang Pertang, Juasseh, Pedas, Batu Kikir, Kota, Linggi, Rompin, Sungai Lui, Serting and FELDA Palong
* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Nilai, Mantin, Labu, Port Dickson, Rantau and part of Seremban

==Selangor, Putrajaya & Kuala Lumpur==
* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: All

==Pahang==
* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Genting Highlands, Bentong, Raub, Karak, Temerloh, Bera, Lanchang, Maran, Jerantut, Teriang, Kuala Lipis, Jengka, Kemayan, Chenor, Benta, and Mentakab
* FM 94.8MHz Gunung Ledang: Gambang, Muadzam Shah, Keratong, Kota Shahbandar, and part of Pekan/Kuantan
* FM 102.5MHz Bukit Tinggi: Kuala Rompin, Tioman Island, Pekan and Kuantan

==Perak==
* FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Terolak, Sungkai, Bidor, Tapah, Temoh, Mambang Di Awan, Kampung Gajah, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datoh, Hutan Melintang, Langkap, Sungai Sumun, Ulu Bernam, Tanjung Tualang, Lekir, part of Sitiawan/Manjung/Lumut

Best FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Pulai is available in Singapore and Batam of Indonesia.

Kool FM masih boleh memperluaskan frekuensi ke Kuantan untuk melengkapkan liputan di Pantai Timur





Di wilayah Pantai Timur, Kool FM telah memperluaskan liputan ke Kota Bharu dan Kuala Terengganu pada tahun 2016. Frekuensi Kuala Terengganu ialah 93.6MHz dari Bukit Besar dilancarkan pada Jun 2016, manakala Kota Bharu FM 88.6MHz dari Peringat dilancarkan pada Oktober 2016 bersama dengan Alor Setar 107.3MHz yang terletak di wilayah utara Semenanjung Malaysia.

Kool FM masih belum mempunyai frekuensi Kuantan sampai sekarang. Kuantan hanya ialah kawasan Pantai Timur yang belum mempunyai liputan siaran Kool FM.

Setakat ini, saya memahami bahawa spektrum frekuensi di Semenanjung Malaysia sangat sesak, terutama Pantai Barat. Oleh itu, pemohonan spektrum frekuensi memang susah jika penuh. Sebelum ini, saya mengulas tentang Kool FM di wilayah selatan seperti Melaka, Johor dan Negeri Sembilan, serta wilayah utara Taiping Perak dengan mengemukakan pandangan saya (penerangan asas). Walaupun terdapat juga frekuensi kosong (berdasarkan pada "frequency scanning"), frekuensi tersebut boleh dijamin guna kerana boleh membawa gangguan kepada stesen radio lain yang sedia ada. Tambahan pula, jika ada siaran radio memperluaskan siaran ke kawasan koordinat antarabangsa dimana berhampiran dengan negara jiran seperti Thailand, Singapura, Brunei, dan Indonesia, ia boleh membawa gangguan siaran kepada liputan negara jiran apabila menggunakan frekuensi yang tidak sesuai, oleh itu pendengar siaran radio yang terlibat akan marah. Contoh: Negara Indonesia, dimana terdapat stesen radio Gunung Ledang berkongsi frekuensi dengan stesen radio Indonesia dari Bengkalis dan Dumai.

Gangguan siaran radio terhadap negara jiran juga boleh mengancam kedaulatan negara tersebut. (Rujukan: https://www.kominfo.go.id/content/detail/10706/jaga-kedaulatan-indonesia-melalui-frekuensi-radio/0/berita_satker)

Abaikan frekuensi Kool FM wilayah selatan dan Perak, tiada frekuensi setakat ini, oleh itu saya tidak akan mengulas lagi. Kembali kepada topik asal, iaitu Kool FM di wilayah Pantai Timur, Kuantan.

Pada pandangan saya, Kool FM perlu memperluaskan liputan siarannya ke Kuantan untuk melengkapkan liputan siaran Kool FM di Pantai Timur. Wilayah Pantai Timur mempunyai tiga bandaraya utama, iaitu Kuantan di Pahang, Kuala Terengganu di Terengganu dan Kota Bharu di Kelantan. Kool FM telah mempunyai frekuensi Kuala Terengganu 93.6, dan Kota Bharu 88.6, cuma Kuantan belum ada lagi.

Sebenarnya Kuantan mempunyai banyak frekuensi kosong, berbanding dengan Pantai Barat Semenanjung Malaysia, Bukit Pelindung ialah tempat pemancaran siaran TV dan radio untuk Kuantan dan Pahang Timur, saya tidak jelas terhadap menara pemancar Bukit Pelindung masih ada ruang untuk memasang pemancar atau tidak, tetapi tertakluk kepada pihak telekommunikasi. 

Bayangkan jika Kool FM berjaya memperluaskan ke Kuantan dengan memasang pemancar di Bukit Pelindung, pendengar bukan hanya sahaja mengikuti siaran ini di Kuantan dan Pantai Timur,  tetapi pendengar di Terengganu Selatan seperti Chukai, Kemaman, Kijal, Cerul, Cheneh dan Kemasik boleh menerima siaran Kool FM dimana kawasan tersebut tidak dapat menerima 93.6 dari Bukit Besar. Di samping itu, liputan Kool FM di bandar dalam negeri Terengganu akan dilengkapi sepenuhnya.

==Kool FM Terengganu==
* 93.6MHz Bukit Besar: Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, Marang, Setiu dan Dungun Utara
* 88.6MHz TV3 Peringat: Kuala Besut dan Jerteh
* Bukit Pelindung: Kemaman, Kijal, Kemasik, Cerul, Chukai dan Cheneh

Kesimpulannya, saya harap Kool FM akan memperluaskan siaran ke Kuantan secepat mungkin bagi melengkapkan liputan di Pantai Timur.

==Frekuensi kosong di Bukit Pelindung untuk Kuantan 2018== (berdasarkan pada jadual spektrum dan "frequency scanning")

* 96.5MHz
* 98.5MHz
* 101.6MHz
* 102.2MHz
* 106.5MHz

Saturday 24 November 2018

Fly FM coverage in Perak



==Fly FM coverage in Perak==

* 87.9MHz Gunung Kledang: Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Beruas, Pantai Remis, Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Teluk Intan, Tapah Road, Pangkor, Parit, Bota, Kampar, Simpang Pulai, Gopeng, Langkap, Bagan Datoh, Temoh, Hutan Melintang, Sungkai, Kampung Gajah, Chenderong Balai, Terolak, Selekoh, Sungai Sumun.

* 95.8MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Bidor, Chenderiang, Tapah, Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Batu Hampar, & Terong (South)

* 89.9MHz Bukit Penara: Taiping, Terong, Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Kuala Kurau, Selama, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Changkat Jering, Simpang, and Kamunting

Note: Fly FM has no Taiping frequency (Bukit Larut), but Taiping can receive Fly FM on 89.9 from Bukit Penara Penang.

Kool FM current coverage in Perak


In Perak, Kool FM has no frequency in Ipoh (Gunung Kledang) and Taiping (Bukit Larut) currently because no available frequencies, but Kool FM can be received in part of Perak on FM 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara which is Penang frequency.

==Coverage of Kool FM 90.2MHz in Perak from Bukit Penara==
* Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Kuala Kurau, Selama, Tanjung Piandang, Bagan Serai, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Taiping, Kamunting, Matang and Kuala Sepetang

Kool FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi current coverage





Despite Kool FM is unable to expand coverage in southern region because no available frequencies spectrum, listeners in southern region need to listen to Kool FM via mobile app streaming or online, but Kool FM can be received in part of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka via Klang Valley frequency FM 101.3MHz from Bukit Sungai Besi

==Kool FM 101.3MHz coverage==
* Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya
* Selangor: Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Kuala Selangor, Puchong, Serdang, Sepang, Cyberjaya, Cheras, Kajang, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Beranang, Bangi, Sungai Buloh, Ampang, Gombak, Selayang, Sekinchan, Tanjung Karang, Jeram, Banting, Kuala Langat, Morib, Tanjung Sepat, Rawang
* Negeri Sembilan: Nilai, Mantin, Labu, Bukit Pelanduk, Tanah Merah, Lenggeng, Linggi, part of Port Dickson
* Melaka: Masjid Tanah, Kuala Sungai Baru, Lubuk Cina, Tanjung Bidara 
* Perak: Tanjung Malim (poor reception)

From now, I don't think this radio station can expand furthermore within Peninsular Malaysia, except Kuantan. Therefore, I hope Kool FM will expand its coverage to Kuantan and Eastern Pahang to complete the coverage of east coast Peninsular.

Tuesday 20 November 2018

Personal research: MYTV DVB-T2 in Perlis

In Perlis, MYTV DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television viewers must receive from Gunung Jerai on UHF 666MHz by beaming antenna to south direction. There may have some blind spot coverage in Perlis because some of areas cannot receive MYTV DTTV from Gunung Jerai, so an additional transmitter may be needed to cover Perlis better.

Perlis has only 1 transmitter site currently, it is located in Padang Pauh, the tower is owned by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) where RTM broadcasts Perlis FM 102.9MHz, TV1 and TV2 currently. Padang Pauh is located beside Klinik Kesihatan Padang Pauh, the tower location is also the broadcasting office of RTM Perlis where also Perlis FM studio.

Another new transmitting site in Perlis is TM Kangar, located beside Masjid Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.

Here are the coverage between Padang Pauh and TM Kangar (testing based on FM radio)

 

Based on coverage between Padang Pauh and TM Kangar, both of them are almost same, just different of tower owner. So, of course the transmission fees between both towers are different. Hmmm.. It makes me hard to make judgement.



At the same time, I perform my personal research of MYTV DVB-T2 in Perlis. The frequency UHF 546MHz is just only my tested parameter (subject to be changed).



Over October 2018, few MYTV DVB-T2 transmission sites were taken down due to a payment dispute between MYTV and Telekom Malaysia (TM), but this controversy was highly concerned by Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC). In my opinion, for Perlis site, because of this dispute with TM over transmission fees, this issue can affect MYTV to expand in Perlis by putting transmitter in TM Kangar if MYTV does not choose Padang Pauh as transmission location for Perlis.

I do hope the payment dispute between MYTV and TM issue will be solved immediately, they shall put digital terrestrial television viewers at the first priority. 

Talk back about the transmission sites in Perlis that I mention for MYTV, between Padang Pauh and TM Kangar, due to same transmission coverage of these two towers, I cannot judge both of them that which tower has better and wider coverage, so MYTV needs to make decision to use which transmitter site to cover Perlis for DTTV services.

TM Kangar tower

TM Kangar tower beside the mosque

Sunday 18 November 2018

BBC World Service is available in part of Malaysia on FM radio





BBC World Service has FM radio platform in South East Asia, it broadcasts on FM 88.9MHz from Bukit Batok, Singapore.

Singapore is the only South East Asia country to broadcast BBC World Service on FM radio, but the transmission is handled by MediaCorp. BBC World Service FM 88.9MHz is not only available in Singapore and Batam, it is also available in part of Malaysia.

In Malaysia, BBC World Service was used to be available in Malay language, but Malay broadcast transmission was ceased since 1991. BBC World Service is available in part of Malaysia, notably Johor state, such as:

- Johor Bahru
- Kota Tinggi
- Ulu Tiram
- Kulai
- Kangkar Pulai
- Pontian
- Benut
- Tanjung Piai 
- Pengerang
- Bandar Penawar
- Skudai
- Kluang
- Simpang Renggam
- Yong Peng (weaker signal)
- Batu Pahat (weaker signal)
- Sri Gading (weaker signal)
- Kukup
- Ayer Hitam
- Senggarang
- Nusajaya
- Gelang Patah
- Kota Iskandar
- Seri Medan (weaker signal)
- Senai
- Pekan Nenas
- Masai
- Paloh
- Chaah
- Bekok
- Bandar Tenggara
- Gugusan Taib Andak
- Layang-Layang
- Pasir Gudang
- Rengit
- Ayer Tawar
- Parit Raja
- Renggam

The coverage of BBC World Service FM 88.9MHz from Singapore

Besides than Central and South Johor, Northern Johor and some Melaka areas still can receive BBC World Service FM 88.9MHz from Singapore, but reception is weaker.

Wednesday 14 November 2018

Should Malaysia relaunch AM radio to solve FM frequency spectrum congestion in Peninsular Malaysia?

Since 2014, FM radio spectrum was getting congested in Peninsular Malaysia, especially west coast. This causes many new radio broadcasters are not able to expand their radio stations coverage wider.

Somebody are suggesting to implement digital switchover for radio stations by using DAB+, I'm strongly against DAB+ technology because:

1. Higher cost to buy the DAB+ receiver
2. Expensive to broadcaster because need to add gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot
3. Malaysia geographical locations are not suitable for DAB+ broadcast
4. More listeners prefer listen to radio station digitally such as online streaming, mobile app.

Never expect all listeners to listen via online actually. Many people need to listen via radio platform.

In order to settle FM frequency spectrum congestion without performing radio spectrum refarming, I suggest that MCMC to relaunch or reopen tender applications of AM radio to new broadcaster. If new radio broadcasters want to expand coverage, but no FM radio frequencies, so they can go for AM radio platform, just depends on their decision.

RTM and TM are the most important role of relaunching AM broadcast in Malaysia as TM is broadcasting tower infrastructure provider, meanwhile RTM had experienced AM broadcast before.

For current situation, TM (Telekom Malaysia) does not make AM radio tower infrastructure yet because TM focuses on FM and digital broadcasting. So, from my view, I don't think TM will make AM radio infrastructure.

In my opinion, RTM is not only Malaysia's public broadcaster, but RTM can become broadcast tower infrastructure tower for AM broadcast, this means that RTM can provide infrastructure of AM radio to new broadcaster by opening tower rental to new players. If new broadcasters want to broadcast on AM radio in strategic transmitting site, so they can rent RTM MW (AM) tower. With this suggestion, RTM can make money by receiving transmission fees from AM broadcasters. So, both have win-win situation.

MW radio is still relevant in most of the world, but SW shortwave becomes irrelevant as people moves digitally, except for those DXers, meanwhile long-wave LW is super-irrelevant. Until today, most of radio receivers only have FM and MW radio band, SW band becomes obsoleted unless purchasing expensive receivers, LW was obsoleted many years ago.

Although MW audio is not good as FM radio, but MW is more suitable for talk radio stations, rather than music radio stations. In most of the countries, MW radio band is usually used by talk radio stations.

For talk radio station in Malaysia such as BFM, this radio station would like to expand coverage in Johor Bahru, but unfortunately FM radio frequencies are not available, so BFM can go on MW broadcast for Johor, Singapore, Batam and Melaka if infrastructure is available. Use 300kW transmission power on MW, so all Johor areas can receive BFM on MW, but the transmission can travel to Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor and Sumatra Indonesia during nighttime broadcast.

In conclusion, I hope Malaysia government will reopen MW radio spectrum tender for all radio broadcasters, and radio telecommunication players will rebuild MW tower infrastructure in Malaysia.

RTM former mediumwave (MW) frequencies list

==RTM Rangkaian Nasional former MW frequencies (later used by state radio stations from early 1980s till 1992)==
* Teronoh: 576kHz at 100kW (Perak FM)
* Kuala Lumpur: 594kHz at 200kW
* Johor Bahru: 576kHz at 50kW (Johor FM)
* Batu Pahat: 603kHz at 10kW (Johor FM)
* Kangar: 612kHz at 10kW (Perlis FM)
* Segamat: 621kHz at 100kW (Johor FM)
* Kuala Lipis: 648kHz at 20kW (Pahang FM)
* Penang: 666kHz at 20kW (Mutiara FM)
* Kota Bharu: 702kHz at 20kW (Kelantan FM)
* Kuala Terengganu: 765kHz at 10kW (Terengganu FM)
* Sungai Petani: 774kHz at 10kW (Kedah FM)
* Kuala Lumpur: 802kHz (Radio Malaysia Ibu Kota)
* Kuantan: 810kHz at 10kW
* Jerantut: 846kHz at 10kW (Pahang FM)
* Melaka: 1008kHz at 10kW (Melaka FM)
* Mersing: 1053kHz at 10kW (Johor FM)
* Kuantan: 1143kHz at 10kW (RTM Pahang FM)
* Dungun: 1260kHz at 5kW (Terengganu FM)

==RTM Blue Network (Traxx FM) former MW frequencies==
* Penang: 864kHz at 10kW
* Kuala Lumpur: 882kHz at 200kW
* Johor Bahru: 945kHz at 50kW
* Teronoh: 945kHz at 100kW
* Melaka: 1161kHz at 10kW 

==RTM Green Network (Chinese Ai FM) and Red Network (Tamil Minnal FM) former MW frequencies==
* Kuala Lumpur: 720kHz at 200kW
* Ipoh: 837kHz at 10kW
* Segamat: 1017kHz at 100kW
* Johor Bahru: 1224kHz at 50kW
* Teronoh: 1224kHz at 100kW
* Melaka: 1278kHz at 10kW
* Mersing: 1314kHz at 20kW 

==East Malaysia==
* Kuching: 729kHz at 20kW (Sarawak FM)
* Tawau: 747kHz (Tawau FM)
* Sandakan: 783kHz (Sandakan FM)
* Sibu: 621kHz (Ai FM)
* Sibu: 909kHz (Rangkaian Kuning)
* Sibu: 1065kHz (Rangkaian Hijau; Iban)
* Limbang: 873kHz (Limbang FM Lun Bawang)
* Limbang: 648kHz (Limbang FM Perkhidmatan Melayu)

 

Sunday 11 November 2018

RTM Hulu Langat radio station. Asyik FM can have Hulu Langat frequency 102.2MHz.

On September 2017, I received FM 92.0MHz in Balakong, Selangor, but it was RTM Nasional FM. During that time, I had no idea where is FM 92.0MHz signal transmitted from.

So, I was going to ask for inquiry to RTM by sending email with few attachments regarding FM 92.0MHz transmission. So, I got replied from RTM. The broadcaster stated that FM 92.0MHz was transmitted from Hulu Langat as gap filler transmitter to cover Hulu Langat where some of areas are not covered by existing transmitters such as Gunung Ulu Kali, Gunung Telapak Burok and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

At the same time, Selangor FM does have Hulu Langat frequency on 99.8MHz. Both of them are operating at lower power, not more than 250W, I guessed.

==Current RTM Hulu Langat radio stations==
* 92.0MHz: Nasional FM
* 99.8MHz: Selangor FM

Moreover, Hulu Langat has more Orang Asli residents where stay at the villages. In my opinion, RTM still can add pocket filling transmitter for Asyik FM in Hulu Langat 18th miles (Batu 18) to cover blind spot areas.

Because FM 102.0MHz is likely occupied in Bukit Tampin as army general broadcast radio station, so FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, but FM 102.2MHz is suitable to be used in Hulu Langat with this situation. 

==My parameter suggestion for Asyik FM Hulu Langat==
* Frequency: FM 102.2MHz
* Power: 0.5kW
* Transmitter site: Batu 18, Hulu Langat, Selangor
* Coverage: Hulu Langat and surrounding areas. Also works as alternative frequency of 91.1MHz and 102.5MHz when the reception of both existing frequencies are not clear.

==RF analysis==

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, OK>

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
<400kHz, OK>

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<0kHz, OK>


Penerimaan Negeri FM 92.6MHz lemah di sekitar Lebuhraya PLUS antara Nilai dan Seremban



Negeri FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok meliputi Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Nilai, Jelebu, Jempol Tengah, Port Dickson dan Pedas secara umum, tetapi di sesetengah kawasan Nilai, Negeri FM 92.6MHz tidak dapat diterima akibat terlindung dengan bukit.

Bandar Nilai boleh menerima Negeri FM 92.6MHz dengan jelas, tetapi di Lebuhraya PLUS dari Nilai ke Seremban, terdapat kawasan tidak dapat menerima siaran Negeri FM, manakala stesen radio lain RTM boleh menerima siaran dari Gunung Ulu Kali dengan jelas.

Negeri FM ialah stesen radio RTM khususnya untuk Negeri Sembilan.

Pada pandangan saya, RTM boleh menambah 1 pemancar kuasa rendah sebanyak 100W untuk meliputi kawasan titik buta di Nilai dan Labu dengan memasang pemancar di TM Nilai yang terletak di sebelah Petronas Pekan Nilai.

==Cadangan pemancar pocket filling Negeri FM untuk kawasan titik buta Nilai==
* Frekuensi: FM 92.0MHz
* Kuasa: 0.1kW
* Tempat pemancar: TM Nilai
* Kawasan liputan: Kawasan Nilai, dan Labu yang tidak dapat menerima siaran Negeri FM 92.6MHz dari Gunung Telapak Burok

==RF analisa==

91.7MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Telapak Burok
92.0MHz: Negeri FM TM Nilai
<300kHz, OK>

92.0MHz: Negeri FM TM Nilai
92.3MHz: Minnal FM Menara Kuala Lumpur
<300kHz, OK>


Liputan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang


Senarai kawasan liputan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang:

1. Seluruh Melaka
2. Johor: Muar, Bakri, Tangkak, Panchor, Pagoh, Segamat, Batu Anam, Jementah, Chaah, Sungai Mati, Yong Peng, Bekok, Tenang
3. Pahang: Keratong, Kemayan, Teriang, Muadzam Shah, Bandar Bera
4. Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Kuala Pilah, Batu Kikir, Juasseh, Johol, FELDA Palong, Pedas, Linggi, Kota, Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson dan Bandar Seri Jempol

Friday 9 November 2018

Raaga finally becomes 24 hours full-fledged Tamil radio station



Raaga finally becomes 24 hours full-fledged radio station, from Q2 2018 onwards. Congratulations!

Previously Raaga did not broadcast 24 hours, but relay Gegar program from 2am till 6am daily on Raaga frequencies due to license condition.

Now, I can heard Tamil songs on Raaga FM frequencies at midnight and early morning. That's great.

Actually this should be happened very early because Astro was holding Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) license which allow to broadcast more radio stations with different languages. Astro already had Era, Gegar and Sinar that time as Malay radio stations, now with Zayan, so Raaga should be 24 hours Tamil radio station that time, but problem was Time Highway Radio THR holding a license which was not CASP, a broadcaster who does not own CASP must broadcast at least 30% of Malay programs on the air.

Astro was not allowed to make Raaga 24 hours Tamil radio station because MCMC under BN regime instructed THR must air at least 30% Malay content, so Raaga needs to relay Gegar from 2am till 6am. If Astro breached the regulation, the license for Raaga could be revoked.

I'm not sure Raaga upgraded to 24 hours Tamil radio station on FM was happened before or after election, but anyway it is a perfect movement. Good news to Indians in Malaysia because this movement will allow Indians in Malaysia can enjoy listening to Raaga 24 hours.

Raaga or Minnal? These two Tamil radio stations are decided by Indians in Malaysia, based on their listening taste and preference. Although I'm Chinese, if I'm given to rate these two radio stations, basically I have no idea, but I prefer Raaga due to modern and progressive branding, meanwhile Minnal FM is Tamil language public radio station which carries general entertainment and government services to the people.

After Raaga becomes full fledged Tamil radio station, can Astro expand Raaga coverage to east coast like Kuantan where has more Indians, subject license allows THR broadcasts two radio stations in Kuantan at the same time?

Here is my video of Raaga playing Tamil songs on FM radio platform where taken at 3.20am:

Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan (research by adding gap filler transmitter)




As 2018, RTM Asyik FM can be received in part of Negeri Sembilan with three existing frequencies:

* FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali: Mantin, Nilai, Lukut, Labu, Lenggeng, Port Dickson, Rembau, Pedas, Simpang Pertang, Sungai Lui, part of Seremban/Senawang/Jempol, Durian Tipus
* FM 91.1MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower: Nilai, Mantin, Pantai and Pajam
* FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang: Gemencheh, Bandar Seri Jempol, Serting and Rompin

These areas above are partially having Orang Asli residents, but some of Orang Asli areas in Negeri Sembilan are not covered by Asyik FM such as Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh and Johol. Rest of RTM radio stations in Negeri Sembilan (except Tampin and Sungai Lui) are covered by Gunung Telapak Burok, but Asyik FM has no transmitter in Gunung Telapak Burok.

Although there is unavailable frequencies in Gunung Telapak Burok, but wants to cover Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh and Johol Orang Asli areas, coincidentally RTM has analog television station transmitter in Bukit Kayu Ara for Kuala Pilah which might establish earlier than Gunung Telapak Burok, so in my opinion, RTM can add pocket filling transmitter for Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan deeper areas by installing in Bukit Kayu Ara.

In Kuala Pilah district, there has Orang Asli village in Tanjung Ipoh (Kampung Orang Asli Langkap) under Terachi mukim, but this area is not covered by Asyik FM existing transmitters. Tanjung Ipoh can only receive radio stations from Gunung Telapak Burok, meanwhile Bukit Gan which covers only Seremban is just working as "extender".

If RTM adds Asyik FM in Bukit Kayu Ara, Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh, Seri Menanti and Juasseh will get covered, further areas such as Johol, Dangi, Bahau, Batu Kikir and part of Bandar Seri Jempol still can receive Asyik FM from Bukit Kayu Ara.

==My personal research and suggestion of Asyik FM gap filler frequency in Negeri Sembilan==
* Frequency: FM 105.5MHz
* Power: 2kW
* Transmitting site: Bukit Kayu Ara, Negeri Sembilan
* Expected coverage: Tanjung Ipoh, Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, Johol, Dangi, Bahau, Juasseh, Batu Kikir and part of Bandar Seri Jempol

==RF analysis==

105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang
105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
<200kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<500kHz, OK>




Thursday 8 November 2018

Radio Republik Indonesia Bengkalis PRO-1 FM 90.6MHz is available in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia



Radio Republik Indonesia PRO-1 Bengkalis radio station FM 90.6MHz was available in part of Malacca and Johor, especially costal areas after the station gets increased its transmission power to 5kW since January 2016.

This radio station is also available in Negeri Sembilan, that is Tampin, where located nearby Melaka border. Currently Tampin is the only Negeri Sembilan area where can receive foreign radio station from Indonesia, reception is not too bad.

In Tampin, Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations which mainly for Seremban cannot be received, no signal there. Therefore, Tampin radio listeners must tune the radio stations from Gunung Ledang. Meanwhile Gunung Pulai reception is not clear there, but Singapore radio stations are almost having a bit signal. I was used to receive BBC Radio World Service 88.9 from Singapore there.

RRI PRO-1 Bengkalis FM 90.6MHz is the only Indonesia radio station which available in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, but reception is not so clear. Not really clashed with Minnal FM 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok as Tampin cannot receive 90.5MHz.

Tampin listeners can get this Indonesian radio station on FM 90.6MHz from Bengkalis, Indonesia.


Wednesday 7 November 2018

FM 102.0MHz test transmission in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka (Part 3)

In Pedas, Rembau, Tampin, Kota and Alor Gajah, I could detect a radio signal on FM 102.0MHz. This frequency has signal, but no sound along PLUS Highway from Simpang Ampat till Pedas Linggi intersection.

I caught the signal during Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2017, I thought the frequency FM 102.0MHz was a test transmission from Gunung Telapak Burok, but the signal went off when I reached Seremban, so I guessed FM 102.0MHz was from Bukit Tampin.

Initially, I suspected FM 102.0MHz Bukit Tampin was belonged to RTM by guessing RTM will launch Melaka FM Bukit Tampin frequency FM 102.0MHz to cover blind spot Melaka areas, so I decided to ask RTM for frequency verification based on my findings. RTM clarified that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to them by informing me that RTM only has 1 radio station in Bukit Tampin, that is Negeri FM 95.7MHz.

Before a week of Deepavali, I was planning for one day solo trip. So, I decided to hike Bukit Tampin. When I was driving along PLUS Highway after Senawang rest station before reaching Pedas Linggi intersection, so I tried to tune to FM 102.0MHz on my radio receiver, normally an unoccupied frequency will create static noise, but FM 102.0MHz has no static noise, instead the frequency is just in silent mode without having audio.

Then, after I entered Pedas Linggi toll while on my way to Tampin via Rembau road, the signal FM 102.0MHz was still there, my car radio receiver was showing "ST" (STEREO) indicator on the display, but somehow ST indicator was blinking occasionally without static noise.

Pedas, Linggi, Rembau, Tampin, Kota, Simpang Ampat and part of Alor Gajah can receive FM 102.0MHz. When I reached Tampin, FM 102.0MHz signal was available, just partially interfered by Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai which covers Southern Johor. After I reached Tampin, I brought my radio receiver together while hiking Bukit Tampin from the bottom till the top peak where is TM Bukit Tampin transmitting station tower.

From bottom peak till the top peak, there is 90 poles within Bukit Tampin. TM Bukit Tampin transmitting tower is at 90th pole. So, I walked from 1st pole till 90th pole, it took 1 hour to reach TM Bukit Tampin. Tired is common unless consistently hiking.

FM 102.0MHz was interfered by Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai at the middle peak of Bukit Tampin (about 53rd pole), so when I reached about 85th pole where is not far away from the transmitting tower, I turned on my radio receiver and switched to FM 102.0MHz, the signal was ON, but no audio and static noise, even I got the signal when I was at TM Bukit Tampin.



When I already reached TM Bukit Tampin, everyone is not allowed to take photography of TM Bukit Tampin building and transmitter tower because there is army camp within TM Bukit Tampin transmitter station. I was told by one of army guard for not taking photos too, but I told him that I was doing radio reception test (DXing), he was ok. In addition, the army told that I was allowed to take photo nearby Maxis tower and Selamat Datang TM Bukit Tampin concrete board.

Because TM Bukit Tampin has army camp where never allow photography due to military's confidential which is heavily related to country defenses, then RTM had clarified that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to them in Bukit Tampin, I believed none of commercial radio stations will expand coverage by putting Bukit Tampin for Melaka and Negeri Sembilan due to nonstrategic coverage,  from my view, there is possibility that FM 102.0MHz is occupied by ATM Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (Malaysia's army) as military radio station which broadcasts for army.



Some of my friends said that FM 102.0MHz could be the interference signal from military radio service, but my friends said that the interference happened only when reach the transmitting tower, known as "modulation interference".

For army radio communication purpose, the frequency spectrum is between 225MHz and 400MHz under VHF, none of people other than army are allowed to own this kind of radio receiver because this is illegal, cause to be sued by the law, same with airband receiver too.

Modulation interference refers a radio station transmission can create duplication interference through modulation, which happens nearby transmitting tower. Example, Raaga FM in Gunung Raya is 101.9MHz, but I could receive on 93.6MHz when I was at the top peak of Gunung Raya.

In Tampin, Rembau, Simpang Ampat, Pedas Linggi, and Kota, FM 102.0MHz can be received, so it was not modulation interference. So, I guess FM 102.0MHz was operated as army broadcasting radio station where is dedicated for army within Bukit Tampin camp, I guess FM 102.0MHz is operating in very low transmission power, could be either less than or equal to 0.1kW. Besides that, the transmitter antenna of FM 102.0MHz from Bukit Tampin  is beaming to west direction.




Coincidentally, Bukit Tampin is also belonged to TM, I think army is installing a FM transmitter within Bukit Tampin camp, instead of TM transmitter tower. Imagine if FM 102.0MHz is installed at TM Bukit Tampin tower, I believe reception in Tampin, Alor Gajah and Melaka can receive the signal, even Port Dickson and part of Seremban can receive weakly.

In conclusion, FM 102.0MHz is neither public nor private broadcaster, it could be army radio station.

==Basic information of FM 102.0MHz==
* Transmitting site: Bukit Tampin (suspect army camp building
* TX Power: 100W
* Coverage availability: Rembau, Kota, Tampin, Pedas, Linggi and Simpang Ampat 











Thursday 1 November 2018

My own research over Minnal FM Bukit Tampin 101.1MHz to solve interference issue in Melaka.



==Current condition of Minnal FM reception in Melaka==

1. Main frequency
103.3MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Ledang 1kW
103.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali 2kW
Result: 0kHz, co-channel interference in Melaka such as Melaka City (St Paul's Hill, Stadhuys, Jonker Street, Dataran Merdeka and high rise buildings within Central Malacca), Tanjung Bidara, Tanjung Kling, Masjid Tanah, Sungai Udang, Kem Terendak, Klebang, part of Alor Gajah.

2. Alternative frequency
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok 1.5kW
90.6MHz: RRI Pro-1 Bengkalis 5kW
Result: 100kHz, adjacent interference in coastal areas of Melaka including the Malacca City


90.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ledang 2kW
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok 1.5kW
Result: 200kHz, clashed by Era 90.3MHz in some Malacca City.

Proposed solution: Adding a lower power transmitter about 500 watts in Bukit Tampin to cover Melaka on FM 101.1MHz where same frequency with Gunung Pulai 101.1MHz.

==Proposed parameter of Minnal FM alternative frequency for Melaka==

- Frequency: FM 101.1MHz
- Power: 0.5kW (500W)
- Transmission site: TM Bukit Tampin
- Height above sea level: 564.5m
- Coverage: Melaka 

==RF analysis of Minnal FM Bukit Tampin==

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
<200kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai
<0kHz, OK, SFN mode>



==Minnal FM frequencies in Southern Malaysia==
* 90.5MHz: Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Burok)
* 101.1MHz: Melaka (Bukit Tampin)
* 103.3MHz: North Johor (Gunung Ledang)
* 88.3MHz: Mersing (East Johor)
* 101.1MHz: South Johor & Singapore (Gunung Pulai)