Following TP4 FM 103MHz from Trang, Thailand received in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, now this radio station can be received in Teluk Bahang, Penang, footage is recorded by Senn Lens on YouTube.
In Teluk Bahang, the receiving signal of Thor Por Sii FM 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand is quite clear there, nothing interference from Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter, but I believe Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh is interfered by TP4 FM (4th Army Area radio station) 103.0MHz from Trang, Thailand in Teluk Bahang, Malaysia.
The distance from TP4 FM 103MHz transmission site in Na Tham Nuea to Teluk Bahang is 252km. In fact, TP4 FM 103MHz Trang is also the furthest Thailand radio station received in Teluk Bahang, Penang.
==Reception report of Thor Por Sii FM 103MHz in Teluk Bahang==
* Station name: TP4 FM Trang (สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง)
* Transmission site: Na Tham Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Trang, Trang province, Thailand
* Receiving site: Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia
* Distance: 252km
According to the footage, TP4 FM 103.0MHz is airing commercial, then radio station ident and news intro, the recording time is 10am (UTC+8 Malaysia), 9am (UTC+7 Thailand).
Excellent radio signal catch footage ever! Thanks to Senn Lens for uploading the footage of TP4 FM 103MHz Trang, Thailand that he received in Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia.
Georgetown is the perfect location in Penang state to receive many distant FM radio stations, including Thailand. For Malaysia, the furthest radio station that I receive in Georgetown was Melody FM 103.0MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali on November 2017.
In Georgetown, I usually receive Thailand radio stations from Yala, Satun, and Betong, also Songkhla (Hat Yai) at top peak of Penang Hill. Songkhla (Hat Yai) is not the furthest Thailand radio station received in Georgetown, in fact the furthest Thailand FM radio station received in Georgetown is from Trang province.
It is considered very rare to receive Thailand FM radio station from Trang. A YouTuber named Senn Lens uploaded a footage of receiving Thailand radio station on FM 103.0MHz at the roof top parking of Prangin Mall, it is Thor Por Sii Trang (TP4 FM), also known as Satthanii Witthayu Krajiasiang Kong Thap Phak Thi Sii Changwat Trang สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง(4th Army Area radio station Trang province), operated by Royal Thai Army. Here is the footage:
According to the footage that he recorded, although the signal is weak, but there is no adjacent channel interference (ACI) from RTM Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh transmitter. It is very impressive.
Georgetown is the third Penang location where Thor Por Sii Trang FM 103.0MHz signal is captured after Tasek Gelugor and Bukit Tambun (14100 Simpang Ampat).
==Reception report of Thor Por Sii FM 103MHz in Georgetown==
* Station name: TP4 FM Trang (สถานีวิทยุกองทัพภาคที่ 4 จังหวัดตรัง)
* Transmission site: Na Tham Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Trang, Trang province, Thailand
* Receiving site: Prangin Mall roof top parking, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
* Distance: 260km
In conclusion, Trang is the furthest Thailand FM radio station site received in Georgetown and Penang, following by Songkhla (Hat Yai), Yala, Satun and Betong. TP4 FM 103MHz is the only Trang based Thailand FM radio station received in Penang.
In Penang, MYTV is covering the state with 4 transmitter sites currently such as:
1. Penang U4 for Georgetown
2. Seberang Jaya for Seberang Perai
3. Gunung Jerai (Kedah) for North Penang
4. Bukit Larut (Perak) for South Penang such as Nibong Tebal
Excluding Bukit Larut and Gunung Jerai, actually MYTV has 2 transmission site to cover Penang. In my opinion, I may think it should not be a necessary to operate two transmission sites to cover Penang (Island + Mainland). Both are operating same frequencies under SFN (single frequency network) together with Bukit Larut and Gunung Jerai (CH43 UHF 650MHz and CH45 UHF 666MHz).
In Penang, there is a better transmission site for MYTV, rather than lower sites Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya, it is BM Hill (Bukit Mertajam hill, also known as Bukit Tokun).
BM Hill is located in Bukit Mertajam, also known as Bukit Tokun. On the top of the hill, there is Telekom Malaysia transmission tower. When you drive from Penang Island to Seberang Perai via Penang Bridge, you will see this hill.
In terms of elevation, BM Hill is almost same height as Bukit Penara, but for the coverage to cover whole Penang state (Island + Mainland), it is more cost effective to install DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill than Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 in terms of transmission fees and maintenance costs.
Just my amateur opinion, current MYTV Penang digital terrestrial television transmission from TM Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya along with main site Gunung Jerai is not really cost effective because MYTV pays double transmission fees to Telekom Malaysia for Penang (Seberang Jaya and Penang U4). Nevertheless, the coverage of Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya are not strategic at all.
For my recommendation, I suggest MYTV to install DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill where located in Bukit Mertajam, Penang to replace Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya sites for covering Penang (except Balik Pulau). If MYTV launches DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill, rather than Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya, I believe this would be cost effective for the broadcast infrastructure company because MYTV does not need to pay double transmission fees to Telekom Malaysia (TM) for Penang digital terrestrial TV.
There may have another question which likely asked by my readers one day.
Why don't I suggest MYTV to install DVB-T2 transmitter in Bukit Penara, instead BM Hill for Georgetown, Bayan Lepas and Seberang Perai?
According to the coverage of Bukit Penara UHF band TV transmission, Bukit Penara has more blind spot coverage in east Penang Island and Seberang Perai than BM Hill. Somehow Bukit Penara FM radio transmission has blind spots in these region, which result weaker reception in some locations in Penang Island and Seberang Perai.
My friend receives RTM Mutiara FM in Sungai Dua where located nearby Gelugor, the receiving signal of low power transmitter FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai is clearer than FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara.
I don't really know about the minimum field strength of DVB-T2 transmission coverage, hence I visit ITU website to read more as my amateur knowledge. The minimum field strength of DVB-T2 coverage is 42dBuV/m (50%), but better coverage is 58dBuV/m (70%).
So, there are two coverage map that I generate via Nautel free RF Tookit to compare between Bukit Penara and BM Hill DVB-T2 coverage, I set minimum field strength at 42dBuV/m which is ITU standards for DVB-T2 transmission. Yellow shaded region is 42-57dBuV/m, meanwhile green shaded region is 58dBuV/m and above.
As exact transmission parameter of existing MYTV transmitter is P&C technically, hence I just randomly place a simulation parameter with 3kW transmitter and 4 bay OMNI directional UHF antenna (SIRA UTV-11) for simulation coverage of DVB-T2. [Disclaimer: The coverage map information is unofficial and it is for simulation purpose and prediction only]
Compare between BM Hill and Bukit Penara DVB-T2 coverage, actually MYTV BM Hill coverage is better than Bukit Penara for Penang Island (except Balik Pulau) and Mainland Penang digital terrestrial television service because it has less blind spot coverage.
Current existing MYTV Penang digital terrestrial TV sites Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 does not cover Balik Pulau, so I will not include Balik Pulau as MYTV Penang coverage. In terms of saving cost to prevent from paying double transmission fees to TM for MYTV Penang DTTV service, for better coverage and cost, from my amateur view, I would nominate BM Hill as the all new MYTV digital terrestrial television transmission site to replace Seberang Jaya and Penang U4.
If MYTV launches DVB-T2 transmitter in BM Hill, MYTV can shut down its Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 digital terrestrial television transmission.
I may know some of readers will think it is easy to do a job task based on the suggestion in this article, but in the reality, it is not easy to replace MYTV existing Seberang Jaya and Penang U4 with BM Hill (Bukit Tokun) because it involves many factors. Money (Transmission fees, hardware costs) is the biggest factors, then following by politics and regulator (MCMC) approval.
To migrate the transmission system from old site to new site, it costs a lot of money, some of equipment cannot be reused when come to new site, but transmitters, antenna, filters and combiners are likely suitable to be reused. Besides that, the costly thing needs to be replaced when moving transmission system to new site is the cables (coax cables, connectors) due to different height of the tower. Next, after moving the transmission system to new site, the engineer needs to re-tune everything on the equipment because the transmission antenna system will be out of parameter when coming to new site.
The suggestion of launching MYTV transmitter in BM Hill to replace Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya is "happiness comes after toughness" (idiom) because broadcaster infrastructure provider pays lesser transmission fees than double after the pay extra cost to move transmission site to BM Hill.
Unless TM charges cheaper transmission fees to MYTV when MYTV uses two existing sites in Penang, so launching BM Hill transmitter to replace Penang U4 and Seberang Jaya is not a necessary.
Penang U4 + Seberang Jaya >> BM Hill (Bukit Tokun)
In conclusion, based on the suggestion, MYTV Penang digital terrestrial television coverage is only covered by Gunung Jerai, BM Hill and Bukit Larut. It means MYTV has 3 transmitter sites for Penang, from 4 sites to 3 sites, meanwhile 1 site was cut down.
In the past blog articles, I mentioned about the interference between Mix FM 91.0MHz (Gunung Jerai) and RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz (Bukit Genting) in some Penang areas (notably Balik Pulau, and Teluk Kumbar), then I rolled out my recommendation to refrain from listening to interference signal for the listeners who tune in affected location by recommending FM 91.3MHz as alternative tuning frequency.
However, I finally see someone who named Senn Lens recently published his video of receiving Mix FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Balik Pulau, Penang on YouTube 2 days ago. Here is the video clip:
According to the video, it is same signal quality like what I received Mix FM 91.3MHz (Bukit Larut) in Balik Pulau on December 2013, but unfortunately I did not record the video. The receiving condition of Mix FM 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut is less clear in Balik Pulau as it consists with some statics, nevertheless at least it is much better than receiving Mix FM main Penang frequency FM 91.0MHz there which is "blocked" by RTM Mutiara FM 90.9MHz local transmitter (Bukit Genting).
Better than nothing.
I was told that currently there is no any complaints from Mix FM listeners to MCMC about receiving issues in Balik Pulau, Penang because I may believe that they already tuned to Mix FM on 91.3MHz from Bukit Larut in Balik Pulau for outdoor (in the car), meanwhile Astro/NJOI DVR CH855 (Satellite TV service) for indoor.
==Mix FM 91.3MHz Balik Pulau receiving signal report==
I believe that many viewers who have been following ntv7 Mandarin news will feel disappointed because ntv7 Mandarin news is to be discontinued on 8th June 2020.
Currently ntv7 Mandarin news airs daily from 1700 hours to 1800 hours as 1 hour news. Previously, ntv7 Mandarin news airs two slots, each slot consists 30 minutes, first is at 1730 hours, then second slot is at 2230 hours.
ntv7 Mandarin news will be merged to 8TV Mandarin news, however 8TV Mandarin news slot will be extended to 1 hours, from 8pm to 9pm daily. In my opinion, the discontinuation of ntv7 Mandarin news is also part of commercial reason by Media Prima.
Seriously Media Prima suffers loss since 2014 until today due to market changes and consumers habits. Digital platform is a trend nowadays and consumers love to find their things that they want via digital platform such as watching videos via OTT, reading news via online, and listening to music via digital music platform such as Spotify/KK Box/JOOX/Deezer/YouTube. So, the conventional media platform is less preferred by consumers.
About Media Prima TV stations, it owns TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9, CJ Wow Shop and Drama Sangat, traditionally Media Prima operates TV3, NTV7, 8TV and TV9, meanwhile CJ Wow Shop and Drama Sangat are new channels as shopping and Malay drama content respectively.
In terms of performance, TV3 is Malaysia's no.1 TV station, meanwhile 8TV is Malaysia no.2 TV station. For segment by language, TV3 is no.1 Malay TV station in Malaysia, 8TV is no.1 Chinese TV station in Malaysia.
NTV7 and TV9 ratings are less than 4% each actually. From 2018 till now, I notice that both TV stations have poor performance.
Former Media Prima TV Networks CEO Johan Ishak implemented "1 TV Station, 1 Language" policy, and transformed ntv7 to Modern Malaysians channel. It sounded good apparently, but technically it destroyed TV9.
FYI, Johan Ishak left Media Prima since April 2020 after his contract is expired.
From 5th March 2018, NTV7 Chinese content moved to 8TV, except Mandarin news, meanwhile TV9 most programs were moved to TV3, left the channel to air CJ Wow Shop.
Although ntv7 had transformed to Modern Malaysian channel, but the rebranding was unsuccessful due to low viewership, caused the entire Malay and English programs were discontinued since 30th December 2018, then ntv7 returned Chinese slot since that day too, but most of the Chinese contents on ntv7 are rerun programs from 8TV.
The discontinuation of ntv7 Mandarin news on 8th June 2020 is part of hints that Media Prima closes down NTV7 and TV9 due to poor performance of ratings. Besides that, the entire ntv7 other than news gains poor ratings actually.
Low ratings will result no advertising. No advertising will cause no money profit. No money profit will cause loss making.
It is not easy to operate and maintain TV stations because it involves money for everything. Other than paying staff salary, TV stations needs to pay operation costs, however transmission fees are the most expensive thing when comes to TV operation. Media Prima pays a lot of money for transmission fees annually to MYTV, Telekom, and Astro Measat, I believe the minimum cost for transmission fees is about RM15million (predicted) per platform.
Media Prima launches CJ Wow Shop shopping TV programs on NTV7 and TV9 are just to extend and keep the stations alive. CJ Wow Shop on NTV7 and TV9 prevents the TV stations from being closed down, it is also an attempt to gain back the profit from loss by Media Prima via CJ Wow Shop.
In my opinion, to cut down operation of Media Prima traditional platform, and because ntv7 and TV9 don't profit from advertising as TV3 and 8TV during these 3 years, I may think Media Prima will dispose or sell NTV7 and TV9 within 3 years.
It is good to dispose NTV7 and TV9 by Media Prima to stop loss making of the company, but some of people suggests Media Prima to sell NTV7 and TV9 to new company, rather than simply dispose the channels.
Yes, suggest new company to buy acquire ntv7 and TV9, but in fact the deal to acquire ntv7 and TV9 by new company from Media Prima is not easy as what everyone thinks because it involves a lot of money and rules regulations.
It is better to sell them than simply dispose when comes to cover the loss.
Referring the past acquisition deals, Media Prima purchased Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd Ultra FM and Pi Mai FM at RM 20 millions (rebrand to Kool FM), then Astro Radio Sdn Bhd purchases Capital FM and Red FM from Star Media Radio Group at RM 42 millions. Those deal prices stated here include transmission equipment (transmitter, antennas, combiners, filters etc), frequencies and licenses.
In the past, Media Prima acquired Metrovision, Channel 9, Natseven (ntv7 and Wa FM) and WFM 88.1MHz, the deal prices also included the transmission equipment, frequencies and licenses..
As Malaysia has done digital switchover, all the TV stations regardless RTM, Media Prima or Bernama transmission equipment and frequencies are belonged to MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd. So, if a new company acquires NTV7 and TV9 from Media Prima, the deal price is no longer including transmission equipment, but just buy the entire company.
If ntv7 and TV9 are disposed or sold, Media Prima will only remain TV3, 8TV, CJ Wow Shop and Drama Sangat.
ntv7華語新聞停播的傳聞其實已經很久, 2017年未的時候已經有, 導致熱烈討論. Media Prima電視網的前CEO Johan Ishak當時事實"一個電視台, 一個語言"的政策, 就計畫把所有的ntv7中文節目搬家去八度空間, 然後ntv7在2018年3月5日(也是元宵節後)轉型為比較urban feel的馬來語和英語電視台 (Modern Malaysia channel), 但華語新聞依然獲得保留.
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==
