If RAAF Radio Butterworth MW transmission tower was alive till 2010 or today, BFM is already available in Penang since 2009.

I was shared by my friend about his history of listening to radio in 1970s, he mentioned a Malaysia radio station that everyone forgets, but this radio station was only available in Penang, transmitted from Butterworth, and operated by Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF).

RAAF Radio Butteworth (Credit to RAAF School Penang)

It was RAAF Radio Butterworth, broadcasted on MW 1445kHz at 1kW transmission power for Penang from 1960 till late 1980s. This radio station broadcasted Australia radio program, it was Penang English speaking listeners' favorite radio station, alongside Rediffusion and RTM Blue Network (Traxx FM).

RAAF Radio Butterworth had ceased its transmission since late 1980s, its MW transmission mast was dismantled too, but let's imagine what happen if this radio station did not ceased its broadcast till 2010 or 2015 or now.

BFM 89.9 is English language business radio station in Malaysia which currently broadcasts in Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang, part of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka on FM 89.9MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. BFM had done several Penang frequency application since 2009 until 2019, but the station frequency application was rejected by MCMC due to unavailable frequency spectrum.

We notice that FM frequency spectrum is very peak in Peninsular Malaysia, especially west coast region. If RAAF Butterworth did not dismantle its AM transmission mast, I believe BFM had already Penang frequency since 2009 by using RAAF Butterworth transmission infrastructure, but on AM broadcast.

Although AM broadcast sound quality is not good as FM radio, but as a talk radio station, AM broadcast is still suitable for BFM Radio. If BFM has Penang frequency, listeners have to tune the station on MW band. 
  
To make MW broadcast frequency application, more frequency studies are required because AM transmission can overspill to many locations outside the broadcast license area, especially nighttime transmission.

By keeping the transmission mast of RAAF Butterworth until today, this may benefit to BFM, RAAF and RMAF Butterworth in terms of business. RAAF can profit money by providing AM infrastructure to new broadcasters who are unable to expand coverage in Penang on FM frequency band.

Imagine if BFM broadcasts in Penang on AM band from RAAF Butterworth, by using at least 10kW AM transmitter, the whole Penang state can receive BFM. Same coverage with FM radio, Kerian district of Perak (Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, & Kuala Kurau), Selama and Kedah (Bandar Baharu, Kulim, & Sungai Petani) can receive BFM.

If BFM operates AM transmitter WITH the power above 100kW, I believe Alor Setar, Perlis, Langkawi, Perak and Thailand can receive the signal from RAAF Butterworth, but radiation exposure to human health must be taken under consideration as mediumwave radio frequency radiation is quite harmful to human body. In addition, interference to bordering AM radio stations (notably Thailand and Indonesia) must be considered because AM transmission can overspill to border country during nighttime transmission.

As the broadcast license area of BFM is Penang only from RAAF Butterworth, I believe 10kW power transmission is very sufficient to cover Penang state. Here is the simulation parameter of BFM Penang frequency if using RAAF Butterworth AM transmission tower infrastructure once it is still alive today.

==BFM Radio Penang frequency on AM band (Simulated proposal)==
* Frequency: MW 666kHz (formerly operated by RTM Radio 3 Penang/Mutiara FM)
* Power: 10kW 
* Transmitter model: Nautel NX10
* Transmitter site: RAAF Butterworth, Penang
* Coverage: Penang Island, Seberang Perai, Perak: Kerian & Selama, and Kedah: Sungai Petani/Kulim/Bandar Baharu
* Nighttime coverage: Sik, Baling, Taiping, Alor Setar, Perlis, Langkawi, Thailand: Betong, Satun & Songkhla

Note: The parameter above is only a simulation, not real purpose.

As BFM broadcasts in Penang on AM band, for Penang, BFM shall rename "BAM" (Business AM), but no such station would have AM suffix as their name, maybe "Business Radio". 

If RAAF/RMAF provides AM broadcast transmission infrastructure, it is considered to break monopoly of Telekom Malaysia (TM) in terms of broadcast transmission infrastructure provider market in Malaysia.

While FM frequency band is full in Peninsular Malaysia nowadays and DAB+ is still not relevant and practical yet in Malaysia due to consumer marketing and infrastructure, Malaysia shall practice to use MW radio. In my opinion, MW radio band is alternative platform to FM radio, it can ease new radio broadcasters who are unable to expand their broadcast coverage on FM frequency band.

Shortwave is not a relevant platform to be relaunched for urban location, and most of radio receivers are no longer featuring SW band, unless you purchase TECSUN, Sangean and high level Sony receiver. The radio receivers in most of electrical appliances shop only feature FM and MW band, some of cheaper China made radio receivers have only FM band.

Sadly, it did not happen until today because RAAF already dismantled its AM tower since early 1990s. Positively, due to growing of technology nowadays with high speed and cheaper internet package, as well as 5G is to be landed in Malaysia, therefore listeners can listen to BFM via mobile app, however cars nowadays are equipped with Bluetooth, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, so it is much easier to access radio station by using alternative platform. 

In conclusion, I hope BFM will get Penang frequency successfully one day when an appeal is done. Wish the radio station all the best.

Note: RAAF Butterworth photos in this article are credited to RAAF School Penang and its Facebook page.

FM DXing in Kerian district (PART 2): Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali received in Alor Pongsu, Bagan Serai, Perak (2nd September 2019)

After I bring up a video of receiving IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting in Parit Buntar, Perak on PART 1 of FM DXing in Kerian district, Perak post, now I'm going to start Part 2 of the article, it is also throwback DXing too, but different location within Kerian district, Perak.

Previously I had highlighted just now about my prediction of signal availability and condition of Perlis FM 102.9MHz and Melody FM 103.0MHz in Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Semanggol, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau, but here I have the receiving signal video of Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Bagan Serai, Perak. 

Throwback 2nd September 2019, while I was on the way going back from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur, I captured Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Alor Pongsu, 34300 Bagan Serai, Perak on PLUS Highway.

According to the video, the signal of Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Alor Pongsu (Bagan Serai) was not really weak actually, its signal quality had same level as Gunung Kledang station which received in same location. No interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh was detected, hence this shows that Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh is not receivable in Bagan Serai at all.

For your information, Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmission site height elevation is very low, it is build on a flat land with 11m height above sea level, meanwhile its overall height including tower is just about 71m. Perhaps Padang Pauh signal is completely blocked by Mount Jerai terrains between transmission site and Bagan Serai, so Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh has completely no signal in Parit Buntar and Bagan Serai (including Alor Pongsu).

By tuning FM 102.9MHz in Bagan Serai, basically it was full of static, but it has adjacent frequency noise from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Bagan Serai when comes to high quality receiver. 

No adjacent channel interference from IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting on FM 102.9MHz in Bagan Serai because 102.7 signal is quite weak there.

As FM DXing in Kerian district, Perak series in PART 1 and PART 2 are throwback DXing in the district, but PART 3 and above will be issued anytime once if I traveled there and videos are made on YouTube in the locations.

Kerian district is just sit beside Larut, Matang & Selama district, it is located in Northwest Perak, bordered with Penang (Nibong Tebal) and Kedah (Bandar Baharu). Here are the locations under Kerian district, Perak:

1. Parit Buntar
2. Bagan Serai
3. Tanjung Piandang
4. Kuala Kurau
5. Semanggol 

I will expand this series of FM DXing in Kerian district by launching more radio reception videos when I traveled the locations in the district one day after COVID-19 pandemic is completely solved.

FM DXing in Kerian district (PART 1): IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting received in Parit Buntar, Perak (December 2013)

As the whole world is suffering COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic including my country Malaysia, a lot of working operations and personal activities (including holiday vacancy traveling) are cancelled and delayed, hence everyone must stay at home to break COVID-19 chain.

I had a plan to travel to Betong, Thailand with my mother personally on 1st May 2020, but I revoke the plan due to COVID-19 outbreak, then I attempted to plan for Kerian trip (Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau) on May 2020 or June 2020, but because COVID-19 chain is not broken yet, so I can't plan the trip at short moment. 

I understand that it is very disappointing, even I feel disappointed with the situation, however our health and safety are the top priority. Our life is the most important than everything, because there is no "Take Two" of our life. For Kerian district trip, I can go after COVID-19 pandemic is fully solved, initially target 31st August 2020, 2 days 1 night trip, subject to the condition.

Coincidentally, I suddenly search one of my old FM DXing video today where I recorded in Parit Buntar town, Perak on December 2013 (uploaded on February 2014) by using Sony Xperia Tipo (poor camera quality smartphone, only 3.2 megapixels.

It was IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting that I received in Parit Buntar, Perak while my family and I went back to KL from Penang. 

According to the video, in fact the receiving signal of IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau, Penang) was not clear in Parit Buntar town, Perak, then I tried to receive FM 89.0MHz (Celcom Lower Jerai tower in 2013), no signal is available.

IKIM FM 102.7MHz signal had static in Parit Buntar, but IKIM FM is now available in Parit Buntar loudly and clearly by tuning newly upgraded FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai (Upper peak tower) since June 2016. Therefore, the receiving signal of IKIM FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai (Upper peak tower) is much clearer and louder than 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting in Parit Buntar.

==IKIM FM DXing in Parit Buntar, Perak (2013)==
- Frequency: FM 102.7MHz 
- Power: 500W (equal to 0.5kW)
- Transmission site: Bukit Genting, Penang 
- Receiving site: Parit Buntar, Perak 
- Distance: 36km 

In Parit Buntar, Bukit Larut, Gunung Jerai and Bukit Penara radio stations are available, also with weaker Bukit Genting, Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Kledang stations. 

Kerian FM DXing prediction (PART 3): Thailand FM radio stations

Following that my friend and I suddenly received Thailand FM radio stations in Taiping, Perak such as MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz, Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz & 99.5MHz, then my friend captured Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz signal in Taiping 4 years ago.

Hence, I predict Thailand FM radio stations signal availability in Kerian district, Perak.

==Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz==
* Semanggol: Not available
* Bagan Serai: Very weak
* Parit Buntar: Very weak
* Kuala Kurau: Very weak
* Tanjung Piandang: Very weak

Note: 200kHz adjacent channel interference from RTM Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara will be occurred. 

==Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz==
* Semanggol: Very weak
* Bagan Serai: Weak
* Parit Buntar: Weak
* Kuala Kurau: Weak
* Tanjung Piandang: Weak

Note: 200kHz adjacent channel interference from MY FM 99.7MHz Gunung Jerai will be occurred. 

==MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz==
* Semanggol: Not available
* Bagan Serai: Weak
* Parit Buntar: Weak
* Kuala Kurau: Weak
* Tanjung Piandang: Weak

Note: No interference from other radio station is occurred.
Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz may not be available in Kerian district, Perak, but adjacent channel interference from Hitz FM 92.8MHz Gunung Jerai.

Kerian FM DXing prediction (PART 2): RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz & Melody FM 103.0MHz

Next, I will predict the signal availability and condition of RTM Perlis FM and Astro Melody FM 103.0MHz in Kerian district, Perak.

==Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh==
* Parit Buntar: No signal
* Bagan Serai: No signal, but may have adjacent channel noise from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali
* Kuala Kurau: To be determined, but adjacent channel interference from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali may be occured.
* Semanggol: No signal
* Tanjung Piandang: Signal may be available, but adjacent channel interference from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali may be happened. 

In Kerian district, Melody FM can be listened loudly and clearly on 104.9MHz from Bukit Larut, then following by FM 106.5MHz Gunung Jerai, as well as two weak frequencies such as FM 98.5MHz Gunung Kledang and FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, but I choose FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali as frequency prediction.

==FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali==

* Parit Buntar: Weak signal, no interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh

* Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau: Signal is average, no interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh

* Semanggol: Weak signal

* Tanjung Piandang: Weak signal, but likely facing interference with Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh.

Kerian FM DXing prediction (PART 1): RTM Mutiara FM

As I'm unable to travel Kerian district of Perak on this month and June 2020 due to Covid-19 outbreak, so I'm not able to perform FM DXing there, but I can still make some prediction regarding selected radio stations availability in the district.

1. Mutiara FM  (95.7, 93.9 and 90.9)

2. Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh

3. Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

4. Thailand radio stations 

Let's begin with the signal availability and condition of RTM Mutiara FM in Kerian district locations by starting from 95.7MHz Bukit Penara, 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai and 90.9MHz Bukit Genting, then following by rest stations.

1. MUTIARA FM

==FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara==

* Parit Buntar: Clear

* Tanjung Piandang: Very clear

* Bagan Serai: Clear

* Kuala Kurau: Clear

* Semanggol: Less clear

==FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai==

* Parit Buntar: Less clear, but no co-channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

* Tanjung Piandang: To be determined, but less co-channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

* Kuala Kurau: To be determined, but less co-channel interference from Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting as Nasional FM 93.9MHz operates at only 100W power

* Semanggol: Not clear

* Bagan Serai: Less clear, but no co-channel interference from RTM Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

==FM 90.9MHz==

* Kuala Kurau, Parit Buntar, Semanggol, Bagan Serai: No signal, adjacent noise from powerful Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai 

* Tanjung Piandang: Signal may be available, but low possibility, instead adjacent noise from Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai

IKIM FM frequencies and locations directory in Perak state. (Direktori frekuensi dan lokasi IKIM FM di negeri Perak)

IKIM FM frequencies and locations list in Perak state. (Senarai lokasi dan frekuensi IKIM FM di negeri Perak)

- FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang: Ipoh, Lahat, Menglembu, Kampar, Malim Nawar, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Manong, Sungai Siput (U), Padang Rengas, Lenggong, Sauk, Parit, Bota, Seri Iskandar, Tanjung Tualang, Jeram, Gopeng, Simpang Pulai, Tronoh, Pusing, Langkap, Chenderong Balai, Mambang Di Awan, Air Kuning, Teluk Intan, Bagan Datuk, Selekoh, Hutan Melintang, Kampung Gajah, Beruas, Sitiawan, Lumut, Pulau Pangkor, Changkat Keruing, Ayer Tawar, Pantai Remis, & Temoh.

- FM 91.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Tapah, Bidor, Sungkai, Chenderiang, Terolak, Slim River, Behrang & Tanjung Malim. 

- FM 89.0MHz Gunung Jerai: Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, Terong, Tanjung Piandang, Selama, Matang, Simpang, Kamunting, Kuala Sepetang, & Pengkalan Hulu (sebahagian).

- FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting: Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, & Kuala Kurau.

Negeri FM 107.7MHz from Gunung Ledang received in Raub, Pahang.

RTM Negeri FM is a radio station to serve Negeri Sembilan state with three frequencies, FM 92.6MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban/Jelebu/Port Dickson/Kuala Pilah/Central Jempol), FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin (Rembau/Tampin), and FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang (Melaka/Segamat/Tangkak/Gemas/Gemencheh/Simpang Pertang/Felda Lui Jempol).

This radio station can be received in Selangor, and part of Kuala Lumpur on FM 92.6MHz, however it can be received in Pahang on FM 92.6MHz and FM 107.7MHz.

Negeri FM 107.7MHz can be listened in Jerantut, Kemayan, Bera, Keratong, Muadzam Shah and Teriang, meanwhile FM 92.6MHz is for Temerloh, Manchis, Simpang Pelangai, Mentakab, Lanchang, Bandar Bera, Kuala Krau and Chenor. 

Surprisingly Negeri FM can be listened in Raub on FM 107.7MHz. On 30th November 2019, I attended my relative's wedding ceremony in Raub, Pahang. At the same time, I could receive Negeri FM 107.7MHz signal from Gunung Ledang there.

 

For your information, although it was receivable, but the signal was not clear in Raub. The distance between Raub and Gunung Ledang is 181km, nevertheless Negeri FM 107.7MHz had no adjacent channel interference from Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

In fact, Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is weak in Raub, but Pahang FM has gap filler transmitter there on 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill.  

RTM has three states radio stations in Gunung Ledang such as Melaka FM 102.3MHz, Johor FM 105.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz. In Raub, only Negeri FM 107.7MHz could be received weakly, meanwhile the rest were not receivable. FM 105.3MHz is weak Suria FM signal from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile FM 102.3MHz is an adjacent signal of Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill.

Thailand Parliament Radio FM 87.5MHz received in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia?

A YouTuber named HBC 101 received a Thailand Parliament Radio channel on FM 87.5MHz in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia via Sporadic E propagation.

 

On YouTube video, it stated FM 87.5MHz was received from Udon Thani, Thailand, but technically it was transmitted from Bangkok, not Udon Thani.

Udon Thani is much further than Bangkok. In my opinion, FM 87.5MHz that HBC 101 received in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia was from Bangkok due to higher ERP.

On Asiawaves.net, Thailand Parliament Radio operates on FM 87.5MHz in Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima, but FM 87.5MHz Bangkok is the highest ERP which is 15.2kW.

Therefore, FM 87.5MHz is likely from Bangkok, Thailand due to its high ERP, meanwhile Udon Thani ERP is 3.4kW only.

Distance from FM 87.5MHz Phaya Thai, Bangkok (Thailand Parliament Radio transmission site) to Segamat, Johor, Malaysia is 1279km. 

Another possibility is FM 87.5MHz in Segamat, Malaysia received from Surat Thani, Thailand, distance is 823km, but its ERP is only 4kW.

This FM DXing is a rare catch in Malaysia. From my DXing experience in Malaysia, the furthest radio stations that I received in Malaysia were:

1. AL-Falah Radio FM 93.8MHz from Sigli, Aceh, Indonesia received in Kuala Kedah, Malaysia.

2. Radio Boss FM 102.8MHz from Permatangsiantar, Indonesia received in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.

3. RPC FM 105.4MHz from Binjai, Indonesia received in Alor Setar, Kedah Malaysia.

4. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz, Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz and MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz received in Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia.

5. MCOT Phatthalung FM 95.75MHz received at Gunung Jerai top peak, Kedah, Malaysia.

6. Thor Por Sii (4th area army radio) Trang FM 103.0MHz received in Penang, Malaysia.

7. Radio Thailand Satun FM 99.5MHz received in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia (highway)

8. MY FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung received in Putrajaya, Malaysia (SKVE Highway)

9. Mix FM 99.1MHz Gunung Pulai received in Balakong, Malaysia

10. Suria FM 96.1MHz Bukit Pelindung received in Balakong, Malaysia.

11. Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai received in Balakong, Malaysia.

These radio stations had distance less than 500km between transmitting and receiving locations.

Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang is no longer available in Northeast Negeri Sembilan and Central Pahang due to interference from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser.

RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz is a radio station for Melaka state, transmitted from Gunung Ledang. Apart from Melaka state, this radio station can be received in North Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Segamat, Batu Pahat and Kluang), Negeri Sembilan (Gemas, Tampin, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah and part of Rembau/Jempol), part of Selangor (Sungai Pelak, and Bagan Lalang) and some part of Pahang (Keratong and Kota Syahbandar).

Few years ago, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz could be received in Simpang Pertang, Felda Pasoh, Felda Serting Ulu, Kemayan, Teriang and Bandar Bera, but RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz is no longer available in Northeast Negeri Sembilan (except Bandar Seri Jempol areas such as Felda Lui, Felda Palong), and Bera district of Pahang due to RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser.

RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz was launched in Bukit Fraser on 2017, it mainly covers Raub where it is a blind spot location of FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali transmission. 

From Gemas to Temerloh which is Federal Route 10, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang is only available until Felda Sungai Lui, then signal goes faded when enter Kemayan and interference by Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser in Teriang and Bandar Bera.

From Tampin to Karak which is Federal Route 9, RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz can be listened clearly up to Batu Kikir, meanwhile it starts having some interference signal from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser in FELDA Serting Ulu, Simpang Pertang and Simpang Durian.

For your information, when I drove from Bahau to Gemas while tuning Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang, I could detect interference noise from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser between Bahau and Rompin in the car. 

In Simpang Pertang, Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser and Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang are interfering each other actually.


Next, Pahang FM 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill receiving signal is not too bad in Bandar Bera, Teriang, and Temerloh. This results Melaka FM 102.3MHz Gunung Ledang is no longer available in these locations, including Chenor, but listeners can listen to Melaka FM via RTM Mobile app.
 

As RTM Pahang FM is operating on FM 102.2MHz in Bukit Fraser, therefore the coverage availability of RTM Melaka FM 102.3MHz from Gunung Ledang in Pahang and Negeri Sembilan is reduced about 30-35% by minus Simpang Pertang, Simpang Durian, Kemayan, FELDA Pasoh, Teriang, and Bandar Bera, may involve Bahau and Serting Ulu.

Previously I wrote an article which related to Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser with Gunung Telapak Burok radio transmission, since Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser is on-air now, although FM 102.1MHz sounds vacant frequency for Negeri Sembilan state, likely can be used in Gunung Telapak Burok, but FM 102.1MHz is not a suitable frequency for Gunung Telapak Burok transmission because it could cause interference with Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmission in Bentong, Karak, Temerloh, Lanchang, Mentakab, Chenor, Bandar Bera, Manchis and Teriang. Meanwhile FM 102.0MHz may be likely suitable frequency for Gunung Telapak Burok transmission, but not exceed than 1kW power (TRP only).

Temerloh can receive Bukit Fraser and Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations loudly and clearly.

Hot FM 92.4MHz, strongest and most powerful Kuantan transmitter from Bukit Pelindung, received in West Pahang.

Do you know? Hot FM 92.4MHz is the most powerful Kuantan radio station ever in Pahang state, transmitted from Bukit Pelindung.

Commonly Bukit Pelindung transmission is limited in Kuantan, Pekan, Gambang, Balok, Cherating, Kemaman, and Chukai, but Hot FM 92.4MHz from Bukit Pelindung somehow can be received in other Pahang areas such as Chenor, Raub, Temerloh, Bandar Bera and Manchis via overspill signal.

Back to 2019, I went to Chenor, Temeloh, Bandar Bera, Manchis and Raub. These locations are not able to receive any radio stations from Kuantan (Bukit Pelindung), except Hot FM 92.4MHz.

Surprisingly I could receive Hot FM 92.4MHz in Chenor, but it is in STEREO mode, but reception signal is not well as FM 97.6MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. (TECSUN PL-380 receiver) 

Alongside Chenor, actually Temerloh can still receive FM 92.4MHz, signal is not too bad. In addition, here are the videos of Hot FM 92.4MHz that I received in Bandar Bera, Raub, and Manchis.

1. BANDAR BERA
 

2. RAUB
 

3. MANCHIS (Small town in Bentong district, not far from Negeri Sembilan Simpang Durian border)
 

Hot FM 92.4MHz Bukit Pelindung operates at 2kW power, but I believe it has higher antenna gain by having more bay array antenna at the tower which results higher ERP. So, it could overspill to Central and West Pahang, even some locations in Johor and Negeri Sembilan states.

Extra footage of Hot FM 92.4MHz which I received in Genting Highlands on October 2016:
 

In Johor, someone received Hot FM 92.4MHz in Simpang Renggam and Kluang from Kuantan.

 

Note that Hot FM 92.4MHz Bukit Pelindung transmission is facing co-channel interference with Mediacorp Symphony FM 92.4MHz from Singapore in Johor.

Another three distant FM radio stations that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

Two weeks ago, I received two distant radio stations on FM 101.1MHz in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia where it is my home, they were MY FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan) and Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai (South Johor). 

For recent weeks, I received again another three distant radio stations at home in the car, such as:

1. Suria FM 96.1MHz Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan)
2. Mix FM 99.1MHz Gunung Pulai (South Johor)
3. Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang (Central Perak/Ipoh)

The distances of three radio stations' transmitter sites are:

1. 193km (Gunung Kledang)
2. 202km (Bukit Pelindung)
3. 255km (Gunung Pulai)

In the mean time, I attempted receiving Pahang FM 92.0MHz Bukit Senggora, Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai and Manis FM 103.8MHz Bukit Senggora, but they have no signal in my area.

All three distant radio stations that I received have 200kHz adjacent channel interference noise from local radio stations which are transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali.

1. SURIA FM 96.1MHz Bukit Pelindung



2. Mix FM 99.1MHz Gunung Pulai
 

3. Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang
 

Second e-QSL report card from Adventist World Radio (AWR)

After KTWR (Trans World Radio) as first e-QSL card that I received on early April 2020, today I receive second e-QSL card from AWR (Adventist World Radio).

On last Friday 24th April 2020, I received three AWR Radio in Malaysia (Balakong, Selangor), they were:

1. SW 15440kHz. Broadcast in Thai language, received from Dushanbe-Orzu, Rumi, Tajikistan.

2. SW 15715kHz. Broadcast in Chinese Mandarin language, received from Nauen, Germany.

3. SW 17605kHZ. Broadcast in Vietnamese language, received Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar.

All received between 1300-1400 UTC.

Between three frequencies that I received on last Friday, I chose SW 15440kHz as QSL report, however the reception of AWR SW 15440kHz was quite strong.  

This is my second e-QSL card.

Adventist World Radio AWR e-QSL card

 

Thanks to AWR for sending me e-QSL, I would like to wish the radio station happy broadcasting. Have a great day.

Voice of Turkey SW 17720kHz (17723kHz) from Emirler received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia. It is Malay language service.

 

Here is the reception video of Voice of Turkey from Emirler, Turkey that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia, on SW 17723kHz, it is Malay language service, broadcast from 12pm till 12.55pm (UTC+8).

Its actual frequency is SW 17720kHz, but I tune to SW 17723kHz because 17720kHz is having adjacent channel interference from China Radio International SW 17710kHz from Beijing, China.

The distance from Emirler to my location is 7990km.

Japanese Slot Machine (XSL) signal detected in Malaysia (Balakong) on shortwave radio band

Shortwave SW radio frequency range is from 2.3MHz to 22MHz under HF (high frequency) band, commonly it is used as international broadcast, but strangely SW radio is also used as military communication.

On 26th April 2020, I received unusual radio signal which sound like radio jammer on shortwave radio station in Malaysia, but it is Japanese Slot Machine (Enigma designation XSL).

This "Japanese Slot Machine" is not a casino slot machine, but a nickname of enigma noise because it sounds like jackpot slot machine.

Frequencies that I received are SW 6250kHz, 8313kHz and 8588kHz. Received from Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Center in Ichihara, Japan, the distance is 5351km to Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

In addition, Japanese Slot Machine (XSL) is transmitted under QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) modulation at 1500Bd.

   

 In fact, this Japanese Slot Machine is navy communication radio for Japan Navy Force.

Need some help on FM DXing project in Northwest Perak (Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau)

Dear my blog reader of Philip DXing Log Malaysia who are staying in Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang and Kuala Kurau, I need some help from you for FM DXing hobby project.

As we're suffering COVID-19 pandemic and movement control order (MCO), I'm not able to travel to Northwest Perak in short time (May 2020), so I can't perform FM DXing at there.

Here I want some help for FM DXing by recording some radio stations receiving signal videos in these 4 locations by these radio stations and frequencies below:

1. RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh
- To check its signal condition and interference from Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali in Tanjung Piandang (priority), Parit Buntar, Bagan Serai and Kuala Kurau. 

2. Melody FM 103.0MHz Gunung Ulu Kali
- To check whether it is interfered by Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh or not.

3. Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz and 99.5MHz

4. MCOT Satun FM 93.25MHz

5. RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai
- To determine whether there is co-channel interference from Nasional FM 93.9MHz Bukit Genting

6. RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting
- To determine whether it is receivable or not, despite it is interfered by Mix FM 91.0MHz from Gunung Jerai

7. Hitz FM 92.4MHz Gunung Raya

8. 94PFM We Love Satun 

9. Kedah FM 88.5MHz Bukit Sungai Kecil
- To determine whether it is co-channel interference from Traxx FM 88.5MHz Bukit Sungai Kecil

10. IKIM FM 102.7MHz Bukit Genting

Locations:

1. Tanjung Piandang
2. Parit Buntar
3. Bagan Serai
4. Kuala Kurau 

Bukit Larut, Bukit Penara radio test are not required because these four locations are under their coverage.

I will appreciate of your help if you share your video recordings on your YouTube channel, I can check and listen to your video.

While we're having MCO, please follow the rules all the time. You can record your videos in your car without driving, or through radio receiver.

In the mean time, you can drop your comments here regarding radio reception in your location by stating the radio stations, frequencies and locations.

Thank you.

Kindest regards,

Philip DXing Log Malaysia

Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai is interfering with RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting each other, but Mix can be tuned via FM 91.3MHz Bukit Larut in affected location.

Based on the audio recording videos above, Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai and Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting were interfering each other, I captured this at the cruise (Royal Carribean Mariner of The Seas) between Langkawi and Penang Island while the cruise was going to Phuket, Thailand.

Actually these two videos reflect the interference between both stations within Penang Island too. Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai was interfered by RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting in Teluk Kumbar, Balik Pulau and part of Bayan Lepas, meanwhile RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting was interfered by Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai in Bayan Lepas and large part of Penang Island, but FM 90.9MHz is not receivable in Georgetown and Seberang Perai (mainland Penang).

Although the minimum frequency separation between Gunung Jerai and Bukit Genting is 200kHz, but interference between Mix 91.0 and RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz does not really give impact because both of them have alternative frequency.

In fact, Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar somehow cannot receive Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai at all, regardless with or without Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting transmission. This is because the locations are topographic enough and full of terrains. However, RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz Bukit Genting transmission is strictly for Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar, it can be tuned via FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara which is main transmitter of the station once FM 90.9MHz goes faded and interfered by Mix FM 91.0MHz.

Refer Senn Lens video where he received Hitz FM 92.8MHz Gunung Jerai in Teluk Kumbar, the signal was weak. (Hitz can be tuned via 93.6MHz Bukit Larut).


For Mix FM case, it can be tuned on FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Teluk Kumbar once FM 91.0MHz was interfered by RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz. The receiving signal of Mix FM 91.3MHz Bukit Larut is loud and clear in Teluk Kumbar, Penang. 

Based on my listening experience, I could not listen to Mix in Balik Pulau town on FM 91.0MHz because of Mutiara FM 90.9MHz, but I tuned to FM 91.3MHz Bukit Larut, it was receivable, but not really clear. In my opinion, at least I could continue listening to Mix FM there with 91.3MHz. 

Mix FM 91.3MHz Bukit Larut is not clear as Teluk Kumbar in Balik Pulau town.

Officially, Astro will recommend Mix FM listeners in affected location to continue listening to Mix via Syok app (mobile streaming) and Astro DVR CH855. I agree because two digital platforms provide clearer sound, ideal for indoor listening, meanwhile suggestion to tune FM 91.3MHz Bukit Larut in Balik Pulau is ideal for outdoor, especially in the cars. Besides that, if Balik Pulau is not covered by Internet coverage along the road, so Syok app will not be accessible smoothly, at least FM 91.3MHz is alternative solutions.

In the mean time, I will share with all of you regarding a video which I received Mix FM 91.3MHz in Georgetown, Penang on November 2017.

 

MY FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung (Kuantan), another far distant radio station received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

After I received Minnal FM 101.1MHz Gunung Pulai signal in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia on 15th April 2020 (Tuesday) with 255km distance, today I receive another distant radio station in Balakong, Selangor.

Apart Gunung Pulai as distant transmitter site, I receive MY FM 101.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung within my housing area in Balakong, Selangor.

MY FM 101.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung mainly covers East Pahang (Kuantan, Gambang, and Pekan) and Southern Terengganu (Kemaman), but its transmission can overspill to Balakong, Selangor.

Between Balakong and Bukit Pelindung, there are many terrains including Banjaran Titiwangsa.

MY FM 101.1MHz is not my first Bukit Pelindung radio station received in Balakong, Selangor. Actually I was used to receive Bukit Pelindung transmitted radio station in Balakong, Selangor 11 years ago, first station was Ai FM 106.1MHz after Red FM closed down its Negeri Sembilan frequency 106.0MHz on June 2009. Then, I received RTM Klasik Nasional FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Pelindung in 2010 after Klasik Nasional duplicate Negeri Sembilan frequency FM 107.9MHz was shut down (exists on 87.9MHz).

   
When I realized that I received Ai FM 106.1MHz and Klasik Nasional FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Pelindung in Balakong between 2009-2011, so I decided to try receiving MY FM 101.1MHz.

In fact, I received MY FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung signal since 2015, but with poor quality recording devices. Meanwhile, for today, with good quality smartphone video camera, I finally record MY FM 101.1MHz signal condition video which I receive in Balakong, Selangor.

MY FM 101.1MHz Bukit Pelindung signal in Balakong has adjacent channel interference noise from RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali and Kool FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi.

The adjacent distance between Bukit Pelindung and Balakong is 202km. Alongside Balakong, I also received MY FM 101.1MHz at South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) in Putrajaya on 26th October 2018 while I was going home from Puchong to Balakong via SKVE.

As 17th April 2020, MY FM 101.1MHz is the only Bukit Pelindung radio station which received in Balakong, Selangor with very weak signal quality. Ai FM 106.1MHz and RTM Klasik Nasional FM 107.9MHz from Bukit Pelindung are no longer receivable in Balakong because the frequencies are occupied by CityPlus FM 106.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok and Rakita FM (formerly IM4U FM) 107.9MHz Bukit Sungai Besi respectively.

Minnal FM 101.1MHz, the furthest radio station from Gunung Pulai received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

In Balakong, Selangor of Malaysia, usually this location can receive radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali, Bukit Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur Tower, UPM (Putra FM 90.7MHz) and Gunung Telapak Burok clearly, meanwhile Gunung Ledang and Bukit Gun (one FM 88.3MHz Seremban) radio stations have weak signal there.

Surprisingly, Minnal FM 101.1MHz was captured in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia yesterday, the radio station was transmitted from Gunung Pulai, Johor. Among all Gunung Pulai transmitted radio stations, Minnal FM 101.1MHz is the strongest station ever.

I received Minnal FM 101.1MHz from Gunung Pulai in the car after I checked my car tyre pressure at Petronas gas station (nearby Taman Balakong Jaya), the distance is 255km from transmitter site. The radio receiver is Nissan Almera N17 Clarion CY23G OEM CD player.

I did try other radio receiver (non-car) such as TECSUN PL-380, no signal on FM 101.1MHz, instead adjacent channel interference noise from RTM Selangor FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ulu Kali and Kool FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi. 

SINPO code: 12121

 

On November 2018, I was used to release an article regarding my suggestion to improve Minnal FM reception quality in Malacca by launching alternative transmitter in Bukit Tampin on FM 101.1MHz to solve co-channel interference issue in Melaka where Minnal FM 103.3MHz Gunung Ledang is interfered with Era FM 103.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. If RTM launches Minnal FM 101.1MHz Bukit Tampin transmitter to cover affected areas in Melaka, the receiving signal of Minnal FM 101.1MHz in Balakong may be higher and less static than 101.1MHz that I receive now.