Astro GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz Penang frequency follows South Korea SFN (Single Frequency Network) system

 

Astro Chinese Gen Z targeted radio station, GoXUAN currently broadcasts in Klang Valley on 88.9MHz and Penang on 107.6MHz.

 

For Penang, FM 107.6MHz is transmitted from two different sites within Penang Island, they're Bukit Penara and TM Batu Ferringhi.

 

Bukit Penara and TM Batu Ferringhi operate on same frequency. Technically, it is considered as SFN (single frequency network). In my opinion, goXUAN Penang frequency FM 107.6MHz follows South Korea SFN radio system. 

 

The SFN of FM 107.6MHz is not done by Astro actually, however it was done by Star Radio Group Capital FM. Back to 2014, Star Radio Group transited Red FM Penang frequency 107.6MHz to Capital FM. During that time, Capital FM received feedback from listeners that FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara could be listened in Batu Ferringhi, hence Capital FM added low power gap filler transmitter in TM Batu Ferringhi on same frequency, but it won't cause interference each other. So, it is SFN.

 

GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz Penang SFN (single frequency network) system is based on South Korea MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 92.7MHz in Gangwon province.

 

In Gangwon province, South Korea, MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 92.7MHz in Wonju (Baekunsan) is main transmitter at 3kW power, meanwhile MBC Munhwa Bangsong FM 92.7MHz in Yeongwol is gap filler transmitter at only 0.2kW power.

 

==South Korea SFN on FM radio (main vs. gap filler)==

92.7MHz: MBC Munhwa Bangsong Wonju

92.7MHz: MBC Munhwa Bangsong Yeongwol

==Malaysia SFN on FM radio (main vs. gap filler)==

107.6MHz: GoXUAN Bukit Penara (main)

107.6MHz: GoXUAN Batu Ferringhi (gap filler)

In terms of comparison, both are almost same.

GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz Bukit Penara transmits at 1kW power, meanwhile Batu Ferringhi transmission power is only 0.05kW or lesser.

 

- Bukit Penara= Wonju (원주시)

- Batu Ferringhi= Yeongwol (영월)

 

In addition, GoXUAN FM 107.6MHz SFN concept is also same as MBC Standard FM 102.5MHz in Wonju region.

 

MBC Standard FM operates 102.5MHz in Taegisan (for Hoegngseong) as main transmitter at 1kW power, meanwhile 102.5MHz in Noseongsan (for Pyeongchang) is gap filler transmitter at 0.05kW power. 

 

Bukit Penara = Taegisan 태기산

Batu Ferringhi = Pyeongchang 평창군 (Noseongsan 노성산)

 

Jangkaan kawasan liputan sekiranya RTM Pahang FM memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang (100.9MHz) untuk meliputi barat daya Pahang

 

Pada artikel sebelum ini, saya telah meluahkan cadangan saya jika RTM melancarkan pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang (frekuensi cadangan: 100.9MHz) bagi meliputi kawasan barat daya Pahang terutamanya Keratong. Di sini, saya akan menyenaraikan jangkaan kawasan liputan RTM Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang.

 

Jangkaan kawasan yang akan menerima siaran Pahang FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang:

 

1. Pahang

- Keratong

- FELDA Selancar

- FELDA Bera Selatan

- FELDA Tembangau

- Kota Bahagia

- Muadzam Shah*

- Melati 

 

* Muadzam Shah masih boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang, walaupun kawasan tersebut sudah ada pemancar Bukit Sembilan FM 88.0MHz

 

2. Johor

- Segamat

- Batu Anam

- Jementah

- Tangkak

- Labis

- Chaah

 

3. Negeri Sembilan

- Gemas

- Rompin

- FELDA Palong

- Gemencheh

- FELDA Serting Hilir

- Bandar Seri Jempol

- Bahau

- FELDA Lui Selatan

- FELDA Lui Timur

- FELDA Lui Barat

- FELDA Lui Muda

- FELDA Sungai Lui 

 

4. Melaka

- Asahan 

 

 

Jika RTM Pahang FM melancarkan pemancar di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi kawasan Pahang Selatan seperti Keratong, Tembangau, Muadzam Shah and Bera Selatan (100.9MHz frekuensi cadangan).

 

 

Di Pahang Barat, Pahang FM diterima pada frekuensi 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali, ia meliputi Bentong, Temerloh, Chenor, Bera, manakala FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser meliputi Raub sahaja.

Di barat daya Pahang, Keratong mungkin menerima Pahang FM pada 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali dan 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, tetapi penerimaannya mungkin kurang jelas akibat gangguan oleh stesen lain.

Walaupun Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali mempunyai jarak 200kHz kiri kanan daripada Melody FM 107.3MHz dan Negeri FM 107.7MHz dari Gunung Ledang, jarak antaranya ok kerana kedua-dua tempat pemancar sangat jauh, tetapi 107.5MHz dijangka mempunyai gangguan dari Gunung Ledang jika menerima di Keratong, Tembangau, Felda Selancar dan Felda Bera Selatan.

Untuk FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan pula, kemungkinan Pahang FM mempunyai gangguan dari One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang di kawasan Keratong, terutama kawasan FELDA Selancar yang berhampiran dengan sempadan negeri Johor (Segamat). Sebenarnya, penggunaan frekuensi FM 88.0MHz oleh Pahang FM di Bukit Sembilan beroperasi lebih awal daripada One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

Untuk meliputi sebahagian besar Pahang Selatan, tempat pemancar yang strategik ialah Gunung Ledang di negeri Johor. Sekiranya Pahang FM memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang bagi meliputi kawasan Keratong, FELDA Selancar, FELDA Tembangau, Muadzam Shah dan FELDA Bera Selatan, kawasan liputannya lebih strategik daripada FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan yang meliputi Muadzam Shah sahaja kerana Gunung Ledang boleh menjana lebih liputan atas sebab ketinggian tempat pemancarnya.

Dari segi frekuensi, FM 100.9MHz adalah paling sesuai buat masa ini. 

==Cadangan parameter Pahang FM untuk Pahang Selatan==

* Frekuensi: FM 100.9MHz

* Kuasa: 1kW

* Tempat pemancar: Gunung Ledang, Johor

* Kawasan liputan: FELDA Selancar, Muadzam Shah, Keratong, FELDA Bera Selatan, FELDA Tembangau

==RF analisa==

100.9MHz: Selangor Gunung Ulu Kali

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<0kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK>

 

Jika RTM menambah pemancar Pahang FM 100.9MHz di Gunung Ledang:

1. Pendengar di Tembangau, Bera Selatan, FELDA Selancar, dan Keratong boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM pada 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang dengan jelas. Penerimaan siaran tersebut dijangka lebih jelas daripada 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali dan 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan (bagi kawasan Keratong yang berhampiran dengan sempadan Johor).

2. RTM bakal mempunyai sepuluh pemancar radio di Gunung Ledang, Johor.

3. Memberi kelebihan kepada pendengar Pahang FM yang kerap berulang-alik dari Pahang ke sempadan Negeri Sembilan dan Johor. Contoh: Dari Keratong ke Segamat, atau Dari Keratong ke Jempol

4. Segamat, Gemas, Gemencheh, FELDA Palong, FELDA Serting Hilir, Bandar Seri Jempol, Batu Anam, Jementah, Labis, Chaah dan Rompin yang bukan terletak di negeri Pahang dan juga bukan liputan utama Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang boleh menerima siaran tersebut.

5. Buat masa ini, semua pemancar Pahang FM terletak di negeri Pahang, Pahang FM boleh "membuat" sejarah baru dengan merentas negeri ke Johor dan memasang pemancar di Gunung Ledang untuk meliputi Pahang Selatan.

Mengenai RF analisa, penggunaan frekuensi FM 100.9MHz oleh Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang tidak akan mempunyai gangguan dengan Selangor FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali di Melaka dan Port Dickson kerana Pahang FM 100.9MHz hanya meliputi Pahang Selatan sahaja. Gangguan cuma berlaku di Teriang dan Bandar Bera, tetapi kawasan Teriang dan Bandar Bera boleh menerima 107.5MHz dengan jelas.

Sejak Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang hanya meliputi Pahang Selatan, ini tidak bermakna pendengar di Melaka, Johor (Muar, Batu Pahat, Tangkak, Kluang) dan Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Rembau, Linggi) akan menerima siaran tersebut atas sebab arah pemancaran.

RTM masih boleh mengekalkan pemancar Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan untuk Muadzam Shah sebagai pemancar jurang (gap filler transmitter) bagi meliputi kawasan titik buta di Muadzam Shah, walaupun Gunung Ledang FM 100.9MHz dilancarkan. 

 

Di samping itu, pemancar Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang boleh menyasarkan pendengarnya yang kerap merentas negeri dari Pahang ke sempadan Johor dan Negeri Sembilan. Contohnya:

1. Dari Tembangau (Pahang) ke Felda Serting (Negeri Sembilan)

2. Dari Keratong (Pahang) ke Felda Palong (Negeri Sembilan)

3. Dari Felda Selancar (Pahang) ke Segamat (Johor)

4. Dari Felda Selancar (Pahang) ke Labis (Johor)

Selain itu, bagi pendengar yang berada di Kemayan, Teriang dan Bandar Bera mengunjungi Keratong dan Muadzam Shah dengan melalui Jalan Felda Lui dan Felda Palong, pendengar Pahang FM boleh menala frekuensi ke 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang apabila mereka tidak dapat menerima 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali semasa dalam perjalanan dari Kemayan/Teriang/Bera ke Keratong.

Pendengar Pahang FM yang berada di Tembangau, Kota Shah Bandar, Keratong boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM dengan lebih jelas pada FM 100.9MHz dari Gunung Ledang apabila FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali diganggu oleh Negeri FM 107.7MHz dari Gunung Ledang. 

Saya mungkin menyedari bahawa Pahang FM 88.0MHz dari Bukit Sembilan diganggu oleh One FM 88.1MHz dari Gunung Ledang di FELDA Selancar, Keratong, Pahang yang bersempadan dengan negeri Johor. Dengan pemancar Gunung Ledang FM 100.9MHz, pendengar di kawasan tersebut boleh tala ke frekuensi tersebut apabila 88.0MHz ditindih oleh One FM 88.1MHz.

Secara keseluruhannya, RTM bakal mempunyai empat buah stesen radio negeri di Gunung Ledang untuk liputan berbeza sekiranya RTM menambah pemancar Pahang FM di Gunung Ledang, seperti:

1. Johor FM 105.3MHz untuk Johor Utara sahaja

2. Melaka FM 102.3MHz untuk Melaka sahaja

3. Negeri FM 107.7MHz untuk Negeri Sembilan Timur seperti Simpang Pertang, Felda Palong, Felda Lui, Gemencheh & Gemas

4. Pahang FM 100.9MHz untuk Pahang Barat Daya dan Selatan seperti Keratong, Felda Tembangau, Muadzam Shah, Felda Bera Selatan dan Felda Selancar (cadangan)

RTM boleh mempertimbangkan cadangan ini jika perlu.

If RTM expands coverage for Pahang FM in Gunung Ledang, Johor to cover Southwest Pahang (100.9MHz suggested frequency)

 

BY PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

Recently I suddenly think if RTM Pahang FM launches Gunung Ledang transmitter for Southwest Pahang.

In West Pahang areas such as Bentong, Bera, Temerloh, Kuala Lipis, Pahang FM tuning frequency is 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, meanwhile Raub receives 102.2MHz from Fraser's Hill. 

Keratong still receives Pahang FM either 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali or 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, but it could be likely less clear there because interference from Gunung Ledang.

Although Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali has 200kHz frequency separation from Melody FM 107.3MHz Gunung Ledang and Negeri FM 107.7MHz Gunung Ledang, but it sounds ok because they're far enough. However, it has interference from Gunung Ledang when comes to Tembangau, Keratong, Bera Selatan and Kota Shah Bandar.

For FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan, it may be likely having interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang in Keratong, the interference can be worse when comes to Keratong areas where just next to Johor border. In fact, Pahang FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan operation is much earlier than One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

To cover large part of Southern Pahang, Gunung Ledang is the strategic location. If Pahang FM launches in Gunung Ledang to cover southwestern Pahang  mainly Keratong, Felda Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau and Kota Shah Bandar, its coverage is more strategic than FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan because it generates more coverage population due to higher elevation of the site.

In terms of frequency, FM 100.9MHz is most suitable and ideal one currently.

==Pahang FM Gunung Ledang parameter suggestion==

* Frequency: FM 100.9MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Ledang, Johor

* Coverage: Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Kota Shahbandar, Felda Tembangau, Felda Bera Selatan

==RF analysis==

100.9MHz: Selangor Gunung Ulu Kali

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<0kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: Minnal FM Gunung Pulai

<200kHz, OK>

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

101.1MHz: MY FM Bukit Pelindung

<200kHz, OK>

100.6MHz: MY FM Gunung Telapak Burok

100.9MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ledang

<300kHz, OK>

If RTM adds Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang, here's the result:

1. Keratong, Muadzam Shah, Felda Tembangau, and Felda Bera Selatan listeners can receive Pahang FM on 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang, clearer than FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (for Tembangau) and FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan (for Keratong).

2. RTM will have ten radio transmitters in Gunung Ledang, Johor.

3. Benefits to Pahang FM's listeners who often travel to state borders from Pahang. Example: 

 

* Felda Tembangau (Pahang) to Felda Serting Hilir (Negeri Sembilan)

* Felda Keratong (Pahang) to Felda Palong (Negeri Sembilan)

* Felda Selancar (Pahang) to Segamat/Labis (Johor)

4. Pahang areas where nearby Johor Segamat border can receive Pahang FM clearly from Gunung Ledang, this will solve interference between FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan and One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang.

5. Segamat, Gemas, Rompin, Felda Palong, Felda Serting Hilir and Bandar Seri Jempol can receive Pahang FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang, despite they're not the main coverage and under Pahang states.

6. Currently all Pahang FM transmitters are located within Pahang state, so it breaks its history by "crossing" to Johor border and launching transmitter in Gunung Ledang.

For RF analysis, Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang transmission will not have co-channel interference with Selangor FM 100.9MHz in Melaka and Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan because Pahang FM only beams to southwest Pahang from Gunung Ledang (northeast direction from site). The only CCI locations can be likely in Teriang, and Bandar Bera.

Since it covers only southwest Pahang, it does not mean Pahang FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang will be available in Johor (Muar, Batu Pahat, Tangkak), Melaka and Negeri Sembilan (Tampin, Gemencheh, Rembau and Port Dickson) due to antenna direction.

While RTM has Pahang FM 100.9MHz in Gunung Ledang, RTM Pahang FM can maintain FM 88.0MHz Bukit Sembilan frequency for Muadzam Shah as gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot of FM 100.9MHz Gunung Ledang.

For listeners who from Kemayan/Teriang/Bandar Bera travel to Keratong/Tembangau/Selancar via Felda Lui and Jalan Bahau-Keratong road, they can switch to FM 100.9MHz from Gunung Ledang loudly and clearly when the reception of FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is weak while on the journey to those locations.

Besides that, listeners in Keratong, FELDA Bera Selatan, Felda Tembangau can also tune to 100.9MHz if Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali is interfered by Melody FM 107.3MHz and Negeri FM 107.7MHz from Gunung Ledang.

I may realize that Pahang FM 88.0MHz from Bukit Sembilan may have interference from One FM 88.1MHz Gunung Ledang in FELDA Selancar, Keratong where not far from Johor border. With Gunung Ledang transmitter FM 100.9MHz, listeners in those locations can listen to Pahang FM on the frequency clearly.

As a result, RTM Gunung Ledang can have four state radio stations for different target locations, such as:

1. Johor FM 105.3MHz for North Johor

2. Melaka FM 102.3MHz for Melaka

3. Negeri FM 107.7MHz for East Negeri Sembilan such as Gemas, Felda Lui, Felda Palong, Gemencheh & Simpang Pertang

4. Pahang FM 100.9MHz for Southwest Pahang such as Keratong, Felda Tembangau and Muadzam Shah (proposal)

RTM can consider this suggestion if there is necessary.

RTM Perak FM can expand its coverage to Pengkalan Hulu on FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, considered as "Single Frequency Network" (SFN) for Perak FM in North Perak.

 

5 years ago, I highlighted my suggestion regarding Perak FM coverage in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak by proposing RTM to launch Perak FM in Bukit Palong, Baling, Kedah.

 

As this suggestion is 5 years anniversary today, so I decide to make frequency analysis regarding Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu frequency from Bukit Palong transmitter site.

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, only Bukit Palong is the ideal transmitter tower site to cover the Far North Perak town. Although Pengkalan Hulu can receive Gunung Jerai radio station, but Gunung Jerai is not ideal site for Perak FM to cover Pengkalan Hulu because not all locations in Pengkalan Hulu can receive radio signal from Gunung Jerai, Kelian Intan (a village between Pengkalan Hulu and Gerik) is the blind spot area of Gunung Jerai.

 

The proposal that I made is based on the concept of RTM state stations "crossover" to other state where some RTM state radio stations install transmitter in neighboring state which is not their intended coverage. Example:

 

1. Negeri FM 107.7MHz in Gunung Ledang (Johor)

Fact: Covering Gemas, Gemencheh, Felda Lui, Simpang Pertang and FELDA Palong.

 

2. Perak FM 94.7MHz in Gunung Brinchang (Pahang)

Fact: Covering Perak areas next to Cameron Highlands border

 

3. Mutiara FM 93.9MHz in Gunung Jerai (Kedah)

Fact: Covering Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong and Teluk Bahang where are blind spot areas of FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara

 

4. Kelantan FM 107.1MHz in Bukit Bintang (Terengganu)

Fact: Covering East Kelantan nearby Besut

 

There are some vacant frequencies in Bukit Palong, can be recommended for Perak FM Pengkalan Hulu transmission, but frequency assignment is decided by MCMC at final stage. Hence, I make decision to do some analysis.

 

FM 103.9MHz/104.0MHz/104.1MHz, and FM 104.7MHz.

 

==Proposed parameter==

* Transmitter site: Bukit Palong, Kedah

* Transmitter power: 0.5kW OR 1kW

* Antenna type: Directional (Yagi/Log-Periodic/Panel)

 

==RF analysis==

1. FM 103.9MHz

 

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<300kHz, OK>

 

103.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

<100kHz, OK>

 

2. FM 104.0MHz 

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<100kHz, OK>

 

103.6MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<400kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

<0kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<100kHz, OK>

 

3. FM 104.1MHz

 

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<0kHz, OK, SFN>

 

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.4MHz: Lite FM Gunung Jerai

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.0MHz: Smart Radio Hatyai, Thailand

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<100kHz, OK>

 

4. FM 104.7MHz (as proposed in 2015)

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.9MHz: Melody FM Bukit Larut

<200kHz, OK>

 

104.4MHz: Era FM Gunung Jerai

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

<300kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.8MHz: Langkawi FM Gunung Raya

<100kHz, OK>

 

104.7MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

105.1MHz: Kedah FM Bukit Dedap

<400kHz, OK>

 

Based on basic RF analysis above, all frequencies listed above can be used in Bukit Palong because they have no interference when Perak FM operates in Bukit Palong. However, it is interesting if Perak FM uses 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, perhaps same frequency as Bukit Larut.

 

RTM still needs to do Thailand frequency studies before launching Perak FM in Bukit Palong because Pengkalan Hulu is under international coordination. Yala and Betong are the required locations to be studied by broadcaster.

 

Look back some existing RF analysis, there are some Bukit Larut radio stations are using same frequencies with Bukit Palong, but different radio stations, therefore they cause co-channel interference in Penang.

 

Hot FM and Suria FM in Bukit Larut Taiping are same frequencies with Kedah FM and Traxx FM in Bukit Palong Baling.

90.5MHz: Hot FM Bukit Larut

90.5MHz: Kedah FM Bukit Palong

<0kHz>

91.7MHz: Suria FM Bukit Larut

91.7MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Palong

<0kHz>

When comes to Perak FM, if FM 104.1MHz is used in Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu, it will not cause interference within the coverage areas because Perak FM operates FM 104.1MHz in two different sites for different targeted areas under SFN.

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong

104.1MHz: Perak FM Bukit Larut

<0kHz, OK>

According to the RF analysis above, this is considered as "Single Frequency Network" (SFN) on FM radio band. Single Frequency Network is same radio station uses a frequency in different site, actually this is a suitable configuration for digital terrestrial transmission (DVB-T2/ATSC/DTMB/ISDB/DRM/DAB+), meanwhile it is less suitable for analogue transmission.

 

Perak FM will have self interference in Penang on FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut and Bukit Palong, but Penang is not its broadcast coverage region.

 

Distance between Bukit Palong and Bukit Larut is 85km.

 

In addition, there is also SFN (single frequency network) in Penang, and Perak on FM radio.

 

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Genting

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang

<0kHz, OK>

 

RTM Bukit Penara (except Mutiara FM 95.7MHz) and RTM Bukit Genting (except Mutiara FM 90.9MHz) are operating under Single Frequency Network (SFN). 

In addition, it matches with Perak FM's frequencies publications on its website and social media platform if Perak FM is assigned on FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong, Kedah because Taiping and Pengkalan Hulu are classified as Perak Utara (North Perak), meanwhile Pengkalan Hulu is Far North Perak (Perak Utara Jauh) where it is very far from Taiping.

Although Taiping, Selama, Parit Buntar and Pengkalan Hulu are often classified as North Perak, but Taiping, Selama and Parit Buntar are considered as "Lower North Perak", in the meantime Pengkalan Hulu, Lawin, Lenggong and Gerik are considered as "Upper North Perak" (I called it as Far North Perak; based on Australian English term where there is Far North Queensland FNQ in Queensland state, 1800km away from Brisbane).

In terms of frequencies publication, it sounds easier actually.

FM 104.1MHz Perak Utara (Taiping + Parit Buntar + Bagan Serai + Selama + Kuala Kangsar + Pengkalan Hulu)

By reading it above, some of people may thought Perak FM uses Bukit Larut transmitter to cover Pengkalan Hulu. In fact, it doesn't, instead Perak FM adds FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong to cover Pengkalan Hulu. For your information, Pengkalan Hulu can't receive any radio stations from Bukit Larut, even Gerik, Lawin, and Gunung Kledang.

 

If Perak FM launches in Bukit Palong, Pengkalan Hulu is covered, neighboring towns such as West Gerik, Klian Intan, Baling, Kedah and Betong, Thailand can receive Perak FM. In Betong, Thailand, there will have four RTM Malay language radio stations, this can attract Thai Malay listeners in Betong.

I hope RTM will consider to expand Perak FM coverage in Pengkalan Hulu from Bukit Palong which I proposed 5 years ago, they can release a tender for it.

RTM Perak FM has no Bukit Palong transmitter for Pengkalan Hulu, so what frequency do the listeners tune in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak?

 

In Pengkalan Hulu, the northenmost town, located in Far North Perak, bordered with Thailand and Kedah, usually the town is covered by RTM radio stations from Bukit Palong transmitter tower (Baling, Kedah).

As today, RTM Perak FM has no frequency in Pengkalan Hulu, even RTM did not expand Perak FM coverage to the town by using Bukit Palong transmitter tower as per I suggested 5 years ago.

I was wondering that how do listeners tune to Perak FM in Pengkalan Hulu through radio (neglect online listening).

There are some possible existing Perak FM frequencies which can be tuned in Pengkalan Hulu, but weak signal:

1. FM 96.2MHz Gerik: The only nearest transmitter can be listened, but it is likely interfered by 988 FM 96.1MHz from Gunung Jerai in Pengkalan Hulu, because Pengkalan Hulu can receive Gunung Jerai radio stations partially.

2. FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang: The most powerful Perak FM transmitter in the state as it transmits with 2kW power. Pengkalan Hulu elevation is high actually as it is hilly town, so 95.6MHz could be received there, just weak signal.

3. FM 104.1MHz Bukit Larut: It is impossible to be received in Pengkalan Hulu because the transmission power is only 0.25kW. Between Pengkalan Hulu and Bukit Larut, there are many terrains which block the transmitting signal from Bukit Larut to Pengkalan Hulu.

4. FM 102.9MHz Lawin: Low power transmitter to cover Lawin only, but signal is only available in high elevation areas in Pengkalan Hulu with poor reception.

It is impossible that Perak FM can be tuned in Pengkalan Hulu on 94.2MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong) as it covers only Lenggong. In terms of frequency status, 94.2 in Pengkalan Hulu is weak signal of Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz.

If Pengkalan Hulu listeners tune to Perak FM on Ipoh frequency 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang, it is considered very powerful. In fact, Gunung Kledang radio stations somehow can be received between Gerik and Jeli on East-West Highway (Titiwangsa). To reach Pengkalan Hulu from Gunung Kledang, mix polarized is the recommended antenna model for transmission. Back to November 2017, I was used to receive Perak FM 95.6MHz on the cruise between Penang and Langkawi at Malacca Straits which interfere Mutiara FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara when I was going from Penang to Phuket, Thailand.

It is perfect if RTM installs Perak FM transmitter in Bukit Palong tower to cover Pengkalan Hulu and Klian Intan. In terms of frequencies, FM 104.7MHz, FM 103.9MHz/FM 104.1MHz are the recommended.

Imagine if Perak FM uses FM 104.1MHz in Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu, the frequency allocation status is considered "single frequency network" because Perak FM operates 104.1MHz in Bukit Larut and Bukit Palong for North Perak (Taiping, Kerian, Parit Buntar, Pengkalan Hulu, Selama, Kuala Kangsar). It won't cause interference as FM 104.1MHz in different transmitter sites are same radio stations.

I'm curious about the reception of Perak FM in Pengkalan Hulu on existing frequencies. If I have chance to travel Far North Perak Pengkalan Hulu one day, I should try to receive (FM DXing) Perak FM on 96.2MHz, 95.6MHz, 102.9MHz and 104.1MHz. Then, I will publish a FM DX comparison footage on YouTube.

For Pengkalan Hulu listeners, please drop off comment here if you have feedbacks.

Unknown radio station AM 612kHz that I received in Malaysia is Vietnamese, the exact frequency is 610kHz. It is Voice of Ho Chi Minh (VOH-1)

 In July 2020, I recorded a radio signal footage on AM 612kHz at my home in Balakong, Malaysia at 1912H (UTC+8). I expected it was from Thailand, but it didn't sound like Thai, instead unknown language.

The language is likely within South East Asia region, likely Vietnamese. Until 2nd October 2020, I caught the station signal again on 612kHz and checked the database on Asiawaves.net, there is no any Vietnam radio station using 612kHz, but 610kHz.

The radio station on AM 610kHz is Voice of Ho Chi Minh City's People (VOH), it is transmitted from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and operating at 200kW transmitter power.

In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, VOH operates four radio stations, 3 on FM, 1 on AM (MW).

* VOH-1 AM 610kHz

* VOH-2 FM 99.9MHz

* VOH-3 FM 95.6MHz

* VOH-4 FM 87.7MHz

Hence, I already receive VOH-1 AM 610kHz signal in Malaysia (Balakong, Selangor).

==VOH AM DX report==

* Frequency: MW 610kHz

* Power: 200kW

* Transmitter site: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

* Receiver site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 1035km

* Receiving date/time: 02.10.2020 2107hours (UTC+8)

* Receiver: TECSUN PL-380

List of Selangor areas where I performed FM DXing of Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang (as October 2020)

As October 2020, I have performed DXing of RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang in Selangor since 2014, here is the list of Selangor locations.

1. Sabak Bernam

2. Sungai Ayer Tawar

3. Sungai Besar

4. Sekinchan

5. Tanjong Karang

6. Kuala Selangor

7. Jeram

8. Ijok

9. Rawang

10. Bukit Tagar

11. Sungai Buloh

12. Serdang

13. Balakong

14. Seri Kembangan

15. Puchong

16. Bukit Beruntung

Videos are available on my YouTube channel, Philip Yong DXer Malaysia or search" Perak FM 95.6MHz Selangor".

RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang received in Serdang, Selangor, furthest location ever.

 

Recently certain Gunung Kledang transmitted radio stations can be received in some Klang Valley areas. 

 

After I performed FM DX of Perak FM 95.6MHz in Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar and Sekinchan during Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday on 31st July 2020, I also received Perak FM 95.6MHz in Jeram, Selangor (a small town between Kapar and Kuala Selangor), so I make decision to try to receive it in Serdang, Selangor.

 

Previously I received Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang with multiple locations such as Desa Serdang, and The Mines Exhibition Convention Center (MIECC). Recently I receive stronger signal of Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang along Jalan Hospital Serdang.

 

On weekdays, along SKVE highway, it has traffic congestion from IOI City Mall interchange until Kajang IUKL/UNITEN interchange in the evening. Hence, I decide to use Jalan Hospital Serdang to bypass SKVE traffic congestion. At the same time, there is also some traffic congestion at Jalan Hospital Serdang because there are about two traffic lights. While I stuck in traffic jam there, I take opportunity to record Perak FM 95.6MHz Gunung Kledang signal footage.

 

Three videos are recorded nearby MAEPS junction, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UPM Universiti Putra Malaysia Campus as well as Hospital Serdang. 

 

Mantin, Negeri Sembilan is the furthest location where I received Gunung Kledang radio station signal.

Mantin is a small town in Negeri Sembilan, located between Nilai and Seremban, it is not far from Selangor Beranang border. In the town, I usually receive radio stations from Gunung Ulu Kali and Gunung Telapak Burok, also the weaker Bukit Sungai Besi, Gunung Ledang, Bukit Gun and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Back to 3rd April 2016, I received Red FM 106.4MHz from Gunung Kledang in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan. In my record of FM DXing, Mantin is the furthest location to receive Gunung Kledang radio station. 

==Red FM 106.4MHz Ipoh DX information==

* Frequency: FM 106.4MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Kledang, Ipoh, Perak

* Receiver site: Mantin, Negeri Sembilan

* Distance: 220km

In fact, initially I would like to receive MY FM 106.4MHz from Gunung Ledang (North Johor) in Mantin, but surprisingly I received Red FM 106.4MHz there.

Regarding the audio, I received Red FM 106.4MHz at Chinese Cemetery in Mantin which is not far from the catholic church when I had Ching Ming event. In 2016, Red FM was ceased broadcast and the radio station went automation mode until acquisition by Astro in September 2016. Now, Red FM frequencies become Zayan, a Malay language Muslim contemporary radio station.

Before this, I was used to receive ultra weak signal of Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz from Gunung Kledang in Mantin (nearby now defunct BHPetrol Pajam) which was having co-channel interference from One FM 88.3MHz Bukit Gun. During that time, I only intended to receive One FM 88.3MHz from Bukit Gun (Seremban town) to test its reception quality in Mantin.

So, in the future, if possible, I can try to receive RTM Perak FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang in Nilai and Mantin.

FLASHBACK: Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang transmitter FM 88.7MHz, now it is terminated.

 

In Taiping, RTM Radio Klasik tuning frequency is FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill). Many years ago, Radio Klasik had gap filler transmitter in Taiping too, alongside with main transmitter FM 103.3MHz. 

 

The gap filler transmitter was Bukit Gantang to target Changkat Jering, the transmitter was launched in 2008 during Bukit Gantang by-election, the frequency was FM 88.3MHz. It was launched during Klasik Nasional era. Generally the launch of Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang was political movement, but technically some say Bukit Gantang and Changkat Jering areas can't receive FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut clearly, so Bukit Gantang transmitter was launched.

 

The initial frequency for RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang transmitter was FM 88.3MHz, and during that time Hot FM had no Taiping frequency FM 90.5MHz yet. Hence, Hot FM listeners in Taiping had to listen on 88.2MHz from Gunung Jerai. As result Radio Klasik FM 88.3MHz Bukit Gantang interfered Hot FM 88.2MHz Gunung Jerai in Taiping, so RTM Radio Klasik Bukit Gantang transmitter was changed from 88.3MHz to 88.7MHz.

 

RTM Radio Klasik FM 88.7MHz Bukit Gantang was last until 2017/18, then RTM terminated the transmission service.

 

Back to November 2015, when I went from Penang back to Kuala Lumpur, I received RTM Radio Klasik on 88.7MHz clearly in Changkat Jering, Perak along PLUS Highway. In Perak, Radio Klasik FM is using FM 88.7MHz in Changkat Rembian for Tapah and Bukit Palong for Pengkalan Hulu where Changkat Jering and Bukit Gantang can't receive signal from Changkat Rembian and Bukit Palong, but FM 88.7MHz was clear in Changkat Jering, so I think FM 88.7MHz is from Bukit Gantang.

 

After 4 years, I traveled Alor Setar and came back to Kuala Lumpur, FM 88.7MHz had no signal there, even former frequency 88.3MHz had nothing in Bukit Gantang too. Therefore, I believe RTM had terminated Bukit Gantang radio transmission. For now, Radio Klasik can be tuned on FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut or FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai in Bukit Gantang and Changkat Jering, Perak.

 

Gunung Jerai FM radio stations received in Kuala Selangor!

Today I travel to Kuala Selangor Bukit Malawati for FM DX hobby activity, in fact I traveled to this site 3 years ago. During that time, I only captured Bukit Larut radio station as the furthest signal there.

Now I receive three FM radio stations from Gunung Jerai in Kuala Selangor (Bukit Malawati), this breaks my record of FM DXing there as the furthest radio signal caught in Selangor.

I received RTM Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz, Suria FM 106.9MHz and Raaga FM 102.4MHz at top peak of Bukit Malawati nearby Baitul Hilal.

 

Baitul Hilal is the most ideal site to receive FM signal from Gunung Jerai and Bukit Larut in Kuala Selangor.

 

Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is the most powerful Gunung Jerai radio station that I receive in Kuala Selangor today, following by Suria FM 106.9MHz, meanwhile Raaga FM 102.4MHz is hard to be received because of Asyik FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

RTM Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is using 5kW transmitter in Gunung Jerai. In Kuala Selangor Bukit Malawati, I can detect adjacent channel interference from Hitz FM 95.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok.

 

The distance from Gunung Jerai to Kuala Selangor is 286km. 

For current status, Kuala Selangor is the furthest Selangor location now to receive Gunung Jerai FM radio stations signal after Sungai Ayer Tawar.