Sunday, 11 November 2018

RTM Hulu Langat radio station. Asyik FM can have Hulu Langat frequency 102.2MHz.

On September 2017, I received FM 92.0MHz in Balakong, Selangor, but it was RTM Nasional FM. During that time, I had no idea where is FM 92.0MHz signal transmitted from.

So, I was going to ask for inquiry to RTM by sending email with few attachments regarding FM 92.0MHz transmission. So, I got replied from RTM. The broadcaster stated that FM 92.0MHz was transmitted from Hulu Langat as gap filler transmitter to cover Hulu Langat where some of areas are not covered by existing transmitters such as Gunung Ulu Kali, Gunung Telapak Burok and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

At the same time, Selangor FM does have Hulu Langat frequency on 99.8MHz. Both of them are operating at lower power, not more than 250W, I guessed.

==Current RTM Hulu Langat radio stations==
* 92.0MHz: Nasional FM
* 99.8MHz: Selangor FM

Moreover, Hulu Langat has more Orang Asli residents where stay at the villages. In my opinion, RTM still can add pocket filling transmitter for Asyik FM in Hulu Langat 18th miles (Batu 18) to cover blind spot areas.

Because FM 102.0MHz is likely occupied in Bukit Tampin as army general broadcast radio station, so FM 102.1MHz cannot be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, but FM 102.2MHz is suitable to be used in Hulu Langat with this situation. 

==My parameter suggestion for Asyik FM Hulu Langat==
* Frequency: FM 102.2MHz
* Power: 0.5kW
* Transmitter site: Batu 18, Hulu Langat, Selangor
* Coverage: Hulu Langat and surrounding areas. Also works as alternative frequency of 91.1MHz and 102.5MHz when the reception of both existing frequencies are not clear.

==RF analysis==

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.3MHz: Melaka FM Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, OK>

101.8MHz: MY FM Gunung Ulu Kali
102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
<400kHz, OK>

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<300kHz, OK>

102.2MHz: Asyik FM Hulu Langat
102.2MHz: Pahang FM Fraser's Hill
<0kHz, OK>


Penerimaan Negeri FM 92.6MHz lemah di sekitar Lebuhraya PLUS antara Nilai dan Seremban



Negeri FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok meliputi Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Nilai, Jelebu, Jempol Tengah, Port Dickson dan Pedas secara umum, tetapi di sesetengah kawasan Nilai, Negeri FM 92.6MHz tidak dapat diterima akibat terlindung dengan bukit.

Bandar Nilai boleh menerima Negeri FM 92.6MHz dengan jelas, tetapi di Lebuhraya PLUS dari Nilai ke Seremban, terdapat kawasan tidak dapat menerima siaran Negeri FM, manakala stesen radio lain RTM boleh menerima siaran dari Gunung Ulu Kali dengan jelas.

Negeri FM ialah stesen radio RTM khususnya untuk Negeri Sembilan.

Pada pandangan saya, RTM boleh menambah 1 pemancar kuasa rendah sebanyak 100W untuk meliputi kawasan titik buta di Nilai dan Labu dengan memasang pemancar di TM Nilai yang terletak di sebelah Petronas Pekan Nilai.

==Cadangan pemancar pocket filling Negeri FM untuk kawasan titik buta Nilai==
* Frekuensi: FM 92.0MHz
* Kuasa: 0.1kW
* Tempat pemancar: TM Nilai
* Kawasan liputan: Kawasan Nilai, dan Labu yang tidak dapat menerima siaran Negeri FM 92.6MHz dari Gunung Telapak Burok

==RF analisa==

91.7MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Telapak Burok
92.0MHz: Negeri FM TM Nilai
<300kHz, OK>

92.0MHz: Negeri FM TM Nilai
92.3MHz: Minnal FM Menara Kuala Lumpur
<300kHz, OK>


Liputan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang


Senarai kawasan liputan siaran Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang:

1. Seluruh Melaka
2. Johor: Muar, Bakri, Tangkak, Panchor, Pagoh, Segamat, Batu Anam, Jementah, Chaah, Sungai Mati, Yong Peng, Bekok, Tenang
3. Pahang: Keratong, Kemayan, Teriang, Muadzam Shah, Bandar Bera
4. Negeri Sembilan: Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas, Rompin, Kuala Pilah, Batu Kikir, Juasseh, Johol, FELDA Palong, Pedas, Linggi, Kota, Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson dan Bandar Seri Jempol

Friday, 9 November 2018

Raaga finally becomes 24 hours full-fledged Tamil radio station



Raaga finally becomes 24 hours full-fledged radio station, from Q2 2018 onwards. Congratulations!

Previously Raaga did not broadcast 24 hours, but relay Gegar program from 2am till 6am daily on Raaga frequencies due to license condition.

Now, I can heard Tamil songs on Raaga FM frequencies at midnight and early morning. That's great.

Actually this should be happened very early because Astro was holding Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) license which allow to broadcast more radio stations with different languages. Astro already had Era, Gegar and Sinar that time as Malay radio stations, now with Zayan, so Raaga should be 24 hours Tamil radio station that time, but problem was Time Highway Radio THR holding a license which was not CASP, a broadcaster who does not own CASP must broadcast at least 30% of Malay programs on the air.

Astro was not allowed to make Raaga 24 hours Tamil radio station because MCMC under BN regime instructed THR must air at least 30% Malay content, so Raaga needs to relay Gegar from 2am till 6am. If Astro breached the regulation, the license for Raaga could be revoked.

I'm not sure Raaga upgraded to 24 hours Tamil radio station on FM was happened before or after election, but anyway it is a perfect movement. Good news to Indians in Malaysia because this movement will allow Indians in Malaysia can enjoy listening to Raaga 24 hours.

Raaga or Minnal? These two Tamil radio stations are decided by Indians in Malaysia, based on their listening taste and preference. Although I'm Chinese, if I'm given to rate these two radio stations, basically I have no idea, but I prefer Raaga due to modern and progressive branding, meanwhile Minnal FM is Tamil language public radio station which carries general entertainment and government services to the people.

After Raaga becomes full fledged Tamil radio station, can Astro expand Raaga coverage to east coast like Kuantan where has more Indians, subject license allows THR broadcasts two radio stations in Kuantan at the same time?

Here is my video of Raaga playing Tamil songs on FM radio platform where taken at 3.20am:

Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan (research by adding gap filler transmitter)




As 2018, RTM Asyik FM can be received in part of Negeri Sembilan with three existing frequencies:

* FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali: Mantin, Nilai, Lukut, Labu, Lenggeng, Port Dickson, Rembau, Pedas, Simpang Pertang, Sungai Lui, part of Seremban/Senawang/Jempol, Durian Tipus
* FM 91.1MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower: Nilai, Mantin, Pantai and Pajam
* FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang: Gemencheh, Bandar Seri Jempol, Serting and Rompin

These areas above are partially having Orang Asli residents, but some of Orang Asli areas in Negeri Sembilan are not covered by Asyik FM such as Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh and Johol. Rest of RTM radio stations in Negeri Sembilan (except Tampin and Sungai Lui) are covered by Gunung Telapak Burok, but Asyik FM has no transmitter in Gunung Telapak Burok.

Although there is unavailable frequencies in Gunung Telapak Burok, but wants to cover Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh and Johol Orang Asli areas, coincidentally RTM has analog television station transmitter in Bukit Kayu Ara for Kuala Pilah which might establish earlier than Gunung Telapak Burok, so in my opinion, RTM can add pocket filling transmitter for Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan deeper areas by installing in Bukit Kayu Ara.

In Kuala Pilah district, there has Orang Asli village in Tanjung Ipoh (Kampung Orang Asli Langkap) under Terachi mukim, but this area is not covered by Asyik FM existing transmitters. Tanjung Ipoh can only receive radio stations from Gunung Telapak Burok, meanwhile Bukit Gan which covers only Seremban is just working as "extender".

If RTM adds Asyik FM in Bukit Kayu Ara, Kuala Pilah, Tanjung Ipoh, Seri Menanti and Juasseh will get covered, further areas such as Johol, Dangi, Bahau, Batu Kikir and part of Bandar Seri Jempol still can receive Asyik FM from Bukit Kayu Ara.

==My personal research and suggestion of Asyik FM gap filler frequency in Negeri Sembilan==
* Frequency: FM 105.5MHz
* Power: 2kW
* Transmitting site: Bukit Kayu Ara, Negeri Sembilan
* Expected coverage: Tanjung Ipoh, Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, Johol, Dangi, Bahau, Juasseh, Batu Kikir and part of Bandar Seri Jempol

==RF analysis==

105.3MHz: Johor FM Gunung Ledang
105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
<200kHz, OK>

105.3MHz: Suria FM Gunung Ulu Kali
105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

105.5MHz: Asyik FM Bukit Kayu Ara
106.0MHz: City Plus FM Gunung Telapak Burok
<500kHz, OK>




Thursday, 8 November 2018

Radio Republik Indonesia Bengkalis PRO-1 FM 90.6MHz is available in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia



Radio Republik Indonesia PRO-1 Bengkalis radio station FM 90.6MHz was available in part of Malacca and Johor, especially costal areas after the station gets increased its transmission power to 5kW since January 2016.

This radio station is also available in Negeri Sembilan, that is Tampin, where located nearby Melaka border. Currently Tampin is the only Negeri Sembilan area where can receive foreign radio station from Indonesia, reception is not too bad.

In Tampin, Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations which mainly for Seremban cannot be received, no signal there. Therefore, Tampin radio listeners must tune the radio stations from Gunung Ledang. Meanwhile Gunung Pulai reception is not clear there, but Singapore radio stations are almost having a bit signal. I was used to receive BBC Radio World Service 88.9 from Singapore there.

RRI PRO-1 Bengkalis FM 90.6MHz is the only Indonesia radio station which available in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, but reception is not so clear. Not really clashed with Minnal FM 90.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok as Tampin cannot receive 90.5MHz.

Tampin listeners can get this Indonesian radio station on FM 90.6MHz from Bengkalis, Indonesia.


Wednesday, 7 November 2018

FM 102.0MHz test transmission in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka (Part 3)

In Pedas, Rembau, Tampin, Kota and Alor Gajah, I could detect a radio signal on FM 102.0MHz. This frequency has signal, but no sound along PLUS Highway from Simpang Ampat till Pedas Linggi intersection.

I caught the signal during Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2017, I thought the frequency FM 102.0MHz was a test transmission from Gunung Telapak Burok, but the signal went off when I reached Seremban, so I guessed FM 102.0MHz was from Bukit Tampin.

Initially, I suspected FM 102.0MHz Bukit Tampin was belonged to RTM by guessing RTM will launch Melaka FM Bukit Tampin frequency FM 102.0MHz to cover blind spot Melaka areas, so I decided to ask RTM for frequency verification based on my findings. RTM clarified that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to them by informing me that RTM only has 1 radio station in Bukit Tampin, that is Negeri FM 95.7MHz.

Before a week of Deepavali, I was planning for one day solo trip. So, I decided to hike Bukit Tampin. When I was driving along PLUS Highway after Senawang rest station before reaching Pedas Linggi intersection, so I tried to tune to FM 102.0MHz on my radio receiver, normally an unoccupied frequency will create static noise, but FM 102.0MHz has no static noise, instead the frequency is just in silent mode without having audio.

Then, after I entered Pedas Linggi toll while on my way to Tampin via Rembau road, the signal FM 102.0MHz was still there, my car radio receiver was showing "ST" (STEREO) indicator on the display, but somehow ST indicator was blinking occasionally without static noise.

Pedas, Linggi, Rembau, Tampin, Kota, Simpang Ampat and part of Alor Gajah can receive FM 102.0MHz. When I reached Tampin, FM 102.0MHz signal was available, just partially interfered by Johor FM 101.9MHz from Gunung Pulai which covers Southern Johor. After I reached Tampin, I brought my radio receiver together while hiking Bukit Tampin from the bottom till the top peak where is TM Bukit Tampin transmitting station tower.

From bottom peak till the top peak, there is 90 poles within Bukit Tampin. TM Bukit Tampin transmitting tower is at 90th pole. So, I walked from 1st pole till 90th pole, it took 1 hour to reach TM Bukit Tampin. Tired is common unless consistently hiking.

FM 102.0MHz was interfered by Johor FM 101.9MHz Gunung Pulai at the middle peak of Bukit Tampin (about 53rd pole), so when I reached about 85th pole where is not far away from the transmitting tower, I turned on my radio receiver and switched to FM 102.0MHz, the signal was ON, but no audio and static noise, even I got the signal when I was at TM Bukit Tampin.



When I already reached TM Bukit Tampin, everyone is not allowed to take photography of TM Bukit Tampin building and transmitter tower because there is army camp within TM Bukit Tampin transmitter station. I was told by one of army guard for not taking photos too, but I told him that I was doing radio reception test (DXing), he was ok. In addition, the army told that I was allowed to take photo nearby Maxis tower and Selamat Datang TM Bukit Tampin concrete board.

Because TM Bukit Tampin has army camp where never allow photography due to military's confidential which is heavily related to country defenses, then RTM had clarified that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to them in Bukit Tampin, I believed none of commercial radio stations will expand coverage by putting Bukit Tampin for Melaka and Negeri Sembilan due to nonstrategic coverage,  from my view, there is possibility that FM 102.0MHz is occupied by ATM Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (Malaysia's army) as military radio station which broadcasts for army.



Some of my friends said that FM 102.0MHz could be the interference signal from military radio service, but my friends said that the interference happened only when reach the transmitting tower, known as "modulation interference".

For army radio communication purpose, the frequency spectrum is between 225MHz and 400MHz under VHF, none of people other than army are allowed to own this kind of radio receiver because this is illegal, cause to be sued by the law, same with airband receiver too.

Modulation interference refers a radio station transmission can create duplication interference through modulation, which happens nearby transmitting tower. Example, Raaga FM in Gunung Raya is 101.9MHz, but I could receive on 93.6MHz when I was at the top peak of Gunung Raya.

In Tampin, Rembau, Simpang Ampat, Pedas Linggi, and Kota, FM 102.0MHz can be received, so it was not modulation interference. So, I guess FM 102.0MHz was operated as army broadcasting radio station where is dedicated for army within Bukit Tampin camp, I guess FM 102.0MHz is operating in very low transmission power, could be either less than or equal to 0.1kW. Besides that, the transmitter antenna of FM 102.0MHz from Bukit Tampin  is beaming to west direction.




Coincidentally, Bukit Tampin is also belonged to TM, I think army is installing a FM transmitter within Bukit Tampin camp, instead of TM transmitter tower. Imagine if FM 102.0MHz is installed at TM Bukit Tampin tower, I believe reception in Tampin, Alor Gajah and Melaka can receive the signal, even Port Dickson and part of Seremban can receive weakly.

In conclusion, FM 102.0MHz is neither public nor private broadcaster, it could be army radio station.

==Basic information of FM 102.0MHz==
* Transmitting site: Bukit Tampin (suspect army camp building
* TX Power: 100W
* Coverage availability: Rembau, Kota, Tampin, Pedas, Linggi and Simpang Ampat 











Thursday, 1 November 2018

My own research over Minnal FM Bukit Tampin 101.1MHz to solve interference issue in Melaka.



==Current condition of Minnal FM reception in Melaka==

1. Main frequency
103.3MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Ledang 1kW
103.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ulu Kali 2kW
Result: 0kHz, co-channel interference in Melaka such as Melaka City (St Paul's Hill, Stadhuys, Jonker Street, Dataran Merdeka and high rise buildings within Central Malacca), Tanjung Bidara, Tanjung Kling, Masjid Tanah, Sungai Udang, Kem Terendak, Klebang, part of Alor Gajah.

2. Alternative frequency
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok 1.5kW
90.6MHz: RRI Pro-1 Bengkalis 5kW
Result: 100kHz, adjacent interference in coastal areas of Melaka including the Malacca City


90.3MHz: Era FM Gunung Ledang 2kW
90.5MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Telapak Burok 1.5kW
Result: 200kHz, clashed by Era 90.3MHz in some Malacca City.

Proposed solution: Adding a lower power transmitter about 500 watts in Bukit Tampin to cover Melaka on FM 101.1MHz where same frequency with Gunung Pulai 101.1MHz.

==Proposed parameter of Minnal FM alternative frequency for Melaka==

- Frequency: FM 101.1MHz
- Power: 0.5kW (500W)
- Transmission site: TM Bukit Tampin
- Height above sea level: 564.5m
- Coverage: Melaka 

==RF analysis of Minnal FM Bukit Tampin==

100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
<200kHz, OK>

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Tampin
101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai
<0kHz, OK, SFN mode>



==Minnal FM frequencies in Southern Malaysia==
* 90.5MHz: Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Telapak Burok)
* 101.1MHz: Melaka (Bukit Tampin)
* 103.3MHz: North Johor (Gunung Ledang)
* 88.3MHz: Mersing (East Johor)
* 101.1MHz: South Johor & Singapore (Gunung Pulai)




Wednesday, 31 October 2018

FM 101.1MHz in Negeri Sembilan (Bukit Tampin vs. Bukit Gan)

FM 101.1MHz currently is a vacant radio frequency within Negeri Sembilan state, although it is unsuitable in Gunung Telapak Burok because interference to Selangor FM 100.9MHz coverage in Southern Selangor, but FM 101.1MHz is likely suitable to be used in either Bukit Gan or Bukit Tampin.

Bukit Gan is a new radio station transmission site for Seremban city, but coverage is very limited as it has lower elevation, meanwhile Bukit Tampin is the oldest TV and radio transmission site for Melaka before Gunung Ledang was set up in 1982/83.

Now radio spectrum is heavily congested much, so there were many private radio stations unable to expand coverage in Seremban. They don't want to expand coverage in Seremban by putting transmitter in Bukit Gan because coverage is super limited for Seremban and surrounding areas only, and also the commercial reason.

Formerly I did personal coverage research and proposal for Best FM to launch in Seremban on 101.1MHz from Bukit Gan, but I don't think Best FM will add Seremban frequency because the station mainly focuses on Johor market, Seremban is not the station's market.

Ignored too about FM 100.9MHz in Gunung Ledang as it is unsuitable because of co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in Melaka.

In my opinion, neglect about Bukit Gan, FM 101.1MHz is more suitable to work as "alternative" frequency or gap filler transmitter by locating in Bukit Tampin, actually FM 101.1MHz is suitable for RTM Minnal FM to be used in Bukit Tampin in order to solve interference issue in Melaka and cover blind spot areas within Melaka. The frequency FM 101.1MHz can be used by Minnal FM in Bukit Tampin as same frequency with Gunung Pulai 101.1MHz.

For FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin, RTM Minnal FM is more suitable than other radio stations.

Minimum frequency separation of Bukit Tampin radio stations.



==Minimum frequency separation of Bukit Tampin radio stations==
* Gunung Ledang: 400kHz
* Gunung Pulai: 200kHz (but 0kHz for single-frequency network radio station)
* Gunung Telapak Burok: 400kHz
* Bukit Gun: 300kHz
* Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz
* Bukit Sungai Besi: 100kHz
* Kuala Lumpur Tower: 0kHz
* Bukit Tinggi: 0kHz