Philip DXing Log Malaysia 飛力浦DX廣播情報局

Monday, 3 February 2020

My listening and DXing experience of Thailand FM radio stations in Perak, Malaysia (PART 2: Teluk Intan)

After PART 1 in Sitiawan, let's move on to PART 2. In my opinion, this PART 2 article of receiving Thailand FM radio stations in Perak, Malaysia is the most impressive FM DXing ever. In the past years, Gunung Jerai is the furthest radio station that I received in Teluk Intan where its distance is 206km, following by Gunung Telapak Burok where distance is 177km only.

Sungai Perak/Perak River in Teluk Intan, Perak (the location that I received 3 Thailand FM radio stations from Satun and Yala)

Teluk Intan is also part of my hometown, it's my mother's actual hometown, so I usually go there twice annually. I definitely come to Teluk Intan every Chinese New Year celebration.

For 2020 Chinese New Year, Gunung Jerai is no longer classified as furthest radio station that I received in Teluk Intan anymore in my FM DXing record, now Satun Thailand is the furthest radio station signal that I received in Teluk Intan, then following by Yala Thailand.

In the past, I never been used to receive any Thailand FM radio stations in Teluk Intan, Malaysia, but I received three Thailand FM radio stations there on January 2020. There are:

1. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz
2. MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz
3. Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz

In Teluk Intan, I captured Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz, MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz and Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz nearby Perak River, especially evening and morning during tropospheric propagation.

On another day, I caught MCOT Satun FM 93.2MHz and Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz at Jalan Sithambaram Pillay (nearby river) in the car after I had breakfast at Teck Kee Dim Sum restaurant with family members, they were quite loud seriously. MCOT FM 93.25MHz is obviously faded rapidly when the car moved and interfered by RTM Nasional FM 93.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang. The distance from Tambon Khuan Khan, Satun, Thailand to Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia is 310km.

Besides that, I captured Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz at nearby Perak River in Teluk Intan in the sunny morning, the radio station broadcasts in Pattani Malay language. It is very difficult to capture its signal there, somehow I could hear interference noise from another distant radio station RTM Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai there. When I received Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz in Teluk Intan, I could detect the interference between Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai and Radio Yala FM 95.0MHz on my radio receiver TECSUN PL-380 once if I moved.

Yes, I finally received Thailand FM radio signals in Teluk Intan, Perak. Therefore, the next could be in Bagan Datuk and Selangor Sabak Bernam/Sungai Ayer Tawar? I will try it on May 2020 in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival.

Next, I will continue for PART 3, the next article will be in Ipoh, Perak.

My listening and DXing experience of Thailand FM radio stations in Perak, Malaysia (PART 1: Sitiawan)

It is common if TV and radio neighboring countries can be received in a bordering area of a country because the neighboring countries TV/radio transmitter sites are not far from bordering area of the country. When a bordering area can receive neighboring countries TV/radio stations, this greatly attracts many residents in bordering regions to watch and listen to their TV and radio stations respectively.

Malaysia is an example. Many Johor people love to listen to Singapore FM radio stations because Singapore radio stations carry better content than local radio stations, even free-to-air TV stations. Same goes to Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Kelantan bordering areas, where Thailand TV and radio stations can be received there.

Talking about Thailand radio stations, although I don't understand the language (only few I know such as Sawadeekrap สวัสดีครับ, Khob Kun Krap ใช่ ครับ, Aroi Mak อร่อยมา and Thai's number pronouncements), but I feel it is interesting when comes to receive Thailand radio stations in Malaysia.

15 years ago, I received Thailand AM radio stations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia usually at the evening during sunset such as Radio Thailand AM 891kHz, Radio Saranrom MW 1575kHz, and Songkhla based AM 1269kHz/1404kHz. It is common to receive Thailand AM radio stations at night in Malaysia because of AM propagation allows far distance transmission at night or after sunset.

Until late 2013, it was my very first time to receive a Thailand FM radio station in Penang, Malaysia. On December 2013, the first Thailand FM radio station that I received in Penang was Parliament Radio FM 89.0MHz, transmitted from Khao Pokyo, Yala province, Thailand. During that time, IKIM FM 89.0MHz was transmitted in Celcom's Lower Jerai where unable to cover Penang, cause I could receive Thailand radio station on 89.0MHz in Penang.

From 2015 to 2019, I received a lot of Thailand FM radio stations in Penang, Kedah, and Langkawi Island, all of receiving condition videos are available on YouTube. Now we're in 2020, Chinese New Year is almost ended. I almost perform radio receiving test every Chinese New Year in Perak, but for this year, 2020 Chinese New Year is very impressive one because I captured Thailand FM radio stations in three Perak locations, there are Sitiawan, Ipoh, and Teluk Intan.

Before sharing my listening experience in these 3 locations, my very first of receiving Thailand FM radio station in Perak, Malaysia was in Bagan Datuk. I captured MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz in Bagan Datuk, Perak, Malaysia on 15th June 2018 (Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival), the distance from Satun to Bagan Datuk is 303km. In this video, MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz was playing Thailand National Anthem at 7pm (Malaysia time UTC+8) and starting to relay Radio Thailand Bangkok content.

Next, I was used to receive Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz in Kuala Kangsar.

In addition, I also received Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia (PLUS Highway) on 31st August 2019.

Let's talk by locations.

1. Sitiawan

Every year of Chinese New Year festive season, I usually go to Sitiawan, Perak with family to eat "Red Wine Mee Suah" (a popular Chinese food in Sitiawan) and visit Tua Pek Kung Temple. The Red Wine Mee Suah is tasty actually.

Sitiawan's famous Red Wine Mee Suah

Tua Pek Kung temple in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia

At Tua Pek Kung temple, previously I captured the furthest radio stations signal were from Seremban/Gunung Telapak Burok, Kuala Lumpur Tower and Gunung Jerai, but I received Indonesia and Thailand radio stations at Tua Pek Kung temple in Sitiawan, Perak during Chinese New Year 2020 (later I will share about my listening experience of Indonesia radio stations in Perak, Malaysia).

On 26th January 2020, I received two Thailand FM radio stations in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia, there were:

1. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz
2. MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz

Both are transmitted from Tambon Khuan Khan, Satun province, Thailand. Transmitting distance to Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia is 284km.

By receiving two Thailand radio stations from Satun in Sitiawan, Perak, Malaysia, I used TECSUN PL-380 receiver, receiving signals were in MONO, but no interference from other radio stations when stay in stationary position. For MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz, I could only hear a little interference from Nasional FM 93.1MHz Gunung Brinchang, but Nasional FM 93.1MHz was also weak there.

Next, for Part 2, I will share about my experience of receiving and listening to Thailand FM radio stations in Teluk Intan, Perak.

Sunday, 2 February 2020

List of Malaysia areas where can receive Thailand digital terrestrial TV stations (as February 2020)

Here is the frequencies and multiplexes of Thailand digital terrestrial television stations where can be received in Malaysia.

Recommend to use higher antenna installation and 37e type antenna in order to watch Thailand TV with better and stable reception.

1. Satun
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH52 (722MHz)
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH42 (642MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH60 (786MHz)
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH38 (610MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH26 (514MHz)

- ERP: 30kW
- Transmission site: Tambon Khuan Khan, Satun, Thailand

==Coverage==
- Langkawi
- Perlis: Sanglang, Simpang Ampat, Kuala Perlis
- Kedah coastal areas (Ayer Hitam, Kuala Kedah)
- Part of Penang Island (Georgetown, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Feringghi, Teluk Bahang)
- Part of Perak coastal area: Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau (required 37e antenna and higher antenna installation)

2. Songkhla
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH50 (706MHz)
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH42 (642MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH46 (674MHz)
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH54 (738MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH26 (514MHz)

- ERP: 30kW
- Transmission site: Khao Kho Hong, Hatyai, Songkhla province, Thailand

==Coverage==
- Kedah: Jitra, Alor Setar, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Changlun, Sintok, Kodiang, Pokok Sena, Pendang
- Perlis: Arau, Kangar, Padang Besar
- Part of Langkawi

3. Yala/Narathiwat/Sungai Padi
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH32 (562MHz)
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH48 (690MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH36 (594MHz)
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH44 (658MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH28 (530MHz)

- ERP: 30kW (Yala), 1kW (Narathiwat and Sungai Padi)
- Transmission site: Khao Pokyo, Bannang Sata district, Yala, Thailand

==Coverage==
- Kedah: Sik, Gulau, Gurun Timur (Yala transmitted)
- Kelantan: Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Ketereh, Kubang Kerian, Wakaf Baharu, Pengkalan Chepa, Machang, Lojing
- Terengganu: Kuala Besut, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang (Yala transmitted)

4. Betong
==Frequencies==
* MUX1 (PRD Channel): UHF CH32 (562MHz)
* MUX2 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH48 (690MHz)
* MUX3 (MCOT): UHF CH36 (594MHz)
* MUX4 (Thai PBS): UHF CH44 (658MHz)
* MUX5 (Royal Thai Army): UHF CH28 (530MHz)

- ERP: 1kW

==Coverage==
- Kedah: Baling
- Perak: Pengkalan Hulu, Kelian Intan, Gerik

Check coverage at https://dtvservicearea.nbtc.go.th/webpeople/

==Thailand terrestrial television channel based on MUX==

* MUX 1: NBT (HD)

* MUX 2: Royal Thai Army Channel 5 (HD), TNN 24 (HD), Workpoint TV (SD), True4U (SD), ONE 31 (HD), Channel 7 (HD)

* MUX 3: Thailand Parliament TV (SD), MCOT Kids (SD), Spring News (SD), Voice TV (SD), Thairath TV (HD), MCOT (HD)

* MUX 4: BEC TV3 (HD/SD), Channel 8 (SD), THV (SD), 13 Lucky (SD), MVTV Family (SD), Thai PBS (HD)

* MUX 5: new tv (SD), Bright TV (SD), Nation TV (SD), GMM Channel (SD), NOW (SD), MONO29 (SD), Amarin TV (HD), PPTV (HD)

Total: 28 TV channels

Thailand TV stations coverage in Malaysia (https://dtvservicearea.nbtc.go.th/webpeople/)

Following above, it is the coverage availability of Thailand digital terrestrial television stations in Malaysia.

Green: 95%-100% of signal strength

Yellow: 90%-95% of signal strength

Red: 70%-90% of signal strength

The signal strength of Thailand TV stations is depended on the type and quality of antenna, including geographical locations and antenna installation method. For better and more stable receiving condition, I highly suggest to install higher outdoor antenna like Johor receives Singapore TV channels, and 37e antenna is highly recommended outdoor antenna.

Indoor antenna is not recommended to be installed in Malaysia if watching Thailand TV stations, unless in Pengkalan Hulu, where is next to Betong Thailand only.

To receive Thailand TV stations in Malaysia (as per locations listed above), first you must have:

1. TV set-top-box (for old TV unit has no digital tuner)

2. TV with digital tuner (DVB-T2 standards)

3. 37e UHF outdoor antenna (it is better to install higher)

As NBTC is auctioning 700MHz, 1800MHz, 2600MHz and 26GHz bands for 5G mobile services, I believe Thailand NBTC will migrate selected Thailand digital TV multiplex frequencies again to avoid interference to new 5G services like Malaysia MYTV is going to migrate selected digital terrestrial television frequencies.

UHF 500MHz and 600MHz are the recommended spectrum bands for digital terrestrial television services.

Announcement: MYTV myFreeview will change DTT frequencies in selected locations

Malaysia will be going to launch 5G mobile technology and MCMC (Malaysia Communications Multimedia Commission) will assign UHF 700MHz band as 5G mobile service bands. In addition, UHF 700MHz will be opened for tendering to all telecommunications service providers in Malaysia.

Currently there are few locations using UHF700MHz band for digital terrestrial television broadcasting, but MYTV announces that frequencies for certain locations will be changed within Q1 2020. Here are the locations:

1. MUX2: From UHF CH52 (722MHz) to UHF CH32 (562MHz)

* Gunung Ledang, Johor (North Johor, Melaka and part of Negeri Sembilan)

* Bukit Tinggi, Johor (Mersing)

* Bukit Bauk, Terengganu (Dungun)

* Bukit Tampin, Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Rembau and Melaka)

* Kuala Rompin, Pahang

2. MUX 2: From UHF CH49 (698MHz) to UHF CH43 (650MHz)

* Gunung Pulai, Johor (Pontian, Kulaijaya, Simpang Renggam, Kota Tinggi)

* Skudai, Johor

* TM Pelangi, Johor

* Gunung Jerai, Kedah (Kedah, Perlis)

* Gunung Raya, Kedah (Langkawi)

* Penang U4 (Georgetown)

* Seberang Jaya, Penang (Seberang Perai)

* Bukit Larut, Perak (Taiping)

* Gunung Kledang, Perak (Ipoh)

* Bukit Fraser, Pahang (Raub)

* Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang (Bentong, Temerloh and Selangor)

* Bukit Sungai Besi (Kuala Lumpur)

* Menara Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)

3. MUX1: From UHF CH47 (682MHz) to UHF CH45 (666MHz)

* Gunung Pulai, Johor (Pontian, Kulaijaya, Simpang Renggam, Kota Tinggi)

* Skudai, Johor

* TM Pelangi, Johor

For those users who own set-top-box, please place it in "standby mode"

The reason of changing MYTV frequencies in selected areas are to prevent interference to 5G mobile service where it will be on UHF 700MHz band.

Wednesday, 15 January 2020

My proposal of CityPlus FM Penang frequency 93.1MHz Bukit Larut in 2017/18 cannot be used due to Asyik FM 93.1MHz Bukit Ladang Teh for Lenggong, Perak.

On 2nd May 2017, Malaysia Chinese business radio station CityPlus FM was officially launched in Negeri Sembilan and South Klang Valley on FM 106.0MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok. In addition, I was used to propose CityPlus FM to expand coverage to Penang by plotting basic coverage report.

At that time, there had no available frequencies in Penang regardless the transmitter site from Gunung Jerai, Bukit Penara or Seberang Jaya. Therefore, I tried to propose CityPlus FM to use Bukit Larut as transmitter site to cover Penang because Taiping Bukit Larut was likely having available frequency to beam to Penang.

6 years ago, I listed four available FM frequencies for Taiping and Northwest Perak, such as 88.8MHz, 92.4MHz, 93.1MHz and 105.7MHz. As 2019, none of frequencies were suitable for CityPlus FM to cover Penang from Bukit Larut.

- 88.8MHz: Not suitable because IKIM FM fully upgraded Gunung Jerai transmission 89.0MHz to cause Taiping can receive loudly and clearly.

- 92.4MHz: Not suitable because interference to Nasional FM 92.3MHz Bukit Ladang Teh coverage in Lenggong, Sauk and Lawin.

- 93.1MHz: Not suitable because co-channel interference to Asyik FM 93.1MHz Bukit Ladang Teh coverage in Lawin, Sauk and Lenggong.

- 105.7MHz: Although the frequency is suitable to cover Taiping and North Perak with lower transmission power, but it is not suitable to beam Penang direction as it can cause co-channel interference to RTM Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya coverage in Langkawi. In addition, by beaming signal from Bukit Larut to Penang on 105.7MHz, it could not guarantee Penang listeners will receive CityPlus FM 105.7MHz in Penang (especially Georgetown, Butterworth, Juru and Penang Island), instead co-channel interference signal from Kedah FM 105.7MHz Gunung Raya unless RTM Kedah FM changes the frequency.

Back to Q3 2017, I proposed CityPlus FM Penang frequency with 93.1MHz Bukit Larut at 2kW, even 3.5kW power (https://philipdxinglog.blogspot.com/2017/04/city-plus-fm-bukit-larut-932mhz.html). During that time, I had no much of data to look into existing spectrum analysis because I never been in Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Lenggong and Sungai Siput (U) before. Therefore, I classified FM 93.1MHz as available frequency in Bukit Larut.

After a year from the proposal event, I began to realize that RTM Asyik FM is using FM 93.1MHz in Bukit Ladang Teh for Lawin, Lenggong, Sauk and part of Gerik when I read older Asyik FM Facebook post. Then, I verified with RTM again, I was informed that Asyik FM uses 93.1MHz for Lenggong and Hulu Perak. After that, I found my proposal for CityPlus FM Penang frequency by using Bukit Larut site on 93.1MHz is not workable because co-channel interference to Asyik FM 93.1MHz Bukit Ladang Teh, Lenggong.