Since March 2019, I attempted to propose BFM to launch Penang frequency on 102.9MHz by using Bukit Sungai Kechil transmitter in Bandar Baharu, Kedah.
Previously I wrote an article about my concern if I proposed Bukit Sungai Kechil transmitter on 102.9MHz for BFM Penang frequency transmission which I wrote 2 years ago.
Recently I visited Penang for radio DXing and holiday, I went to Georgetown on 26th November 2024 and conducted the distant radio signal monitoring of Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter at two locations in Georgetown such as KOMTAR and Gurney.
As there is no terrain between Perlis and Georgetown of East Penang Island, RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh signal can overspill to part of Penang, some of Georgetown areas can receive this radio station loudly, but weakly.
I managed to catch RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz signal at two different locations of Georgetown such as Gurney Drive and Komtar tower.
At the 65th floor of Komtar tower, Perlis FM signal could be detected when I tuned at top floor of Komtar tower, but facing to the north.
In the vicnity of Gurney area, Perlis FM 102.9MHz could be tuned weakly on the ground, but Gurney has high rise buildings and condominiums, so Perlis FM 102.9MHz has clear signal when listen at higher floor of the buildings and condominiums in Gurney, Penang.
When it comes to this situation, BFM 102.9MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil will have co-channel interference with Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter in Georgetown, Gurney, and Tanjung Bungah, even BFM 102.9MHz will be interfered by Perlis FM in Kepala Batas of North Seberang Perai district, Penang.
Co-channel interference between BFM and Perlis FM in Georgetown on 102.9MHz likely happens for those listeners tune at higher floors of the office buildings and residential apartments/condominiums.
In addition, the transmission of BFM 102.9MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil for Penang can cause interference to IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting coverage in South Penang and part of Kedah.
During my departure from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur on 27th November 2024, I dropped by Parit Buntar to have Chinese breakfast via Bandar Baharu toll exit. From Bandar Baharu toll exit to Parit Buntar town, I monitored IKIM FM 89.0MHz (Gunung Jerai) and 102.7MHz (Bukit Genting) signal all the way, the radio reception of IKIM FM 102.7MHz is clearer than 89.0MHz in Bandar Baharu, Kedah overall.
IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting transmitter mainly covers Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar in southwest of Penang Island where 89.0MHz Gunung Jerai transmitter cannot be received there, but it also covers 89.0MHz Gunung Jerai blindspot coverage in South Kedah like Selama, Bandar Baharu and Lubuk Buntar. If BFM uses 102.9MHz in Bukit Sungai Kechil, the IKIM FM's listeners who tune on 102.7MHz in Bandar Baharu, and Selama, Kedah will hear interference noise of BFM, while 89.0MHz signal is weak there.
On PLUS highway from Nibong Tebal to Bandar Baharu toll exit interchange, IKIM FM 89.0MHz signal becomes weak, then I switch to 102.7MHz, the signal is clearer than 89.0MHz. This means that IKIM FM is tuned on 102.7MHz in Bandar Baharu, Kedah. In addition, IKIM FM in Selama, Kedah is also tuned on 102.7MHz because 89.0MHz is very weak there.
In conclusion, FM 102.9MHz is not suitable for Bukit Sungai Kechil transmission due to interference to IKIM FM 102.7MHz coverage in Bandar Baharu, Kedah where 89.0MHz is weak. As there are no available frequencies and transmitter sites for Penang, therefore there is no way of BFM to expand coverage there after a detailed on site radio field stength test and DXing, but due to the growth of digital technology, BFM Radio is available in Penang, even the whole world via online streaming platform and BFM mobile application.
Penang people can tune to BFM via mobile app, podcasts and online streaming platform.
==RF analysis of BFM 102.9MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil transmission for Penang (as 29th November 2024 after conducting a detailed radio DXing and on site field strength test)==
102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil
102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh
* Frequency separation: 0kHz
* Result: Co-channel interference between two radio stations in Gurney and some Georgetown high rise buildings
102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting
102.9MHz: BFM Bukit Sungai Kechil
* Frequency separation: 200kHz
* Result: Adjacent channel inteference to IKIM FM 102.7MHz coverage in Bandar Baharu & Selama, Kedah
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