Wednesday, 23 December 2020

Thailand digital terrestrial television frequencies in Malaysia (Kedah, Perlis, Perak, Penang and Kelantan) after frequencies migrated from 700MHz

From September 2020, NBTC reallocates Thailand DVB-T2 frequencies from 700MHz to 500MHz/600MHz because UHF 700MHz will be reserved for 5G mobile network transmission in the country. Malaysia did the same thing too, but early 2020.

 

1. Satun 
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH34 (578MHz)**
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH42 (642MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH46 (674MHz)**
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH38 (610MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH26 (514MHz)

- ERP: 30kW
- Transmission site: Tambon Khuan Khan, Satun, Thailand

** New frequencies since September 2020 

==Coverage==
- Langkawi
- Perlis: Sanglang, Simpang Ampat, Kuala Perlis
- Kedah coastal areas (Ayer Hitam, Kuala Kedah)
- Part of Penang Island (Georgetown, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Feringghi, Teluk Bahang)
- Part of Perak coastal area: Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau (required 37e antenna and higher antenna installation)

 2. Songkhla
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH34(578MHz)**
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH42 (642MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH46 (674MHz)**
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH38 (610MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH26 (514MHz)

- ERP: 30kW
- Transmission site: Khao Kho Hong, Hatyai, Songkhla province, Thailand 

** New frequencies

==Coverage==
- Kedah: Jitra, Alor Setar, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Changlun, Sintok, Kodiang, Pokok Sena, Pendang
- Perlis: Arau, Kangar, Padang Besar
- Part of Langkawi

3. Yala/Narathiwat/Sungai Padi (remain same)
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH32 (562MHz)
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH48 (690MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH36 (594MHz)
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH44 (658MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH28 (530MHz)

- ERP: 30kW (Yala), 1kW (Narathiwat and Sungai Padi)
- Transmission site: Khao Pokyo, Bannang Sata district, Yala, Thailand 

==Coverage==
- Kedah: Sik, Gulau, Gurun Timur (Yala transmitted)
- Kelantan: Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Ketereh, Kubang Kerian, Wakaf Baharu, Pengkalan Chepa, Machang, Lojing
- Terengganu: Kuala Besut, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang (Yala transmitted)

4. Betong (remain same)
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH32 (562MHz)
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH48 (690MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH36 (594MHz)
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH44 (658MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH28 (530MHz)

- ERP: 1kW

==Coverage==
- Kedah: Baling
- Perak: Pengkalan Hulu, Kelian Intan, Gerik

Thursday, 17 December 2020

Brunei FM radio stations can be listened in part of Sarawak and Sabah. Caught in Lawas, Sarawak and Sipitang, Sabah.

It is interesting to receive neighboring radio stations in bordering region. Brunei is located between Sarawak and Sabah of East Malaysia.


As I know, Limbang and Miri of Sarawak can receive radio stations from Brunei clearly. Back to November 2019, I was used to receive Burnei radio stations in Sabah and Sarawak, the locations are:


* Sabah: Sipitang

* Sarawak: Lawas


Here is the footage of Brunei radio stations receive in Sipitang and Lawas.

 

According to the videos, Kristal FM 90.7MHz and Radio Al-Quran FM 89.1MHz signal are stronger than Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) radio stations in Sipitang and Lawas.

RTB radio stations signal have statics there.

==List of Brunei FM radio stations that I received in Sipitang and Lawas==
* 89.1MHz: Radio Al-Quran (very clear)
* 90.7MHz: Kristal FM (very clear)
* 91.4MHz: RTB Pelangi FM (ok)
* 92.3MHz: RTB Nasional FM (static)
* 93.3MHz: RTB Nur Islam FM (static)
* 94.1MHz: RTB Harmoni FM (static)
* 95.9MHz: RTB Pilihan FM (static)

Monday, 23 November 2020

Emergency annoucement: My YouTube channel Philip Yong DXer Malaysia is suspended, please visit my alternative channel.

On 20.11.2020 at 1824 hours in the evening, I suddenly received a notification email from YouTube that my channel Philip Yong DXer Malaysia was suspended for violating community guidelines under "spam, scam and commercially deceptive content".


I felt pissed off and unhappy of the decision, even I had filed an appeal. It is very pain to lost my YouTube channel Philip DXer Malaysia which establish more than 5 years and having 3400 videos, plus almost 4000 subscribers. Hence, I would make a decision to overcome this issue other than make appeal again.


Suspension period is subjective, it is unknown how long it will be lasted, despite it sounds safer than termination. Termination of YouTube account is to completely remove the entire channels. I don't put full expectation that my YouTube channel Philip Yong DXer Malaysia will be restored, but it is perfect if it is come back one day.


In fact, I'm a DXer from Malaysia, publish far radio propagation footage on YouTube to target DXers around the world. May be I have too much of footage to publish, the spam detectors may realize my videos. Besides that, I was used to submit twice of monentization application, but rejected for reused content. Then, I tried to readjust my brand description and little content, so I did try my final luck to reapply monentization. Less than 24 hours, I was suspended. Hmmm... I was just trying my luck to have side income via DX on YouTube.


I noticed that the monetization application has only 3 times (including two times of appeal), but it is unfair to me if my channel was suspended under this reason (including spam content). If YouTube rejects my monetization application, YouTube shall ban my monetization features, rather than suspend my whole channel.


My old channel suspension may be likely because my channel content does not meet the monetization policy.


Rest in peace, Philip Yong DXer Malaysia. I would like to thank to all subscribers and viewers for supporting my channel, but alternatively, you can visit me at alternative YouTube channel, namely Philip DXer 0110.


About Philip DXer 0110, I will republish certain best FM DX footage from 2015-2020 which I made on Philip Yong DXer Malaysia and share on my alternative channel. For the footage, I will make them in a group video, rather than individual uploads to reduce duplications which can be considered as spam. Example: radio stations DX in Penang. (rather than individual radio DX in Penang).


Unlike my previous channel which was used to become non-formatted content (means variety which consists DXing, music, entertainment and parodies), but this newly launched alternative YouTube channel Philip DXer 0110 will fully concentrate on identification of FM/MW/SW/LW/TV far distant propagation.


Please do support and don't forget to subscribe my alternative YouTube channel at Philip DXer 0110.

Thursday, 19 November 2020

List of NDB (Non Directional Beacon) frequencies (on LW band) in Malaysia

Here is the frequencies list of NDB radio in Malaysia on LW band:


* 203kHz Sibu, Sarawak (NIS)

* 205kHz Kuala Lumpur (CE)

* 209kHz Miri, Sarawak (MYY)

* 240kHz Kota Bharu, Kelantan (KB)

* 255kHz Kayell (KL)

* 270kHz Parit Buntar, Perak (PR)

* 276kHz Batu Pahat, Johor (BP)

* 278kHz Tawau, Sabah (TWU)

* 282kHz Pekan, Pahang (PK)

* 286kHz Kong Kong/Senai, Johor (KK)

* 298kHz Malacca (AM)


About my LW DX experience in Malaysia, I was used to receive LW 255kHz NDB signal, transmitted from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport (Subang Jaya, Selangor) in 2005 and 2006 on a Clarion car receiver with LW radio band.


Clarion car receiver LW band is 3kHz per channel.


Receiving location: Kuala Lumpur.


As today, I may predict NDB transmission in Malaysia is INACTIVE.

(EXCLUSIVE) First LW Long Wave radio DX in Malaysia: Radio Romania Antena Satelor LW 153kHz

 

 

I believe it is very rare to receive LW radio broadcast signal in Malaysia because none of Asia countries (except Turkmenistan and Mongolia) have LW broadcast station. Long Wave radio is usually used in Europe and North Africa (Algeria and Morocco).


I receive an audio clip from my friend who is staying in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. He received Radio Romania Antena Satelor LW 153kHz on 22nd October 2019 around 3:21 AM (UTC+8).


This is very rare, also the very first LW radio DX in Malaysia, because none of us can capture it from Europe, even nearest Mongolia.


Here is the audio clip footage:

 

According to the footage, LW 153kHz has little Romania broadcast signal with static, caught in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia by using TECSUN PL-310ET with long wire antenna.

==LW DX in Malaysia reception report==
* Station name: Radio Romania Antena Satelor
* Frequency: LW 153kHz
* Power: 200kW
* Transmission site: Staţia de Transmisiuni Radio, Strada Gării, Colonia Bod, Brașov, Județul Brașov, ROMANIA
* Receiving site: Segamat, Johor state, Malaysia
* Distance: 8819km
* Receiving date/time: 22.10.2019 1921H (UTC)/0321H (UTC+8)
* Receiver: TECSUN PL-310ET with long wire antenna
* Audio credit to HBC 101

Until now, personally so far I don't receive any broadcast radio signal on LW frequency band, but back to 2005 and 2006, I was used to receive Long Wave NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) signal which is "beep beep beep beep" sound on a car radio receiver with LW radio band.

In Malaysia and most of non-Europe countries, LW frequency band is mostly used as Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) for aviation and marine navigational aid. LW broadcast is not used in Malaysia and South East Asia.

If I'm not mistaken, the NDB radio signal that I received in Malaysia was 255kHz. For current LW band status in Malaysia, I may believe NDB radio is closed down.

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

MYTV should launch a new multiplex (MUX3) on VHF band to transfer all radio channels from existing MUX 1 and MUX 2 where are on UHF band.

 

As November 2020, MYTV Broadcasting is currently having 30 TV and radio channels on two multiplexes (MUX 1 and MUX 2). Both multiplexes are on UHF band (500-600MHz).


16 TV channels and 14 radio channels.


MUX 1 is mainly multiplex for RTM, TV Alhijrah and Bernama, mostly government owned media, it consists:


(MUX1 TV channels)

- RTM TV1

- RTM TV2

- RTM TVOkey

- RTM Sports 

- Berita RTM

- TV Alhijrah

- Bernama TV 

 

(MUX1 Radio Channels)

- RTM Radio Klasik

- RTM Nasional FM

- RTM Traxx FM

- RTM Ai FM

- RTM Minnal FM

- RTM Asyik FM

- RTM Sabah FM

- RTM Sabah VFM

- RTM Sarawak FM

- RTM Wai FM


MUX2 is mostly private broadcasters' multiplex:


(MUX 2 TV channels)

- TV3

- ntv7

- 8TV

- TV9

- Astro Go Shop

- Awesome TV

- WowShop Chinese

- WowShop Malay

- Drama Sangat


(MUX2 radio channels)

- Kool FM

- One FM

- Hot FM

- Fly FM


Look at existing multiplexes, TV and radio channels are sharing in a MUX, plus radio broadcasting was on UHF which may not be convenient to the listeners who tune in the car (with DVB-T2 interface).


In my opinion, to split TV and radio channels from sharing a MUX, MYTV Broadcasting should launch a brand new multiplex (MUX3) for radio channels by making VHF Band III application to MCMC.


I will strongly agree if MYTV transfers all existing radio channels to brand new MUX on VHF Band III. After all radio channels are transferred to VHF Band III multiplex, at least MYTV can reserve existing MUX1 and MUX2 for new channels. This can reduce congestion in the multiplex.


I never suggest to launch MUX3 on UHF band for radio broadcasting because VHF band travels further than UHF band due to low frequency, so the transmission coverage of MYTV VHF Band III multiplex radio channels will be wider than TV channels.

 

People consumes radio more than TV for outdoor, VHF Band III is suitable for mobile purposes because people listen to radio in mobile condition (eg: car).


Technically radio channels on MYTV platform is considered digital radio broadcasting, known as DVB-T2 Lite (a rival of DAB Radio).


About DVB-T2 Lite, it can be on VHF Band I (47MHz-68MHz), VHF Band III (174MHz-230MHz) and UHF Band (470MHz-682MHz). In terms of multiplex channel capacity, DVB-T2 Lite is better than DAB+ Radio because DVB-T2 Lite can fit more radio channels than DAB+ Radio on a MUX.


About frequency of DVB-T2, it is on VHF Band III (174MHz-230MHz) and UHF Band (470MHz-682MHz).


Here is the frequency and channel list of VHF Band III for DVB-T2 Lite (7MHz per channel):


* CH 5: VHF 174MHz

* CH 6: VHF 181MHz

* CH 7: VHF 188MHz

* CH 8: VHF 195MHz

* CH 9: VHF 202MHz

* CH 10: VHF 209MHz

* CH 11: VHF 216MHz

* CH 12: VHF 223MHz


Hence, VHF Band III consists eight channels, the band range is 56MHz (7MHz per channel x 8).


MCMC can assign VHF Band III frequency to MYTV Broadcasting for radio channel broadcast.


If MYTV gets VHF Band III frequency license (MUX3) from MCMC successfully, all 14 existing radio channels will be broadcast on VHF Band III. As DVB-T2 Lite can fit 44 radio stations on 1 multiplex channel (compare to DAB+ which only allows 16 stations per multiplex), MYTV will have more spare radio channels space for MUX3 on VHF Band III. So, for those new radio broadcasters who are interesting to launch their radio stations on MYTV Broadcasting platform, MUX3 can fit more actually.


As DVB-T2 Lite supports 44 stations per channel as I mentioned above, after 14 existing radio stations were transferred, hence there is 30 stations remaining to be used on MUX3 (VHF Band III).

 

==Proposal of MYTV DVB-T2 Multiplex==

* MUX 1: TV Broadcast (UHF Band)

* MUX 2: TV Broadcast (UHF Band)

* MUX 3: Radio Broadcast (VHF Band III)


With this suggestion, there is also limitation. Firstly, it is about the cost because DVB-T2 transmission has a lot of equipment to be installed, compare to FM and AM. Secondly, the response from broadcasters. Thirdly, annual transmission fees must be considered when launch MUX 3 for radio broadcast on VHF Band III.


In conclusion, I hope MYTV will put this proposal into its consideration.

Monday, 16 November 2020

My personal product review on broadcast equipment: DEVA Broadcast DB6400 audio processor

Now I'm former junior broadcast engineer at a broadcast transmission equipment company. Although I'm not graduating from telecommunication engineering field during my studies, instead I graduated from Diploma in Automotive Engineering, but I decided to move out from comfort zone and join the broadcast industry to try something new and ready to face reality in the field. During these 13 months, I never feel regret over my decision because I had experienced something that I never contacted before.

 

Should be happy and proud of myself because experience the thing that I wish to.


Due to COVID-19 pandemic and monopoly of broadcast transmission market in Malaysia, also unstable politic situation in my country, I made a pain decision to leave the broadcast industry. It is sad to know COVID-19 pandemic kills a lot of industries. 

 

Although I'm no longer working at broadcast transmission equipment company since May 2020, but I continue treating broadcast transmission as personal hobby (amateur), mainly DXing.


Since I had been used to work at broadcast transmission equipment company before, for my amateur review, I would like to share my personal review of a broadcast equipment, it is DEVA Broadcast DB6400 audio processor from Bulgaria.




DB6400 is Advanced FM and Digital Radio 4-Band Audio Processor with Backup Audio Player.


I like this DB6400 audio processor actually. During my broadcast industry career, my company sold 3 units of Deva DB6400 audio processor to a Sarawak based radio station for 3 locations (Kapit, Belaga and Lawas), I also installed DB6400 at the transmission site too.


From my amateur review, DB6400 can generate wide dynamic range audio. In addition, during my personal test on this equipment, while a transmitter frequency deviation exceeds 80kHz by simply installing audio input, but I personally realize the frequency deviation of a transmitter is controlled with installation of DB6400 audio processor. 


Other than controlling frequency deviation of transmitter by adjusting at MPX output, actually DB6400 can control transmitter frequency deviation by adjusting audio output (dB). Besides that, users can adjust DB6400 audio equalizer setting by choosing music types based on user's preferences.


DB6400 features DSP-based RDS (Radio Data System) encoder. From my experience during the broadcast career, I could set my radio station name on the unit and do RDS setting by using its software.

 

DB6400 has built-in mp3 player with micro SD card slots which mainly act as backup player when there is no main source available on DB6400.


In my personal amateur opinion, it is worth to purchase DB6400 audio processor with DSP-based RDS encoder, than separated units (standalone RDS encoder, and audio processor without RDS encoder) because DB6400 is considered 4 in 1 solution where a combination between audio processor, STEREO generator, RDS encoder, and built-in mp3 player (which act as backup player when there is no any input). That was my only basic knowledge about DB6400, but I have no idea on LAN port, IP setting on the unit as I haven't experience it before.

 



 

For FM transmitters, I was used to deliver, install and test with company team for two locations. It is better to have DB6400 audio processor because it is 4 in 1 solution as I mentioned above this paragraph. 


Some of broadcasters may prefer to buy equipment separately with audio processor (without built-in RDS encoder) and standalone RDS processor (example: DEVA SmartGen 6.0), but they may pay more because they get individually on the equipment, somewhat they could consume more space on a transmitter system rack.


Moreover, some of broadcasters also prefer to install RDS card or STEREO card inside the transmitters. This is not recommended because if RDS card in a transmitter is blown up, the radio transmission could be off-air, and broadcast engineers need to replace the RDS card by disassembling transmitters and disconnecting most of the cable in order to remove the RDS card from transmitter. Next, if there is no RDS card replaced, the radio station transmission will have no RDS information which to be appeared on radio receivers.


No need to feel trouble! Just go for DB6400, or install RDS encoder (example: SmartGen 6.0). In term of setting up this unit, it is moderate to easy to do a basic installation of DEVA DB6400.


Alongside DB6400, there is also a broadcasting tool which is also combination of Stereo encoder and RDS encoder, known as DEVA DB6000-STC, stereo and RDS generator, which is better than inserting the RDS and stereo cards in the transmitter.


DB64-FM is a budget version to DB6400 4-band FM radio audio processor.


At last, I will present two of my demonstration videos about basic setting up and using of DEVA Broadcast DB6400 audio processor, however I would like to apologize over the videos because my camera could not record actual sound from audio processor. Hope you will see some basic setting up of DB6400!

 


Sunday, 8 November 2020

List of sister FM radio transmitter sites of Seoul Gwanaksan hill (South Korea) in Malaysia.

 


I notice there is something interesting to discover similarity of broadcast transmitter sites between South Korea and Malaysia in terms of distance to the broadcast coverage capital city, also the transmission coverage. Hence, I make a comparison.

 

In Seoul, the broadcast transmitter site is in Gwanaksan hill, the distance to the Seoul City is less than 20km, meanwhile in Malaysia, there are also few cities are having less than 20km distance from the broadcast main transmission sites.

 

==South Korea (Seoul)==

* Gwanaksan to Seoul = 14km

 

==Malaysia==

* Bukit Karatong to Kota Kinabalu = 16km

* Gunung Serapi to Kuching = 16km

* Bukit Penara to Georgetown = 9km

* Gunung Kledang to Ipoh = 8km

* Bukit Sungai Besi to Kuala Lumpur = 11km

* Gunung Telapak Burok to Seremban = 20km

 

In terms of distance similarities, Bukit Karatong in Kota Kinabalu, Gunung Serapi in Kuching, and Bukit Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur are the actual sister transmitter sites to Gwanaksan in Seoul, South Korea. 

What if South Korea broadcasters such as MBC, EBS and CBS launch shortwave transmitters to target North Korea

In South Korea, KBS is the only main broadcaster which having shortwave radio transmitters, meanwhile Echo of Hope, Voice of The People and Voice of Freedom are South Korea clandestine radio stations to target North Korea.



KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) is a public broadcaster, owned by South Korea government.

EBS (Education Broadcasting System) is an education TV/radio broadcaster, considered public owned. Formerly was launched as KBS 3 for TV station, and EBS demerged from KBS.



CBS (Christian Broadcasting System) is a religious broadcaster for Christians in South Korea.


MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation), a well-known commercial broadcaster in South Korea.

 

MBC, CBS, and EBS never have shortwave radio broadcast at the time being. We know that North Korea only jams KBS channels in the communist country to prevent its people from watching and listening to South Korea government propaganda. In North Korea, MBC, CBS and EBS are not jammed as they're commercial, religious and education broadcasters respectively, however these radio stations on FM and MW are only available in bordering region such as Kaesong, Haeju and areas nearby 38th Parallel (aka DMZ).


I'm thinking if MBC, CBS, and EBS launch shortwave transmitters like KBS, despite South Korean people don't really listen to shortwave radio stations as they listen to FM, MW, and DMB. 


Shortwave transmitters can even travel further than mediumwave actually due to its propagation. If South Korea MBC, CBS and EBS use directional shortwave transmitting antenna to beam north direction, North Korea can receive even clearer.


If MBC, CBS, and EBS have shortwave broadcasts to target North Korea and Koreans in China, there are advantages, but limitations must be considered.

 

==Advantages==

1. For MBC, as it provides more music and entertainment, North Koreans can tune to MBC Radio via shortwave frequencies, alternative to KCBS Pyongyang, Pyongyang Broadcasting Station, Echo of Unification and Pyongyang FM.

 

2. For EBS, North Koreans can listen to South Korea education radio station in the country on shortwave frequencies to learn many languages, culture and liberal arts. In South Korea, unlike KBS and MBC which also broadcast on MW band, EBS only broadcasts on FM frequencies.


3. For CBS, the broadcaster can spread Christianity believes to North Korea natives via shortwave transmission in Korean language, just like USA based FEBC, KTWR, Adventist World Radio broadcast on shortwave frequencies to spread Christianity believes to the whole world in multiple languages.


4. CBS, EBS and MBC can gain more listeners from North Korea by reaching more coverage into Deep Korea.


5. Korea Peninsular can receive CBS, EBS and MBC radio via shortwave frequencies, despite they can't expand on FM and MW bands because Korea is divided into two (North and South).


==Limitations==

1. As North Korea is a communist nation which is fully isolated country, not like China where is already opened country ("semi-communism", but more to socialism), North Korea government can jam MBC, CBS and EBS because the country already jam all Korean languages foreign shortwave broadcasts (including BBC World Service, China Radio International, Adventist World Radio, NHK World Radio, KTWR Guam, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America).

 

2. For CBS, because North Korea does not allow its people to believe in any religion regardless Buddhism, Islam, Christian, Taoism, Hindu, Roman-Catholic etc, people there only worship Kim's Supreme Leaders as their religion believes. Hence, I also think that North Korea government jams CBS, even the government also jams foreign religious shortwave radio stations in North Korea, especially Korean language services.

 

3. To launch shortwave broadcasts, it is not easy and it is expensive to do so because it needs much money to have shortwave transmitters. Transmission fees, transmission equipment maintenance fees and hardware purchasing costs must be considered.

 

4. Listeners and commercial factors. There is no any database that how many North Koreans will listen to MBC, CBS and EBS on shortwave radio frequencies, so the advertising revenue to the broadcasters are unknown because their advertisers market is only in South Korea, this factor applies to MBC mostly because MBC is commercial broadcaster in South Korea, and it is not government-funded TV and radio station. 


Talk about Korea unification, it is not easy to do so at the time being because two Koreas are still in tension, despite relationship is inconsistently improved. If North Korea communist government is dissolved like East Germany and Soviet Union, and unified into South Korea, I may believe North Korea KCTV and KCBS Pyongyang could be replaced by KBS, then I may expect MBC, CBS and EBS expand their broadcast coverage to North Korea. However, the unification is not simple at all, politics are always dirty.


==Transmitter sites==

If MBC, EBS and CBS have shortwave transmitters to target North Korea, it is sufficient to operate at 100kW transmitter power. 100kW transmitter power is enough to cover North Korea, but for transmitter site, they can select either Hwaseong or Gimje. For the shortwave transmitter sites in South Korea, I mostly see those North Korea targeted radio stations are transmitted in Hwaseong and Goyang City within Gyeonggi Province, rather than Gimje (KBS World Radio site).


KBS Hanminjok-1 shortwave transmitter site is located in Hwaseong.


Gimje is located in North Jeolla Province, it is not really possible to cover all territories in North Korea, compare to Hawseong and Goyang, also Seoul. Gimje shortwave transmitter tower is actually for international broadcast to target most of the world. In fact, if MBC, EBS, and CBS want to use Gimje shortwave radio tower to target North Korea, they should use directional antenna and high power transmitter as 300kW, therefore they can reach all territories in North Korea.


==Frequencies==

As shortwave frequency band range is wide, and many international broadcasters occupied many frequencies, regardless target in selected region or whole world, I'm not able and having zero idea on it.


==Proposed transmission data for MBC, EBS, CBS shortwave broadcast to target North Korea==


1. Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province

* Power: 50kW or 100kW

* Antenna direction: Non-directional

* Note: Currently used by existing radio stations such as Echo of Hope, KBS Hanminjok Bangsong-1


2. Seoul

* Power: 20kW

* Antenna direction: Non-directional

* Note: Currently used by Echo of Hope only 


3. Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province

* Power: 100kW

* Antenna direction: Non-directional

* Existing stations: Voice of The People SW 3480kHz, 3910kHz, 3930kHz, 4450kHz, 6520kHz and 6600kHz.


4. Gimje, North Jeolla Province

* Power: 300kW

* Antenna direction: Between 280 DEG and 80DEG

* Existing station: KBS World Radio


==Conclusion of proposed transmitter site for MBC, EBS, and CBS shortwave broadcast for North Korea==

Hwaseong is the best transmitter site for MBC, EBS and CBS on shortwave radio transmission because there are at least two broadcasters operate shortwave transmission there such as KBS Hanminjok Bangsong-1 and Echo of Hope.

Friday, 6 November 2020

(RF analysis) FM 95.7MHz Alor Setar Tower

Kool FM was the last radio station to launch its transmitter in Alor Setar Tower on 107.3MHz in 14th October 2016. 


Back to March 2016, I published the empty FM frequencies list in Peninsular Malaysia blog post. For Alor Setar Tower, only FM 91.5MHz is the empty frequency (broadcasters can use 0.5kW or 1kW power), but it is interesting to study if 95.7MHz is used in the tower to cover Alor Setar, Kedah only.


In fact, FM 95.7MHz is empty signal or simply weak signal of Mutiara FM from Bukit Penara in Alor Setar, Kedah. Moreover, Mutiara FM 95.7MHz is not really receivable there because Bukit Penara signal is fully blocked by Mount Jerai. So, I classify it as vacant frequency, however FM 95.7MHz shall be used as very low power transmission in Alor Setar Tower, as low as 50W.


==Proposed transmission parameter of FM 95.7MHz in Alor Setar, Kedah==

* Frequency: FM 95.7MHz

* Power: 50W (or 0.05kW)

* Transmitter site: Alor Setar Tower, Kedah

* Antenna system: 2-bay array dipole antenna

* Antenna gain: 2.0dBd x2 = 4.0dBd

* ERP: 125W

* Coverage: Alor Setar and surrounding areas


==RF analysis of FM 95.7MHz Alor Setar Tower==

95.7MHz: Alor Setar Tower

96.1MHz: 988 FM Gunung Jerai

<400kHz, OK>


95.5MHz: Radio Thailand Satun

95.7MHz: Alor Setar Tower

<200kHz, OK>


95.7MHz: Alor Setar Tower

95.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Penara

<0kHz, OK for low power transmission in Alor Setar>




 


For radio stations, I doubt which I can propose this transmission parameter FM 95.7MHz in Alor Setar, Kedah to because less broadcasters are interesting to invest Alor Setar market.

1. Astro GoXUAN?
* A Chinese Gen Z targeted radio stations, seems like entering YouTuber and TikToker markets, plays K-POP music mostly, but Alor Setar is not a potential market for this radio station, somewhat GoXUAN license condition is not allowed to have further frequencies as Astro acquired Red FM and Capital FM from Star Radio Group in order to purchase frequencies only. Until today, there is no any frequency expansion for Zayan and GoXUAN since 2nd October 2017, unless their licenses are modified.

2. CityPlus FM?
* A Chinese business radio station to target Chinese PMEBs. Alor Setar is not the radio station's market.

3. BFM?
* An English business radio station, 89.9MHz is the frequency in Klang Valley from Gunung Ulu Kali. Alor Setar is not its potential market, but BFM wants to expand in Penang since 2009, unfortunately the radio station is not getting approval from MCMC yet.

4. Rakita (formerly known as IM4U FM)?
* A Klang Valley based youth radio station in Malay language, broadcasts on FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Besi for Klang Valley. Don't think it will be expanded outside Klang Valley due to license condition and market value. Thus, Alor Setar has no commercial value for Rakita.

5. Bernama Radio 
* A Malay language news radio station. Alor Setar seems having market for Bernama Radio, but this radio station can be assigned on 91.5MHz with 500W transmitter power to target more areas in Kedah.
 
6. Best FM
* Johor based Malay language radio station, also having Klang Valley frequency on FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. If Best FM wants to expand to Alor Setar, FM 95.7MHz at 50W power can be proposed.




Thursday, 5 November 2020

My QSL card collection! Voice of Indonesia (VOI) and Radio Free Asia (RFA)

After I shared my e-QSL card of KTWR (Trans World Radio) and AWR (Adventist World Radio), now I collect hard copy of two QSL cards from two shortwave radio stations such as Voice of Indonesia (VOI) and Radio Free Asia (RFA).


Here is the QSL cards that I collect


1. Radio Free Asia (RFA) SW 15195kHz Laotian broadcast (1100-1200hours UTC)







2. Voice of Indonesia (VOI) SW 3325kHz English broadcast (1300-1400 hours UTC)










Thanks to RFA and VOI for sending me QSL cards.

Malaysia Tropo DX: Tropospheric propagation of Gunung Kledang (Ipoh) radio stations, signals were caught in Puchong, Selangor on 4th November 2020 evening

 On 4th November 2020 Wednesday evening between 1740-1800 hours (UTC+8 Malaysia Time Zone), I caught few distant radio stations from Gunung Kledang signal in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia with louder and slightly clearer reception such as:


* Hitz FM 92.7MHz

* Mix FM 94.3MHz

* Perak FM 95.6MHz

* 988 FM 99.8MHz


The signal of these four radio stations were received in Bandar Puchong Jaya where is not far from IOI Mall Puchong. 


 


According to the videos, 988 FM 99.8MHz reception is the clearest and most powerful in Puchong, following by Perak FM 95.6MHz, Hitz FM 92.7MHz and Mix FM 94.3MHz.


In fact, it is rare to catch Hitz FM 92.7MHz and Mix FM 94.3MHz from Gunung Kledang, Ipoh in Puchong, Selangor as they're not receivable at most of the time, however 92.7 and 94.3 are fully locked by Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations RTM Negeri FM 92.6MHz and Mix FM 94.2MHz respectively.

Hitz FM 92.7MHz from Gunung Kledang was receivable in Puchong, Selangor, but it was having adjacent channel interference from RTM Negeri FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok at 100kHz frequency separation. Hence, you can hear Negeri FM interference noise on Hitz FM 92.7MHz through my footage.

Although Mix FM 94.3MHz Gunung Kledang was interfered by Mix FM 94.2MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok, but it was not serious because both are under same radio stations.

Perak FM 95.6MHz is only having few signal from Puchong Perdana to Bukit Puchong during non-tropospheric propagation, but it is receivable in Puchong Jaya.

==Gunung Kledang radio tropo DX in Puchong report==

* Transmitter site: Gunung Kledang, Perak
* Receiver site: Puchong, Selangor (Bandar Puchong Jaya)
* Distance: 184-185 km
* Receiver: Perodua Axia SE 2015 (Betamek Electronics)
* Receiving time/hours: 04.11.2020 1730-1800hours (UTC+8)

1. Hitz
* Frequency: FM 92.7MHz
* Power: 2kW
* SINPO code: 42344

2. Mix
* Frequency: FM 94.3MHz
* Power: 2kW
* SINPO code: 43244

3. RTM Perak FM
* Frequency: FM 95.6MHz
* Power: 2kW
* SINPO code: 34344

4. 988
* Frequency: FM 99.8MHz
* Power: 2kW
* SINPO code: 55555

Alongside four radio stations, the reception of Melody FM 98.5MHz, Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz, Ai FM 92.1MHz, and Traxx FM 90.1MHz were even weaker in Puchong, Selangor.

In conclusion, it was a tropo transmission of Gunung Kledang radio stations in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia on 04.11.2020 from 1730-1800hours (UTC+8).