Adakah Lojing boleh menerima Kelantan FM jika memasang pemancar di Gunung Brinchang?

RTM Kelantan FM ialah sebuah stesen radio negeri khas untuk Kelantan. Mengenai liputannya, Kelantan FM telah meliputi 85% kawasan di negeri tersebut dengan 6 frekuensi, iaitu:

- 102.9MHz dari Wakaf Che Yeh untuk Kota Bharu

- 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar untuk Kelantan Tengah (Machang)

- 90.0MHz dari Bukit Tangki Air untuk Jeli

- 107.1MHz dari Bukit Bintang untuk Kelantan Timur

- 92.0MHz dari Bukit Chupak untuk Gua Musang 

- 88.1MHz dari FELDA Paloh untuk Paloh

Terdapat satu kawasan atau daerah di negeri Kelantan tidak dapat menerima siaran Kelantan FM, iaitu jajahan Lojing.

Kawasan Lojing ialah tempat yang amat sukar untuk memasang satu pemancar radio FM bagi Kelantan FM. Hal ini kerana Lojing ialah kawasan yang bertopografi dimana Lojing ialah tempat yang terlindung oleh banjaran tinggi yang menyebabkan isyarat siaran radio tidak dapat diterima situ. Untuk makluman, Lojing terletak di barat daya Kelantan, juga kawasan antara Gua Musang dan Tanah Tinggi Cameron. Biasanya anda akan melalui Lojing dulu apabila pergi Gua Musang dari Cameron Highlands.

Kelantan FM tidak dapat diterima di Lojing dengan 6 frekuensi yang sedia ada. Oleh itu, adakah menambah 1 pemancar di Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands untuk meliputi Lojing, Kelantan boleh menyelesaikan masalah tersebut?

==Cadangan parameter Kelantan FM untuk Lojing==

* Frekuensi: FM 105.9MHz

* Kuasa: 1kW

* Tempat pemancar: Gunung Brinchang,  Cameron Highlands, Pahang

* Kawasan sasaran: Lojing, Kelantan

* Arah antenna: Timur laut dengan directional antenna

==RF analisa==

105.9MHz: Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang

106.1MHz: Ai FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

105.7MHz: Lite FM Gunung Ulu Kali

105.9MHz: Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang

<200kHz, OK>

Liputan Kelantan FM di Lojing dari Gunung Brinchang

Liputan Kelantan FM Gunung Brinchang di Kelantan Barat Daya

Berdasarkan pada peta liputan Kelantan FM yang dipancar dari Gunung Brinchang di Lojing, hanya kawasan yang berdekatan dengan sempadan Pahang baru boleh menerima siaran Kelantan FM. Peta liputan Kelantan FM 105.9MHz Gunung Brinchang berdasarkan ketinggian antenna penerima radio sebanyak 10m. Secara keseluruhan, Lojing masih tidak dapat menerima Kelantan FM 105.9MHz dari Gunung Brinchang. Jika pemancar Kelantan FM 105.9MHz dipasang di Gunung Brinchang, pendengar Kelantan FM tidak akan menerima siaran tersebut dengan jelas di Lojing. Kalau menggunakan penerima radio yang murah dengan ketinggian antenna rendah, Kelantan FM tidak dapat diterima di Lojing secara teknikal.

- Penemuan: Tiada signal di Lojing dari Gunung Brinchang
- Cadangan seterusnya: Menggunakan tapak pemancar yang sesuai di Tanah Tinggi Lojing untuk meliputi Lojing, Kelantan

Kesimpulannya, Lojing tidak boleh menerima siaran Kelantan FM jika stesen radio tersebut memasang pemancar di Gunung Brinchang. Oleh kerana itu, kemungkinan besar RTM atau pembina menara pemancaran perlu mencari kawasan yang sesuai untuk meliputi Lojing. Malangnya, setakat ini tiada tempat pemancar yang sesuai digunakan untuk meliputi Lojing, tidak kira menara selular di jajahan Lojing atau tidak.

Liputan Gunung Brinchang sebenarnya

Announcement: Raaga FM is available in Pekan, Pahang on FM 99.7MHz

Although Raaga is not available in Kuantan from Bukit Pelindung, but Raaga must be tuned via Syok mobile app and Astro DVR CH859. Somehow Kuantan can receive Raaga on FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, but the reception may not be good, meanwhile Gambang definitely can receive Raaga on 99.3MHz.

THR Raaga is available in Pekan, Pahang by tuning to FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang. The adjacent distance from Gunung Ledang to Pekan is about 153km. Although it is very far to receive Raaga in Pekan on FM 99.7MHz from Gunung Ledang, Johor, but it is receivable because there is no much terrain between Pekan and Gunung Ledang.

THR Raaga frequency in Pekan, Pahang is FM 99.7MHz, another frequency FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (Klang Valley) also can be tuned in Pekan. You may try it! If there is any feedback, please leave comment on this post.

Raaga. Aahaa.... Sirantha Isai!

List of broadcast transmission sites where are available only FM radio service after analogue TV switch off (ASO) in Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia is on the way to perform ASO (analogue switch off) from 30th September 2019, all terrestrial television will be converted digitally via DVB-T2 and DVB-S2 (for blind spot areas).

Since Q4 2018, MYTV launches Asiasat-9 DTH satellite transmission to fill the blind spot areas, so this indicates MYTV will not install more DTT transmitters after DTH.

After analogue television service is switched off, here are the transmission sites where only remain as FM radio service in Peninsular Malaysia:

1. Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban, Jelebu, Kuala Pilah of Negeri Sembilan)**
2. Bukit Palong (Baling, Kedah)
3. Bukit Istana (Jerantut, Pahang)^
4. Gunung Brinchang (Cameron Highlands, Pahang)
5. Changkat Rembian (Tapah, Perak)*
6. Felda Terolak Timur, Perak
7. Kampung Ulu Slim, Perak 
8. Bukit Chupak (Gua Musang, Kelantan)
9. Bukit Botak (Damak, Pahang)
10. Bukit Penara (Penang)**
11. Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau, Penang)*
12. Bukit Dedap (Sik, Kedah)
13. Padang Pauh (Perlis)
14. Felda Cerul, Terengganu
15. Felda Tenang (Hulu Besut, Terengganu)
16. Gerik, Perak
17. Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong, Perak)
18. Sungai Siput (U), Perak
19. Hulu Keruak, Terengganu
20. Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli, Kelantan)
21. Peringat, Kelantan (Media Prima transmission site for Kota Bharu)**
22. RTM Wakaf Che Yeh (Kota Bharu, but receives from Telipot)
23. Batu 18, Hulu Langat, Selangor
24. Felda Paloh, Gua Musang, Kelantan
25. Bukit Botak (Damak, Kelantan)

*Astro also operates Era FM 102.0MHz in Changkat Rembian, then IKIM FM operates 102.7MHz in Bukit Genting.

**Main broadcast transmission sites technically. Except Gunung Telapak Burok and Bukit Penara, most of the sites listed above are gap filler sites.

^TV3 was used to have analogue TV service in Bukit Istana since 1991.

FM 102.0MHz unknown radio station spotted in Linggi (Negeri Sembilan) and Lubuk China (Melaka)

On 5th June 2019, it was Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival in Malaysia. I had spotted FM 102.0MHz unknown radio station signal in Pedas Linggi rest station, Negeri Sembilan which the station transmits in silent mode. At the same time, I had spotted its RDS information and radio text of FM 102.0MHz on my Samsung Galaxy V Plus smartphone radio receiver.

==FM 102.0MHz Pedas Linggi information==
- RDS PS: TEST
- Radio Text: SmartGen 6.0 - Dynamic RDS/RBDS Encoder - WWW.DEVABROADCAST.COM
- Station condition: Signal on, but no audio output from audio processor


I had spotted FM 102.0MHz transmission was equipped with DEVA Broadcast SmartGen 6.0 - Dynamic RDS/RBDS Encoder. Videos were recorded as evidence for further investigation. After I recorded the particular radio station signal, I sent these videos to Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to verify that where did FM 102.0MHz come from. Sadly I was told by MCMC that "No transmission on FM 102.0MHz in Negeri Sembilan", this meant that I was not success to find out the findings of this frequency.

Besides Rembau and Pedas, somebody sent me few videos of FM 102.0MHz silent radio station where they spotted in Lubuk China and Linggi personally, so I decided to help them to upload to YouTube as evidence.

Compare to Tampin, FM 102.0MHz was clearer in Pedas and Linggi than Tampin and Kota. So, FM 102.0MHz is not from Bukit Tampin as I mentioned previously on June blog, but I already guessed it may be from Pedas. On previous blog post of June 2019, I had mentioned FM 102.0MHz could belong to RTM where I might suspect RTM Negeri FM would add gap filler transmitter in Pedas on 102.0MHz because Negeri FM reception is not good in Pedas on 92.6, 95.7 and 107.7, so I might think Negeri FM 102.0MHz will be better in Pedas. Suspecting something did not mean to conclude, therefore I tried to ask RTM engineer for FM 102.0MHz transmission. I was told that FM 102.0MHz was not belonged to RTM yet in Negeri Sembilan, the engineers told me that Negeri FM frequency in Pedas is either 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok or 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin.

The videos that I received shows that FM 102.0MHz reception is quite stable and clear in Linggi and Lubuk Cina. In addition, one of video also shows that FM 102.0MHz RDS text "TEST" appeared on his Proton Saga radio receiver when he drove from Seremban to Johor.

 Since FM 102.0MHz unknown transmission in Negeri Sembilan is considered as "unresolved case" which has no exact findings, I don't decide to conclude this blog post.

Few questions are issued where I think about FM 102.0MHz:

Question 1: If RTM confirms that FM 102.0MHz is belonged to RTM in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan, it is possible Negeri FM to use the frequency, but will RTM close down Negeri FM Bukit Tampin FM 95.7MHz as Tampin can receive 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang clearly? Then 102.0MHz substitutes 95.7MHz for Rembau area?

Question 2: If RTM claims that FM 102.0MHz is not belonged to RTM in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan, who else broadcasts on the frequency FM 102.0MHz within Negeri Sembilan? 

Question 2: If there is no apparatus assignment list of FM 102.0MHz on regulator official website, could be FM 102.0MHz classified as "unlicensed apparatus" aka "unlicensed broadcast", as FM frequency from 87.5-108MHz is licensed band by MCMC?

Question 3: If a broadcaster operates FM 102.0MHz in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan without MCMC knowledge, is it against the law for not applying apparatus assignment?

Question 4: The frequency FM 102.0MHz has been on transmission in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan for more than 2 years, would it breach MCMC apparatus assignment regulations?

Question 5: What is the purpose of FM 102.0MHz testing in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan for more than 2 years?

CityPlus FM 106.0MHz Klang Valley and Seremban transmission is inspired by Australia radio station

Malaysia's first Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM was launched on 2nd May 2017. Its transmission for Klang Valley is from Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan on FM 106.0MHz.

Why does the station choose Gunung Telapak Burok, not Gunung Ulu Kali, Bukit Sungai Besi or Kuala Lumpur Tower? This is because:

1. Gunung Ulu Kali, Bukit Sungai Besi and Kuala Lumpur Tower have no more available frequency. Therefore, Gunung Telapak Burok which covers Negeri Sembilan is the final choice, and it is receivable in Southern Klang Valley. The frequency is still available in Gunung Telapak Burok, so CityPlus FM uses Gunung Telapak Burok to cover Klang Valley and Negeri Sembilan, also can be received in part of Melaka/Johor, as well as Central Pahang.

2. Back to 2017, I was used to suggest CityPlus FM to use FM 106.1MHz in Gunung Ulu Kali to cover Klang Valley clearly. Unfortunately, my suggestion would cause interference to RTM Nasional FM 106.2MHz Bukit Fraser coverage. In addition, I may believe RTM Nasional FM Bukit Fraser was assigned on 106.2MHz by MCMC within late 2016. While I did suggestion to move CityPlus FM transmission to Gunung Ulu Kali on 106.1MHz in early 2017, I definitely never realized RTM Nasional FM used 106.2MHz in Bukit Fraser. Until 31st December 2017, I only detected RTM Nasional FM 106.2MHz transmission from Bukit Fraser in Lanchang and Karak, Pahang when I traveled to Kuala Gandah Elephant Farm with my family, then I discovered RTM Nasional FM 106.2MHz was established in Bukit Fraser to cover Raub where Gunung Ulu Kali reception is poor there.

Regarding CityPlus FM 106.0MHz transmission from Gunung Telapak Burok, in my opinion, it is inspired by certain Australian radio stations. I was used to be in Brisbane for business event about 2 weeks, I also tuned to few of the radio stations there. I observed that few of Australia radio stations did not hold Brisbane area broadcast license, but they could be received in Brisbane, few of them were still clear. Australia radio station River 94.9FM transmission looks like CityPlus FM 106.0.

About River 94.9FM, this radio station is based in Ipswich, Queensland state, Australia, and transmitted from The Knobby hill, The Knobby is located in Ipswich region. Transmit at 50kW effective radiated power, it can be received in Logan, Brisbane, Caboolture, Ipswich, Toowoomba and Gold Coast.

On highway from Gold Coast to Brisbane, I could listen to River 94.9FM clearly.

River 94.9FM transmission site coverage looks like Gunung Telapak Burok in Malaysia. Let analyze the similarity:

Malaysia vs. Australia radio transmission (CityPlus FM 106.0MHz vs. River 94.9FM)

==CityPlus FM 106.0MHz vs. River 94.9FM==

1. Transmission site
- CityPlus FM 106.0MHz: Gunung Telapak Burok
- River 94.9FM: The Knobby, Ipswich, QLD, Australia

QLD= Queensland

2. Broadcast license area
-  CityPlus FM 106.0MHz: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
-  River 94.9FM: Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

3. Coverage equivalent (Location: Malaysia = Australia)
- Kuala Klawang = Ipswich
- Melaka = Gold Coast
- Seremban = Logan City
- Muar = Tweed Heads (New South Wales)
- Pahang = Toowoomba
- Kuala Lumpur = Brisbane
- Shah Alam = Northgate/Chermside
- Kuala Selangor/Klang = Caboolture
- Rembau/Johol = Beaudesert
- Port Dickson = Redland City
- Senawang = Springwood
- Tanjung Kling/Sungai Udang = Harbour Town
- Merlimau = Currumbin

4. Similarity
- From Gunung Telapak Burok (The Knobby, Ipswich) covers Seremban (Logan City), Kuala Lumpur (Brisbane) and Melaka (Gold Coast)

With the comparison above, I observed that Malaysia CityPlus FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmission is highly inspired by Australia Ipswich based River 94.9FM.

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz Kuching coverage

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz is based in Kuching, Sarawak. It is transmitted from Bukit Djin and it can be received in:

- Kuching

- Bau

- Kota Samarahan

- Siburan

- Serian

- Simunjan

- Sebangan

- Serikin

- Lingga (partially)

- Sri Aman (partially)

- Kabong (partially)

- Sebuyau

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz from Kuching can be received in Sibu, Sarawak?

CityPlus FM 92.5MHz is a Chinese business radio station based in Kuching, Sarawak. It is transmitted from Bukit Djin, mainly for Kuching. It can be received in Serian, Bau, Sebangan, Simunjan, Siburan and Kota Samarahan.

Surprisingly, CityPlus FM 92.5MHz from Bukit Djin can be received in Sibu, Sarawak. On 16th September 2019, I went to Sibu for business event. After I landed Sibu airport, I went to the town by Grab Car. So, I asked permission from Grab driver for borrowing radio. Then, I tried to tune to FM 92.5MHz in Sibu.

From Sibu airport to Sibu town, it takes 20-25 minutes. While I was on my way to Sibu town, I could receive CityPlus FM 92.5MHz from Kuching at the midway between airport and town. When I reached Sibu town, CityPlus FM 92.5MHz became no signal. For your information, CityPlus FM 92.5MHz is only available in part of Sibu, but the reception is subject to the location and radio receiver quality.

Here is the video that I recorded in Sibu midway:

Distance between Sibu to Bukit Djin is about 190km.

Besides Sibu, I received a video from my friend that he received CityPlus FM 92.5MHz in Sri Aman, Sarawak.

RTM Sarawak's division radio stations frequencies

In Sarawak, RTM has five division radio stations, namely RaSa FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM and Limbang FM.

==RaSa FM frequencies==
* 89.5MHz: Sri Aman, Sarawak (Bukit Temuduk)
* 99.5MHz: Betong, Sarawak (Off Spaoh)

==Sibu FM frequencies==
* 87.6MHz: Sibu, Sarawak (Bukit Lima)
* 102.1MHz: Setapong/Selangau, Sarawak (Bukit Singgalang)
* 98.7MHz: Mukah, Sarawak
* 94.6MHz: Sarikei, Sarawak (Bukit Kayu Malam)
* 99.8MHz: Song, Sarawak (Bukit Song)
* 103.0MHz: Belaga, Sarawak 
* 94.3MHz: Kapit, Sarawak (Bukit Kapit)

==Bintulu FM frequencies==
* 97.5MHz: Bintulu and Tatau, Sarawak (Bukit Setiam)
* 95.3MHz: Bintulu, Sarawak (RTM Bintulu)

==Miri FM frequencies==
* 95.7MHz: Miri, Sarawak (Bukit Lambir)
* 98.0MHz: RTM Miri Broadcasting House

==Limbang FM frequencies==
* 104.9MHz: Limbang, Sarawak (Bukit Mas)
* 101.1MHz: Lawas, Sarawak (Bukit Tiong)
* 94.5MHz: Mendamit, Sarawak (Bukit Sagan Rudang)

Alongside their local breakfast shows from 9am to 12pm, Bintulu FM, Miri FM, Sibu FM, Limbang FM and RaSa FM relay Wai FM Iban/Bidayuh programs rest of the hours. In addition, local Chinese language program on Miri FM, RaSa FM, and Sibu FM were ceased because it already exists on RTM Red FM.

Cats FM expanded its network coverage in Belaga and Kapit, Sarawak.

BY PHILIP YONG
philipyong0110@gmail.com

On Q4 2019, Sarawak's commercial radio station Cats FM expanded its network coverage in Belaga and Kapit, Sarawak.

Before launching of Cats FM in these two locations, only RTM radio stations are available in Kapit and Belaga. Cats FM is the first commercial radio station to launch in Kapit and Belaga today. Listeners can tune to Cats FM in Belaga and Kapit through a radio receiver. In Belaga, Cats FM is on FM 99.5MHz, meanwhile FM 107.6MHz is in Kapit.


==Cats FM Belaga frequency==
* Frequency: FM 99.5MHz
* Power: 0.5kW
* Transmitter site: TM Belaga, Sarawak

==Cats FM Kapit frequency==
* Frequency: FM 107.6MHz
* Power: 0.5kW
* Transmitter site: TM Bukit Kapit, Sarawak

TM Belaga tower, Sarawak

TM Bukit Kapit tower, Sarawak

MYTV myFreeview coverage in Balik Pulau, Penang (DTT)

List of Balik Pulau areas where can receive MYTV myFreeview via DTT from Gunung Raya and Bukit Larut with 37E UHF outdoor antenna and antenna booster.

==Gunung Raya (881m)==

- Kampung Perlis

- Pulau Betong

- Kampung Sungai Burung

- Taman Nelayan

- Kampung Genting

- Kampung Jalan Baru

- Kampung Terang

==Gunung Jerai (1269m)==

- Kuala Sungai Pinang

 

==Bukit Larut (1341m)==

- Balik Pulau town

- Kampung Titi Teras

- Sungai Rusa

- Kampung Titi Serong

- Kampung Permatang Timbun

- Kampung Pasir Panjang

- Gertak Sanggul

- Teluk Kumbar

- Tanjung Asam

- Taman Kumbar Permai

Balik Pulau receives MYTV myFreeview DTT from Gunung Raya, Langkawi, Kedah?

On previous post, I rolled out the alternative method to receive MYTV myFreeview DTT signal in Balik Pulau, Penang by receiving from Bukit Larut, Taiping, Perak, but MYTV Bukit Larut signal is mostly receivable in Balik Pulau town and Teluk Kumbar, Penang. Other than Bukit Larut, some of Balik Pulau areas can receive TV and radio signal from Gunung Raya, Langkawi, Kedah.

Back to December 2013, I was used to receive Era FM 90.7MHz from Gunung Raya when drove from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau, even Kedah FM 105.7MHz and Langkawi FM 104.8MHz can be received between these two towns, but no signal when reach Balik Pulau town.

Gunung Raya signal is only available in west coastal area of Balik Pulau, namely Kampung Sungai Burung, Kampung Jalan Baru, Kampung Sungai Burong, Kampung Perlis, Pulau Betong and village areas along Jalan Kuala Sungai Pinang (Taman Nelayan).

To receive MYTV myFreeview DTT signal from Gunung Raya in Balik Pulau coastal village, an outdoor UHF 37E antenna and antenna booster are required.To get better reception, ensure 37E antenna on the roof beam to north direction, it is better to put higher antenna (not high as Johor TV antenna type).

Adjacent distance from Gunung Raya to Balik Pulau coastal village is 117-125km. So, 37E UHF outdoor antenna is the only choice.

==Balik Pulau areas where can receive MYTV myFreeview DTT from Gunung Raya==

- Kampung Perlis

- Pulau Betong

- Kampung Sungai Burung

- Taman Nelayan

- Kampung Genting

- Kampung Jalan Baru

- Kampung Terang

MYTV myFreeview Gunung Raya frequencies are same as Bukit Larut, Penang U4, Gunung Jerai and Seberang Jaya.

Alternative transmitter sites for MYTV DTT in blind spot areas (use 37E outdoor antenna and booster)

Here are alternative distant transmitter sites where may be able to be received MYTV myFreeview DTT signal in blind spot areas, but it is mandatory to use 37E UHF outdoor antenna and booster in order to receive myFreeview DTT signal from distant transmitter sites.

1. Tapah, Perak (Gunung Ulu Kali): Town only

2. Lenggong, Perak (Bukit Larut)

3. Baling, Kedah (Gunung Jerai)

4. Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Ledang): only applicable in town

5. Titi, Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Ledang): selected areas only

6. Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Ledang)

7. Johol, Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Ledang)

8. Pengkalan Hulu, Perak (Gunung Jerai): selected areas only

9. Balik Pulau, Penang (Bukit Larut)

10. Simpang Pertang, Negeri Sembilan (Gunung Ledang)

11. Teluk Bahang, Penang (Gunung Raya/Gunung Jerai)

12. Perlis (Gunung Raya)

13. Kuala Lipis, Pahang (Bukit Fraser)

14. Teluk Kumbar, Penang (Bukit Larut)

15. Padang Tengku, Pahang (Bukit Fraser)

16. Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang (Gunung Kledang) 

17. Hulu Langat, Selangor (Gunung Ulu Kali)

18. Sipitang, Sabah (Bukit Tiong)

Another alternative way other than using DTH (direct to home). If you cannot receive MYTV via DTT from the list, you need to install MYTV Asiasat-9 Satellite dish.

MYTV myFreeview in Balik Pulau, Penang via DVB-T2 DTT from Bukit Larut, Perak

As September 2019, MYTV myFreeview digital terrestrial television covers 95% of Penang areas. All frequencies from all transmitter sites for Penang are same, CH45 UHF 666MHz and CH49 UHF 682MHz as they run single frequency network, SFN.

1. TM Seberang Jaya covers Seberang Perai, East Penang Island and Bayan Lepas

2. Gunung Jerai covers North Penang, Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Tokong, Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah.

3. Penang U4 covers Georgetown and East Penang Island.

While most of Penang urban areas are covered by myFreeview DTT transmission, but Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar cannot receive any MYTV digital TV signal from Gunung Jerai, Penang U4 and TM Seberang Jaya due to many terrains. Although if MYTV installs digital terrestrial television transmitter in Bukit Penara, it cannot guarantee Balik Pulau can receive myFreeview from Bukit Penara because not all Balik Pulau areas cannot receive Bukit Penara TV/radio signal clearly, even some of areas cannot receive from Bukit Penara. For Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar, usually these areas are covered by local repeater site, named Bukit Genting.

Bukit Genting actually covers only Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar. In my opinion, it is not worth to install MYTV DVB-T2 transmitter in Bukit Genting due to small coverage population, compare to Bukit Penara, Seberang Jaya and Penang U4.

YB Haji Zolkifly (State constituency member of Teluk Bahang N40) distributed MYTV satellite dish and decoder to Balik Pulau residents. Picture was taken from YB Haji Zolkifly Bin Md Lazim Facebook page where published on 23rd July 2019

Currently, Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar people receive MYTV myFreeview digital TV via DTH direct to home by using satellite dish. Since MYTV Asiasat-9 runs Ku Band, so I cannot guarantee myFreeview can be received or not during raining because Ku Band is sensitive of rainfade. In another way, actually Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar still can receive MYTV myFreeview via DTT by using UHF antenna, definitely not receive from Seberang Jaya, Gunung Jerai or Penang U4, but Bukit Larut.

Technically, Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar can receive MYTV myFreeview from Bukit Larut, but needs few equipment:

1. Outdoor UHF antenna 37e (longest receiving antenna)

2. Antenna booster

It is a mandatory to use outdoor UHF antenna in Balik Pulau if receive from Bukit Larut. For people who uses indoor antenna, please replace with 37E outdoor UHF antenna. Indoor antenna cannot receive MYTV from Bukit Larut in Balik Pulau, indoor antenna only allows to receive TV signal at maximum 20km distance from TV transmitter site.

Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar can receive Bukit Larut signal because Bukit Larut has high elevation, but it is subject to receiving antenna types. Although Bukit Larut mainly covers Taiping and Northwest Perak, but its signal can spill to Penang actually. I claim that Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar MYTV can receive from Bukit Larut is based on my listening experience of Mix FM in Balik Pulau, back to December 2013. 

Let me to story about Mix FM in Balik Pulau where I mentioned before. Mix FM frequency in Penang is actually FM 91.0MHz from Gunung Jerai, but Mix is being interfered by RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz from Bukit Genting in Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar since 2003, even Mix FM 91.0MHz may have interference in Bayan Lepas, so I tuned to FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut in order to continue listening to Mix FM. Although Mix FM 91.3MHz is receivable in Balik Pulau, but the reception is not so clear actually.

UHF receiving antenna range

Regarding the receiving distance between Balik Pulau and Bukit Larut, it is about 83km, meanwhile the adjacent distance from Bukit Larut to Teluk Kumbar is 79-80km. So, for these two areas, it is highly recommended to use 37E receiving antenna with booster in Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar. 14E is not recommended because its maximum receiving distance is only 80km, but 37E is between 80-100km. Antenna below 37E are not encouraged to be used in Balik Pulau. For Bayan Lepas, 14E UHF antenna can be used because it can receive from Seberang Jaya.

In terms of reception status, Teluk Kumbar receives from Bukit Larut may be better than Balik Pulau because it is located at southern coastal area of Penang Island where Bukit Larut can spill signal there. For Balik Pulau, after I mention 37e UHF antenna and booster, height of receiving antenna is another concern. Put a bit higher of outdoor antenna may be better, but it is not necessary to do make ultra high antenna in Balik Pulau to receive Bukit Larut DTT like North Johor households receive Singapore TV with high antenna.

Neglect DTH service, but technically MYTV myFreeview already covers Penang state at 100% with 4 transmission sites, two of them are local sites, another two are from neighboring states.

==MYTV myFreeview in Penang==

 1. TM Seberang Jaya (Central Seberang Perai) covers Seberang Perai, East Penang Island and Bayan Lepas

2. Gunung Jerai (Gurun, Kedah) covers North Penang, Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Tokong, Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah.

3. Penang U4 (Georgetown, Penang) covers Georgetown and East Penang Island.

4. Bukit Larut (Taiping, Perak) covers Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar

Have a good try. Please leave comment if there is feedback.

Unknown radio station FM 93.8MHz detected in Kuala Kedah, Malaysia (Al-Falah FM 93.8MHz Sigil Aceh)

In Kuala Kedah, which not far away from jetty. Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai signal turned weak, the radio signal became an unknown radio station.

By clicking auto searching, the radio receiver stopped at FM 93.8MHz, the unknown radio station carried Al-Quran recite programs. I recorded the video where not far away from Kuala Kedah mosque, then the signal disappeared when I turned to Sungai Kedah river bridge.

Initially suspect FM 93.8MHz is from Indonesia, I had checked on Asiawaves.net, none of radio stations are registered on FM 93.8MHz within North Sumatra.

I believe FM 93.8MHz that I spotted is Islamic radio station. FM 93.8MHz is not used in North Sumatra, coincidentally Aceh is Muslim majority province in Indonesia, so I tried to search it on Google by typing "FM 93.8MHz Aceh".

It is Al Falah FM 93.8MHz, based in Sigli, Aceh province of Indonesia.

==INFORMATION==

* Station name: Al-Falah FM 

* Frequency: FM 93.8MHz

* Transmission site: Sigil, Aceh province, Indonesia

* Receiving site: Kuala Kedah, Malaysia 
* Distance: 482km

Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai interfered by 94PFM We Love Satun from Satun, Thailand in Alor Setar, Kedah

RTM Mutiara FM is a state radio station to target Penang state with 3 frequencies, FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara, FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai (low power) and FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting (low power).

Since it targets only Penang, but the radio station is clashed by few Thailand radio stations in Kedah. Gunung Jerai is transmission site to cover Kedah, Penang and Perlis, but Mutiara FM 93.9MHz never covers Kedah actually. In addition, Georgetown and Seberang Perai are not FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai coverage as they're covered by FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara.

Actually Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai covers only Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang where these areas cannot receive FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Penara due to terrains. Interesting thing about FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai reception in Kedah is Mutiara FM clashed with Thailand radio station.

In Alor Setar, Jitra and Ayer Hitam of Kedah, Mutiara FM 93.9MHz actually is clashed by 94PFM We Love Satun which transmitted from Satun, Thailand. Imagine if 94PFM We Love Satun is transmitted from Tambon Khuan Khan, Satun, Thailand where occupied by Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz and FM 99.5MHz, I may believe Mutiara FM 93.9MHz will get more interference from 94PFM badly in Alor Setar.

MCOT Phatthalung FM 95.75MHz can be received at Gunung Jerai top peak, Malaysia.

In Kedah and Perlis of Malaysia where are not far from Thailand border, it is common that these states can receive neighboring TV and radio stations from Thailand, notably Satun, Songkhla, Yala and Betong provinces. For Langkawi, due to its strategic geographical location, the island somehow can receive Thailand radio stations from Trang, Phatthalung and Phuket.

For mainland Kedah areas, Satun, Songkhla and Yala transmitted Thailand radio stations are receivable, but surprisingly Phatthalung radio station can be received in Kedah. When I traveled to Gunung Jerai top peak, usually I could capture Thailand radio stations signal clearly in Satun, Yala and Songkhla, but I received MCOT Phatthalung FM 95.75MHz there. 

I thought Mutiara FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Penara could be received at Gunung Jerai top peak, but the frequency became Thailand radio station. I already guessed FM 95.7 is MCOT Phatthalung during that time.

From Phatthalung to Gunung Jerai top peak, the adjacent distance is 215km, reception of MCOT Phatthalung is moderate there.

At Gunung Jerai top peak, MCOT FM 95.75MHz is the only Phatthalung radio station can be received there, compare to other Phatthalung radio stations such as Radio Thailand FM 98.0MHz (Zayan FM 98.1MHz Gunung Jerai signal), TP4 FM 89.25MHz (Lite FM Bukit Larut 89.3MHz signal).

When I drove from foothill to top peak of Gunung Jerai (12km distance), Mutiara FM and MCOT Phatthalung were clashing each other on FM 95.7MHz.

==RF analysis==

95.7MHz: Mutiara FM Bukit Penara

95.75MHz: MCOT Phatthalung

<50kHz>

สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง FM 103.00 MHz from Trang, Thailand received in Penang and Alor Setar?

A Thailand radio station from Trang province can be received in Penang and Alor Setar?

In Alor Setar, the only available Thailand radio stations are transmitted from Satun, Songkhla and Yala. 

Yala is not the furthest Thailand radio station that received in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, but Trang is the furthest.

In Trang Thailand, there is an army radio station, which operated by Royal Thai Army 4th area division, known as สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง FM 103.00 MHz (4th Army Radio Station Trang FM 103.0MHz, also known as Thor Por Sii in Thai radio call sign name).

สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง (Satthanii Witthayu Kong Thap Phak Thi Si Changwat Trang)

This radio station operates on FM 103.0MHz from Na Tham Nuea, Trang, Thailand, transmission power is 3.5kW (ERP: 7kW). It can be received in part of Langkawi actually via coastal transmission, but surprisingly FM 103.0MHz Trang can be received in some Alor Setar areas and Penang.

When I was driving at some higher areas in Alor Setar (a flyover bridge), Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh was interfered by FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand. While Perlis FM 102.9MHz was playing Sabyan Gambus song (Arabic Islamic song cover version), I could hear some Thai Lukthung (Thai country) music noise, then I switched to FM 103.0MHz, it was receivable, but poor reception.

In addition, Perlis FM 102.9MHz definitely cannot be received anymore when drive to Sungai Petani, and Penang. As I know, Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh can be received only in Tanjung Bungah high elevation areas of Penang Island. When Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh reception went poor in Penang, but I can receive Thailand radio station FM 103.0MHz from Trang province in Tasek Gelugor and Bukit Tambun, so freak!


Distance between Thor Por Sii FM 103.0MHz Trang Thailand and Penang, Kedah is about 220km-280km.

Seriously say that FM 103.0MHz is the strongest radio station among all Trang province radio stations. Compare to MCOT FM 106.25MHz Trang and Radio Thailand FM 91.25MHz Trang, both of them did not overspill signal beyond Langkawi Island, even they never transmit signal to Perlis and Kedah, but Thor Por Sii Trang FM 103.0MHz has very strong propagation where it can overspill signal to Penang of Malaysia.

在馬來西亞收看台灣三立電視台的方式, 就是下載Vidol應用程序

要收看台灣三立電視台直播視頻, 但卻在馬來西亞只有三立國際台, 嫌看台語或華語偶像劇看不飽? 不用期望馬來西亞付費電視台引進台灣台/都會台, 直接用Vidol就行了.

其實收看三立電視台 (台灣台/都會台), 可以在Google Play Store下載Vidol應用程序, 但收看三立台灣台或都會台直播視頻是必須付費的.

Vidol 是三立電視的OTT平台, 成立於2016年. 其實Vidol手機應用程序都有三立的VOD (Video On Demand)視頻, 有些Video On Demand電視劇是免費. 台語電視劇"戲說台灣"完整版都可以通過Vidol免費收看, 但部份的偶像劇是要付費的.

看三立Vidol應用程序的視頻都是需要註冊戶口或用Facebook登入就可以了, 註冊都是免費的.

如果要看三立台灣台或都會台直播頻道的話, 登入帳號後, 三立會給你試看6分鐘. 看完三立其中一家電視台後, 若繼續收看, 觀眾就必須簽購三立配套. 以下都是三立電視配套價格, 包定你可以看飽飽 (價格以馬幣為準):

對我而言, 追看台灣三立電視台 (台灣台/都會台), 價格方面是非常合理, 每個月付RM16收看三立台灣台和都會台其實都不錯, 反而馬來西亞A字大台的付費電視頻道比較貴 (或許因為他們要付電費, 衛星傳輸費和版權費吧!). 因為OTT是網絡傳輸的數碼平台, 所以電視台通過OTT是不需要付衛星傳輸費/有線傳輸費等等.

現在的電視機越來越先進, Smart TV (智能性電視)具備Android Cast, 互聯網和藍芽功能. 一台已經下載Vidol應用程序的手機或平板電腦都可以通過Android Cast在電視大螢幕收看三立電視台...

同時也要留意的事情就是, 因版權限制政策, 不是所有的國家可以收看三立電視台直播視頻.

如果用手機收看Vidol的三立電視台直播頻道, 但擔心行動數據Data很快用盡, 我建議簽購DiGi Postpaid Infinite 100, 無限上網, SMS和撥打電話, 只不過每個月RM100.