FM radio SFN (single frequency network) system between South Korea and Malaysia

Here is the similarity of FM radio SFN system between South Korea and Malaysia.

==South Korea==

MBC Standard FM (Wonju region)

* 92.7MHz Wonju 1kW

* 92.7MHz Yeongwol 0.09kW

MBC Standard FM (Wonju region)

* 102.5MHz Taegisan (Hoengseong) 1kW

* 102.5MHz Noseongsan (Pyeongchang) 0.05kW

MBC Standard FM (Chuncheon region)

* 88.9MHz Daeamsan (Inje) 0.5kW

* 88.9MHz Cheorwon 0.09kW

MBC Standard FM (Daejeon region)

* 92.5MHz Sikjangsan (Dong-Gu) 3kW

* 92.5MHz Cheonan 0.01kW

MBC Standard FM (Busan region)

* 106.5MHz Noksan 20W

* 106.5MHz Gijang-gun 30W

* 106.5MHz Dalsan-ri 20W

MBC FM4U (Chuncheon region)

* 98.3MHz Daeamsan (Inje) 0.5kW

* 98.3MHz Cheorwon 0.09kW

KBS Radio 2 FM (Busan region)

* 99.5MHz Noksan 30W

* 99.5MHz Yangsan 30W

* 99.5MHz Dalsan-ri 20W

* 99.5MHz Millet 15W

 

CBS Music FM (Seoul + Gyeonggi region)

* 93.9MHz Gwanaksan (Seoul) 7kW

* 93.9MHz Munsan (Paju) 0.5kW

* 93.9MHz Ganghwa (Gimpo) 0.5kW 

 

CBS Standard FM (Gangwon region)

* 93.7MHz Nlatjae (Chuncheon) 3kW

* 93.7MHz Hongcheon 0.09kW

 

 

 

==Malaysia==

GoXUAN FM (Penang)

* 107.6MHz Bukit Penara 1kW

* 107.6MHz TM Batu Ferringhi 0.03kW 

RTM Nasional FM (Penang)

* 93.9MHz Bukit Penara 0.25kW

* 93.9MHz Bukit Genting 0.1kW

RTM Traxx FM (Penang)

* 88.5MHz Bukit Penara 0.25kW

* 88.5MHz Bukit Genting 0.1kW

 

RTM Ai FM (Penang)

* 92.1MHz Bukit Penara 0.25kW

* 92.1MHz Bukit Genting 0.1kW

 

RTM Minnal FM (Penang)

* 98.9MHz Bukit Penara 0.25kW

* 98.9MHz Bukit Genting 0.1kW

RTM Penang radio (except Mutiara FM) in Bukit Penara and Bukit Genting are same as South Korea MBC Radio SFN (single frequency network) system

In Penang, normally RTM radio stations are tuned on Gunung Jerai frequencies except Mutiara FM 93.9MHz. 

When I was in Georgetown, I usually tuned to Traxx FM on 98.7MHz from Gunung Jerai. In fact, neglect Mutiara FM, RTM does have radio transmitter in Bukit Penara for Radio Klasik, Nasional FM, Ai FM, Traxx FM and Minnal FM, but they're gap filler transmitter to cover Paya Terubong and Air Itam.

 

Meanwhile Bukit Genting is covering Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar of Penang.

 

Here is the frequencies list of RTM transmitters in Penang state.

 

==Bukit Penara==

* Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz (0.25kW)

* Nasional FM 93.9MHz (0.25kW)

* Mutiara FM 95.7MHz (1kW)

* Traxx FM 88.5MHz (0.25kW)

* Ai FM 92.1MHz (0.25kW)

* Minnal FM 98.9MHz (0.25kW)

 

==Bukit Genting (0.1kW)==

* Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz

* Nasional FM 93.9MHz

* Mutiara FM 90.9MHz

* Traxx FM 88.5MHz

* Ai FM 92.1MHz

* Minnal FM 98.9MHz

Look at the frequency allocations above, except Mutiara FM, RTM radio stations in Bukit Penara and Bukit Genting are using same frequencies. This is also considered as single frequency network (SFN).

 

The frequencies above 101.7MHz, 93.9MHz, 88.5MHz, 92.1MHz and 98.9MHz in Bukit Penara and Bukit Genting are gap filler transmission, they don't cover Georgetown and Seberang Perai.

Different from GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz SFN condition, RTM 101.7MH, 93.9MHz, 88.5MHz, 92.1MHz and 98.9MHz in Bukit Penara and Bukit Genting operate at low power transmitters. Bukit Genting is 0.1kW, meanwhile Bukit Penara (except Mutiara FM 95.7MHz) is 0.25kW or lesser. 

The SFN condition of RTM Penang transmitter is same as MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 102.5MHz in Gangwon province, and selected Korea radio stations on same frequencies within the region.

FM 102.5MHz in Taegisan is same as RTM Bukit Penara (except 95.7MHz), meanwhile FM 102.5MHz in Pyeongchang is same as RTM Bukit Genting.

 

RTM Bukit Penara (except 95.7MHz)= Taegisan 태기산

RTM Bukit Genting= Pyeongchang 평창군

 

In terms of transmission power of RTM Bukit Penara (except Mutiara FM 95.7MHz) and Bukit Genting, the single frequency network (SFN) allocation of RTM Penang transmitters are more to same as MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 88.9MHz in Chuncheon region.

In Chuncheon region, MBC Munhwa Bangsong uses 88.9MHz in two different radio transmitter site with low power transmission as relay stations. According to MBC Munhwa Bangsong Korean Wikipedia, FM 88.9MHz transmits in Daeamsan and Cheorwon at 0.5kW and 0.09kW power respectively.

 

==Malaysia SFN on FM radio (low power vs. low power)==

101.7MHz: Radio Klasik FM Bukit Penara

101.7MHz: Radio Klasik FM Bukit Genting

 

93.9MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Penara

93.9MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Genting

 

88.5MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Penara

88.5MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Genting

 

92.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Penara

92.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Genting

 

98.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Penara

98.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Genting

 

 ==South Korea SFN on FM radio (low power vs. low power)==

98.3MHz: MBC FM4U Daeamsan

98.3MHz: MBC FM4U Cheorwon

88.9MHz: MBC Standard FM Daeamsan

88.9MHz: MBC Standard FM Cheorwon

From analysis above, Daeamsan for Inje is same as Bukit Penara, meanwhile Cheorwon is Korea version of Bukit Genting.

Other than MBC Munhwa Bangsong, actually MBC FM4U also operates on FM 98.3MHz in Daemsan and Cheorwon as low power repeater. In addition, KBS Radio 2 has three low power repeaters operate on FM 99.5MHz in Busan province such as:

1. Milet (15W)

2. Yangsan (20W)

3. Noksan (30W)

 

RTM Bukit Penara (except 95.7) = Daeamsan 대암산

RTM Bukit Genting = Cheorwon 철원군

Example of MBC Standard FM 106.5MHz SFN system on FM radio in Busan region (gap filler vs. gap filler)

Astro GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz Penang frequency follows South Korea SFN (Single Frequency Network) system

 

Astro Chinese Gen Z targeted radio station, GoXUAN currently broadcasts in Klang Valley on 88.9MHz and Penang on 107.6MHz.

 

For Penang, FM 107.6MHz is transmitted from two different sites within Penang Island, they're Bukit Penara and TM Batu Ferringhi.

 

Bukit Penara and TM Batu Ferringhi operate on same frequency. Technically, it is considered as SFN (single frequency network). In my opinion, goXUAN Penang frequency FM 107.6MHz follows South Korea SFN radio system. 

 

The SFN of FM 107.6MHz is not done by Astro actually, however it was done by Star Radio Group Capital FM. Back to 2014, Star Radio Group transited Red FM Penang frequency 107.6MHz to Capital FM. During that time, Capital FM received feedback from listeners that FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara could be listened in Batu Ferringhi, hence Capital FM added low power gap filler transmitter in TM Batu Ferringhi on same frequency, but it won't cause interference each other. So, it is SFN.

 

GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz Penang SFN (single frequency network) system is based on South Korea MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 92.7MHz in Gangwon province.

 

In Gangwon province, South Korea, MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 92.7MHz in Wonju (Baekunsan) is main transmitter at 3kW power, meanwhile MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 92.7MHz in Yeongwol is gap filler transmitter at only 0.2kW power.

 

==South Korea SFN on FM radio (main vs. gap filler)==

92.7MHz: MBC Munhwa Bangsong Wonju

92.7MHz: MBC Munhwa Bangsong Yeongwol

==Malaysia SFN on FM radio (main vs. gap filler)==

107.6MHz: GoXUAN Bukit Penara (main)

107.6MHz: GoXUAN Batu Ferringhi (gap filler)

In terms of comparison, both are almost same.

GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara transmits at 1kW power, meanwhile Batu Ferringhi transmission power is only 0.05kW or lesser.

 

- Bukit Penara= Wonju (원주시)

- Batu Ferringhi= Yeongwol (영월)

 

In addition, GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz SFN concept is also same as MBC Standard FM 102.5MHz in Wonju region.

 

MBC Standard FM operates 102.5MHz in Taegisan (for Hoegngseong) as main transmitter at 1kW power, meanwhile 102.5MHz in Noseongsan (for Pyeongchang) is gap filler transmitter at 0.05kW power. 

 

Bukit Penara = Taegisan 태기산

Batu Ferringhi = Pyeongchang 평창군 (Noseongsan 노성산)

 

Jangkaan kawasan liputan sekiranya RTM Pahang FM memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang (100.9MHz) untuk meliputi barat daya Pahang

 

Pada artikel sebelum ini, saya telah meluahkan cadangan saya jika RTM melancarkan pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang (frekuensi cadangan: 100.9MHz) bagi meliputi kawasan barat daya Pahang terutamanya Keratong. Di sini, saya akan menyenaraikan jangkaan kawasan liputan RTM Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang.

 

Jangkaan kawasan yang akan menerima siaran Pahang FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang:

 

1. Pahang

- Keratong

- FELDA Selancar

- FELDA Bera Selatan

- FELDA Tembangau

- Kota Bahagia

- Muadzam Shah*

- Melati 

 

* Muadzam Shah masih boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang, walaupun kawasan tersebut sudah ada pemancar Bukit Sembilan FM 88.0MHz

 

2. Johor

- Segamat

- Batu Anam

- Jementah

- Tangkak

- Labis

- Chaah

 

3. Negeri Sembilan

- Gemas

- Rompin

- FELDA Palong

- Gemencheh

- FELDA Serting Hilir

- Bandar Seri Jempol

- Bahau

- FELDA Lui Selatan

- FELDA Lui Timur

- FELDA Lui Barat

- FELDA Lui Muda

- FELDA Sungai Lui 

 

4. Melaka

- Asahan 

 

 

Jika RTM Pahang FM melancarkan pemancar di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Selatan seperti Keratong, Tembangau, Muadzam Shah and Bera Selatan (100.9MHz frekuensi cadangan).

 

 

Di Pahang Barat, Pahang FM diterima pada frekuensi 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali, ia meliputi Bentong, Temerloh, Chenor, Bera, manakala FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser meliputi Raub sahaja.

Di barat daya Pahang, Keratong mungkin menerima Pahang FM pada 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali dan 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, tetapi penerimaannya mungkin kurang jelas akibat gangguan oleh stesen lain.

Walaupun Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali mempunyai jarak 200kHz kiri kanan daripada Melody FM 107.3MHz dan Negeri FM 107.7MHz dari Gunung Ledang, jarak antaranya ok kerana kedua-dua tempat pemancar sangat jauh, tetapi 107.5MHz dijangka mempunyai gangguan dari Gunung Ledang jika menerima di Keratong, Tembangau, Felda Selancar dan Felda Bera Selatan.

Untuk FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan pula, kemungkinan Pahang FM mempunyai gangguan dari One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang di kawasan Keratong, terutama kawasan FELDA Selancar yang berhampiran dengan sempadan negeri Johor (Segamat). Sebenarnya, penggunaan frekuensi FM 88.0MHz oleh Pahang FM di Bukit Sembilan beroperasi lebih awal daripada One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

Untuk meliputi sebahagian besar Pahang Selatan, tempat pemancar yang strategik ialah Gunung Ledang di negeri Johor. Sekiranya Pahang FM memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi kawasan Keratong, FELDA Selancar, FELDA Tembangau, Muadzam Shah dan FELDA Bera Selatan, kawasan liputannya lebih strategik daripada FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan yang meliputi Muadzam Shah sahaja kerana Gunung Ledang boleh menjana lebih liputan atas sebab ketinggian tempat pemancarnya.

Dari segi frekuensi, FM 100.9MHz adalah paling sesuai buat masa ini. 

==Cadangan parameter Pahang FM untuk Pahang Selatan==

* Frekuensi: FM 100.9MHz

* Kuasa: 1kW

* Tempat pemancar: Gunung Ledang, Johor

* Kawasan liputan: FELDA Selancar, Muadzam Shah, Keratong, FELDA Bera Selatan, FELDA Tembangau

==RF analisa==

100.9MHz: Selangor Gunung Ulu Kali

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<0kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK>

 

Jika RTM menambah pemancar Pahang FM 100.9MHz di Gunung Ledang:

1. Pendengar di Tembangau, Bera Selatan, FELDA Selancar, dan Keratong boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM pada 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang dengan jelas. Penerimaan siaran tersebut dijangka lebih jelas daripada 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali dan 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan (bagi kawasan Keratong yang berhampiran dengan sempadan Johor).

2. RTM bakal mempunyai sepuluh pemancar radio di Gunung Ledang, Johor.

3. Memberi kelebihan kepada pendengar Pahang FM yang kerap berulang-alik dari Pahang ke sempadan Negeri Sembilan dan Johor. Contoh: Dari Keratong ke Segamat, atau Dari Keratong ke Jempol

4. Segamat, Gemas, Gemencheh, FELDA Palong, FELDA Serting Hilir, Bandar Seri Jempol, Batu Anam, Jementah, Labis, Chaah dan Rompin yang bukan terletak di negeri Pahang dan juga bukan liputan utama Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang boleh menerima siaran tersebut.

5. Buat masa ini, semua pemancar Pahang FM terletak di negeri Pahang, Pahang FM boleh "membuat" sejarah baru dengan merentas negeri ke Johor dan memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang untuk meliputi Pahang Selatan.

Mengenai RF analisa, penggunaan frekuensi FM 100.9MHz oleh Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang tidak akan mempunyai gangguan dengan Selangor FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali di Melaka dan Port Dickson kerana Pahang FM 100.9MHz hanya meliputi Pahang Selatan sahaja. Gangguan cuma berlaku di Teriang dan Bandar Bera, tetapi kawasan Teriang dan Bandar Bera boleh menerima 107.5MHz dengan jelas.

Sejak Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang hanya meliputi Pahang Selatan, ini tidak bermakna pendengar di Melaka, Johor (Muar, Batu Pahat, Tangkak, Kluang) dan Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Rembau, Linggi) akan menerima siaran tersebut atas sebab arah pemancaran.

RTM masih boleh mengekalkan pemancar Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan untuk Muadzam Shah sebagai pemancar jurang (gap filler transmitter) bagi meliputi kawasan titik buta di Muadzam Shah, walaupun Gunung Ledang FM 100.9MHz dilancarkan. 

 

Di samping itu, pemancar Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang boleh menyasarkan pendengarnya yang kerap merentas negeri dari Pahang ke sempadan Johor dan Negeri Sembilan. Contohnya:

1. Dari Tembangau (Pahang) ke Felda Serting (Negeri Sembilan)

2. Dari Keratong (Pahang) ke Felda Palong (Negeri Sembilan)

3. Dari Felda Selancar (Pahang) ke Segamat (Johor)

4. Dari Felda Selancar (Pahang) ke Labis (Johor)

Selain itu, bagi pendengar yang berada di Kemayan, Teriang dan Bandar Bera mengunjungi Keratong dan Muadzam Shah dengan melalui Jalan Felda Lui dan Felda Palong, pendengar Pahang FM boleh menala frekuensi ke 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang apabila mereka tidak dapat menerima 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali semasa dalam perjalanan dari Kemayan/Teriang/Bera ke Keratong.

Pendengar Pahang FM yang berada di Tembangau, Kota Shah Bandar, Keratong boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM dengan lebih jelas pada FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang apabila FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali diganggu oleh Negeri FM 107.7MHz dari Gunung Ledang. 

Saya mungkin menyedari bahawa Pahang FM 88.0MHz dari Bukit Sembilan diganggu oleh One FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang di FELDA Selancar, Keratong, Pahang yang bersempadan dengan negeri Johor. Dengan pemancar Gunung Ledang FM 100.9MHz, pendengar di kawasan tersebut boleh tala ke frekuensi tersebut apabila 88.0MHz ditindih oleh One FM 88.1MHz.

Secara keseluruhannya, RTM bakal mempunyai empat buah stesen radio negeri di Gunung Ledang untuk liputan berbeza sekiranya RTM menambah pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang, seperti:

1. Johor FM 105.3MHz untuk Johor Utara sahaja

2. Melaka FM 102.3MHz untuk Melaka sahaja

3. Negeri FM 107.7MHz untuk Negeri Sembilan Timur seperti Simpang Pertang, Felda Palong, Felda Lui, Gemencheh & Gemas

4. Pahang FM 100.9MHz untuk Pahang Barat Daya dan Selatan seperti Keratong, Felda Tembangau, Muadzam Shah, Felda Bera Selatan dan Felda Selancar (cadangan)

RTM boleh mempertimbangkan cadangan ini jika perlu.

If RTM expands coverage for Pahang FM in Gunung Ledang, Johor to cover Southwest Pahang (100.9MHz suggested frequency)

 

BY PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

Recently I suddenly think if RTM Pahang FM launches Gunung Ledang transmitter for Southwest Pahang.

In West Pahang areas such as Bentong, Bera, Temerloh, Kuala Lipis, Pahang FM tuning frequency is 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile Raub receives 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill. 

Keratong still receives Pahang FM either 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, but it could be likely less clear there because interference from Gunung Ledang.

Although Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali has 200kHz frequency separation from Melody FM 107.3MHz Gunung Ledang and Negeri FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang, but it sounds ok because they're far enough. However, it has interference from Gunung Ledang when comes to Tembangau, Keratong, Bera Selatan and Kota Shah Bandar.

For FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, it may be likely having interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang in Keratong, the interference can be worse when comes to Keratong areas where just next to Johor border. In fact, Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan operation is much earlier than One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

To cover large part of Southern Pahang, Gunung Ledang is the strategic location. If Pahang FM launches in Gunung Ledang to cover southwestern Pahang  mainly Keratong, Felda Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau and Kota Shah Bandar, its coverage is more strategic than FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan because it generates more coverage population due to higher elevation of the site.

In terms of frequency, FM 100.9MHz is most suitable and ideal one currently.

==Pahang FM Gunung Ledang parameter suggestion==

* Frequency: FM 100.9MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Ledang, Johor

* Coverage: Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Kota Shahbandar, Felda Tembangau, Felda Bera Selatan

==RF analysis==

100.9MHz: Selangor Gunung Ulu Kali

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<0kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK>

If RTM adds Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang, here's the result:

1. Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Felda Tembangau, and Felda Bera Selatan listeners can receive Pahang FM on 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang, clearer than FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (for Tembangau) and FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan (for Keratong).

2. RTM will have ten radio transmitters in Gunung Ledang, Johor.

3. Benefits to Pahang FM's listeners who often travel to state borders from Pahang. Example: 

 

* Felda Tembangau (Pahang) to Felda Serting Hilir (Negeri Sembilan)

* Felda Keratong (Pahang) to Felda Palong (Negeri Sembilan)

* Felda Selancar (Pahang) to Segamat/Labis (Johor)

4. Pahang areas where nearby Johor Segamat border can receive Pahang FM clearly from Gunung Ledang, this will solve interference between FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan and One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

5. Segamat, Gemas, Rompin, Felda Palong, Felda Serting Hilir and Bandar Seri Jempol can receive Pahang FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang, despite they're not the main coverage and under Pahang states.

6. Currently all Pahang FM transmitters are located within Pahang state, so it breaks its history by "crossing" to Johor border and launching transmitter in Gunung Ledang.

For RF analysis, Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang transmission will not have co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in Melaka and Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan because Pahang FM only beams to southwest Pahang from Gunung Ledang (northeast direction from site). The only CCI locations can be likely in Teriang, and Bandar Bera.

Since it covers only southwest Pahang, it does not mean Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang will be available in Johor (Muar, Batu Pahat, Tangkak), Melaka and Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Gemencheh, Rembau and Port Dickson) due to antenna direction.

While RTM has Pahang FM 100.9MHz in Gunung Ledang, RTM Pahang FM can maintain FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan frequency for Muadzam Shah as gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot of FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang.

For listeners who from Kemayan/Teriang/Bandar Bera travel to Keratong/Tembangau/Selancar via Felda Lui and Jalan Bahau-Keratong road, they can switch to FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang loudly and clearly when the reception of FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is weak while on the journey to those locations.

Besides that, listeners in Keratong, FELDA Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau can also tune to 100.9MHz if Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is interfered by Melody FM 107.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz from Gunung Ledang.

I may realize that Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan may have interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang in FELDA Selancar, Keratong where not far from Johor border. With Gunung Ledang transmitter FM 100.9MHz, listeners in those locations can listen to Pahang FM on the frequency clearly.

As a result, RTM Gunung Ledang can have four state radio stations for different target locations, such as:

1. Johor FM 105.3MHz for North Johor

2. Melaka FM 102.3MHz for Melaka

3. Negeri FM 107.7MHz for East Negeri Sembilan such as Gemas, Felda Lui, Felda Palong, Gemencheh & Simpang Pertang

4. Pahang FM 100.9MHz for Southwest Pahang such as Keratong, Felda Tembangau and Muadzam Shah (proposal)

RTM can consider this suggestion if there is necessary.

RTM Perak FM can expand its coverage to Pengkalan Hulu on FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, considered as "Single Frequency Network" (SFN) for Perak FM in North Perak.

 

5 years ago, I highlighted my suggestion regarding Perak FM coverage in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak by proposing RTM to launch Perak FM in Bukit Palong, Baling, Kedah.

 

As this suggestion is 5 years anniversary today, so I decide to make frequency analysis regarding Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu frequency from Bukit Palong transmitter site.

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, only Bukit Palong is the ideal transmitter tower site to cover the Far North Perak town. Although Pengkalan Hulu can receive Gunung Jerai radio station, but Gunung Jerai is not ideal site for Perak FM to cover Pengkalan Hulu because not all locations in Pengkalan Hulu can receive radio signal from Gunung Jerai, Kelian Intan (a village between Pengkalan Hulu and Gerik) is the blind spot area of Gunung Jerai.

 

The proposal that I made is based on the concept of RTM state stations "crossover" to other state where some RTM state radio stations install transmitter in neighboring state which is not their intended coverage. Example:

 

1. Negeri FM 107.7MHz in Gunung Ledang (Johor)

Fact: Covering Gemas, Gemencheh, Felda Lui, Simpang Pertang and FELDA Palong.

 

2. Perak FM 94.7MHz in Gunung Brinchang (Pahang)

Fact: Covering Perak areas next to Cameron Highlands border

 

3. Mutiara FM 93.9MHz in Gunung Jerai (Kedah)

Fact: Covering Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong and Teluk Bahang where are blind spot areas of FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara

 

4. Kelantan FM 107.1MHz in Bukit Bintang (Terengganu)

Fact: Covering East Kelantan nearby Besut

 

There are some vacant frequencies in Bukit Palong, can be recommended for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu transmission, but frequency assignment is decided by MCMC at final stage. Hence, I make decision to do some analysis.

 

FM 103.9MHz/104.0MHz/104.1MHz, and FM 104.7MHz.

 

==Proposed parameter==

* Transmitter site: Bukit Palong, Kedah

* Transmitter power: 0.5kW OR 1kW

* Antenna type: Directional (Yagi/Log-Periodic/Panel)

 

==RF analysis==

1. FM 103.9MHz

 

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<300kHz, OK>

 

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

<100kHz, OK>

 

2. FM 104.0MHz 

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<100kHz, OK>

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<400kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

<0kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<100kHz, OK>

 

3. FM 104.1MHz

 

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<0kHz, OK, SFN>

 

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.4MHz: Lite FM Gunung Jerai

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<100kHz, OK>

 

4. FM 104.7MHz (as proposed in 2015)

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.9MHz: Melody FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

 

104.4MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.8MHz: Langkawi FM Gunung Raya

<100kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

105.1MHz: Kedah FM Bukit Dedap

<400kHz, OK>

 

Based on basic RF analysis above, all frequencies listed above can be used in Bukit Palong because they have no interference when Perak FM operates in Bukit Palong. However, it is interesting if Perak FM uses 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, perhaps same frequency as Bukit Larut.

 

RTM still needs to do Thailand frequency studies before launching Perak FM in Bukit Palong because Pengkalan Hulu is under international coordination. Yala and Betong are the required locations to be studied by broadcaster.

 

Look back some existing RF analysis, there are some Bukit Larut radio stations are using same frequencies with Bukit Palong, but different radio stations, therefore they cause co-channel interference in Penang.

 

Hot FM and Suria FM in Bukit Larut Taiping are same frequencies with Kedah FM and Traxx FM in Bukit Palong Baling.

90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut

90.5MHz: Kedah FM Bukit Palong

<0kHz>

91.7MHz: Suria FM Bukit Larut

91.7MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Palong

<0kHz>

When comes to Perak FM, if FM 104.1MHz is used in Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu, it will not cause interference within the coverage areas because Perak FM operates FM 104.1MHz in two different sites for different targeted areas under SFN.

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<0kHz, OK>

According to the RF analysis above, this is considered as "Single Frequency Network" (SFN) on FM radio band. Single Frequency Network is same radio station uses a frequency in different site, actually this is a suitable configuration for digital terrestrial transmission (DVB-T2/ATSC/DTMB/ISDB/DRM/DAB+), meanwhile it is less suitable for analogue transmission.

 

Perak FM will have self interference in Penang on FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut and Bukit Palong, but Penang is not its broadcast coverage region.

 

Distance between Bukit Palong and Bukit Larut is 85km.

 

In addition, there is also SFN (single frequency network) in Penang, and Perak on FM radio.

 

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang

<0kHz, OK>

 

RTM Bukit Penara (except Mutiara FM 95.7MHz) and RTM Bukit Genting (except Mutiara FM 90.9MHz) are operating under Single Frequency Network (SFN). 

In addition, it matches with Perak FM's frequencies publications on its website and social media platform if Perak FM is assigned on FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, Kedah because Taiping and Pengkalan Hulu are classified as Perak Utara (North Perak), meanwhile Pengkalan Hulu is Far North Perak (Perak Utara Jauh) where it is very far from Taiping.

Although Taiping, Selama, Parit Buntar and Pengkalan Hulu are often classified as North Perak, but Taiping, Selama and Parit Buntar are considered as "Lower North Perak", in the meantime Pengkalan Hulu, Lawin, Lenggong and Gerik are considered as "Upper North Perak" (I called it as Far North Perak; based on Australian English term where there is Far North Queensland FNQ in Queensland state, 1800km away from Brisbane).

In terms of frequencies publication, it sounds easier actually.

FM 104.1MHz Perak Utara (Taiping + Parit Buntar + Bagan Serai + Selama + Kuala Kangsar + Pengkalan Hulu)

By reading it above, some of people may thought Perak FM uses Bukit Larut transmitter to cover Pengkalan Hulu. In fact, it doesn't, instead Perak FM adds FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu. For your information, Pengkalan Hulu can't receive any radio stations from Bukit Larut, even Gerik, Lawin, and Gunung Kledang.

 

If Perak FM launches in Bukit Palong, Pengkalan Hulu is covered, neighboring towns such as West Gerik, Klian Intan, Baling, Kedah and Betong, Thailand can receive Perak FM. In Betong, Thailand, there will have four RTM Malay language radio stations, this can attract Thai Malay listeners in Betong.

I hope RTM will consider to expand Perak FM coverage in Pengkalan Hulu from Bukit Palong which I proposed 5 years ago, they can release a tender for it.