Nearby Malaysia border, there is Thailand DAB+ radio trial transmission in Songkhla province, transmitted from Khao Kho Hong (Hat Yai) on the Channel 9C (VHF 206.352MHz) and 9D (VHF 208.064MHz).
A question here. Can Malaysia bordering areas such as North Kedah (Bukit Kayu Hitam and Changlun) and East Perlis (Chuping and Padang Besar) receive Thailand DAB+ radio stations from Khao Kho Hong, Songkhla?
Let's find out by showing Nautel RF Toolkit map with inserting some technical data from NBTC official website.
For the field strength, the minimum is 42dBuV/m for DAB+, compare to 30dBuV/m for FM transmission.
Here is the exact coverage of DAB+ trial transmission in Songkhla at maximum ERP 200W.
According to the coverage map which generated via Nautel RF Toolkit (presumed only), with the parameter of DAB+ transmission in Songkhla, Thailand at 200W ERP, Malaysia areas (North Kedah and East Perlis) cannot receive Thailand DAB+ stations from Khao Kho Hong, unless operates at 1kW transmitter power with 4.3dBd antenna (result 2.7kW power), so DAB+ from Thailand could be received in East Perlis and North Kedah of Malaysia, but weaker signal (42-59 dBuV/m).
If I increase the transmission power of DAB+ radio station, here are the coverage.
If I compare with FM radio coverage of Khao Kho Hong at 1kW, North Kedah and Perlis can receive it, but I can't receive the transmission on DAB+ platform. This is because FM and DAB+ operate at different frequency band, FM is on VHF Band II, meanwhile DAB+ is on VHF Band III, so DAB+ frequency is higher than FM, the coverage of DAB+ is smaller than FM.
In conclusion, for current situation, North Kedah and East Perlis of Malaysia cannot receive Thailand DAB+ radio from Songkhla (Khao Kho Hong) due to low ERP.
NBTC Thailand has started DAB+ radio trial transmission officially since 2018 in these locations below:
1. Bangkok
2. Chiang Mai
3. Pattaya
4. Sriracha
5. Khon Kaen
6. Nakhon Ratchasima
7. Nakhon Si Thammarat
8. Phuket
9. Prachuap Khiri Khan
10. Songkhla (Hat Yai)
Here are the coverage map of DAB+ radio transmission in Bangkok, Thailand (source: NBTC broadcast website)
Based on the coverage map and according to NBTC website (https://broadcast.nbtc.go.th/news/preview.php?news=NjEwNTAwMDAwMDAy&type=NTYwNDAwMDAwMDAx), Bangkok DAB+ radio is tested on Channel 6C (VHF 185.36MHz) with maximum power at 10kW, the antenna height of the DAB+ trial transmission in Bangkok is 185m, and its antenna polarization is vertical. Transmission site is located at Royal Thai Army signal department office.
As I'm a former junior broadcast engineer, despite I'm not from telecommunication engineering background, but I personally understand that it is not easy to launch DAB+ radio, even to replace FM radio with DAB+ radio (digital switchover).
DAB+ technology has its pros and cons actually, the advantage of this radio technology is to ease the FM frequency spectrum congestion by persuading some broadcasters to use DAB+ platform, DAB+ increases the frequency spectrum efficiency.
It is successful in Western Europe countries such as United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway, but moderate successful in Central and East Europe. However, DAB+ has its disadvantages too, but DAB+ is a failure in Singapore and Hong Kong, consumers' habits, budget and marketing are the biggest reason of DAB+ is unsuccessful in some countries.
Although DAB+ helps to improve the frequency spectrum efficiency by reducing usage of frequency band through a frequency carry multiple radio stations (MUX), but DAB+ requires more gap filler transmissions site than conventional FM and AM radio. Example: Songkhla province only needs 1 transmitter from Khao Kho Hong to cover whole province on FM, but the province needs more additional gap filler transmitter site to cover whole province when comes to DAB+.
DAB+ carries higher frequency band than FM. In basic theory, the lower the frequency band, the further of the transmitting distance. Meanwhile, the higher the frequency band, the lesser of the transmitting distance.
Moreover, most of the consumer's radio receivers have no DAB+ band. It is expensive to own DAB+ receiver. In Malaysia, to purchase a DAB+ receiver, the minimum price is RM 600 (approximate THB 4400). Due to growing of 5G technology, DAB+ is facing the challenge from alternative competitor because people can easily access listening to their favorite radio station digitally via high speed internet with 5G technology. Before launching of 5G, 4G/LTE is quite perfect for listening to radio stations via online as they run high speed too (but lesser than 5G). For car radio, most of the vehicles have no DAB+ band, but Apple Car Play/Android Auto, consumers use Apple Car Play/Android Auto to listen to radio stations via online by connecting Internet, even with conventional Bluetooth/AUX connectivity, therefore smartphone also "kills" DAB+ technology badly.
For Thailand, I believe DAB+ implements in the locations where has highly congested FM frequency bands such as Bangkok.
Here are the DAB+ frequencies list in Thailand. For Songkhla province where next to Malaysia border, its DAB+ broadcast has two MUX such as Channel 9C (VHF 206.352MHz) and Channel 9D (VHF 208.064MHz), transmitted from Khao Kho Hong (Hat Yai park site), same locations as Voice of Navy 6 FM 94.5MHz and TP4 FM 107.75MHz.
For the transmission coverage, as DAB+ in Songkhla operates only at ERP 0.2kW (9C) and 0.1kW (9D). Unlike FM broadcast which can transmit to Malaysia border, the DAB+ radio from Khao Kho Hong is not receivable in Malaysia region such as Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam, and Changlun, unless you receive Thailand DAB+ radio station in Malaysia with high sensitivity radio receiver, or capture the signal at higher elevation areas.
Lojing is a highland location in Gua Musang district, Kelantan, located between Cameron Highlands and Gua Musang.
Regarding the radio coverage, Lojing is a remote location actually. When you drive from Cameron Highlands to Gua Musang, the radio stations that you listen regardless tuning frequency from Bukit Larut, Gunung Kledang or Gunung Brinchang will go faded 5-6km after Perak-Pahang-Kelantan border.
As I predict, some of Gunung Kledang (Ipoh) and Bukit Larut (Taiping) radio stations are still receivable after Perak-Pahang-Kelantan border when enter Kelantan state.
In Lojing, RTM radio stations can be tuned via Bukit Bakar. Example: Kelantan FM 97.3MHz in Lojing.
While there are a lot of Malaysia radio stations (except RTM) are not receivable in Lojing, Kelantan, however surprisingly Thailand FM radio stations are receivable there.
Here are some videos of receiving Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz in Lojing, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Based on the videos, the receiving signal condition of Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz was quite clear in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia. This radio station broadcasts in Pattani Malay language where the language is widely spoken in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces of Thailand by Thailand Malay people.
Traxx FM frequency in Gua Musang is FM 94.9MHz from Bukit Chupak, I believe it is not receivable in Lojing. By listening to the signal audio, FM 94.9MHz is locked by Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz completely there. So, I believe FM 92.0MHz is also Radio Thailand Yala there, rather than RTM Kelantan FM 92.0MHz.
==Reception details of Radio Thailand Yala in Lojing==
- Receiving site: Lojing, Kelantan state, Malaysia
- Distance: 180km
Apart from Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz, Lojing could receive Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz/94.25MHz, MCOT Yala FM 95.0MHz and Parliament Radio FM 89.0MHz as they're also transmitted from Khao Pok Yo. In addition, I may believe that Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz, Kor Sor Wor 6 FM 92.5MHz Sungai Padi, Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz, Radio Thailand Narathiwat FM 98.25MHz, MCOT Narathiwat FM 96.0MHz, Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang Tamruat Phuthon Phak 9 {สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงตำรวจภูธรภาค 9} FM 88.25MHz, Sathani Witthayu 912 FM 99.1MHz and Voice of Navy FM 94.75MHz can be received in Lojing, but I doubt about their receiving signal condition there.
RTM has radio stations in Gua Musang from Bukit Chupak such as:
1. Radio Klasik FM 89.7MHz
2. Nasional FM 91.1MHz
3. Kelantan FM 92.0MHz
4. Traxx FM 94.9MHz
5. Ai FM 94.1MHz
6. Minnal FM 93.2MHz
These radio stations are only covering Gua Musang town, and they're not for Lojing too. Bukit Chupak is a small hill in Gua Musang town.
In terms of frequency analysis condition, Kelantan FM 92.0MHz, Ai FM 94.1MHz and Traxx FM 94.9MHz from Bukit Chupak will be interfered by Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz respectively from Khao Pok Yo in Lojing, Kelantan. Meanwhile Radio Klasik FM 89.1MHz and Nasional FM 93.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang are not receivable in Lojing at all, and they're interfered by Parliament Radio FM 89.0MHz Yala and Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz there. Besides that, some of Ipoh based radio stations from Gunung Kledang such as Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz, Ai FM 92.1MHz, Mix FM 94.3MHz, and Zayan FM 106.4MHz may be interfered by Thailand radio stations such as Narathiwat FM 88.25MHz, Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz/94.25MHz and Radio Thailand Sungai Golok FM 106.5MHz in Lojing.
For Malaysia radio stations, here are the frequencies that you can try when you're in Lojing, Kelantan.
==RTM==
- Radio Klasik FM 95.5MHz
- Nasional FM 96.5MHz
- Kelantan FM 92.0MHz
- Traxx FM 98.5MHz
- Ai FM 99.3MHz
- Minnal FM 100.9MHz
(Transmitted from Bukit Bakar)
Other RTM stations (not confirmed):
1. Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang/104.1MHz Bukit Larut
==Commercial==
1. ASTRO (not confirmed)
- Era FM 103.3MHz (Bukit Panau) or 95.2MHz (Bukit Larut) or 103.7MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Sinar FM 93.8MHz (Bukit Panau) or 96.4MHz (Bukit Larut) or 96.9MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Zayan FM 106.4MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- MY FM 102.3MHz (Bukit Panau) or 100.2MHz (Bukit Larut) or 100.6MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Hitz FM 92.8MHz (Bukit Panau) or FM 93.6MHz (Bukit Larut) or 92.7MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Mix FM 94.6MHz (Bukit Panau) or 91.3MHz (Bukit Larut) or 94.3MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Lite FM 104.3MHz (Bukit Panau) or 89.3MHz (Bukit Larut) or 101.5MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Melody FM 99.8MHz (Bukit Panau) or 104.9MHz (Bukit Larut) or 98.5MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Raaga FM 102.1MHz (Bukit Larut) or 97.9MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Gegar FM 88.1MHz (Bukit Panau)
2. Media Prima (not confirmed)
- Hot FM 105.1MHz (Peringat) or 90.5MHz (Bukit Larut) or 104.5MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Fly FM 107.4MHz (Peringat) or 87.9MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- one FM 87.6MHz (Gunung Kledang)
- Kool FM 88.6MHz (Peringat)
3. Others (not confirmed)
- IKIM FM 102.7MHz (Gunung Kledang) or 89.8MHz (Bukit Panau)
- 988 FM 99.8MHz (Gunung Kledang) or 101.0MHz (Bukit Larut)
- Suria FM 106.1MHz (Telipot) or 96.0MHz (Gunung Kledang) or 91.7MHz (Bukit Larut)
Moreover, here are some Thailand FM radio stations frequencies which are likely available in Lojing, Kelantan, Malaysia.
In Kota Bharu,
Kelantan, Malaysia, there are a lot of Thailand radio stations are
transmitted from Yala province, the receiving signals are quite clear
there. Usually receivable Yala radio stations in Kota Bharu are:
1. Satthanii Witthayu Ratthasapha (Parliament Radio) FM 89.0MHz
2. Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz
3. MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz
4. Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz
Except
Radio Thailand Betong FM 93.0MHz, the Yala radio stations listed above
are transmitted from Khao Pok Yo, Bannang Sata district, Yala, Thailand.
For your information, Khao Pok Yo is Thailand version of Gunung Ulu
Kali because the hill is located at the border between Yala and
Narathiwat, the height of the hill is around 750m.
In
this video, FM 100.0MHz is Kit Kaan Witthayu Krajaisiang from Yala
province, but different transmissions site. The reception of FM 100.0MHz
in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia is not clear as Radio Thailand Yala
FM 95.0MHz because Kit Kaan Witthayu Krajaisiang Yala FM 100.0MHz is
transmitted from Khao Buyo, Bannang Sareng in Mueang Yala District,
Yala, Thailand.
==Reception details of Kit Kaan Witthayu Krajaisiang Yala FM 100MHz in Kelantan, Malaysia==
As
FM 100.0MHz Yala has 200kHz frequency separation from Melody FM 99.8MHz
Bukit Panau, so I assume that Kit Kaan Witthayu Krajaisiang Yala FM
100.0MHz will have adjacent channel interference from Melody FM 99.8MHz
in Kota Bharu and North Kelantan, Malaysia, unless transmitted from Khao
Pok Yo.
However,
if FM 100.0MHz is transmitted from Khao Pok Yo, it will cause
co-channel interference to RTM Ai FM 100.0MHz coverage in Gerik, Perak.
For the frequency separation, Thailand NBTC and Malaysia MCMC had
already agreed the minimum frequency separation between Gerik and Yala
(based on Khao Pok Yo) must be 200kHz.
The
frequency separation between Malaysia bordering sites and Yala does not
include Khao Buyo and Tambon Sateng as they are lower height
transmission sites.
In this video, YouTuber Senn Lens received FM 91.0MHz along Gerik-Jeli highway when he was going from Kota Bharu to Penang.
FM 91.0MHz actually was MCOT Radio Pattani from Pattani province, Thailand there, but it had co-channel interference from Mix FM 91.0MHz Gunung Jerai when came to Perak-Kelantan border after R&R Titiwangsa.
==Reception details of MCOT Pattani in Gerik-Jeli highway==
- Receiving site: Gerik-Jeli highway (nearby R&R Titiwangsa), Malaysia
- Distance: 149km
==Reception details of Mix FM in Gerik-Jeli highway==
- Frequency: FM 91.0MHz
- Power: 2kW
- Transmission site: Gunung Jerai, Kedah, Malaysia
- Receiving site: Gerik-Jeli highway (nearby R&R Titiwangsa), Malaysia
- Distance: 125km
It is interesting to detect co-channel interference between MCOT Pattani and Mix (Gunung Jerai) on FM 91.0MHz in this location. Gerik-Jeli highway is a hill and curvy road, actually the locations between Gerik and Jeli are difficult to receive Malaysia FM radio stations due to terrain, however Thailand radio stations from Betong, Yala, and Sungai Golok can be received easily, somewhat Pattani too.
Co-channel interference between MCOT Pattani and Mix on FM 91.0MHz between Gerik and Jeli is considered ok, and no listeners impact because the locations are not under their broadcast coverage.
The video of receiving FM 91.0MHz with interference is quite interesting and impressive actually. If a Mix FM listeners tune the station there, but interference, I may suggest the listeners to try tuning some alternative frequencies below in order to continue listening to Mix while driving from Jeli to Gerik along the highway.
1. FM 91.3MHz Bukit Larut
2. FM 94.3MHz Gunung Kledang
However, the alternative frequencies of Mix FM listed above does not guarantee whether they're receivable along Gerik-Jeli highway or not due to terrains. I doubt about the receiving signal condition of FM 91.3MHz and FM 94.3MHz there, meanwhile I may predict that Mix FM 94.3MHz from Gunung Kledang may be clashed by Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz from Khao Pokyo, Bannang Sata district, Yala, Thailand. Therefore, the highest possible frequency to tune to Mix in Gerik-Jeli highway is FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut.
In terms of geographical condition, Bukit Larut has higher elevation than Gunung Kledang. I remembered that I was told by MCMC that Bukit Larut transmission somewhat could overspill to Bukit Bakar, Kelantan coverage when come to co-channel frequency when I attempted to propose FM 105.7MHz for IKIM FM Bukit Larut transmission to cover Taiping.
After PSU Radio FM 107.25MHz as only Pattani radio station which is received in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, the YouTuber Senn Lens had received another Pattani FM radio station, known as TP4 FM 93.5MHz.
TP4 FM is known as Satthanii Witthayu Krajaising Kong Thap Phak Thi Sii (4th Army Area), also called as Thor Por Sii for Thai radio call sign. This radio station is available in Pattani province on FM 93.5MHz.
TP4 FM 93.5MHz Pattani station is transmitted from Yarang district, border with Yala province. This results Pattani and North Yala (Amphoe Mueang Yala, Raman, Yaha and Krong Pinang) can receive TP4 FM 93.5MHz from Yarang, Pattani. As TP4 FM has no Yala provincial radio station like Songkhla, Trang, Surat Thani, Pattani, Chumphon, Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat, but it is available in part of Yala province too.
Back to its reception in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, the signal is weak actually on FM 93.5MHz as it is transmitted from Yarang, which is low elevation height. Here is the reception details of TP4 FM 93.5MHz in Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
==TP4 FM 93.5MHz reception details==
- Frequency: FM 93.5MHz
- Power: 1kW
- Transmitter site: Yarang, Pattani, Thailand
- Receiver site: Wakaf Bharu, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Distance: 111km
- Receiving date: 7th May 2020 1900H (UTC+8)
In Kota Bharu, TP4 FM 93.5MHz Pattani is difficult to be received, and signal is not clear and consists with static.
On today evening, I received two frequencies of Bangkok Meteorological Radio in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia on shortwave band, they're 8744kHz and 6765kHz.
Here are the videos:
Accordring to these two videos, both have strong signal, but unstable reception. As I'm using TECSUN PL-380 which has no SSB (single side band), so it is not clear to hear the audio of weather annoucement on SW 8744kHz and 6765kHz.
==Information of Bangkok Meteorological Radio received in Malaysia==
Hat Yai is considered as Southern Thailand version of Bangkok in terms of FM radio stations frequency spectrum traffic condition because the frequency spectrum is quite peak in Hat Yai due to growing of community and commercial radio stations, alongside public broadcasters such as Radio Thailand, MCOT, Parliament Channel, Royal Thai Army, Air Force, Navy and Prince of Songkhla University.
However, I already noticed that Sunshine Radio Hat Yai was ceased since 2016, alongside recent defunct Sunshine Radio station in Phuket. In addition, according to Asiawaves.net, FM 102.75MHz was previously carried by Workers' Radio in Hat Yai, but it is INACTIVE.
In facts, FM 102.75MHz is now a vacant frequency in Hat Yai, Thailand, meanwhile Your FM 102.5MHz also broadcasts in Hat Yai as low power narrowcast community radio station. By referring Bangkok FM radio frequency spectrum condition, the main transmitter site radio stations separated at 500kHz, meanwhile the frequency separation between main radio stations and narrowcast radio stations is 250kHz.
Example: FM 92.5MHz, FM 92.75MHz and FM 93.0MHz
FM 92.5MHz is Radio Thailand national network, then FM 93.0MHz is Cool Fahrenheit 93 (under Voice of Navy), so separation is 500kHz. Between FM 92.5MHz and FM 93.0MHz, the frequency FM 92.75MHz is used as narrowcast broadcast stations such as: Sathani Witthayu Khon Charoen Nakhon {สถานีวิทยุคนเจริญนคร}, Sathani Witthayu Medee (Global Medee) {สถานีวิทยุมีดี (โกลบอลมีดี)}, and Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang Phuea Phraputthasasana Haeng Chat lae Sangkhom {สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงพระพุทธศาสนาแห่งชาติและสังคม}, these 3 radio stations on FM 92.75MHz operate at very low power transmission, so they're considered as narrowcast.
For Hat Yai site, FM 102.75MHz is not a problem to be used in Khao Kho Hong as it has 500kHz frequency separation from Radio Thailand Songkhla FM 102.25MHz which is transmitted in same location, meanwhile Your FM 102.5MHz is transmitted from Tambon Hat Yai as low power community radio station to cover the sub-district only.
While FM 102.75MHz is suitable to be used in Khao Kho Hong, but to prevent interference to Your FM 102.5MHz, it is recommended to use low power transmitter there as much 50W. In addition, interference to border region (Malaysia) must be considered. Hence, I will issue RF analysis and tentative parameter of FM 102.75MHz for Khao Kho Hong transmission to cover Hat Yai.
In Khao Kho Hong, there are about 3 tower locations.
1. MCOT Songkhla FM 96.5MHz tower (low peak)
2. Air Force & Radio Thailand Songkhla transmission tower (upper peak)
3. Hat Yai Municipal Park side top peak
==Tentative parameter of FM 102.75MHz Hat Yai==
* Frequency: FM 102.75MHz
* Power: 50W
* Example antenna model: SIRA FM-04 3 bay array dipole antenna
Next, I will show the coverage report of Khao Kho Hong at 50W power with 3 bay array dipole antenna in 3 different tower locations.
1. Khao Kho Hong (lower peak)
2. Khao Kho Hong (Upper Peak)
3. Khao Kho Hong (Hat Yai Municipal Park side)
According to the coverage, Khao Kho Hong upper peak and Hat Yai Municipal Park top peak have same coverage, but Khao Kho Hong lower peak (MCOT tower) has lesser coverage population. For border area transmission, lower peak Khao Kho Hong has coverage in Padang Besar, Perlis which is closer to Perlis FM 102.9MHz.
Besides that, the transmission of FM 102.75MHz from Khao Kho Hong will not interfere RTM Nasional FM 102.7MHz in Sintok and Bukit Kayu Hitam because it transmits at low power as much 50W. In Bukit Kayu Hitam, Nasional FM is still receivable and clear on 100.5MHz from Gunung Jerai.
Although FM 102.75MHz Khao Kho Hong has just only 50kHz frequency separation from RTM Nasional FM 102.7MHz UUM Sintok, but there is no interference impact within broadcast area, however Nasional FM 102.7MHz and Khao Kho Hong FM 102.75MHz have minor interference in Sadao, Thailand.
For my recommendation, as FM 102.75MHz covers Hat Yai only, so I suggest that FM 102.75MHz to be used at Hat Yai municipal park of Khao Kho Hong hill, rather than Upper peak (Radio Thailand tower) and lower peak (MCOT tower).
==Complete tentative RF proposal of FM 102.75MHz for Hat Yai transmission (for non-professional use only)==
- Frequency: FM 102.75MHz
- Power: 50W
- Transmission site: Khao Kho Hong (Hat Yai municipal park side), Hat Yai city, Songkhla province, Thailand
