Tuesday 30 November 2021

RTM Perak FM is available in part of Pahang and Kelantan on FM 94.7MHz from Gunung Brinchang.

 

Do you know? Apart Perak, South Penang, South Kedah, and part of Selangor, RTM Perak FM is available in part of Pahang and Kelantan on FM 94.7MHz from Gunung Brinchang.

 

RTM Perak FM does have Cameron Highlands frequency on FM 94.7MHz, transmitted from Gunung Brinchang. Although Cameron Highlands is located in Pahang, the reason of Perak FM launched Gunung Brinchang transmitter is actually to cover Perak areas where located next to Cameron Highlands. In addition, FM 94.7MHz is also to solve the interference of FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang in Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

 

In Cameron Highlands, Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang is having adjacent channel interference with RTM Radio Klasik FM 95.5MHz from Bukit Bakar in certain locations.

 

RTM Perak FM 94.7MHz is mainly for Cameron Highlands, but it is available in part of Pahang and Kelantan following below:

 

1. Kuala Lipis, Pahang (83km)

2. Padang Tengku, Pahang (73km)

3. Jerantut, Pahang (126km)

4. Lojing, Kelantan (11km)

5. Fraser's Hill, Pahang (97km)

6. Sungai Koyan, Pahang (57km)

 

Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang is having interference with RTM Radio Klasik FM 95.5MHz from Bukit Bakar in Lojing, Kelantan when leaves Pahang-Kelantan border. It can be tuned on FM 94.7MHz from Gunung Brinchang in Lojing, but signal faded once going to Pos Brooke area, then no signal from Perak FM 94.7MHz after Pos Brooke, Kelantan.

 

Transmission power is only 0.1kW.

 

Perak FM is available in Kuala Lipis, Padang Tengku and Damak certainly on FM 94.7MHz from Gunung Brinchang transmitter. Signal is not clear, possibly having interference with Mix FM 94.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. 

 

Monday 29 November 2021

Frekuensi Buletin FM di Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu ditutup, dan Hot FM ditukar frekuensinya kepada 88.6MHz di Kota Bharu. Media Prima Audio bakal melancarkan stesen radio ke-5 sebagai radio Melayu Pantai Timur?

 

Kredit gambar kepada Harian Metro


Pada 2hb Ogos 2021, Media Prima Audio (MPA) menjenamakan semula Kool FM kepada Buletin FM, stesen radio berita bahasa Melayu. Ia bersiaran pada frekuensi FM 101.3MHz di Lembah Klang (tidak termasuk Perak Selatan, Selangor Utara dan Pahang Barat), FM 90.2MHz di Pulau Pinang, FM 107.3MHz di Alor Setar, FM 93.6MHz di Kuala Terengganu, FM 88.6MHz di Kota Bharu dan FM 104.3MHz di Kuching.

 

Setelah 4 bulan penjenamaan semula Kool FM kepada Buletin FM, kini Buletin FM menarik diri dari pasaran Pantai Timur dengan menutup frekuensi Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu, manakala frekuensi Buletin FM di Kota Bharu 88.6MHz ditukar kepada siaran Hot FM, berkuatkuasa dari hari ini.

 

Frekuensi asal Hot FM di Kota Bharu pada 105.1MHz kini menjalani siaran percubaan, manakala frekuensi Buletin FM di Kuala Terengganu pada 93.6MHz juga menjalani siaran percubaan.

Siaran percubaan ini memainkan lagu sepanjang zaman, juga lagu tradisional Pantai Timur (contoh: Dikir Barat).

 

Setelah Hot FM mengubah frekuensinya di Kota Bharu kepada 88.6MHz, frekuensi di kawasan lain masih kekal sama. 

 

Pada pandangan saya, dengan mendengar rakaman video siaran percubaan FM 105.1MHz, saya berasa Media Prima Audio akan melancarkan stesen radio kelima untuk menyasarkan pasaran Pantai Timur. Stesen radio kelima Media Prima Audio bakal bersaing dengan Gegar dan Manis FM.

 

Penutupan siaran Buletin FM di Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu mungkin adalah langkah baik kepada Media Prima Audio kerana Buletin FM tiada mempunyai nilai pasaran/komersil yang berpotensi di kedua-dua bandar ini. Selain itu, saya telah menyedari bahawa stesen radio perbincangan, radio bisnes atau radio berita (tidak kira apa bahasa penghantarnya) "tidak laku" di wilayah Pantai Timur, malah Bernama Radio tidak mempunyai frekuensi di kawasan Pantai Timur.

 

Pendengar Pantai Timur lebih suka mendengar stesen radio hiburan dan muzik daripada stesen radio perbincangan. Bagi pendengar Melayu di Pantai Timur, mereka lebih suka mendengar stesen radio tempatan daripada stesen radio berperingkat nasional. Contohnya:

 

1. THR Gegar

2. Manis FM

3. RTM Kelantan FM

4. RTM Pahang FM

5. RTM Terengganu FM

 

Saya pernah berfikir jika frekuensi Buletin FM di Kota Bharu dan Kuala Terengganu dipindah kepada stesen Bahasa Cina, 8FM, ia memang "tidak laku" jika 8FM memperluaskan siarannya ke Kota Bharu dan Kuala Terengganu kerana tiada nilai komersil di kedua-dua bandar akibat kurang penduduk Cina.

 

Mengenai tarikh pelancaran stesen radio ke-5 Media Prima Audio, saya belum mendapat maklumat lagi kerana hari ini adalah hari pertama siaran percubaan di Kuala Terengganu dan Kota Bharu.

 

Frekuensi di Kuantan mungkin ditambah kemudian.

 

Di sini adalah senarai frekuensi terkini radio Media Prima Audio di Kota Bharu dan Kuala Terengganu.

 

==Kota Bharu==

* 88.6MHz: Hot FM (frekuensi asal: 105.1MHz)

* 107.4MHz: Fly FM (kekal sama)

* 105.1MHz: (siaran percubaan)

 

==Kuala Terengganu==

* 105.0MHz: Hot FM (kekal sama)

* 93.6MHz: (siaran percubaan)

* 107.5MHz: Fly FM (kekal sama)

 

Buletin FM masih boleh didengari di Kota Bharu dan Kuala Terengganu dengan melalui platform digital seperti YouTube, JOOX, MYTV myFreeview, laman web buletinfm.audio, juga applikasi AUDIO+ yang boleh dimuat turun daripada Google PlayStore, Apple App, dan Huawei App Gallery.

 

Mengenai siaran radio ke-5 Media Prima Audio, jom kita nantikan stesen radio tersebut.



Buletin FM closed its Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu frequencies, Hot FM Kota Bharu frequency changed to 88.6MHz. Media Prima Audio is going to launch fifth radio station as East Coast Malay radio station?


Photo credit to Harian Metro

On 2nd August 2021, Media Prima Audio (MPA) had rebranded Kool FM to Buletin FM as Malay language news and talk radio station, it broadcasts in Klang Valley on FM 101.3MHz (excluding South Perak, North Selangor and West Pahang), Penang on FM 90.2MHz, Alor Setar on FM 107.3MHz, Kuala Terengganu on FM 93.6MHz, Kota Bharu on FM 88.6MHz and Kuching on FM 104.3MHz.
 
After 4 months of rebranding exercise from Kool FM to Buletin FM, Media Prima Audio (MPA) radio station Buletin FM closes down its frequencies in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu today.
 
FM 88.6MHz becomes Hot FM in Kota Bharu, meanwhile Hot FM original Kota Bharu frequency FM 105.1MHz goes under trial transmission.
 
Buletin FM 93.6MHz in Kuala Terengganu also goes under trial transmission.
 
When Hot FM Kota Bharu frequency is changed from 105.1MHz to 88.6MHz, its other frequencies remain same.
 
If you hear the radio stations in Kota Bharu on FM 105.1MHz and Kuala Terengganu on FM 93.6MHz, the trial transmission playlist includes East Coast Malay traditional music (eg: Dikir Barat) and speaks East Coast Malay dialect. I think Media Prima Audio will launch fifth radio station to target East Coast Malay market. In my opinion, MPA's fifth radio station will compete against Gegar (Astro Radio) and Manis FM.

To me, it is a good move that Media Prima Audio ceases Buletin FM Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu frequencies transmission because these two towns have no potential market value for Buletin FM. In addition, I do learn and realize that talk radio stations (regardless any languages) don't have market value in East Coast, even Bernama Radio does not have any frequencies in East Coast region.
 
East Coast listeners prefer listening to music and entertainment radio stations, even for Malay listeners, they love tuning localized content radio stations than nationwide radio stations. Example:

1. THR Gegar
2. Manis FM
3. RTM Terengganu FM
4. RTM Kelantan FM
5. RTM Pahang FM

I was thinking if Media Prima Audio transfers Buletin FM's Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu frequencies to Chinese radio station 8FM, it doesn't work because Kelantan and Terengganu have no commercial value to 8FM, somewhat Chinese people are very less there.

 
About the launching date of Media Prima Audio's 5th radio station, it is unknown yet because today is the first day of trial transmission in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu.
 
Kuantan frequency may be added later.
 
Here are the latest Media Prima Audio's radio stations frequencies in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu:
 
==Fly FM==
* 107.4MHz: Kota Bharu (remain unchanged)
* 107.5MHz: Kuala Terengganu (remain unchanged)
 
==Hot FM==
* 88.6MHz: Kota Bharu (changed from 105.1MHz)
* 105.0MHz: Kuala Terengganu (remain unchanged)
 
==MPA's fifth radio station (test transmission)==
* 105.1MHz: Kota Bharu
* 93.6MHz: Kuala Terengganu
 
Buletin FM can be tuned in Kelantan and Terengganu on digital platform such as YouTube, JOOX, MYTV myFreeview and AUDIO+ app even its frequencies there are ceased today. 
 
 

Friday 26 November 2021

Fly FM should change its Kota Bharu frequency from 107.4MHz to 107.3MHz in order to reduce and prevent adjacent channel interference with a Thailand radio station in some Kota Bharu areas, Kelantan, Malaysia

 


Currently Fly FM Kota Bharu frequency is FM 107.4MHz, it is launched since late 2007 and transmitted from Media Prima's Peringat tower where Hot FM and Buletin FM transmit there to cover Kota Bharu and surrounding towns.


I was told by my friends who are staying in Kota Bharu and other Kelantan towns about Fly FM 107.4MHz signal reception matter. In Kota Bharu, my friends there said the signal of Fly FM 107.4MHz is not clear in certain part of Kota Bharu, somewhat Fly FM 107.4MHz from Peringat tower is suffering adjacent channel interference with a Thailand radio station which broadcasts on FM 107.5MHz. This gains my attention over the matter.


I checked what is the Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz which interferes Fly FM 107.4MHz coverage in Kota Bharu and Northern Kelantan through Facebook and Google. I realized the FM 107.5MHz is operated by an army radio station where based in Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand.


 

For your information, Lochut, Thailand is located next to Ayer Lanas, Kelantan, Malaysia. The FM 107.5MHz transmission from Lochut already overspills to North Kelantan, causing interference to Fly FM in part of Kota Bharu. I believe this Thailand radio station operates at 1kW transmitter power which is standard output power among all Thailand army radio stations.


Last week, I also checked this Thailand radio station in Gua Musang, Kelantan.


Fly FM 107.4MHz reception is completely locked in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. Interference also happens in Pasir Mas, Wakaf Bharu, Tumpat and Tanah Merah.


To reduce and prevent interference with Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz, Media Prima Audio (MPA) can migrate Fly FM's Kota Bharu frequency a 100kHz step backward from 107.4MHz to 107.3MHz without changing antenna system parameters and transmission site, but this suggestion is also subject to MCMC decision.


Here is a quick analysis of adjacent stations if Fly FM Kota Bharu frequency is on FM 107.3MHz, rather than FM 107.4MHz in order to prevent being interfered by Thailand radio stations within broadcast areas.


Current transmitter power of Fly FM Kota Bharu frequency is 0.25kW.


107.0MHz: SV Sound Radio Sungai Golok, Thailand

107.3MHz: Fly FM Peringat (Kota Bharu)

<300kHz, OK>


107.25MHz: PSU Radio Pattani, Thailand

107.3MHz: Fly FM Peringat (Kota Bharu)

<50kHz, OK> (Note: Pattani is not involved in Malaysia-Thailand border frequency coordination)


107.2MHz: Kelantan FM Dabong (gap filler transmitter)

107.3MHz: Fly FM Peringat

<100kHz, OK>


107.3MHz: Fly FM Peringat

107.5MHz: Lochut, Thailand

<200kHz, OK> (interference reduced if Fly FM migrates from 107.4MHz to 107.3MHz)


107.3MHz: Fly FM Peringat

107.5MHz: Fly FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<200kHz, OK>


107.1MHz: RTM Kelantan FM Bukit Bintang (Besut & Pasir Puteh)**

107.3MHz: Fly FM Peringat

<200kHz, OK> 

**Alternative frequencies of Kelantan FM: 97.3MHz & 102.9MHz


Between Kelantan FM 107.1MHz Bukit Bintang transmitter and Fly FM 107.3MHz Peringat transmitter, I believe it is fine when Fly FM uses 107.3MHz in Kota Bharu and Fly FM 107.3MHz won't interfere Kelantan FM 107.1MHz coverage because Kelantan FM has two alternative frequencies 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar and 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh within Bukit Bintang FM 107.1MHz transmitter's coverage.


If Kelantan FM's listeners hear adjacent channel interference from Fly FM 107.3MHz on FM 107.1MHz in Pasir Puteh and Besut, its listeners can still tune to FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar clearly in affected areas, even FM 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh is still available in those affected areas.


There is also 200kHz frequency separation between Bukit Bintang (Besut) and Kelantan (including Kota Bharu) radio stations.


95.3MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Bintang (Besut)

95.5MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Bakar (Machang + Kota Bharu)


Alternative frequencies:

* Minnal FM: 100.9MHz Bukit Bakar & 106.7MHz Wakaf Che Yeh

* Radio Klasik FM: 101.1MHz Wakaf Che Yeh & 94.3MHz Bukit Bintang 


Besides that, if Fly FM changes its Kota Bharu frequency to 107.3MHz, I believe Fly FM will get more coverage in North Kelantan areas, compare to current FM 107.4MHz because the frequency separation with Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz is getting wider.


I hope Media Prima Audio (MPA) will pay attention to this matter in order to solve the coverage problem. In addition, I hope my suggestion to migrate Fly FM Kota Bharu frequency to 107.3MHz will be considered as further action.

Sunday 21 November 2021

Media Prima Audio can run "single frequency network" for Buletin FM in South Perak and West Pahang by adding 2 repeaters in Bukit Asa and Bukit Fraser on FM 101.3MHz

 

Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM) Klang Valley frequency on 101.3MHz is currently transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi. Back to 7th August 2021, Buletin FM 101.3MHz went downtime transmission from 11am to 3pm, I thought Media Prima moved its transmission site to Gunung Ulu Kali, but it didn't happen, instead perform transmission system repairing in Bukit Sungai Besi.

 

As today, Buletin FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi transmission is limited in Klang Valley (excluding Rawang, Hulu Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Sepang). Unlike Hot FM 97.6MHz transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali, Buletin FM 101.3MHz is not available in West Pahang, and South Perak actually as it is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi.

 

As an alternative to Gunung Ulu Kali, but in order to expand coverage to South Perak and West Pahang with same coverage as Gunung Ulu Kali without moving transmission site, Media Prima can consider to add two more repeater in Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa to cover West Pahang and South Perak respectively on same frequency with FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi transmitter.

 

==Suggestion of adding Buletin FM 101.3MHz repeater==

- 101.3MHz Bukit Fraser to cover West Pahang (Bentong, Raub, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, Bera and Chenor)

* Transmission power: 250W

 

- 101.3MHz Bukit Asa to cover South Perak (Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Terolak, Sungkai) 

* Transmission power: 500W

 

Based the suggestion above, FM 101.3MHz actually runs as Single Frequency Network (SFN) because three different transmitter sites are operating on same frequency.

 

101.3MHz: Bukit Sungai Besi (Klang Valley)

101.3MHz: Bukit Fraser (West Pahang)

101.3MHz: Bukit Asa (South Perak)

 

Bukit Fraser coverage (250W)

Bukit Asa coverage (500W)



To prevent self interference between three transmitters, Buletin FM 101.3MHz is required to use directional antenna in Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa to beam only the targeting areas. Hence, this can prevent signal overspill which cause interference.

 

I do admit this proposal has the limitation actually. Media Prima has to spent more money to add repeater in Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa in order to cover West Pahang and South Perak respectively like Gunung Ulu Kali, somehow the company has to pay more transmission fees annually with the 2 repeaters. As a radio broadcaster, it may not be worth to do so, the radio stations will choose Gunung Ulu Kali when they want to cover Klang Valley, West Pahang and South Perak because they just pay transmission fees for 1 transmitter, rather than 3. 


In addition, it does not guarantee that the coverage of Buletin FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi transmitter with Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa repeaters will be same as Gunung Ulu Kali because Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa repeaters cannot travel so far like Gunung Ulu Kali. 


Maximum coverage of Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa are Chenor in Pahang and Sungkai in Perak respectively, meanwhile Gunung Ulu Kali can transmit beyond these two locations.


IKIM FM 91.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali received in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

 

Generally IKIM FM tuning frequency in Langkawi Island, Kedah is FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai or FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau, Penang), but surprisingly its Klang Valley frequency FM 91.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is received in Langkawi.

 

Sarawut DXer receives IKIM FM 91.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Langkawi today, here is his video:

 

The receiving signal is weak there, but I believe it is a tropospheric propagation actually because Gunung Ulu Kali radio station is not receivable normally in Langkawi.

 

As IKIM FM 91.5MHz signal from Gunung Ulu Kali is caught in Langkawi, so it is the furthest radio station receivable there so far.

 

• Radio Station : IKIM (Radio Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia) 

• Frequency : FM 91.5 MHz 

• Power : 2 kW 

• Transmission Location : Gunung Ulu Kali, Genting Highlands, Pahang State, Malaysia 

• Receiving Location : Tok Ayah Camp 1100 Meter From Seven Wells Waterfall (Air Terjun Telaga Tujuh) Mukim Padang Matsirat, Langkawi Island, Kedah State, Malaysia 

• Distance : 403 KM 

• Time : 1123H  (UTC+8 Malaysia time) 

• Date : 21 November 2021 

• Receiver : SIHUADON R-108 

• Antenna : Telescopic + Earbuds Wire 

• Propagation : Tropospheric

What will it happen if all Kota Bharu commercial radio stations (Astro Radio, Media Prima Audio, Manis FM, IKIM FM and Suria FM) move their transmission sites to Bukit Bakar without changing frequencies?

In Kota Bharu and North Kelantan, many broadcasters are locating in different transmitter sites. 


Astro Radio such as Era FM 103.3MHz, Sinar FM 93.8MHz, Gegar FM 88.1MHz, MY FM 102.3MHz, Melody FM 99.8MHz, Hitz FM 92.8MHz, Mix FM 94.6MHz and Lite FM 104.3MHz are transmitted from Bukit Panau, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.


Media Prima Audio radio stations such as Hot FM 105.1MHz, Fly FM 107.4MHz and Buletin FM 88.6MHz are transmitted from Peringat, Kelantan where the tower is belonged to Media Prima.


IKIM FM 89.8MHz is transmitted from Bukit Panau.


Suria FM 106.1MHz is transmitted from Telipot, meanwhile Manis FM 90.6MHz is transmitted from KBX Tunjung.


Bukit Panau and Tunjung towers are belonged to CELCOM, meanwhile Telipot tower is belonged to Telekom Malaysia (TM).


In fact, there is no any strategic transmitter site to cover Kota Bharu, even large part of Kelantan. One thing that I realize is none of commercial radio broadcasters locate transmitter site in Bukit Bakar to cover Kota Bharu. 


Bukit Bakar is the only strategic transmitter site in Kelantan because it covers larger part of Kelantan, but in Kota Bharu and Tumpat, Bukit Bakar signal reception is not so clear actually. So, this makes commercial broadcasters are not interesting to locate transmitter site there, even Bukit Bakar transmission can cause interference to existing radio stations in Thailand, and Terengganu.


If Kota Bharu commercial radio stations move their transmitter sites to Bukit Bakar, they can interfere Terengganu and Thailand radio stations, hence I make frequency analysis of commercial radio stations if they transmit from Bukit Bakar.


1. Gegar FM 88.1MHz

88.1MHz: Gegar Bukit Bakar

88.25MHz: Narathiwat, Thailand

<150kHz, NOT OK>


88.1MHz: Gegar Bukit Bakar

88.1MHz: Kelantan FM Felda Paloh

<0kHz, NOT OK>

 

87.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

88.1MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


2. Buletin FM 88.6MHz

88.6MHz: Buletin FM Bukit Bakar

88.75MHz: Tak Bai, Thailand

<150kHz, NOT OK>


88.6MHz: Buletin FM Bukit Bakar

88.7MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

88.4MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli)

88.6MHz: Buletin FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK> 

 

3. IKIM FM 89.8MHz

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

90.0MHz: Sungai Golok, Thailand

<200kHz, OK>


89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

90.0MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli)

<200kHz, OK>

 

89.7MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

89.7MHz: Radio Klasik FM Bukit Chupak (Gua Musang)

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK> 

 

4. Manis FM 90.6MHz

90.5MHz: Ai FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

90.6MHz: Manis FM Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK> 


90.6MHz: Manis FM Bukit Bakar

90.7MHz: Nasional FM Paloh

<100kHz, NOT OK>


90.6MHz: Manis FM Bukit Bakar

90.8MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli)

<200kHz, OK>


5. Hitz FM 92.8MHz

92.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Bakar

93.0MHz: Radio Thailand Betong

<200kHz, OK>


92.5MHz: Sungai Padi, Thailand

92.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Bakar

<300kHz, OK>


6. Sinar FM 93.8MHz

93.6MHz: Sinar FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

93.8MHz: Sinar FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


7. Mix FM 94.6MHz

94.3MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Bintang (Besut)

94.6MHz: Mix FM Bukit Bakar

<300kHz, OK> 


94.6MHz: Mix FM Bukit Bakar

94.75MHz: Narathiwat, Thailand

<150kHz, NOT OK>


94.6MHz: Mix FM Bukit Bakar

94.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<200kHz, OK>


8. Melody FM 99.8MHz

99.8MHz: Melody FM Bukit Bakar

100.0MHz: Yala, Thailand (Khao Buyo)

<200kHz, OK>


9. MY FM 102.3MHz

102.3MHz: MY FM Bukit Bakar

102.4MHz: Suria FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

102.3MHz: MY FM Bukit Bakar

102.5MHz: MCOT Yala, Thailand

<200kHz, OK>


101.9MHz: Nasional FM Wakaf Che Yeh

102.3MHz: MY FM Bukit Bakar

<400kHz, OK>


10. Era FM 103.3MHz

103.3MHz: Era FM Bukit Bakar

103.3MHz: Nasional FM Keruak

<0kHz, NOT OK>


11. Lite FM 104.3MHz

104.0MHz: Narathiwat, Thailand

104.3MHz: Lite FM Bukit Bakar

<300kHz, OK>


104.1MHz: Nasional FM Dabong

104.3MHz: Lite FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


12. Hot FM 105.1MHz

105.0MHz: Hot FM Bukit Besar

105.1MHz: Hot FM Bukit Bakar 

<100kHz, NOT OK, self-interference>


104.7MHz: Traxx FM Wakaf Che Yeh

105.1MHz: Hot FM Bukit Bakar

<400kHz, OK>


13. Suria FM 106.1MHz

105.9MHz: Lite FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

106.1MHz: Suria FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>

 

105.7MHz: Ai FM Wakaf Che Yeh

106.1MHz: Suria FM Bukit Bakar

<400kHz, OK>

 

106.1MHz: Suria FM Bukit Bakar

106.5MHz: Radio Thailand Sungai Golok

<400kHz, OK>


14. Fly FM 107.4MHz

107.1MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Bintang (Besut)

107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar 

<300kHz, OK>

 

107.2MHz: Kelantan FM Dabong

107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar

107.5MHz: Lochut, Thailand

<100kHz, NOT OK>


107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar

107.5MHz: Fly FM Bukit Besar

<100kHz, NOT OK> 


By looking the radio frequency analysis above, not all commercial radio stations are safe to transmit from Bukit Bakar to cover Kota Bharu with existing frequencies because it can cause interference to radio stations coverage in Kuala Terengganu, Besut, Gua Musang and Thailand.


However, here are the radio stations list where they safe to transmit from Bukit Bakar with current frequencies.


1. Hitz FM 92.8MHz

2. Sinar FM 93.8MHz

3. Melody FM 99.8MHz

4. Lite FM 104.3MHz

5. Suria FM 106.1MHz


Only 5 out of 14 listed commercial radio stations are safe from interference if they move to Bukit Bakar.


If the commercial radio stations move to Bukit Bakar for Kota Bharu transmission, they have to meet the minimum frequency separation from surrounding transmitter sites by following below, to avoid interference:


- Bukit Bintang: 300kHz

- Bukit Besar: 200kHz

- Bukit Tangki Air: 200kHz

- Bukit Chupak: 200kHz

- Felda Paloh: 300kHz

- Dabong: 200kHz

- Felda Tenang: 200kHz

- Hulu Keruak: 200kHz

- Narathiwat/Sungai Golok/Sungai Padi/Tak Bai/Lochut Thailand: 300kHz

- Yala, Thailand: 200kHz 

- Betong, Thailand: 200kHz


Commercial radio stations don't use Bukit Bakar as Kota Bharu transmitter site because it is very hard to coordinate the frequency as it is very peak there. In terms of commercial value, Kota Bharu market value is not strong as west coast areas. Hence, you will realize there are many different transmitter sites of Kota Bharu radio stations, the advantage is more competition among them to proof which site is the best, rather than monopoly sites.

Saturday 20 November 2021

Furthest Gunung Ledang FM DX: Traxx FM 97.4MHz in Padang Tengku, Pahang.

 

Before my Gua Musang trip on 14th November 2021, the furthest location of Gunung Ledang FM DX was in Kuala Selangor where I received Ai FM 100.4MHz there in 30th April 2017 with 186km receiving distance.

 

On 14th November 2021, I broke my distance record by receiving Traxx FM 97.4MHz from Gunung Ledang in Padang Tengku, Pahang.

 

Padang Tengku is located in Kuala Lipis district, Pahang, a small town between Merapoh and Kuala Lipis.

 

When I was trying to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar signal in Padang Tengku, 97.3MHz was having weak signal, but the signal went zero after receiving for a while. Then, I randomly tuned my dial to FM 97.4MHz, I received Traxx FM on the frequency suddenly in Padang Tengku, Pahang, transmitted from Gunung Ledang. 

 

Video was taken in Padang Tengku, Pahang, nearby Central Spine Road exit.

 

Traxx FM 97.4MHz Gunung Ledang signal went zero again after entering Central Spine Road while I was heading to Gua Musang and Merapoh.

 

- Station name: Traxx FM

- Frequency: FM 97.4MHz

- Power: 2kW

- Transmitter site: Gunung Ledang, Johor

- Receiving site: Padang Tengku, Pahang

- Distance: 220km

- Receiving date/time: 14.11.2021 1019H (UTC+8)

 

Adjacent channel interference with RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar transmitter is not detected so far.

 

Padang Tengku is the furthest location that I did Gunung Ledang FM DX actually.

IKIM FM boleh diterima siarannya di Lojing, Kelantan pada FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang, namun pemancarannya boleh diterima sampai Pos Blau.

 

Tahukah anda? Siaran IKIM FM boleh diterima di Lojing, Kelantan pada FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang.

 

Pemancar IKIM FM 102.7MHz di Gunung Kledang sebenarnya meliputi kawasan Ipoh dan Perak Tengah, manakala Cameron Highlands boleh menerima siaran IKIM FM pada frekuensi yang sama, tetapi IKIM FM 102.7MHz masih ada isyarat di Lojing, Kelantan.

 

Semasa saya memandu dari Gua Musang ke Cameron Highlands, IKIM FM mempunyai isyarat jelas di Pos Brooke (Lojing Kecil) pada 102.7MHz, penerimaan siaran IKIM FM 102.7MHz lebih jelas daripada Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar, walaupun frekuensi itu dipancar dari Gunung Kledang.

 

Selepas saya mengunjungi Cameron Highlands dan kembali ke Gua Musang dengan melalui Jalan Lojing, saya berhenti di Masjid Keputeraan Lojing untuk FM DXing, bagi merakam isyarat radio jauh. 

 

IKIM FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang sangat jelas di Lojing, Kelantan.

 

Semasa saya memandu dari Lojing ke Gua Musang, IKIM FM 102.7MHz masih jelas di Pos Brooke, dan liputan IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang masih boleh diterima sehingga Pos Blau. Tiada isyarat selepas melalui Pos Blau.

 

Di kawasan Lojing, IKIM FM 102.7MHz adalah stesen radio Gunung Kledang yang paling jelas. Saya berasa teruja atas penerimaan isyaratnya di kawasan tersebut, sedangkan stesen radio Gunung Kledang lain sudah lemah di Lojing. Saya mungkin berasa sistem antena IKIM FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang memancar ke arah timur, oleh itu kawasan Lojing boleh menerima siaran IKIM FM 102.7MHz dengan jelas.

 

Jarak antara Gunung Kledang dan kawasan Kelantan Barat Daya ialah 50km-90km.

Thursday 18 November 2021

Radio Thailand Yala is available in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia on FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz.


 

A year ago, there was a DXer receiving Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz (Pattani Malay radio station) in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia. The footage was recorded at Masjid Keputeraan Lojing (English: Lojing Mosque).

 

Between 14th and 17th November 2021, I traveled to Gua Musang actually, then I included my trip to Lojing and Cameron Highlands.

 

I watched the video above previously, so I planned to expand FM DXing activities in Lojing by receiving more Thailand radio stations.

 

I received Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia. Receiving site was located at Masjid Keputeraan Lojing.

 

Lojing is located nearby Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

 

Alongside Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz, I also tried to receive other Thailand radio stations in Lojing, Kelantan.

 

MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz is receivable there, but signal is not clear, meanwhile Thailand Parliament Radio FM 89.0MHz is not receivable there because it is interfered by Radio Klasik FM 89.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang. 

 

I tried to receive any Thailand radio stations from Narathiwat, Betong, Sungai Padi, Sungai Golok and Pattani, no signal were available in Lojing, Kelantan.

 

However, Masjid Lojing is the best location to receive Radio Thailand Yala (92.0/94.25/95.0) and MCOT Yala 102.5 on FM radio frequencies, but these Thai radio stations signal went unstable and faded when going downhill to Pos Brooke. 

 

Thailand radio stations are no longer receivable in Pos Brooke, even no signal after stepping into Pahang border (Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands).

 

FM 92.0MHz and FM 94.25MHz broadcast in Thai language, meanwhile FM 95.0MHz is in Pattani Malay (Bahasa Melayu Pattani). Actually Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz is very popular in North Kelantan, alongside Kelantan FM, Manis FM and Gegar.

 

==Radio Thailand Yala in Lojing, Kelantan, Malaysia==

* Frequency: FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz & FM 95.0MHz

* Power: 10kW (for FM 92.0MHz), 1kW (for FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz)

* Transmission site: Khao Pok Yo, Bannang Sata District, Yala Province, Thailand

* Receiving site: Masjid Keputeraan Lojing, Kelantan, Malaysia

* Distance: 193km

* Receiving date: 15th November 2021 between 1358H to 1420H (UTC+8) 

 

==Thailand radio stations availability in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia, based on provinces==

 

1. Yala (Khao Pok Yo)

- FM 92.0MHz: Available 

- FM 94.25MHz: Available

- FM 95.0MHz: Available

- FM 102.5MHz: Available, but weak signal

- FM 89.0MHz: No signal

- FM 93.0MHz (Betong): No signal


2. Narathiwat

- FM 88.25MHz: No signal

- FM 92.5MHz (Sungai Padi): No signal

- FM 94.75MHz: No signal

- FM 96.0MHz: No signal

- FM 98.25MHz: No signal

- FM 99.1MHz: No signal

- FM 106.5MHz (Sungai Golok): No signal

- FM 107.75MHz: No signal 

 

3. Pattani

- FM 107.25MHz: No signal

- FM 91.0MHz: No signal

 

Exact tested location: Masjid Keputeraan Lojing

Siaran RTM Pahang FM boleh diikuti di sebahagian negeri Kelantan, FM 107.5MHz dan FM 100.3MHz

 

RTM Pahang FM ialah stesen radio negeri untuk Pahang, dan siaran Pahang FM boleh didengari di seluruh negeri Pahang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak Selatan, Terengganu Selatan dan sebahagian Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, dan Johor, tetapi Pahang FM masih boleh diterima di sebahagian kecil negeri Kelantan. 

 

Di sini adalah kawasan negeri Kelantan yang boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM dengan frekuensi bawah berikut:

 

1. FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

- dari Taman Wangi ke Bandar Gua Musang (163km)

- Rantau Manis (173km)

- Sebahagian Pos Blau 

- Kuala Betis (163km) 

 

2. FM 100.3MHz Gunung Brinchang

- Lojing (hanya kawasan Masjid Keputeraan Lojing) [11km]

 

Pahang FM 107.5MHz adalah stesen radio Gunung Ulu Kali yang hanya boleh diterima di Bandar Gua Musang, tetapi Pahang FM 107.5MHz mempunyai gangguan frekuensi sama dengan sebuah stesen radio Thailand dari Lochut di kawasan tersebut.

 

Pemancaran FM 100.3MHz dari Gunung Brinchang hanya boleh diterima sehingga Masjid Lojing, lepas itu isyarat jadi lemah semasa turun bukit dari Lojing ke Pos Brooke. Isyarat Pahang FM 100.3MHz sudah tidak dapat diterima sepenuhnya dari Pos Brooke, manakala FM 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali boleh diterima di sebahagian Pos Blau, cuma kurang stabil isyaratnya.