RTM Nasional FM and Radio Klasik Sungai Siput repeaters cause interference to Hot FM 90.5MHz and Lite FM 89.3MHz Bukit Larut in Sungai Siput (U) due to poor frequency planning

RTM added Sungai Siput (U) gap filler FM transmitters for two radio stations, Radio Klasik 90.7 and Nasional FM 89.5 two years ago.

RTM Sungai Siput (U) gap filler FM transmitters for Radio Klasik 90.7 and Nasional FM 89.5 were launched because RTM claimed that Sungai Siput (U) is difficult to receive existing Bukit Larut transmission clearly.

In Sungai Siput (U), all radio stations are received from Bukit Larut, meanwhile Gunung Kledang reception is very weak because Sungai Siput (U) has many terrains which already block Gunung Kledang transmissions. When I was in Sungai Siput (U), I listened to 988FM on 101.0MHz Sungai Siput (U), it is much clearer than 99.8MHz Gunung Kledang.

According to the frequency use by Radio Klasik and Nasional FM in Sungai Siput (U) where they're 90.7 and 89.5 respectively, they already interfere Hot FM 90.5MHz and Lite FM 89.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Sungai Siput (U) technically, cause Sungai Siput (U) is no longer receiving Lite FM and Hot FM due to interference.

Sungai Siput (U) repeater FM frequency must be separated at least 400kHz from Bukit Larut, meanwhile 300kHz from Gunung Kledang, actually Sungai Siput (U) is under Bukit Larut coverage.

==RF analysis==

89.3MHz: Lite FM Bukit Larut
89.5MHz: Nasional FM Sungai Siput (U)
<200kHz, INTERFERENCE>

90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
90.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)
<200kHz, INTERFERENCE>

Based on RF analysis above, RTM Sungai Siput (U) repeater radio stations have poor frequency planning by MCMC. The frequency assignment is controlled by MCMC, the frequencies that RTM or any broadcasters used are assigned by MCMC. In addition, FM frequency allocation is based on RF analysis and broadcast area.

What I received Lite FM 89.3MHz and Hot FM 90.5MHz from Bukit Larut in Sungai Siput (U), they are full of interference noise from Nasional FM 89.5MHz and Radio Klasik FM 90.7MHz in Sungai Siput (U), Perak.

In my opinion, RTM Sungai Siput (U) repeater stations can be assigned on better frequencies, rather than current 89.5 and 90.7MHz.

RTM Radio Klasik can be assigned on FM 88.7MHz in Sungai Siput (U), then Nasional FM can be assigned on FM 97.3MHz there.

==RF analysis after reassigned on new frequencies==

1. Radio Klasik

88.7MHz: Radio Klasik Changkat Rembian
88.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)
<0kHz, OK>

88.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)
89.0MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Jerai
<300kHz, OK>

2. Nasional FM

97.3MHz: Nasional FM Sungai Siput (U)
97.3MHz: Perak FM Changkat Rembian
<0kHz, OK>

96.9MHz: Sinar FM Gunung Kledang
97.3MHz: Nasional FM Sungai Siput (U)
<400kHz, OK>

Based on suggested frequency above, FM 88.7MHz and FM 97.3MHz are ok because they have further separation away from Bukit Larut.

If Radio Klasik and Nasional FM are assigned to the frequencies 88.7 and 97.3 respectively in Sungai Siput (U), this will allow listeners in Sungai Siput can listen to Lite FM 89.3 and Hot FM 90.5 because no more interference from the repeater.

In conclusion, I hope MCMC and RTM will re-allocate Sungai Siput (U) frequencies for Radio Klasik and Nasional FM.

RTM Radio Klasik has frequency in Lenggong, Perak. FM 89.9MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh?

BY PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

As I know that RTM operates 3 radio stations in Bukit Ladang Teh transmission site to cover Lenggong, Perak, they're operates 0.5kW power. The radio stations are Nasional FM 92.3MHz, Asyik FM 93.1MHz and Perak FM 94.2MHz.

When I was in Sungai Siput (U), majority I detected Bukit Larut and Gunung Kledang radio signals, but selected Bukit Ladang Teh stations signal could be detected. Asyik FM 93.1MHz is the strongest one, BUT I detected Radio Klasik FM feeds on 89.9MHz in Sungai Siput (U), Perak.

This is another new Radio Klasik frequency that I spotted in Sungai Siput (U). Currently Radio Klasik operates FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut, 88.3MHz Gunung Kledang, 90.3MHz FELDA Terolak (Timur), 90.7MHz Ulu Slim, 90.7MHz Sungai Siput (U), 97.8MHz Gerik and 88.7MHz Changkat Rembian in Perak state.

I may suspect FM 89.9MHz Radio Klasik signal is transmitted from Bukit Ladang Teh, Lenggong, Perak. In Lenggong, Radio Klasik 89.9 is the fourth RTM radio station.

In another way, FM 89.9MHz that I detected in Sungai Siput (U) could be the fake signal. RTM Sungai Siput (U) repeater's radio stations Nasional FM 89.5 and Radio Klasik 90.7MHz may not have band pass filter, to cause transmission signal leak to other frequencies, but the possibility is low because:

89.9MHz: Radio Klasik (currently suspect from Bukit Ladang Teh)

90.7MHz: Radio Klasik Sungai Siput (U)

<0.8MHz>

Radio stations with 0.8MHz frequency separation will not leak signal to cause interference (regardless with or without installing band pass filter) and the maximum frequency deviation is 75kHz +/-. The broadcast stations only install band pass/high pass filter when the separation is 500kHz and below to control frequency harmonic.

If there is no frequency leakage, Radio Klasik FM 89.9MHz is transmitted from Bukit Ladang Teh, Lenggong.

Here is the parameter:

- Station: Radio Klasik

- Frequency: FM 89.9MHz

- Transmitter site: Bukit Ladang Teh, Perak

- Target area: Lenggong, Perak 

==RF analysis==

89.9MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Ladang Teh

90.1MHz: Traxx FM Gunung Kledang

<200kHz, OK>

89.9MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Ladang Teh

89.9MHz: Fly FM Bukit Penara

<0kHz, OK>

89.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Palong

89.9MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Ladang Teh

<200kHz, OK>

==RTM Bukit Ladang Teh stations==

* 92.3MHz: Nasional FM

* 93.1MHz: Asyik FM

* 94.2MHz: Perak FM

* 89.9MHz: Radio Klasik FM

List of RTM regional radio stations where available in Sabah-Sarawak border areas

Here is the list of RTM regional radio stations where can be received in Sabah-Sarawak border areas

1. Lawas, Sarawak
- Sabah VFM 102.9MHz from Bukit Tampalagus
- Sabah FM 97.9MHz from Bukit Tampalagus

2. Sindumin and Sipitang, Sabah
- Sarawak FM 97.5MHz from Bukit Tiong or 101.5MHz from Bukit Mas
- Red FM 100.5MHz from Bukit Tiong or 104.1MHz from Bukit Mas
- Limbang FM 101.1MHz from Bukit Tiong or 104.9MHz from Bukit Mas

Cats FM hit airwaves in Lawas on 88.2MHz, it is available in part of Sabah.

In November 2019, Cats FM had hit the airwaves by reaching its coverage in Lawas, Sarawak. Cats FM broadcasts in Lawas, Sarawak on the frequency FM 88.2MHz, transmitted from Bukit Tiong transmission tower.

- Frequency: FM 88.2MHz
- Power: 0.5kW
- Transmission site: Bukit Tiong, Sarawak
- Coverage area: Lawas, Sarawak.

With Cats FM's recent coverage expansion, this allows listeners who stay in Lawas can receive Cats FM through radio by tuning to FM 88.2MHz.

Cats FM is not only receivable in Lawas, Sarawak, but Cats FM can be received in part of Sabah, such as Sipitang and Sindumin on Lawas frequency FM 88.2MHz from Bukit Tiong. The transmission of Cats FM 88.2MHz from Lawas can be heard up to Sipitang, Sabah, but it depends on geographical location as well as what kind of radio that you're using. It could be advantage if using TECSUN or Sangean radio receiver (example: Tescun PL-380/PL-660), this type of radio receivers may receive Cats FM 88.2MHz beyond Sipitang, Sabah because Sangean/TECSUN radio receiver has high sensitivity filtering devices and good quality receiving antenna which allows to receive distant radio station signal where distance from transmission site is more than 130km.

Here is the coverage of Cats FM 88.2MHz Bukit Tiong:

1. Lawas, Sarawak
2. Sindumin, Sabah
3. Sipitang, Sabah

List of vacant FM frequencies where are not suitable to be used in Gunung Ledang as broadcast transmission

It is normal for those non-broadcast background people who don't have deeper analysis to list out all vacant frequencies which sound suitable to be used in certain sites.

We know that there are very limited vacant FM frequencies for Gunung Ledang. At the same time, MCMC is performing FM frequency re-planning study, the regulator body had released its public announcement on 1st July 2019, therefore none of FM broadcasters' frequency application will be considered and issued until the FM frequency re-planning study is done.

If I choose to neglect MCMC FM frequency re-planning study yet, according to current FM spectrum condition, there are only about two vacant frequencies in Gunung Ledang, mainly FM 91.5MHz and FM 100.9MHz.

As December 2019, Kool FM has no frequencies in Gunung Ledang for Melaka and North Johor like its sister stations Fly FM, Hot FM and One FM due to unavailable spectrum allocation on FM frequencies, but certain people suggest few frequencies on Facebook which "sound" suitable for Gunung Ledang transmission, the frequencies are:

- FM 89.9MHz
- FM 90.7MHz
- FM 94.4MHz
- FM 95.2MHz
- FM 100.8MHz

Generally, these five frequencies sound suitable to be used in Gunung Ledang, but technically they can cause interference to existing radio stations. Therefore, let's analyze these five frequencies.

==FM 89.9MHz==
89.9MHz: BFM Gunung Ulu Kali
89.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
<0kHz, OK>

89.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
90.1MHz: Hot FM Gunung Pulai
<200kHz, OK>

89.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
90.1MHz: Radio Klasik FM Bukit Tinggi (Mersing)
<200kHz, OK>

89.5MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Ledang
89.7MHz: Ai FM Gunung Telapak Burok
89.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, INTERFERENCE>

==FM 90.7MHz==
90.5MHz: Gold 905 Singapore
90.7MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK>

90.7MHz: Gunung Ledang
90.9MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Tinggi
<200kHz, OK>

90.7MHz: Gunung Ledang
91.1MHz: Mix FM Gunung Ledang
<400kHz, OK>

90.6MHz: RRI PRO-1 Bengkalis, Indonesia
90.7MHz: Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, interference>

90.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ledang
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok
90.7MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, interference to 90.5 Gunung Telapak Burok>

==FM 94.4MHz==
94.0MHz: Fly FM Gunung Ledang
94.2MHz: Mix FM Gunung Telapak Burok
94.4MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, interference> 

94.4MHz: Gunung Ledang
94.5MHz: Mix FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz, OK>

94.4MHz: Gunung Ledang
94.6MHz: Lite FM Gunung Pulai
<200kHz, OK>

==FM 95.2MHz==
94.8MHz: Best FM Gunung Ledang
95.0MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Telapak Burok
95.2MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, interference> 

95.2MHz: Gunung Ledang
95.3MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz, OK>

95.2MHz: Gunung Ledang
95.4MHz: MY FM Gunung Pulai
<200kHz, OK>

==FM 100.8MHz== 
100.4MHz: Fly FM Gunung Ledang
100.6MHz: Mix FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, interference> 

100.8MHz: Gunung Ledang
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz, OK>

According to RF analysis of 5 frequencies above, FM 89.9MHz, FM 90.7MHz, FM 94.4MHz, FM 95.2MHz and FM 100.8MHz will cause interference to Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations coverage in Negeri Sembilan because Gunung Telapak Burok frequencies such as FM 89.7MHz, FM 90.5MHz, FM 94.2MHz, FM 95.0MHz and FM 100.6MHz already have 200kHz frequencies separation from existing Gunung Ledang stations respectively such as FM 89.5MHz, FM 90.3MHz, FM 94.0MHz, FM 94.8MHz and FM 100.6MHz.

In addition, the distance between Gunung Telapak Burok and Gunung Ledang is 79km only, the height of Gunung Ledang is higher than Gunung Telapak Burok actually. Due to these reasons, it is not recommended to allocate "sandwich" frequency systems in Gunung Ledang and Gunung Telapak Burok.

The concept of sandwich frequency system is a radio station frequency from Site A is located between two radio stations from Site B where frequency separation from Site A and Site B are 200kHz or above. 

Example of sandwich frequency allocation system:

95.6MHz: Perak FM Gunung Kledang (Gardenia Original Classic)
95.8MHz: Fly FM Gunung Ulu Kali (turkey ham)
96.0MHz: Suria FM Gunung Kledang (Gardenia Original Classic)
<200kHz, thin sandwich, but distance between Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Kledang is more than 140km, so no interference within coverage area is happened>

Note: I classify it as Sandwich A (thin sandwich with two same breads)

300kHz between is considered as thick sandwich frequency separation, it is perfect because it avoids interference. Example:

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai
96.4MHz: Sinar FM Bukit Larut
96.7MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Jerai

93.0MHz: Hitz FM Gunung Ledang
93.3MHz: 988FM Gunung Telapak Burok
93.6MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Ledang 

I classify it as Sandwich B (thicker sandwich with two same breads)

Some of "sandwich frequency separation" are using different site, where interference impact is very low, same as two different bread slices with an egg. Example:

87.7MHz: Radio Klasik KL Tower (Gardenia whole meal)
87.9MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Telapak Burok (egg)
88.1MHz: One FM Gunung Ulu Kali (Gardenia original classic)

Note: I classify it as Sandwich C (thin sandwich, but two different breads' type/flavor or brand).

Although the analysis shows that 87.7 and 88.1 targets Kuala Lumpur, but their transmission sites are different and transmission height of 87.7 is much lower than 88.1, so interference to 87.9 coverage is very low.

Based on RF analysis by mentioning sandwich concept, if the distance between Site A and Site B is more than 130km, so it is ok to allocate based on Sandwich A which is thick sandwich. In addition, if both transmission sites distance is less than 100km, it is highly recommended to allocate based on Sandwich B where frequency separation is 300kHz left right.

Result: It is not suitable to separate again from Gunung Telapak Burok with 200kHz separation for new Gunung Ledang station where Gunung Telapak Burok already has 200kHz frequency separation from another Gunung Ledang station. (Example: 94.0 Gn Ledang>94.2 Gn Telapak Burok>94.4 Gn Ledang), despite the distance between two sites is less than 90km.




Another situation is two same sandwich, but different thickness concept, which never cause interference to the middle.

98.3MHz: Radio Klasik Gunung Ulu Kali (thick sandwich)
98.6MHz: Fly FM Gunung Telapak Burok (egg/ham)
98.8MHz: 988 FM Gunung Ulu Kali (thin sandwich)

Return to the listed frequencies, although all five frequencies are not suitable for Gunung Ledang transmission, but they're suitable for certain sites where is far from Gunung Telapak Burok or much lower than Gunung Ledang.

1. FM 94.4MHz can be used in Bukit Tinggi for Mersing only.
2. FM 100.8MHz can be used in Bukit Sembilan for South and southeast Pahang.
3. FM 100.9MHz can be used in Gunung Ledang transmission for Melaka and North Johor.

Note: FM 91.5MHz may not be suitable to be used for Gunung Ledang transmission because interference to FM 91.4MHz in Dumai, Indonesia.

Allocating FM frequencies in Gunung Ledang does not only need to consider existing stations from Gunung Telapak Burok, Bukit Tampin, Bukit Tinggi, Gunung Pulai and Gunung Ledang itself, somehow we need to consider existing stations from Singapore, Indonesia (Bengkalis and Dumai), Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Senggora.

Shortwave DXing: KBS World Radio spotted in Malaysia

Annyeonghaseyo 안녕하세요

Besides online streaming, KBS World Radio is available in Malaysia by tuning to shortwave radio on SW 9570kHz and 9770kHz. To listen to KBS World Radio, you must have a shortwave radio receiver.

Here is the schedule of KBS World Radio (Malaysia time UTC+8)

==SW 9570kHz==
1. Korean: 1600-1900 hours
2. Indonesian: 2000-2100 hours
3. English: 2100-2200 hours
4. Indonesian: 2200-2300 hours

==SW 9770kHz==
1. English: 1600-1830 hours
2. Vietnamese: 1830-1930 hours
3. Chinese: 1930-2030 hours

KBS World Radio SW 9570kHz and 9770kHz transmits at 100kW power from Gimje, South Korea.





KBS World Radio consists South Korea news, K-POP music, Korean language learning etc.

Medium Wave DXing: Bangladesh Betar spotted in Malaysia on MW 693kHz

During evening and night, we usually can receive medium wave (MW) radio stations from Thailand, Laos, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia in Malaysia, but depend on locations, meanwhile the furthest is Taiwan on 1503kHz.

On 14.12.2019 around 10pm (UTC +8), I spotted Bangladesh Betar radio station signal in Malaysia on MW 693kHz by using TECSUN PL-380 receiver, it broadcasts in Bengali language. This is my very first time ever to receive Bangladesh radio station on MW band.

- Frequency: MW 693kHz 

- Power: 1000kW 

- Transmitting location: Kulla, Bangladesh 

- Receiving location: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (nearby Kuala Lumpur) 

- Distance: 2633km 

- Receiving time: 14.12.2019 2204H (UTC+8)

- Receiver: TECSUN PL-380 

Shortwave DXing: North Korea radio spotted in Malaysia!

It is common to receive shortwave radio stations from China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia in Malaysia via shortwave radio, but it is a very strange to receive North Korea radio stations in Malaysia.

North Korea propaganda radio station for foreign countries, known as Voice of Korea, broadcasts in English, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish and Arabic. For South East Asia, Voice of Korea broadcasts in Chinese, English and French on SW 13650kHz.

In Malaysia, I receive SW 13650kHz North Korea radio station. It is playing communism music like Soviet Union era music, the radio station broadcasts in English. (Date 15.12.2019)

Previously, I attempted twice to receive North Korea shortwave radio station in Malaysia, but failed to receive, I got jamming signal at second try.

Here is the information of receiving North Korea radio station:

- Station: Voice of Korea

- Language: English

- Frequency: SW 13650kHz

- Transmitting location: Kujang, North Korea

- Receiving location: Balakong, Malaysia (20km away from Kuala Lumpur)

- Distance: 4773km

- Receiving time/date: 15.12.2019 1348H (UTC+8)
- Receiver: TECSUN PL-380

Moreover, here are the jamming signal on North Korea radio SW 13650kHz that I received in Malaysia on 14.12.2019 following below.

988 is receivable in Bachok, Kelantan on FM 96.1MHz

Here is the video of Malaysia Chinese radio station 988 which can be received in Bachok, Kelantan on FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai, Kedah.

988FM can be received in Gua Musang, Kelantan via radio?

We know that due to no commercial value in Kelantan and Terengganu, 988FM won't expand its network coverage in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu. On previous blog post article, 988FM can be received in Kota Bharu partially on 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai with weaker signal.

According to a YouTube video who published by Senn Lens, 988 can be received in Gua Musang by tuning the frequency to FM 98.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali which is same as Klang Valley, the reception of 988 is not really clear on FM 98.8MHz in Gua Musang, Kelantan when listen to the audio in detail.

Other than 988, some people claim that Gua Musang can receive Suria FM 105.3MHz, Mix FM 94.5MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz. Distance between Gua Musang to Gunung Ulu Kali is 162km.

I thought Gua Musang can receive 988FM on 99.8MHz from Gunung Kledang, Ipoh in terms of geographical condition, but in reality, Gua Musang cannot receive Gunung Kledang Ipoh radio stations due to high terrains, meanwhile Gunung Ulu Kali radio stations can be received in Gua Musang because Gunung Ulu Kali elevation is high enough, even height is above those mountains between Ulu Kali and Gua Musang.




 

Here is the video by Senn Lens which he received 988 in Gua Musang on FM 98.8MHz in his car (Toyota Vios).