My suggestion regarding Gegar coverage expansion in Pahang (2019 edition): Bukit Senggora

On the subject of my suggestion to expand Gegar coverage in Pahang by having Fraser's Hill frequency on previous post, here I will roll out my analysis and suggestion about Gegar Central Pahang coverage.

On previous post, suggestion of Gegar FM Bukit Fraser 107.9MHz is to cover Western Pahang, but Central Pahang such as Maran, Sri Jaya and Jengka.

According to Gegar FM 107.9MHz Bukit Fraser coverage that I plotted via Nautel RF toolkit, Maran and Jengka are not covered by Gegar from Bukit Fraser, this causes Gegar listeners are not able to receive the station from Chenor till Gambang if they're driving from west areas to Kuantan or east. It can leave a gap between Chenor and Gambang. In respect of this matter, a gap filler transmitter in Bukit Senggora may be required, Maran and Jengka also have Gegar listeners.

Regarding Gegar Bukit Senggora proposal, I had mentioned this since August 2015, but I suggested medium to high power transmission about 2kW during that time and frequency FM 100.7MHz without involving Fraser's Hill transmission. Besides 100.7MHz, I was used to suggest 104.4MHz, but revoked due to commercial and coverage reason.

Alright, I may realize that Bukit Senggora has limited spectrum as it is located in Central Pahang where considered more surrounding sites, Bukit Senggora coverage is mainly in Maran, Chenor and Jengka, but some of areas within Maran district can receive radio signal from west coast region, notably Gunung Ulu Kali, Bukit Fraser, and Gunung Telapak Burok, possibly Gunung Ledang.

Back to August 2015  till 2017, my intention of THR Gegar Bukit Senggora FM 100.7MHz (later FM 104.4MHz) proposal is to cover Temerloh, Bera, Jengka, Maran and Mentakab. On October 2016, I went to Central Pahang at the first time, reception of MY FM 100.6MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok was still crystal clear in Temerloh and Bera, then Chenor still can receive MY FM 100.6MHz clearly (reception test on April 2019). This indicated that FM 100.7MHz is not suitable to be used in Bukit Senggora if covers greater Central Pahang due to the interference, then I attempted to propose 104.4MHz.

As today, FM 104.4MHz is likely not suitable to be used because Manis FM already occupied FM 103.8MHz in Bukit Senggora at 0.5kW power for Central Pahang, so 103.8 and 104.4 leave 300kHz separation from Pahang FM 104.1MHz Bukit Pelindung/Best FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. 

What I can propose about Gegar FM Central Pahang gap filler frequency in Bukit Senggora is to suggest FM 100.8MHz, this could be the worst proposal, but it may be safe to transmit. The minimum frequency separation between Bukit Senggora and Gunung Ulu Kali is 200kHz, but regarding this, it can be a special case because Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali does not target Pahang areas. Moreover, Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali only targets Selangor states by using directional antenna to beam west direction, meanwhile West Pahang areas where can receive that radio station are considered "bonus" or "secondary coverage". From my listening experience, Selangor FM 100.9MHz reception is clear until Karak only, then the reception goes faded after Lanchang, so Temerloh and Bera cannot receive Selangor FM 100.9MHz clearly.

While Selangor FM 100.9MHz covers only Selangor, so I think there is no interference within the coverage areas if Gegar FM uses 100.8MHz in Bukit Senggora to cover Maran, Chenor, Jengka and Sri Jaya. For those interference happens in Temerloh and Bera (example), they are not under coverage of Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora as these areas can tune to clearer frequency FM 107.9MHz from Fraser's Hill.

==My proposal of THR Gegar FM Central Pahang frequency (2019)==

* Frequency: FM 100.8MHz

* Power: 0.25kW

* TX Site: CELCOM Bukit Senggora, Pahang

* Target areas: Maran, Jengka, Chenor, Chini and Sri Jaya

==RF analysis==

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Senggora
<200kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Senggora
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Senggora
101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung
<300kHz, OK>

According to the coverage of Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora, Maran, Jengka and Sri Jaya can receive loudly and clearly, reception is expected to be clearer than Bukit Fraser FM 107.9MHz (suggestion).

Based on RF analysis, FM 100.8MHz is better than FM 100.7MHz in Bukit Senggora transmission, so MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok will have no interference on its targeted areas within Pahang state.

If Astro Radio adds two extra frequencies for Gegar in further Pahang (proposal mainly FM 107.9MHz Fraser's Hill for West Pahang; then FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora for Central Pahang), the competition against Manis FM will be very stiff enough in Pahang.

In conclusion, this article is only my personal review and suggestion, but it is subject to Astro Radio decision. The most important is to make West Pahang coverage from Fraser's Hill as first priority and initiative, then Bukit Senggora works as gap filler transmission for Gegar in Pahang to fill gap between the coverage of Bukit Fraser and Bukit Pelindung.

==Gegar frequencies in Pahang==

* 88.8MHz: Kuantan from Bukit Pelindung

* 107.9MHz: West Pahang from Bukit Fraser (my proposal)

* 100.8MHz: Central Pahang from Bukit Senggora (my proposal, but low power transmission)

My suggestion regarding Gegar FM coverage expansion in Pahang (2019 edition): Bukit Fraser FM 107.9MHz

In respect of my recent Malay language blog post regarding my suggestion and analysis of Gegar coverage expansion to West Pahang, I'm going to make English version of the article.

As I mentioned to suggest Astro Radio to expand Gegar coverage to West Pahang by using Fraser's Hill transmission site on December 2018 post, FM 92.4MHz was the suggested frequency during that time.

On 27th April 2018, I had a trip in Central Pahang via Negeri Sembilan route, such as Kemayan, Teriang, Bera, Chenor and Temerloh. At the same time, RTM already operated its repeater in Fraser's Hill (probably for Raub and Lipis) such as Nasional FM 106.2MHz, Pahang FM 102.2MHz, Ai FM 97.1MHz and Radio Klasik FM 90.9MHz. So, I decided to record the reception of Pahang FM 102.2MHz and Ai FM 97.1MHz in Teriang, Kemayan, Temerloh, Bera and Chenor as sample and reference.

The reception of Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill was still clear in Bera, and Temerloh, meanwhile reception in Chenor was still acceptable, despite its transmission power is 0.5kW (not 0.2kW as I mentioned previously). In addition, the reception of Manis FM 103.8MHz from Bukit Senggora was still ok in Bera, Teriang, Temerloh and Mentakab, although its reception is not clear as Fraser's Hill radio stations.

Reception of Ai FM 97.1MHz, Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill were still clear along East Coast highway between Bentong and Chenor.

In order to compete against Manis FM in futher Pahang areas, Gegar shall have at least 1 additional frequency, meanwhile 2 additional frequencies will be an advantage.

With reference to the transmission site coverage, Fraser's Hill is the main site to be proposed for Gegar FM because Fraser's Hill still can cover large part of Western Pahang, despite it is not wider as Gunung Ulu Kali. Somehow Fraser's Hill transmission is "Gunung Ulu Kali 2.0" for Pahang coverage. Next, Bukit Senggora can become gap filler site for Gegar as Maran and Jengka may not receive Gegar from Fraser's Hill.

About Gegar Fraser's Hill frequency, initially I suggested 92.4MHz, but in Bera and Chenor, Hot FM 92.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung reception is still strong, wonder if FM 92.4MHz has co-channel interference there when Gegar begins transmission on FM 92.4MHz from Fraser's Hill. For that  reason, based on frequency scanning via radio receiver, FM 107.9MHz is suggested frequency for Gegar Fraser's Hill transmission to cover West Pahang.

==Parameter of Gegar FM West Pahang frequency==
* Frequency: FM 107.9MHz
* Power: 1kW
* Transmission site: Fraser's Hill, Pahang
* Coverage: Raub, Kuala Lipis, Benta, Padang Tengku, Bentong, Karak, Lanchang, Mentakab, Temerloh, Bera, Teriang, FELDA Tembangau, Chenor

==RF analysis==

107.5MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali

107.9MHz: Gegar Bukit Fraser

<400kHz, OK>

107.7MHz: Negeri FM Gunung Ledang

107.9MHz: Gegar Bukit Fraser

<200kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: Rakita FM Bukit Sungai Besi

107.9MHz: Gegar Bukit Fraser

<0kHz, OK>

107.9MHz: Gegar Bukit Fraser

107.9MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Pelindung

<0kHz, OK>

With Gegar FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Fraser, I believe this will allow "nice" competition with Manis FM in West Pahang as Fraser's Hill coverage is larger than Bukit Senggora. In terms of commercial value, Bukit Fraser may be better than Bukit Senggora due to target areas. More listeners' reach can be generated by Fraser's Hill frequency.

Moreover, the proposal of Gegar FM 107.9MHz Bukit Fraser allows its listeners to receive Gegar clearly through the radio from Bentong till Chenor for east direction, then Bentong till Kuala Lipis for north direction, maybe the transmission of Gegar 107.9 will be slightly wider and powerful than RTM Fraser's Hill FM stations.

==Example of 0kHz/100kHz frequency separation between Fraser's Hill and Kuala Lumpur transmission stations==

97.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Fraser
97.2MHz: KL FM Kuala Lumpur Tower
<100kHz, OK>

CH12: TV3 Bukit Fraser
CH12: TV3 Bukit Sungai Besi
 <0kHz, OK>

CH5: TV1 Bukit Fraser
CH5: TV1 KL Tower
<0kHz, OK>

CH8: TV2 KL Tower
CH8: TV2 Bukit Fraser
<0kHz, OK> 

In conclusion, I wish Astro Radio will consider this to expand Gegar coverage to West Pahang from Fraser's Hill, for allowing listeners to listen to Gegar as well as create competition against Manis FM. 

Next, I will publish my suggestion on Gegar FM Bukit Senggora frequency for Central Pahang (2019 edition). Stay in touch!
 

Cadangan perluasan liputan siaran Gegar FM di Pantai Timur (2019)

==Senarai frekuensi Gegar semasa==

* FM 88.1MHz Kota Bharu/Kelantan Utara (Bukit Panau)

* FM 106.8MHz Kuala Terengganu (Bukit Jerung)

* FM 88.8MHz Kuantan/Pekan (Bukit Pelindung)

==Cadangan perluasan liputan siaran Gegar FM di Pantai Timur==

1. Pahang Barat

- Frekuensi: FM 107.9MHz

- Kuasa: 1kW

- Tempat pemancar: Bukit Fraser, Pahang

- Kawasan liputan: Raub, Kuala Lipis, Padang Tengku, Mentakab, Bentong, Temerloh, Bera, Teriang, FELDA Tembangau, Karak, Chenor

2. Pahang Tengah

- Frekuensi: FM 100.8MHz

- Kuasa: 0.25kW

- Tempat pemancar: Bukit Senggora, Pahang

- Kawasan liputan: Maran, Jengka, Sri Jaya dan Chini

Gegar FM frekuensi Bukit Senggora analisa 2019 untuk Maran, Chenor dan Jengka

Setelah saya membuat analisa dan cadangan mengenai perluasan liputan siaran Gegar ke Pahang Barat dengan pemancar Bukit Fraser FM 107.9MHz, walaupun Bukit Fraser bersamaan dengan Gunung Ulu Kali 2.0 untuk Pahang Barat, tetapi Pahang Tengah seperti Jengka dan Maran mungkin tidak dapat menerima signal Bukit Fraser, manakala Chenor masih boleh menerima isyarat radio dari Bukit Fraser.

Berdasarkan liputan Gegar FM 107.9MHz dari Bukit Fraser yang saya cadangkan (kuasa pemancar 1kW), kawasan Pahang Tengah seperti Bandar Jengka, Maran tidak diliputi oleh pemancar Bukit Fraser, manakala kawasan tersebut juga tidak dapat menerima Gegar FM 88.8MHz dari Bukit Pelindung Kuantan. Oleh itu, Gegar boleh memperluaskan siaran lagi ke Pahang Tengah selepas Bukit Fraser dengan memasang pemancar kuasa rendah di Bukit Senggora.

Sebelum ini, saya pernah membuat ulasan, analisa dan cadangan Gegar FM Bukit Senggora sejah tahun 2015. Dulu saya mencadangkan frekuensi FM 100.7MHz, kemudian FM 104.4MHz. Pada masa itu, saya mencadangkan pemancar Bukit Senggora untuk meliputi Maran dengan Temerloh, namun Bera, tetapi saya diberitahui oleh Astro bahawa Gegar tidak mempunyai pelan untuk memperluaskan siarannya ke kawasan tersebut lagi.

Untuk masa sekarang, saya mendapati pemancaran Bukit Fraser lebih luas daripada Bukit Senggora untuk Pahang Barat, manakala penerimaan siaran radio dari Bukit Fraser lebih jelas daripada Bukit Senggora di Temerloh, Bandar Bera, dan Mentakab (tanpa melibatkan Manis FM 103.8MHz).

Setelah saya mengunjungi kawasan Pahang Tengah seperti Bera, Chenor, Kemayan, Temerloh dan Teriang, saya mendapati FM 100.7MHz tidak sesuai digunakan di Bukit Senggora jika meliputi Pahang Tengah akibat ganggan oleh MY FM 100.6MHz dari Gunung Telapak Burok dimana kawasan Pahang Tengah seperti Temerloh dan Chenor masih boleh menerima siaran radio dari Gunung Telapak Burok dengan jelas.

Lebih baik jarak frekuensi antara Bukit Senggora dan Gunung Telapak Burok ialah 200kHz.

Bayangkan pendengar Gegar menerima stesen radio tersebut dalam kereta semasa memandu dari Kuala Lumpur ke Kuantan di Lebuhraya LPT atau jalan lama (mungkin pergi Maran/Jengka), dari Bentong tala kepada FM 107.9MHz yang dipancar dari Bukit Fraser, siaran jelas sehingga Chenor, tetapi selepas Chenor, isyarat Gegar FM 107.9MHz telah hilang. Kawasan antara Chenor dan Gambang tiada liputan siaran Gegar, oleh itu pemancar Bukit Senggora mungkin diperlukan. 

Setakat saya tahu, tiada frekuensi yang lebih sesuai digunakan oleh Gegar di Bukit Senggora. FM 104.4MHz yang dulu saya sebut kini tidak boleh digunakan, walaupun ia mempunyai jarak dengan Best FM 104.1MHz Gunung Ulu Kali dan Pahang FM 104.1MHz Bukit Pelindung, tetapi Manis FM telah bersiaran pada 103.8MHz di Bukit Senggora.

Cadangan mungkin paling teruk ialah mencadangkan frekuensi FM 100.8MHz kepada Gegar untuk bersiaran di Bukit Senggora untuk Pahang Tengah. Hal ini kerana RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali hanya meliputi Selangor sahaja, namun penerimaan siaran Selangor FM cuma jelas di Bentong dan Karak, manakala penerimaan Selangor FM 100.9MHz kurang jelas selepas Karak dan ke timur, contoh Bera, Chenor, Temerloh, Lanchang, Kuala Krau dan Mentakab. 

==Cadangan frekuensi Gegar untuk Pahang Tengah (Maran dan Jengka)==
* Frekuensi: FM 100.8MHz
* Tempat pemancar: Celcom Bukit Senggora
* Kuasa: 0.3kW 
* Kawasan liputan: Maran, Jengka, Chini, Sri Jaya, Chenor 

==RF analisa Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora==
100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok
100.8MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Senggora
<200kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Senggora
100.9MHz: Selangor FM Gunung Ulu Kali
<100kHz, OK>

100.8MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Senggora
101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung
<300kHz, OK>

Walaupun jarak minima frekuensi FM radio antara Gunung Ulu Kali dan Bukit Senggora ialah 200kHz, tetapi saya mungkin percaya bahawa penggunaan frekuensi FM 100.8MHz di Bukit Senggora oleh Gegar sepatutnya ok serta tidak akan membawa gangguan kepada liputan Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali di Selangor. Tambahan pula, pemancaran Bukit Senggora siaran Gegar FM 100.8MHz yang cadangkan ialah rendah sebanyak 0.3kW.

Liputan Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora pada 0.25kW

Berdasarkan pada peta liputan Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora atas, siaran Gegar boleh didengari dengan lebih jelas di liputan utamanya Maran, Sri Jaya dan Jengka. Walaupun Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora mempunyai jarak frekuensi 100kHz daripada Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, saya percaya bahawa Chenor masih boleh menerima siaran Gegar tanpa gangguan daripada Selangor FM 100.9MHz Ulu Kali, tetapi Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora mungkin diganggu oleh Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali di Temerloh. Bagi kawasan Temerloh, gangguan tersebut antara FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora dengan Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali tidak akan membawa masalah penerimaan siaran oleh pendengar Gegar kerana Temerloh bukan liputan Gegar FM 100.8MHz Bukit Senggora. Di samping itu, pendengar Gegar masih boleh menerima Gegar dengan lebih jelas dengan tala kepada frekuensi FM 107.9MHz dari Bukit Fraser (cadangan).

Kesimpulannya, cadangan frekuensi FM 100.8MHz untuk Gegar di Bukit Senggora mungkin lebih baik daripada FM 100.7MHz yang saya cadang dulu kerana ia telah mengurangkan gangguan dengan MY FM 100.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok, manakala Selangor FM 100.9MHz lemah di Pahang Tengah. Dengan cara cadangan Bukit Senggora, ia juga terpulang kepada pihak pengurusan Astro Radio. 

ULASAN: Selepas Pahang Tengah FM 103.8MHz, adakah Manis FM akan "masuk" Pahang Barat kemudian?

Selebum Manis FM memperluaskan siarannya ke Pahang Tengah 103.8MHz, bagi negeri Pahang, Manis FM hanya boleh didengari di Pahang Timur (Kuantan dan Pekan) pada 95.1MHz Bukit Pelindung.

Sehingga Disember 2018, Manis FM boleh didengari di Pahang Tengah pada frekuensi 103.8MHz yang dipancar dari CELCOM Bukit Senggora (0.5kW pemancar). Ini membolehkan pendengar boleh menerima siaran Manis FM dengan jelas di Maran, Temerloh, Jengka, Bandar Bera dan Jerantut. Selain itu, Mentakab, Lanchang, Karak, Bentong dan Genting Sempah masih boleh menerima siaran Manis FM 103.8MHz, cuma penerimaan isyaratnya kurang jelas.

Sebenarnya perluasan liputan siaran Manis FM ke Pahang Tengah 103.8MHz telah "menggugat" kedudukan Gegar dengan hebat dimana Gegar ialah pesaing Manis FM dalam kategori stesen radio Bahasa Melayu Pantai Timur kerana Pahang Tengah dan Barat tidak dapat menerima siaran Gegar dengan melalui radio.

Selepas Manis FM bersiaran untuk Pahang Tengah pada 103.8MHz di Bukit Senggora, saya tidak pasti Manis FM akan memperluaskan liputan siarannya ke kawasan Pahang Barat atau tidak pada masa depan.

Pada minggu lepas, saya bersiar-siar di negeri Pahang, terutama Kemayan, Teriang, Bera, Chenor, Temerloh. Siaran Manis FM 103.8 masih jelas di Teriang, Bera, Chenor, Temerloh, dan Karak tanpa diganggu oleh Era FM 103.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok. Pada masa sama, saya mencuba untuk menerima siaran radio RTM Bukit Fraser di Temerloh, Teriang, Chenor, Karak dan Bera, penerimaan siaran radio dari Bukit Fraser masih ok lagi, walaupun Gunung Ulu Kali paling jelas di kawasan tersebut. 

Saya merakam penerimaan siaran radio RTM Bukit Fraser sebagai bukti dan rujukan, artikel blog sebelum ini mengulas tentang liputan Pahang Barat untuk Gegar dengan membuat cadangan untuk memasang pemancar di Bukit Fraser pada 107.9MHz (dahulu 92.4MHz). Sehubungan itu, saya telah memberi cadangan saya kepada pihak Astro Radio secara rahsia untuk memperluaskan siaran Gegar di Bukit Fraser bagi mengadakan persaingan dengan Manis FM. Apa saya buat sudah lengkap, cuma cadangan saya tertakluk kepada keputusan pihak pengurusan Astro Radio.

Saya telah merujuk penerimaan siaran radio RTM Bukit Fraser. Bayangkan jika Manis FM memperluaskan liputannya ke Pahang Barat di Bukit Fraser lebih awal daripada Gegar, saya mungkin percaya bahawa Manis FM akan menggugat Gegar di seluruh negeri Pahang lebih teruk daripada apa yang berlaku di Pahang Tengah 103.8MHz sekarang antara Gegar dan Manis.

Pemancar TV/radio di Bukit Fraser

Untuk meliputi Pahang Barat dan melengkapi liputan Manis FM di negeri Pahang, Manis FM boleh memasangkan pemancar di Bukit Fraser, bukannya Gunung Ulu Kali yang tiada frekuensi kosong dan ruang menara. Liputan Manis FM Bukit Fraser boleh didengari di Bentong, Lurah Bilut, Raub, Benta, Kuala Lipis, Karak, Lanchang serta Padang Tengku.

Oleh kerana Manis FM telah mempunyai frekuensi Pahang Tengah 103.8MHz, pada pandangan saya, frekuensi FM 92.4MHz boleh dicadangkan untuk Manis FM bagi meliputi Raub, Lipis, dan Bentong dari Bukit Fraser. 

==Cadangan frekuensi Pahang Barat untuk Manis FM==

* Frekuensi: FM 92.4MHz

* Kuasa: 0.5kW

* Tempat pemancar: Bukit Fraser, Pahang

==RF analisa==

92.3MHz: Minnal FM Menara Kuala Lumpur

92.4MHz: Manis FM Bukit Fraser

<100kHz, OK>

92.4MHz: Manis FM Bukit Fraser

92.4MHz: Hot FM Bukit Pelindung

<0kHz, OK>

92.4MHz: Manis FM Bukit Fraser

92.6MHz: Negeri FM Gunung Telapak Burok

<200kHz, OK>

Semasa saya berada di Chenor, Hot FM 92.4MHz dari Bukit Pelindung boleh diterima situ. Jika FM 92.4MHz digunakan di Bukit Fraser oleh Manis FM, saya mungkin percaya gangguan tidak akan berlaku dengan teruk. Hal ini kerana Manis FM boleh didengari di Pahang Tengah pada 103.8MHz dari Bukit Senggora, manakala Hot FM boleh didengari pada 97.6MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali atau 99.5MHz dari Gunung Telapak Burok di Pahang Tengah.

Di samping itu, pemancaran Manis FM 92.4MHz Bukit Fraser tidak akan membawa gangguan kepada liputan Negeri FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok kerana liputan utama Manis FM adalah Bentong, Raub dan Lipis. Minnal FM 92.3MHz dari Menara Kuala Lumpur tidak akan diganggu oleh Manis FM Bukit Fraser 92.4MHz dalam liputannya kerana Minnal FM masih mempunyai frekuensi yang jelas dan luas pada 96.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. Contohnya, jika Minnal FM 92.3MHz diganggu oleh Manis FM 92.4MHz Bukit Fraser di Rawang, Serendah dan Hulu Selangor, pendengar di kawasan tersebut boleh tala kepada 96.3MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali yang lebih jelas.

Pada masa sama, bersama dengan cadangan Gegar FM 107.9MHz Bukit Fraser, saya juga membuat cadangan Manis FM 92.4MHz Bukit Fraser untuk Pahang Barat kepada pihak Manis FM. 

Lihatlah macam mana persaingan sengit antara Gegar dan Manis di Pahang Barat nanti, tengok bagaimana rancangan untuk memperluaskan siaran mereka ke Pahang Barat...  Persaingan itu diperlukan, pendengar boleh membuat perbandingan bahawa siapa yang lebih hebat. Monopoli itu ialah budaya tidak sihat, kerana kita tidak boleh memperbaikikan diri dalam keadaan monopoli.

Gegar dengan Manis saling bersaing dengan keadaan yang sengit, tengok pihak mana yang akan jadi masyhur (atau "femes" [dipetik daripada perkataan Inggeris "Famous"]), itu tertaluk kepada pilihan pendengar di Pantai Timur.

RF analysis: FM 103.9MHz Gunung Ledang and FM 103.7MHz Bukit Pelindung

Before 2019, FM 103.7MHz and FM 103.9MHz were used to be in my list of empty radio frequencies for Bukit Pelindung and Gunung Ledang respectively on previous blog post.

Since December 2018, Manis FM expanded coverage to Central Pahang from Bukit Senggora 103.8MHz at 0.5kW power. It covers Jengka, Bera, Temerloh, and Jerantut, even Teriang, Mentakab, Lanchang, Karak and Bentong still can receive Manis FM.

I may not sure whether FM 103.7MHz Bukit Pelindung and FM 103.9MHz Gunung Ledang can be used or not, but we can know via RF analysis.

1. FM 103.9MHz Gunung Ledang
- In 2016, I was used to attempt suggest this frequency to Bernama Radio to cover Malacca, North Johor and large part of Negeri Sembilan. Until today, Bernama Radio does not expand any coverage to any region after Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

==RF analysis==
103.6MHz: ERA FM Gunung Telapak Burok
103.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
<300kHz, OK>

103.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
104.3MHz: Hot FM Gunung Ledang
<400kHz, OK>

103.7MHz: Raaga Gunung Pulai
103.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
<200kHz, OK>

103.9MHz: Gunung Ledang
104.1MHz: Best FM Gunung Pulai/Gunung Ulu Kali
<200kHz, OK>

103.8MHz: Manis FM Bukit Senggora
103.9MHz: Gunung Pulai
<100kHz, NOT OK>

- Gunung Ledang transmission covers part of Pahang, mainly Keratong and Muadzam Shah, but reception is still clear in Bera, Teriang, and Kemayan. Therefore, FM 103.9MHz is not suitable to be used in Gunung Ledang because 100kHz adjacent interference to Manis FM Bukit Senggora 103.8MHz coverage in Bera and Teriang. Best frequency separation between Gunung Ledang and Bukit Senggora is 200kHz, unless Gunung Ledang transmission does not cover Pahang, so 100kHz could be the ideal separation.

2. FM 103.7MHz Bukit Pelindung
- Used to suggest for Media Prima upcoming radio station in late 2015 on December 2015 blog post (refer CLSB station, now it's Kool FM) for Kuantan.

==RF analysis==
103.6MHz: ERA FM Gunung Telapak Burok
103.7MHz: Bukit Pelindung
<100kHz, OK>

103.7MHz: Bukit Pelindung
104.1MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Pelindung
<400kHz, OK>

103.7MHz: Bukit Pelindung
103.8MHz: Manis FM Bukit Senggora
<100kHz, NOT OK>

FM 103.7MHz is not suitable for Bukit Pelindung transmission due to adjacent channel 100kHz separation with Manis FM Bukit Senggora 103.8MHz, Bukit Pelindung FM 103.7MHz interference may be happened in Gambang and Sri Jaya. Actual minimum frequency separation between Bukit Pelindung and Bukit Senggora is 200kHz, unless Bukit Senggora runs very low power transmission, co-channel should be no problem. 

==Minimum frequency separation for Bukit Senggora FM radio transmission==
* Gunung Ledang: 200kHz
* Gunung Ulu Kali: 200kHz
* Gunung Telapak Burok: 200kHz
* Bukit Fraser: 200kHz
* Bukit Pelindung: 200kHz
* Bukit Sulai: 300kHz
* Bukit Sembilan: 300kHz
* Bukit Istana: 200kHz
* Bukit Botak: 100kHz

Due to 103.9MHz is not suitable for Gunung Ledang transmission, it seems there may have no vacant FM frequencies in Gunung Ledang.

Astro Radio expands Hitz, Era and MY in Sibu, Sarawak

By PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

SIBU (29th April 2019): According to Info Sibu Facebook page, the Malaysia no.1 commercial radio broadcaster, Astro Radio has expanded coverage for its popular radio brands Hitz, Era and MY in Sibu, Sarawak.

This is latest coverage expansion by Astro Radio in the state after the broadcaster expanded coverage in Miri for MY, HITZ, and ERA since August 2013, meanwhile Sinar and Mix (later replaced by Melody) reached coverage in Miri.

After 5.5 years from the coverage expansion in Miri, now Astro MY, HITZ and ERA are available in Sibu.

I may believe Sinar and Melody will be available in Sibu later when there is demand in Sibu.

With the coverage expansion in Sibu, listeners are able to access HITZ, MY and ERA in the area via FM radio, regardless indoor, outdoor or in the car.

ASTRO Radio is the third commercial broadcaster to be available in Sibu officially to end RTM monopoly since 29th April 2019. Cats FM is the first Sarawak based commercial broadcaster to air in Sibu, meanwhile Sarawak based Chinese-English radio broadcaster TEA FM launched in Sibu frequency FM 100.7MHz since December 2016. This provides alternative and more choices to Sibu listeners.

Here are the Astro Radio no.1 brands Sibu frequency list:

- ERA Sarawak 96.3FM

- HITZ Sarawak 105.1FM

- MY Sarawak 105.9FM

Same as TEA FM 100.7MHz, three of them are transmitted from Bukit Lima where mainly covers Sibu town.

Photos credits to Info Sibu Facebook Page and Astro Radio Sdn Bhd.

History of FM 107.9MHz in Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur

History of FM 107.9MHz in Central region of Malaysia/Sejarah FM 107.9MHz di wilayah tengah Malaysia:

Negeri FM 107.9MHz RTM Seremban (1990-2006)>>Klasik Nasional FM 107.9MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (2006-2009)>>FM 107.9MHz Bukit Sungai Besi (March 2013-present)

==Parameter of FM 107.9MHz in Negeri Sembilan/Kuala Lumpur==

1. RTM Negeri FM
* TX Location: RTM Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
* TX Power: 1kW
* Areas served: Seremban, Mantin and Labu
* Service timeline: 1990-2006

2. RTM Klasik Nasional 
* TX Location: Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan
* TX Power: 1kW
* Areas served: Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Port Dickson, Rembau, Jempol, South Selangor. Available in part of Melaka
* Service timeline: 2006- December 2009
* Note: An additional transmitter of weaker FM 87.9MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (0.1kW TX power till November 2009) to serve Seremban better between 2006-2009.

3. IM4U FM
* TX Location: Bukit Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur
* TX Power: 1kW
* Areas served: Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Puchong, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang Valley, Kuala Selangor, Sungai Buloh, Ampang, Cheras, Batu Caves, Kajang, Semenyih, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Kuala Langat, Banting, Selayang) and part of Negeri Sembilan (Nilai, and Mantin)
* Service timeline: March 2013-June 2018
* Successor: Rakita #MemangLit, brand transition was between July 2018 and December 2018, only non-stop music and no DJs were on-air during brand transition period.  

4. Rakita (same TX site and TX power as IM4U FM)
* Service timeline: January 2019-present
* Note: Station brand transition was happened between July 2018 and December 2018

5. Gegar (formerly known as THR Gegar) [suggestion]
* TX Site: Bukit Fraser 
* Power: 1kW
* Area served: Bentong, Raub, Karak, Mentakab, Lanchang, Temerloh, Chenor, Dong, Benta, Kuala Krau, Kuala Lipis, Padang Tengku, Bera, Teriang, and FELDA Tembangau.
* Service timeline: (Suggestion only)

 

If Astro decides to expand Gegar coverage to Western Pahang by locating transmitter in Fraser's Hill on 107.9MHz, so FM 107.9MHz could be divided into two radio stations within central region and Western Pahang, but totally different areas served. Rakita serves Klang Valley, meanwhile Gegar serves Western Pahang.

Between 2010 and 2013, FM 107.9MHz was vacant frequency in Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan after Klasik Nasional closed down its duplicate Gunung Telapak Burok transmitter when its original FM 87.9MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok was fully upgraded with 2kW transmitter.

So, here is the timeline of FM 107.9MHz with adding Gegar Bukit Fraser suggestion:

Negeri FM RTM Seremban>>Klasik Nasional Gunung Telapak Burok>>IM4U FM Bukit Sungai Besi>> Rakita Bukit Sungai Besi + Gegar Bukit Fraser

Negeri Sembilan (RTM Negeri FM and Klasik Nasional)>>Kuala Lumpur (Rakita fka IM4U FM) + Western Pahang (Gegar)