FM 93.75MHz Betong Thailand analysis

93.75MHz Yala: Interference
93.75MHz Betong: OK

==Parameter of Betong FM==
Frequency: FM 93.75MHz (use Thailand radio two decimal frequency format)
Power: 1kW
Transmitting location: Betong Thailand
GPS: 05°45'44''N 101°04'04''E

RF analysis of FM 93.75MHz Betong

- 93.75MHz: Betong
- 93.9MHz: Gunung Jerai
Spacing: 150kHz
Actual minimum spacing: 200kHz

- 93.75MHz: Betong
- 93.8MHz: Bukit Panau
Spacing: 50kHz
Actual minimum spacing: 200kHz

For transmission power, maximum is 1kW, but 0.75kW is better and safer to be used.

RF Analysis: FM 94.0MHz in Southern Thailand East Coast

FM 94.0MHz is empty frequency in 3 Southern Thailand provinces such as Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, but occupied in Songkhla Hat Yai and Satun.


RF analysis of FM 94.0MHz

1. Yala

94.0MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
94.25MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: NOT OK

93.9MHz: Gn Jerai
94.0MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: 100kHz, OK

93.8MHz: Bkt Panau
94.0Mhz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: 200kHz, small interference

2. Narathiwat

94.0MHz: Narathiwat
94.25MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: OK

93.9MHz: Gn Jerai
94.0MHz: Narathiwat
Result: 100kHz, OK

93.8MHz: Bkt Panau
94.0Mhz: Narathiwat
Result: 200kHz, NOT OK

3. Pattani

94.0MHz: Pattani
94.25MHz: Yala (Bannang Sata)
Result: OK

93.9MHz: Gn Jerai
94.0MHz: Pattani
Result: 100kHz, OK

93.8MHz: Bkt Panau
94.0Mhz: Pattani
Result: 200kHz, OK

94.0MHz: Pattani
94.0MHz: Hat Yai
Result: NOT OK

4. Sungai Kolok/Sg Padi (same result with Narathiwat)

Conclusion: FM 94.0MHz only can be used by community radio station in Narathiwat and Pattani, but power must not be more than 500W.

 

After IKIM FM 89.0MHz transmitted from Upper Jerai, what will happen to Thailand radio station?

Before June 2016, Malaysia Islamic radio station, IKIM FM Kedah-Penang-Perlis frequency was heavily interfered by Thailand Parliament Channel 89.0MHz from Yala Thailand in Kedah and Penang, even some areas in Penang got Thailand station on 89.0MHz.

In April 2016, I got some breaking news from MCMC spectrum people, stated that IKIM FM 89.0MHz will be transmitted from Upper Jerai, effective since June 2016. At the same time, I did not forget to mention about affected Thailand radio station in Yala to them.

MCMC told me that they'll study about affected Thailand radio during JTC and Special Task Force with Thailand NBTC.

In my opinion, after IKIM FM 89.0MHz is transmitted from Upper Jerai, most of Penang and North Perak areas can receive clearly. Formerly Betong and Pengkalan Hulu Perak can get Thailand radio station on 89.0MHz, now the station is overlapped by IKIM FM, even some Yala and Pattani areas within broadcast coverage of 89.0MHz will be interfered by IKIM FM.

What are the solution?

1. Add another relay transmitter in Betong Thailand
- My comment: I don't think Thailand Parliament Channel will add transmitter in Betong Thailand because of no commercial value. In addition, Betong is a small town in Yala. For the radio coverage, Betong is same as RTM Gerik and Bukit Palong, cover the areas within 25-30km only.

2. Change the existing frequency 89.0MHz
- This can directly to solve the interference, but pay with high costs because to change the transmission equipment completely.

In 2014 and 2015, I had suggested several vacant frequencies for this station in Yala. There are 87.5MHz, and 105.5MHz.

I had studied these two frequencies, basically they can be used, but at last I found "not OK" because interference to Narathiwat local community radio stations. FM 87.5MHz and FM 105.5MHz are also used within Narathiwat province.

Recently I studied a new frequency which may be suitable to be used in Yala, there is FM 95.75MHz.

This frequency looks good actually. It is "interference free" frequency. Look at the analysis

1. FM 95.7MHz Yala vs. RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Bakar 95.5MHz
Spacing: 250kHz, OK

2. FM 95.75MHz Yala vs. RTM Nasional FM Gerik 95.4MHz
Spacing: 350kHz, OK

3. FM 95.75MHz Yala vs. RTM Mutiara FM Bukit Penara 95.7MHz
Spacing: 50kHz, OK
Note: Bukit Penara is excluded from international coordination.

In conclusion, Thailand Parliament radio station can change its Yala frequency to FM 95.75MHz.

==Suggested parameters of Thai Parliament Channel Yala frequency==
Frequency: FM 95.75MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitting location: Khao Pokyo, Bannang Sata, Yala, Thailand
Coordination: 06°20'10''N 101°23'26''E

If 95.75MHz is occupied in Yala, Mutiara FM Bukit Penara 95.7MHz will be interfered in Central and East Kedah, but it is ok because these areas are not coverage of 95.75Mhz Yala.

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