Media Prima CLSB radio frequency analysis (Kool FM)

After Media Prima acquired Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd since October 2015, I had suggested few frequencies to them when they would like to broadcast nationwide. Mainly are:

- 107.3MHz: Alor Setar Tower (Central Kedah)
- 105.7MHz: Bukit Larut (Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Lenggong, Parit Buntar and North Perak)
- 94.9MHz: Gunung Kledang (Ipoh and South Perak)
- 102.1MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok (Negeri Sembilan) or 101.1MHz: Bukit Gan (Seremban)
- 87.6MHz: Gunung Ledang (Melaka and North Johor)
- 107.8MHz/90.9MHz/88.6MHz: Taman Sentosa (Johor Bahru)
- 103.7MHz: Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan)
- 103.6MHz: Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)
- 103.7MHz: Peringat/Bukit Panau (Kota Bharu)

Among these frequencies, 4 of them are passed only, there are 105.7MHz Bkt Larut, 107.3MHz Alor Setar Tower, 102.1MHz Gn Telapak Burok and 103.7Mhz Bukit Pelindung.

Here are the results:

1. Bukit Larut

Results: OK

2. Gunung Kledang

Gn Kledang vs. Gn Brinchang= OK
Gn Kledang vs. Gn Jerai= Failed, antenna pattern and power reduction are needed.

3. Bukit Pelindung

 4. Alor Setar Tower

5. Bukit Besar

Results: NOT OK, 100kHz with Bukit Panau. The frequency of Bukit Panau need to be changed.

6. Gunung Ledang

Recommended frequency for Gunung Ledang: FM 103.9MHz

7. Bukit Panau

Results: FAILED, 50kHz with Narathiwat, Thailand. To be recommend FM 91.4MHz/91.3MHz or 93.4MHz

8. Gunung Telapak Burok

9. Bukit Gan

10. Taman Sentosa Johor Bahru

Results: 90.9MHz, 107.8MHz and 88.6MHz are failed due to interference to Singapore and Batam

Above the result of RF analysis,

1. Bukit Larut 105.7MHz: PASSED

2. Gunung Kledang 94.9MHz: FAILED, but power and antenna pattern reduction are needed

3. Alor Setar Tower 107.3MHz: PASSED

4. Bukit Pelindung 103.7MHz: PASSED

5. Gunung Ledang 87.6MHz: FAILED, To be recommended FM 103.9MHz

6. Bukit Panau 103.7MHz: FAILED, To be recommended FM 87.6/91.4/91.3/93.4MHz

7. Gunung Telapak Burok 102.1MHz: PASSED 

8. Bukit Gan 101.1MHz: PASSED

9. Bukit Besar 103.6MHz: FAILED, but Bukit Panau cannot use 103.7MHz

10. Taman Sentosa Johor Bahru 88.6/107.8/90.9MHz: FAILED

94.9MHz Gunung Kledang must reduce its power to 1kW, and the antenna pattern shall not cover Kuala Kangsar districts.

Media Prima CLSB Gunung Kledang RF analysis (94.9MHz vs. 93.9MHz)

Currently empty FM frequencies in Ipoh/Gunung Ledang are getting limited, so only remain FM 93.3MHz, FM 93.9MHz and FM 94.9MHz.

Because Media Prima acquired Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd (who operates Pi Mai FM 90.2MHz and Ultra FM 101.3MHz) on October 2015, CLSB will be expected to expand broadcast coverage to nationwide. While launching transmitter everywhere, Ipoh will be listed as well.

For Ipoh and Central Perak, I suggested 94.9MHz based on the spectrum status, but at last it did not pass during analysis test because 94.9MHz from Gunung Kledang interfered to RTM Radio Klasik Gunung Jerai in Kedah.

Look at this map:

 

The RF analysis above indicated that red color stands for the shaded areas of 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai interfered by Gunung Kledang. In addition, RTM Radio Klasik 94.9MHz cover whole Perlis, Kedah and Penang. It is not good if 94.9MHz Gn Kledang interfere Gunung Jerai within service area. So, the antenna pattern of 94.9MHz Gunung Kledang must be reduced or use other frequency like 93.9MHz.

In my opinion, 94.9MHz must not cover Kuala Kangsar to prevent interference to Gunung Jerai, so FM 105.7MHz Bukit Larut has to cover Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Siput.

Gunung Kledang 94.9MHz also shall be reduced to 1kW.

About antenna direction, CLSB only can cover several direction:

- 94.9Mhz Gunung Kledang: South (100%), Southwest (100%), North (15%), Northwest (5%), East (10%)
- 105.7MHz Bukit Larut: East (70%), South (45%), North East (30%), North West (30%)

If 94.9Mhz Gunung Kledang is still fail after adjustment of antenna pattern, CLSB may use 93.9Mhz Gunung Kledang...

Although 93.9MHz Gunung Kledang co-channel with Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai, but the interference reduced, compare to 94.9MHz because 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai coverage is very small, only cover North Penang.

 

After reading the result of Media Prima CLSB RF analysis, I found that certain transmitters are failed due to interference occurs.

- FM 103.7MHz Bukit Panau (formerly Peringat): FAILED, 50kHz with Narathiwat FM 103.75MHz

- FM 103.6MHz Bukit Besar: FAILED, 100kHz with Bukit Panau unless 103.7MHz did not use in Panau.

- FM 94.9MHz Gunung Kledang: FAILED, CCI to Gn Jerai

- FM 87.6MHz Gunung Ledang: FAILED, CCI to Bukit Pelindung

- FM 88.6MHz/107.8MHz/90.9Mhz Johor Bahru: FAILED, interference with Batam and Singapore.

Minimum separation of FM frequencies in Malaysia.

1. Bukit Panau vs. Bukit Besar: 200kHz

2. Bukit Pelindung vs. Gunung Ledang: 100kHz

3. Gunung Kledang vs. Gunung Jerai: 100kHz 

CLSB failed frequencies must be changed

1. Gunung Kledang: 93.9MHz (if 94.9MHz still interfere to Gunung Kledang after reduce power to 1kW or antenna pattern adjustment)

2. Bukit Panau: FM 92.2MHz

3. Bukit Besar: <Remain same>

4. Gunung Ledang: FM 103.9MHz

5. TM Taman Sentosa: N/A

Suggested parameter of Ikim FM for Penang and North Perak

Currently the reception of Ikim FM is very weak in Penang area when receive 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting, meanwhile 89.0MHz from Lower Jerai is no signal. In my opinion, a transmitter must be set up in Bukit Penara to cover Pulau Pinang and North Perak. Here is my suggested parameters:

==Ikim FM Penang/North Perak==

Frequency: FM 102.9MHz
Power: 2kW
Transmitting location: Bukit Penara (565m)
Coverage: Penang, Seberang Perai, South Kedah (Kulim, Bandar Baharu) and North Perak (Taiping, Parit Buntar)

==RF Analysis 102.9MHz Bukit Penara==

102.9MHz: Ikim FM Bukit Penara
102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh
Status: 0kHz, OK

102.9MHz: Ikim FM Bukit Penara
103.1MHz: BFM Alor Setar Tower
Status: 200kHz, OK

102.7MHz: Ikim FM Bukit Genting & Gunung Kledang
102.9MHz: Ikim FM Bukit Penara
Status: 200kHz, OK

102.9MHz: Ikim FM Bukit Penara
103.3MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Larut
Status: 400kHz, OK

Perlis FM 102.9MHz Coverage

THR Raaga Bukit Larut 102.1MHz can cover some Kelantan areas?

THR Raaga currently has no frequency in East Coast because of licensing conditions, where East Coast airs THR Gegar.

In Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, there have no any transmitters there. Pahang still can receive THR Raaga on 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in most of west and central areas like Temerloh, Bentong, Raub, Maran, and Jerantut, meanwhile 101.5MHz from Gunung Telapa Burok covers Bera, 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang Johor covers Muadzam Shah, Keratong and some Rompin districts, 97.9MHz from Gunung Kledang covers Cameron Highlands.

For Kelantan, only some areas still can receive THR Raaga from Perak on 102.1MHz (Bukit Larut) and 97.9MHz (Gunung Kledang), especially Jalan Gua Musang-Cameron Highlands.

Because Bukit Larut height is high, this cause Bukit Larut can transmit to South Perak, Central Kedah and part of Perlis areas. Bukit Larut also can transmit up to some coverage areas of Bukit Bakar (Central Kelantan).

In order to cover Kelantan with existing transmitters, THR Raaga should increase the transmitter power of Bukit Larut frequency 102.1MHz to 10kW, then 102.1MHz can be received in some Kelantan areas.

I had tried to receive THR Raaga 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut in some Selangor areas, such as Sekinchan, Tanjong Karang. It was more stable than 97.9MHz Gunung Kledang transmitter. The transmission of Bukit Larut can results that some Selangor areas can receive from there due to its height.

Bukit Larut= Gunung Ulu Kali No.2

For listeners in Kelantan, have to use high antenna to receive THR Raaga on 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut, but partially reception only.

List of Terengganu areas which can receive Red FM, 988 and one FM from Bukit Pelindung

 

List of Terengganu areas which can receive Red FM, 988 and One FM from Kuantan/Bukit Pelindung:

- Kemaman
- Chukai
- Cheneh
- Cherul
- Kijal
- Kemasik
- Kerteh
- Paka

Frequencies of Red FM, 988 and one FM in Bukit Pelindung:
- 988: 90.4MHz
- one FM: 100.4MHz
- Red FM: 91.6MHz

Dungun totally cannot receive these 3 radio stations. Too far from Kuantan. (109km)

These 3 radio stations have no any frequency in Terengganu states, but one FM may operate a frequency for Kuala Terengganu on 90.1MHz in Bukit Besar.

988登嘉樓收聽頻道的覆蓋範圍

988目前沒有在登嘉樓和吉蘭丹設有任何頻道, 因為這兩個州屬華人非常少. 988比較注重華人多的地區, 尤其是西海岸和東海岸的關丹.. 988最主要的地區是北馬, 中馬, 南馬和彭亨州.

988在關丹的頻率是FM 90.4MHz, 發射地點是Bukit Pelindung. 主要覆蓋範圍是彭亨東部的關丹, 90.4MHz也覆蓋了登嘉樓幾個地區, 特別是甘馬挽縣.

以下可以接收988的登嘉樓地區 (頻率: 90.4MHz):

- Kemaman甘馬挽
- Kijal
- Kerteh
- Kemasik
- Chukai
- Chenah
- Cherul
- Paka

988 FM 90.4MHz進到Dungun地區線路開始差, 甚至完全沒有訊號, 會與瓜拉登嘉樓的愛FM 90.5MHz產生小干擾.

吉蘭丹方面, 988是非常難收的, 南部Gua Musang可能靠比較遠的98.8MHz, 99.8MHz或101.0MHz.

one FM 太平頻道 (Part 4 終結篇)

繼part 3後, 之前我建議one FM太平頻道的頻率是105.7MHz. 現在Media Prima剛收購了Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd的Pi Mai和Ultra電台, 他們還是在擴大廣播範圍來創立一家全新電台, 相信他們會在太平設有頻道.

這個新電台會鎖定馬來聽眾, 播放馬來經典歌曲.

關於one FM和這個新電台在太平的商業價值, 這個新電台的商業價值比one FM來得大, 這是我曾經提過的話題.

因為one FM在太平的商業價值不大, 所以沒有甚麼需要在太平設有頻率. 其檳城和吉打頻率87.8MHz覆蓋霹靂北部已經足夠了.

在霹靂太平, one FM的收聽頻道始終還是87.8MHz, 發射站坐落於Gunung Jerai. 因為one FM吉打頻道87.8MHz跟Fly FM 怡保頻率87.9MHz才區區100kHz, 但是one FM 87.8在太平的收線還是清楚. 如果進到Padang Rengas, 如果one FM開始被Fly FM 87.9MHz Gn Kledang干擾, 必須用怡保頻道87.6MHz才清楚..

one FM 87.8MHz除了在檳城, 吉打, 玻璃市和蘭卡威收到之外, 也可以在霹靂州可以收到, 地區如:

1. 太平 Taiping

2. Changkat Jering 

3. Kamunting 甘文丁

4. Matang 馬登
5. Kuala Sepetang 十八丁
6. Parit Buntar 巴里文打
7. Bagan Serai 巴眼色海
8. Selama 司南馬
9. Batu Kurau
10. Kuala Kurau
11. Gerik
12. Pengkalan Hulu
13. Kelian Intan

最後, 105.7MHz還是讓給Media Prima即將推出的新電台..

猜測與評論: 首要媒體Media Prima收購Ultra 101.3和Pi Mai 90.2. 這兩家電台未來會變成怎樣呢?

2015年10月1日, Media Prima以2千萬馬幣收購Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd公司和該公司旗下的電台, Pi Mai FM 90.2和Ultra 101.3FM. 主要原因是Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd出現財政危機, 和連年虧損.

這兩家電台主要鎖定馬來聽眾, Pi Mai FM 90.2鎖定檳城, 吉打南部和霹靂一些地區, 反而Ultra FM 101.3MHz鎖定巴生谷. Pi Mai FM 90.2目前的發射地點在Bukit Penara, Ultra 101.3則在Bukit Sungai Besi.

Pi Mai FM 2012年未試播, 當時檳城的頻率真的很擁擠. Pi Mai FM用的頻率是90.2MHz, 剛好當時Traxx FM在Bukit Genting使用90.1MHz, 所以"強逼"Traxx FM更改頻率. 因為RTM電台使用6+1系統, 意思指6個發射器跟1個天線共用, 所以換頻率的費用真的昂貴. 我覺得Pi Mai當時也有"賠錢"給Traxx FM關於該費用.

Pi Mai FM 和 Ultra FM被Media Prima收購後, 我不認為這兩個電台會繼續生存. 最大猜測是這兩家電台會變成一家馬來經典音樂電台.

其實區域性電台的市場不大..Capital FM就是好例子, 被Star Radio Group收購後變成女性電台, 導致連續幾年虧損. 女性電台在馬來西亞沒有市場..

目前Media Prima旗下三家電台one FM, hot FM, Fly FM全部鎖定年輕聽眾, 我也不認為這個新電台的格式跟他們一樣, 避免發生"自己打自己的電台".

Media Prima一旦收購了90.2MHz和101.3MHz後, 我相信他們會擴大廣播覆蓋範圍至全馬來西亞. 在我的看法, 我認為Media Prima目的是買下頻率, 而不是買電台. 2011年, Star Radio Group收購Capital FM, 那個是收購電台.

收購電台跟買下頻率是不一樣道理. 收購電台是延續電台的名字, 只是內部改變. 反而買下頻率是把一家電台變成一家全新的電台, 好像以前嘩fm 97.6變成Hot FM一樣.

Media Prima把這兩家電台變成一家馬來經典音樂電台擴展覆蓋範圍, 我這裡有很多建議的頻道:

1. Bukit Larut: 105.7MHz (霹靂北部)
2. Gunung Kledang: 94.9MHz (霹靂中部)
3. Gunung Ledang: 87.6MHz (森美蘭中南部, 柔佛中北部, 馬六甲)
4. Bukit Gan: 101.1MHz (森美蘭芙蓉)
5. Menara Alor Setar: 94.3MHz (吉打中北部)
6. Peringat: 103.7Mhz (哥打巴魯)
7. Bukit Besar: 103.6MHz (瓜拉登嘉樓)
8. Bukit Pelindung: 103.7MHz (關丹)
9. TM Taman Sentosa或Metropolis Tower: 88.6Mhz (新山)
10. Gunung Pulai: 107.9MHz (柔佛南部和新加坡)
11. Bukit Cincin: 101.3MHz (巴生谷, 彭亨西部), 從Bukit Sungai Besi搬遷, Ultra FM的頻率
12. Bukit Penara: 90.2MHz (檳城, 吉打南部), Pi Mai FM的頻率

東馬方面, 我沒有甚麼興趣注意那邊的電台.

以上的頻率有幾個無法覆蓋很多地區

Q1: 為甚麼94.3MHz無法在Gunung Jerai落地?

原因1: Gunung Jerai發射塔滿座了, 無法支援新的發射器, 因為電力有限.

原因2: 94.3MHz可以干擾泰國電台的運作, 因為泰國電台在Yala的頻率是94.25MHz, 可以導致Betong勿洞受到嚴重干擾. Ikim FM 89.0MHz Lower Jerai就是例子.

Q2: 為什麼森美蘭頻道無法在Gunung Telapa Burok發射?

原因: Gunung Telapa Burok發射塔滿座了.


其實柔佛南部的107.9MHz, 很多家電台正在爭取這個頻率, 所以這個頻率是"萬中選一"的.

之前我曾經提及one FM太平頻道的建議, 現在想回去, 因為Media Prima會在明年第一季推出全新電台, 他們真的很需要太平頻道, 90.2Mhz在霹靂北部會被干擾. 我發現到90.2MHz這個頻率很擠, 因為它坐落在Bukit Penara 89.9MHz和Bukit Larut 90.5MHz,所以會聽到干擾. 看下這個頻率分析就明白了:

89.9MHz: Fly FM Bukit Penara
90.2MHz: <Bukit Penara> (Pi Mai的頻率)
90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut
結果: 頻率會受到干擾, 全部跑300kHz

90.1MHz: Traxx FM Gunung Kledang
90.2MHz: <Bukit Penara>
結果: 訊號肯定會在霹靂Changkat Jering有干擾.

Media Prima未來這家新電台沒有Gunung Jerai頻率, 所以北馬需要三個頻率來覆蓋. Bukit Larut, Bukit Penara和Alor Setar Tower.

- Gunung Jerai只有Hot FM和One FM, 反而Fly fm則沒有, 之前Fly FM 99.1在Gn Jerai, 可是頻率發射不理想.
- Bukit Larut只有Hot FM罷了, 其他電台則靠Bukit Penara和Gunung Jerai.
- Bukit Penara只有Fly FM和90.2MHz, 覆蓋檳城, 吉打南部.


Q3: 回到105.7MHz Bukit Larut話題了, one FM還是即將推出的新電台, 哪一家比較重要呢?

版主的答案: 新電台

原因1: 新電台的檳城頻道90.2MHz在太平肯定有干擾, 需要太平頻道來解決北馬收線. 目前太平頻率只剩下105.7MHz罷了.

原因2: one FM在太平在沒有干擾的情況下還可以通過Gunung Jerai頻道87.8MHz來收聽, Gunung Jerai可以覆蓋霹靂北部.

原因3: 關於在太平的商業價值方面, one FM因為聽眾和人口, 商業價值比較小, 反而這家新馬來電台在太平商業價值比one FM來得大. 因為one FM是主要鎖定在大城市和大市鎮的聽眾, 所以太平對他們來說市場不大.

關於Media Prima剛收購的電台, 會否在蘭卡威設有頻道? 這個答案還是一個未知數.. Fly FM自己都無法在蘭卡威設有頻道, 原因是沒有商業價值. Media Prima目前沒有打算要把他們旗下電台在蘭卡威Gn Raya設有頻道.

Media Prima acquired Pi Mai and Ultra, what are the speculations? Let's analyze!

In October 2015, Media Prima already acquired Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd owned radio stations, Pi Mai FM 90.2MHz and Ultra FM 101.3MHz with RM 20 million cash.

Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd faced financial crisis, so Media Prima acquired the company. Its owned radio stations are regional based commercial radio stations, just only can be received in certain regions.

Pi Mai FM 90.2MHz targets Penang, and parts Kedah/Perak, meanwhile Ultra FM 101.3MHz targets Klang Valley only.

There is many speculations after Media Prima acquired Ultra 101.3MHz and Pi Mai 90.2MHz.
Some of people may speculate Pi Mai FM and Ultra FM will remain after acquired by Media Prima without expanding any broadcast coverage.

But in my reviews, Media Prima will transform these two radio station into 1 radio where broadcasts nationwide. Actually Media Prima only acquired the frequencies, not the stations. I strongly believe that the 101.3MHz and 90.2MHz will become Malay classic radio station by Media Prima, to target 26-50 age listeners and compete with Sinar FM and RTM Radio Klasik.

"We believe that these two radio stations will target Malay listeners"

The "Malay classic radio station" will be launched on Q1 2016 by Media Prima. Now they are moving the studio to Sri Pentas.

After Media Prima acquired Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd, I trust that the broadcast coverage will be expanded. Below of this article is my suggestion of the frequencies.

101.3MHz: Klang Valley (Bukit Cincin, move from Bukit Sungai Besi)
90.2MHz: Penang and South Kedah (Bukit Penara)
105.7MHz: North Perak (Bukit Larut)
94.9MHz: Central Perak (Gunung Kledang)
101.1MHz: Seremban (Bukit Gun)
87.6MHz: Melaka/North Johor (Gunung Ledang)
103.7MHz: Kuantan (Bukit Pelindung)
103.6MHz: Kuala Terengganu (Bukit Besar)
103.7MHz: Kota Bharu (Peringat)
88.6MHz: Johor Bahru (TM Taman Sentosa)
107.9MHz: South Johor (Gunung Pulai)
94.3MHz: Alor Setar/Central Kedah (Alor Setar Tower)
Existing transmitter

I'm not usually interesting about radio in Sabah, and Sarawak..
 
Let's take a look the frequency above.

Q1: Why doesn't 94.3MHz locate in Gunung Jerai?

Reason 1: Gunung Jerai transmitter tower is full, cannot support any load.

Reason 2: FM 94.3MHz will interfere Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz in Betong and Yala locations where nearby Kedah border.

Q2: Why doesn't 101.1MHz locate in Gunung Telapa Burok?
  
Reason: The Gunung Telapa Burok transmitter tower is full.

Previously I wrote a blog regarding FM 105.7MHz in Bukit Larut for one FM..
Currently Media Prima operates one FM, Hot FM and Fly FM. Take a look about their frequencies in Northern region of Malaysia.

one FM and Hot FM have Gunung Jerai transmitter which can cover Kedah, Perlis, Penang and some North Perak areas, but Fly FM has only Bukit Penara transmitter which only cover Penang, South Kedah and North Perak only.

About Taiping frequency, Hot FM is only the radio station has Bukit Larut transmitter on FM 90.5MHz, which launched on May 2011.

Q3: Why 105.7MHz Bukit Larut must not be used by one FM, instead Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd radio?  

Reason 1: FM 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara will get heavy interference by Hot FM 90.5MHz Bukit Larut, because 90.2MHz is located between Fly FM 89.9MHz Bukit Penara and Hot FM 90.5MHz Bukit Larut.

Reason 2: one FM can be received in Taiping on 87.8MHz from Gunung Jerai without any interference.

Reason 3: About commercial value between one FM and upcoming Malay classic radio station in Taiping, the upcoming launch Malay classic radio station has more commercial values than One FM. In addition, one FM mainly targets young Chinese listeners, majority of them are staying in cities and bigger town.

Here is the radio analysis of FM 90.2MHz in North Perak

89.9MHz: Fly FM Bukit Penara
90.2MHz: Bukit Penara <upcoming Malay classic radio station> (formerly used by Pi Mai FM)
90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut

Results: interference occurs.

In Penang,
89.9MHz: Fly FM Bukit Penara
90.2MHz: Bukit Penara <upcoming Malay classic radio station>

Results: OK, high pass filter was installed.

 

Media Prima radio in North Region
1. Gunung Jerai
one FM: Available 87.8MHz
Fly FM: Not available
Hot FM: Available 88.2MHz
(Upcoming radio): Not available

2. Bukit Penara
one FM: Not available
Fly FM: Available 89.9MHz
Hot FM: Not Available
(Upcoming radio): Available (on 90.2MHz)

3. Bukit Larut
one FM: N/A
HOT FM: available 90.5MHz
Fly FM: N/A
(Upcoming radio): Available. (105.7MHz???)

4. Menara Alor Setar
Fly fm: Available 99.1Mhz
(Upcoming radio): Available (94.3MHz???)