RF Analysis: Thailand (Yala) vs. Malaysia

In Yala Thailand, there is many radio stations. For public radio stations, their transmitter sites are located in a hill between Yala and Narathiwat border.

For empty frequencies, 93.75MHz and 95.75MHz can be nominated.

1. FM 93.75MHz Yala
- vs. Bukit Panau= 50kHz, NOT OK
- vs. Bukit Larut= 150kHz, OK
- vs. Gunung Jerai= 150kHz, OK
- vs. Pattani= 250kHz, OK
- vs. Satun= 0kHz, OK

2. FM 95.75MHz Yala
- vs. Gerik= 350kHz, OK
- vs. Bukit Penara= 50kHz, OK
- vs. Satun= 250kHz, OK
- vs. Bukit Bakar= 250kHz, OK

3. FM 93.75MHz Betong
- vs. Bukit Panau= 50kHz,  OK
- vs. Bukit Larut= 150kHz, OK
- vs. Gunung Jerai= 150kHz, OK

Among all Yala vacant frequencies with exclusion of existing vacant frequencies which are discussed between MCMC and NBTC in 2011, 95.75MHz is one of best frequency in Yala.

List of interference Malaysia and Thailand analogue TV stations within international coordination

Here are the list of interference analogue TV stations between Malaysia-Thailand-Singapore.

1. TV3 and MediaCorp Suria
- TV3: CH12 Gunung Ledang
- MediaCorp Suria: CH12 Bukit Batok
Affected areas: Central Johor
Alternative frequencies:
- TV3 CH30 Gunung Pulai

2. RTM TV1 and Thai PBS
- TV1: CH27 Padang Pauh
- Thai PBS: CH27 Satun
Affected areas: Perlis, North Kedah
Alternative frequencies:
- TV1 CH35 Gunung Raya
- Thai PBS CH34 Songkhla

3. RTM TV2 and Channel 3 Thailand
- TV2: CH11 Gunung Jerai
- Channel 3 Thailand: CH11 Satun
Affected areas: North Kedah
Alternative frequencies:
- TV2 CH39 Gunung Raya
- Channel 3 Thailand CH38 Songkhla

4. RTM TV1 and Mediacorp Channel U
- TV1: CH28 Gunung Ledang
- Channel U: CH28 Bukit Batok
Affected areas: Central Johor
Alternative frequencies:
- TV1 CH55 Gunung Pulai

5. NTV7 and Thai PBS
- NTV7: CH37 Gunung Jerai
- Thai PBS: CH37 Yala
Affected areas: Kedah
Alternative frequencies:
- Thai PBS CH34 Songkhla

About Asyik FM broadcast coverage

Asyik FM is the only Orang Asli language radio station in Malaysia, which is operated by RTM, formerly known as Radio7, but its broadcast coverage is not wide like other RTM national stations, could be "politic impact" reason.

Here are the current frequencies of Asyik FM nationwide:

- 91.1MHz: Kuala Lumpur Tower (for Klang Valley)
- 102.5MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali (for Pahang, Selangor, South Perak, parts of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka/Johor)
- 95.6MHz: Gunung Ledang (low power transmission 250W, for Segamat and Tangkak only)
- 105.1MHz: Gunung Brinchang (for Cameron Highlands)
- 97.3MHz: Bukit Ladang Teh (for Lenggong and part of Gerik)
- 99.9MHz: Bukit Botak (for Damak)
- 89.3MHz: Ulu Tembeling

In my opinion, among all the frequencies above. Only 102.5Mhz and 95.6MHz transmitter sites are strategic. The rest are gap filler transmitters, which operated at 500W power.

Asyik FM actually need to launch two more transmitters in strategic site, there are:

- Gunung Kledang for Central Perak
- Bukit Pelindung for East Pahang
- Changkat Rembian for Tapah
- Memplam Sari for Gerik

Rest strategic sites like Gn Jerai, Gn Pulai are not necessary because these areas have less Orang Asli..

But Asyik FM can be received nationwide via Shortwave SW 6050kHz

Bukit Gan empty radio frequencies spetrum analysis

Here are the vacant frequencies which likely can be used in Bukit Gan, Seremban.

- 89.1MHz, 90.1MHz, 90.9MHz, 99.1MHz, 99.9MHz, 101.1MHz and 105.5MHz.

RF analysis:

88.9MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
89.1MHz: Bukit Gan
Results: 200kHz, OK

89.1MHz: Bukit Gan
89.3MHz: KL Tower
Results: 200kHz, OK

89.9MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
90.1MHz: Bukit Gan
Results: 200kHz, OK

90.1MHz: Bukit Gan
90.3MHz: KL Tower
Results: 200kHz, OK

90.1MHz: Bukit Gan
90.3MHz: Gunung Ledang
Results: 200kHz, OK

90.7MHz: UPM
90.9MHz: Bukit Gan
Results: 200kHz, OK

90.9MHz: Bukit Gan
91.1MHz: KL Tower
Results: 200kHz, OK

90.9MHz: Bukit Gan
91.1MHz:Gunung Ledang
Results: 200kHz, OK

100.9MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
101.1MHz: Bukit Gan
Results: 200kHz, OK

101.1MHz: Bukit Gan
101.3MHz: Bukit Sungai Besi/Gunung Ulu Kali
Results: 200kHz, OK

101.1MHz: Bukit Gan
101.1MHz: Bukit Pelindung
Results: 0kHz, OK

101.1MHz: Bukit Gan
101.1MHz: Gunung Pulai
Results: 0kHz, OK

105.3MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
105.5MHz: Bukit Gan
105.7MHz: Gunung Ulu Kali
Results: 200kHz, Not OK, too stiff

105.3MHz: Gunung Ledang
105.5MHz: Bukit Gan
Results: 200kHz, OK

Impressive moment of FM DXing: One FM 90.9MHz for Negeri Sembilan?

Actually one FM Seremban frequency is 88.3MHz, transmitted from Bukit Gan, Seremban, N. Sembilan. Coverage is limited for Seremban and surrounding areas only.

Back to August 2010, I had scanned the FM radio frequencies band nearby my home by using my security guard Sanyo radio receiver.

One FM in my area is on 88.1MHz, but I accidentally scanned there was a Chinese radio station on 90.9MHz after Minnal FM 90.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok while I was tuning to Asyik FM 102.5MHz.

I was wondered how comes 90.9MHz can be received as Chinese radio station. In addition, one FM 88.1MHz was playing commercials, then 90.9MHz was also playing same content with 88.1MHz.

During that time, the radio receiver was analogue tuning.

This moment was 6 years. I had tried 90.9MHz in my car, but nothing signal on that frequency.

I speculated one FM might have trial transmission in Gunung Telapak Burok before on FM 90.9MHz, alongside with 88.3MHz Bukit Gan. I guessed 90.9MHz was only "on-off" transmission in Gunung Telapak Burok by One FM, but this trial transmission was only short term.

Based on my findings, I don't think 90.9MHz can be used in Gunung Telapak Burok as the transmission can interfere UPM Putra FM 90.7MHz and Asyik FM 91.1MHz within Klang Valley and Southern Selangor areas.

If one FM didn't perform short term trial transmission on 90.9MHz in Gunung Telapak Burok, I think there was modulation on 90.9MHz.

FM DXing: Use analog or digital device?

FM DXing is a hobby of receiving and identifying distant radio or television signals.

There are some device to do FM DXing, mainly analog and digital sources.

- Analog:
1. Audio cassette (use cheapest Type 1 ferric tape; such as TDK D46, Maxell UR46, shorter length like TDK D30/D10 is better)
2. Radio cassette player/boombox/audio tape desk with FM-AM-SW-LW band

Tape: C10, C30 and C46 are enough for FM DXing, meanwhile C60, C90 are not necessary.

- Digital:
1. Smartphones with FM radio apps
2. Earphones (worked as antenna)
3. Video recorder
4. Voice recorder
5. Windows Movie Maker (to convert audio to video)
6. MP3 converter

To me, I prefer using digital devices because it's easier and more convenient.

Although using audio cassette to record radio reception audio was an old fashion, but it is costly if send the tape to broadcasters.

==Disadvantages of using analog sources to do FM DXing==:
1. Costly (buying audio tapes)
2. Longer time to duplicate copy of the audio
3. Unable to convert to digital files with same quality if don't use professional software.
4. Cannot share the audio to digital platform

==Advantage of using digital sources to do FM DXing==
1. Can convert files to mp3, video mp4
2. In terms of submission, the files can be sent via email.
3. Can do duplicate copies instantly
4. No additional cost to do FM DXing.

Gunung Kledang and Gunung Brinchang vacant FM frequencies

Currently vacant FM frequencies for Ipoh Perak are getting limited as many broadcasters occupied the frequencies, no matter from Gunung Kledang itself, also Bukit Larut, Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Ulu Kali, and Changkat Rembian.

Last year, I had listed out three vacant frequencies of Gunung Kledang Ipoh. There are 93.3MHz, 94.9MHz and 93.9MHz. 

Among these three vacant frequencies, I don't really suggest 93.9MHz to be occupied by any stations in Gunung Kledang because of Bernama Radio 24. In case if Bernama Radio24 is willing to expand its coverage to greater Klang Valley and neighboring states like Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan, this can cause Bernama Radio24 will be unable to migrate its site to strategic location, Gunung Ulu Kali.

In addition, if 93.3MHz is occupied in Gunung Kledang, the 93.9MHz shall not be occupied in Gn Kledang as 300kHz plus minus to Hitz FM 93.6MHz Bukit Larut.

About FM 94.9MHz, basically it can be used in Gunung Kledang, but I found that 94.9MHz Gn Kledang can interfere to the coverage of Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai.

Look at this:

 

Interference in Kedah! Minimum frequency separation between Gunung Jerai and Gunung Kledang must be 100kHz.

For Gunung Kledang, only 93.3MHz can be occupied, but I already suggested this frequency to BFM 89.9 to cover Ipoh and Central Perak. 

In October 2015, Media Prima acquired CLSB and the stations Ultra and Pi Mai become Kool FM since March 2016. I find the Kool FM also face its difficulties to reach Perak, but I suggest Kool FM to cover Ipoh by launching a transmitter in Bukit Larut on FM 105.7MHz.

There may be a battle between BFM 89.9 and Kool FM to get FM 93.3MHz in Gunung Kledang for Ipoh. If one of them is failed to get 93.3MHz in Gunung Kledang, the station need to use Gunung Brinchang to cover Ipoh.

==Vacant frequencies in Gunung Kledang==

- FM 93.3MHz

==Vacant frequencies in Bukit Larut==

- FM 105.7MHz

==Vacant frequencies in Gunung Brinchang==

- FM 89.5MHz

- FM 102.3MHz

- FM 105.9MHz

- FM 107.3MHz

Gunung Brinchang coordination: 4°31'2.94''N, 101°22'56.9''E

RTM also has its radio and TV transmitters in Gunung Brinchang. As I know so far, RTM radio stations in Gunung Brinchang are increased transmission power to 0.5kW from old 0.1kW as RTM already upgraded all its gap filler transmitters to 0.5kW since 2014. I was told by MCMC that RTM already upgraded its transmitter power. Bukit Larut is increased to 1kW.

RTM upgraded its Gunung Brinchang stations power to 0.5kW, that's why some Selangor areas like Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar, Sekinchan, Tanjung Karang and some Kuala Selangor areas can get the signal weakly. Normally 0.1kW can't reach there.

RTM Gunung Brinchang 0.5kW power can transmit to Kuala Lipis, and Merapoh areas. 

In order to cover Ipoh and surrounding areas with minimum field strength 54dBuV/m by using Gunung Brinchang, the transmitter power must be at least 2kW.

Now, let's talk about the RF analysis of Gunung Brinchang vacant frequencies.

1. ==FM 89.5MHz== 

- vs. FM 89.6MHz Bukit Asa: 100kHz, OK

- vs. FM 89.3MHz Bukit Larut: 200kHz, OK

- vs. FM 89.7MHz Bukit Chupak: 200kHz, best

2. ==FM 102.3MHz==

- vs. FM 102.0MHz Changkat Rembian: 300kHz, OK

- vs. FM 102.1MHz Bukit Larut: 200kHz, OK

- vs. FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: OK

3. ==FM 105.9MHz==

- vs. FM 105.7MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz, OK

- vs. FM 106.1MHz Bukit Larut: 200kHz, not OK

- vs. FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut (suggest for Kool FM): not OK 

4. ==FM 107.3MHz==

- vs. FM 107.1MHz Bukit Larut: 200kHz, OK

- vs. FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz, OK

5. ==FM 107.7MHz==

-vs. FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali and FM 107.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (if migrated): Not OK

- vs. FM 107.9MHz Bukit Larut: 200kHz, OK

Raya sudah sampai! Kool FM masih tak memperluaskan liputan siaran ke?

Kool FM telah dilancarkan pada 1 Mac 2016 oleh Media Prima. Setakat ini, Kool FM hanya bersiaran pada 101.3MHz dari Bukit Sungai Besi untuk Lembah Klang, dan 90.2MHz dari Bukit Penara untuk Pulau Pinang dan Kedah Selatan.

Raya sudah sampai... Nak balik kampung ni...

Kool FM tak memperluaskan liputan siaran mereka ke? Orang nak balik kampung untuk menyambut Hari Raya ni.. Tetapi tak dapat siaran Kool FM, saya tak nak melepaskan rancangan Kool FM... Bagaimana ya?

Jawapan: Muat turun applikasi Kool FM telefon pintar dan dengar di talian...

Eihh... Habis lah data internet aku... Kalau saya balik kampung memandu sampai dengar Kool FM melalui applikasi mobile, bluetooth dan pakai wayar AUX... Batteri telefon bimbit saya cepat mati... Kena ada charger untuk back up...

Dengar kat radio lagi senang...

Sebenarnya Kool FM sekurang-kurangnya perlu menambah 3 pemancar lagi dan mengubah parameter pemancar untuk Lembah Klang sebelum Raya 2016. Iaitu:

- Gunung Ledang (Melaka, Johor Utara): cadangan 100.9MHz
- Bukit Larut (Taiping, Kuala Kangsar dan Ipoh): cadangan 105.7MHz
- Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan): cadangan 103.7MHz

Cakap pasal frekuensi Lembah Klang dahulu!

Frekuensi Kool FM di Lembah Klang ialah 101.3MHz, tetapi tempat pemancarannya kurang strategik kerana Bukit Sungai Besi memang tak boleh memancar ke seluruh Selangor, Perak Selatan dan Pahang Barat.

Tempat pemancar Kool FM 101.3MHz sepatutnya dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali, Selangor. Oleh itu, Kool FM 101.3MHz boleh didengari di banyak kawasan lagi. Nak balik kampung ke Pantai Timur, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, boleh dengar Kool FM sampai Maran, Tapah, Manjung, dan Rembau.

Gunung Ulu Kali ialah tempat pemancar radio dan TV yang paling strategik dan nilai komersilnya tinggi kerana ia boleh meliputi seluruh Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak Selatan, Pahang Barat dan beberapa kawasan Negeri Sembilan, Melaka serta Johor Utara.

Ok, jom cakap pasal wilayah selatan pula..

Kool FM perlu melancarkan frekuensi di Gunung Ledang untuk Melaka dan Johor Utara sebelum Raya 2016... Untuk orang yang balik kampung ke wilayah selatan, sekurang-kurangnya boleh dengar pada radio.... Gunung Ledang boleh meliputi Melaka, Johor Utara dan Negeri Sembilan Tengah. 100.9MHz mungkin sesuai...

Dengan pemancar Gunung Ledang, sekurang-kurangnya Kool FM boleh didengari di Johor Bahru, tetapi penerimaannya lemah.

Untuk Perak pula...

Perak memang tak dapat Kool FM... 101.3MHz memang tak de signal... Jika 101.3MHz dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali... Tanjung Malim, Bidor, Tapah, Teluk Intan, Sitiawan, Sungkai, Slim River, dan Langkap boleh dapat lah..

90.2MHz dari Bukit Penara boleh diterima di Bagan Serai, Kamunting, Parit Buntar dan sebahagian kawasan Taiping. Bagaimana Ipoh pula?

Ipoh memang tak dapat Kool FM...

Kool FM sepatutunya perlu mengadakan frekuensi di Bukit Larut untuk Taiping, Kuala Kangsar dan beberapa bahagian Kinta/Ipoh.

Sekurang-kurangnya Ipoh boleh dapat Kool FM dari Bukit Larut, tetapi penerimaan kurang jelas.

Terdapat sebab juga saya tidak sebut pasal cadang di Gunung Kledang... Iaitu Gunung Kledang tidak ada frekuensi kosong lagi.. Sebelum ini, saya mencadangkan FM 94.9MHz Gunung Kledang, tetapi analisa telah gagal akibat gangguan teruk kepada liputan Gunung Jerai 94.9MHz.

Bukit Larut hanya 1 frekuensi saje.. Iaitu FM 105.7MHz...

Frekuensi lain seperti 88.8Mhz, 92.4Mhz memang tidak boleh pakai kerana gangguan teruk.

Jika Kool FM melancarkan frekuensinya di Bukit Larut 105.7MHz, sementara waktu boleh meliputi Ipoh juga, tetapi kawasan lain Perak Tengah akan mengalami gangguan dengan Lite FM 105.7MHz Gunung Ulu Kali...

Untuk wilayah Pantai Timur pula? Kool FM sekurang-kurang perlu melancarkan pemancarnya di Bukit Pelindung untuk Pahang Timur/Kuantan. 103.7MHz mungkin sesuai kot...?

Nantikan lah...

Di sini, admin blogger Philip DXing Log Malaysia ingin mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri kepada rakan-rakan yang beragama Islam. Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

Radio frequency analysis on FM 102.9MHz, FM 103.0MHz and FM 103.1MHz in Northern Malaysia

RF analysis of FM 102.9MHz- FM 103.1MHz in Northern Malaysia.

FM 102.9MHz
- Bukit Larut: Not OK, co-channel interference with Padang Pauh
- Bukit Penara: Not OK, co-channel interference with Padang Pauh
- Bukit Tokun: Not OK, co-channel interference with Padang Pauh
- Seberang Jaya: Not OK, co-channel interference with Padang Pauh
- Gunung Jerai: Not OK, co-channel interference with Padang Pauh
- Bukit Palong: Not OK, 200kHz with Bukit Dedap

FM 103.0MHz:
- Bukit Larut: Not OK, 100kHz interference with Padang Pauh and 300kHz with Bukit Larut
- Bukit Penara: Not OK, 100kHz interference with Padang Pauh
- Bukit Tokun: OK
- Seberang Jaya: Not OK, 100kHz interference with Padang Pauh
- Gunung Jerai: Not OK, 100kHz interference with Padang Pauh
- Bukit Palong: Not OK, 300kHz with Bukit Dedap

FM 103.1MHz
- Bukit Larut: Not OK, 200kHz interference with Bukit Larut
- Bukit Penara: Not OK, 200kHz interference with Bukit Larut
- Bukit Tokun: Not OK, 200kHz interference with Bukit Larut
- Seberang Jaya: Not OK, 200kHz interference with Bukit Larut
- Gunung Jerai: Not OK, 200kHz interference with Bukit Larut and Padang Pauh
- Bukit Palong: OK.

IKIM FM 89.0MHz can be received in Penang and North Perak since 7 June 2016

Formerly IKIM FM Kedah-Perlis frequency FM 89.0MHz was transmitted from Lower Gunung Jerai.

Among all frequencies, certain of IKIM FM transmitter tower were under Celcom. There were:

- 91.5MHz Bukit Cincin (Klang Valley)
- 93.6MHz SMRX Pending (Kuching)
- 93.9MHz Bukit Kokol (Kota Kinabalu)
- 89.0MHz Lower Jerai (Kedah-Perlis)

Kuching frequency was changed to 93.7MHz, transmitted from Bukit Djin since 26 April 2016, meanwhile KK frequency FM 93.9MHz was transmitted from Bukit Karatong, Sabah.

Lower Jerai can't cover Penang and North Perak.

IKIM FM 89.0MHz Lower Jerai has same frequency with Thailand Parliament Radio Bannang Sata, Yala transmitter. What I find is IKIM FM 89.0MHz was interfered by Thailand radio station heavily in Kedah during past many years.

The station that I received in Penang on FM 89.0MHz was Thailand radio station from Yala before.

During the unofficial meetings with MCMC, I also highlighted about this issue and I suggested Taiping frequency for IKIM FM before, but I denied since April 2016.

Before IKIM FM 89.0MHz transmitted from Upper Jerai, Penang had to receive 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting temporarily with weaker signal.

I got the news stated that IKIM FM would move its 89.0MHz transmitter to Upper Jerai on April 2016 after I submitted the modified parameter of IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting.

On 7 June 2016, IKIM FM 89.0MHz can be received clearly in Kedah, Perlis, Langkawi, Penang and North Perak. Before this, Taiping and North Perak needed to receive FM 102.7MHz from Gunung Kledang, but interference with Bukit Genting in Bagan Serai, Kamunting and Semanggol. After IKIM FM 89.0MHz moved to Upper Jerai, I believe that Thailand Parliament Radio Station Yala frequency FM 89.0MHz will be interfered within Yala and Narathiwat districts and frequency will be changed with Malaysia-Thailand Joint Technical Committee approvals. IKIM FM listeners in Taiping and North Perak does not need to tune to FM 102.7MHz anymore, just tune to 89.0MHz.

In my opinion, Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 89.0MHz from Yala can change to this frequency, either FM 87.5MHz, FM 101.5MHz, FM 100.7MHz, FM 107.3MHz or FM 105.5MHz.

After IKIM FM 89.0MHz transmission is heavily upgraded, I believe that Capital FM 88.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali can't be received in North Perak, but Capital FM can be received there on FM 107.6MHz from Bukit Penara.

During these three years, I had involved for attempting to suggest frequencies to IKIM FM before.

Here are my attempts:

- FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut (September 2013 till December 2013, then May 2014 till August 2015)
- FM 102.9MHz Bukit Penara (December 2013 till May 2014, then January 2016 till 31 March 2016)
- FM 105.5MHz Bukit Palong (short attempt period, from September 2015 till October 2015)
- FM 105.7MHz Bukit Gantang (short attempt period, May 2015)
- FM 88.8MHz Bukit Larut (short attempt period, August 2015 till November 2015)
- FM 93.2MHz Bukit Larut (short attempt period, April 2016)
- FM 89.0MHz migrated to Upper Jerai (December 2013)

The frequencies above with exception of 89.0MHz become "past tense".

==Frequencies of IKIM FM for Perak==

FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang: Ipoh, Sungkai, Bidor, Teluk Intan, Kuala Kangsar, Padang Rengas, Lumut, Pangkor, Sitiawan, Seri Iskandar, Beruas, Parit, Simpang Pulai, Pantai Remis, Changkat Jering, Sauk.

FM 89.0MHz Upper Gunung Jerai: Taiping, Gerik, Pengkalan Hulu, Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Selama, Bagan Serai, Lenggong