List of Radio Romania Actualitati shortwave (SW) tuning frequencies during summer season. (Romanian language)

 

Radio Romania Actualitati, the flagship radio station in Romania. In Romania, Actualitati (RRA) broadcasts nationwide on FM and MW frequencies, also DAB+ in Bucharest, but it has also shortwave frequency via Radio Romania International to target Romanian listeners who are staying out of Romania.

 

Radio Romania International (external radio service by Radio Romania) Romanian broadcast is actually relaying Actualitati program. Here is the list of Radio Romania Actualitati shortwave (SW) frequencies:

 

* 6015kHz: 0400-0457H UTC (285DEG)

* 7265kHz: 1600-1657H UTC (142DEG)

* 7325kHz: 0357-0457H UTC (285DEG)

* 7420kHz: 0000-0157H UTC (310DEG)

* 9490kHz: 1200-1300H UTC (300DEG)

* 9500kHz: 1700-1957H UTC (285DEG)

* 9590kHz: 1600-1657H UTC (142DEG)

* 9730kHz: 0000-0157H UTC (310DEG)

* 11950kHz: 1300-1500H UTC (285DEG)

* 11975kHz: 1700-1957H UTC (285DEG)

* 15340kHz: 1300-1500H UTC (285DEG)

 

Transmitter site:

1. Galbeni-Bacau (for 6015kHz, 7325kHz, 7420kHz, 9500kHz, 9730kHz, 11950kHz, 11975kHz, 15340kHz)

2. Tiganesti (for 7265kHz, 9590kHz)

3. Saftica (for 9490kHz)

 

All frequencies listed above are operating at 300kW transmitter power, except 9490kHz Saftica transmitter which only operates at 100kW power. 

 

Targeting areas:

* North America (East Coast): 7420kHz, and 9730kHz

* Europe: 6015kHz, 7325kHz, 9500kHz, 11950kHz, 11975kHz, 15340kHz

* Eastern Europe: 9490kHz

* Israel and Middle East: 7265kHz, 9590kHz

 

Source: www.short-wave.info & Radio Romania International 

Among 11 Radio Romania Actualitati (RRA) shortwave frequencies, currently I could only receive SW 15340kHz in Malaysia (QTH: Balakong, Selangor; 20km from Kuala Lumpur), meanwhile my friend from Langkawi can receive (RRA) on SW 11950kHz and 11975kHz. Although I don't understand the Romanian language, but I listen to Radio Romania Actualitati is to monitor its shortwave signal and identify how good and powerful of RRA's shortwave transmitter propagation is.

 

Radio Romania Actualitati shortwave broadcast received in Malaysia.

 

MYS QTH1: Balakong, Selangor (20km from Kuala Lumpur)

 

 

MYS QTH2: Langkawi, Kedah

List of Radio Romania International and Actualitati shortwave frequencies which I received in Malaysia.

In August and September 2021, I manage to receive few shortwave frequencies of Radio Romania International and Actualitati in Malaysia.

 

QTH: Balakong, Selangor (20km from Kuala Lumpur)

==Radio Romania Actualitati==

* SW 15340kHz

==Radio Romania International==

* SW 11825kHz (English; targets India)

* SW 17760kHz (English;targets Australia)

* SW 21550kHz (English; targets Australia)

* SW 15200kHz (Curierul Romanesc)

In terms of radio reception quality of Radio Romania International (including Romanian's Actualitati), I make a ranking (from best to worst) by frequency.

1. SW 15200kHz

2. SW 17760kHz

3. SW 15340kHz

4. SW 11825kHz

5. SW 21550kHz

Transmitter site is from Galbeni-Bacau, except 21550kHz where transmitted from Tiganesti.

 

In addition, my friends from Langkawi Island of Malaysia and Indonesia (Sangatta, East Kalimantan) also received Radio Romania International and Actualitati.

 

Received frequencies of Radio Romania in Langkawi, Malaysia.

* SW 11975kHz (Actualitati)

* SW 11950kHz (Actualitati)

* SW 15200kHz (International: Curierul Romanesc)

* SW 17760kHz (International: English)

 

Received frequencies of Radio Romania in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

* SW 7370kHz (Actualitati)

* SW 15340kHz (Actualitati)

* SW 17760kHz (International: English) 

 

==Langkawi==

 

==Indonesia (Sangatta, East Kalimantan)==

China FM radio stations caught in Malaysia and Indonesia? It is E-skip propagation!

Believe it or not? ASEAN DXers receive China FM radio stations in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Here is the China FM radio stations frequencies received in ASEAN during E-skip.

- FM 91.4MHz in Langkawi, Malaysia

- FM 93.2MHz in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

- FM 102.2MHz in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

- FM 104.6MHz in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

==China radio E-skip in Malaysia (by Saiful Izham DXer)==

==China radio E-skip in Indonesia (by DXer Indonesia)==

 

 

There are also having Chinese radio stations in Malaysia and Indonesia, but none of local Chinese radio stations are using such frequencies above in the countries, except Melody FM 102.2MHz in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. In addition, the Chinese Mandarin language accent in Malaysia and Indonesia are far different from Mainland China.

I'm very sure that FM 102.2MHz Chinese language radio station received in Sangatta, Indonesia is not Melody FM from Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia because Melody FM doesn't report China news, and Melody FM's Chinese Mandarin is Malaysia Chinese accent, rather than Mainland China accent.

Newly launched DW - Deutsche Welle Dari and Pashto languages shortwave broadcast SW 15230kHz and 15390kHz, received in Malaysia.

 

On 13th September 2021, Deutsche Welle launches shortwave radio broadcast in Dari and Pashto languages to target Afghanistan by providing credible and balance information to the people in the country.

 

Listeners can follow Deutsche Welle Dari and Pashto languages broadcast daily for 30 minutes on the frequencies 15230kHz and 15390kHz, from 14:00 UTC in Dari, and 14:30 UTC in Pashto.

According to Deutsche Welle, 15230kHz is transmitted from Nauen, Germany, meanwhile 15390kHz is transmitted from Al-Dhabbiya, United Arab Emirates. Hence, when this information is spread, it becomes DXers' attention, including me.

When I got the information about Deutsche Welle latest shortwave broadcast few days ago, I tried to receive Deutsche Welle (DW) radio broadcast in Malaysia on 15230kHz and 15390kHz. On yesterday at 13:55 UTC, I stayed in position in front of my radio receiver after I placed my TECSUN PL-380 outdoor, and waited for DW on-air.

Here are the videos of Deutsche Welle that I received in Malaysia yesterday.

 

Between SW 15320kHz and 15390kHz, the receiving signal quality of DW - Deutsche Welle on SW 15390kHz was clearer than 15230kHz in Malaysia (QTH: Balakong, Selangor), it is likely because of transmission distance of 15390kHz is shorter than 15230kHz from transmitter site to receiving site. 

 

On TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver, the field strength meter reading of 15390kHz is higher than 15230kHz, and the audio output of 15390kHz is loud and clear, compare to 15230kHz.

 

==Reception report==

1. SW 15390kHz

- Transmitter power: 250kW

- Transmitter site: Al-Dhabbiya, United Arab Emirates

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia 

- Distance: 5606km

- Receiving date: 15.09.2021 1400H UTC (2200H UTC+8)

- SINPO: 35444

 

2. SW 15230kHz

- Transmitter power: 250kW

- Transmitter site: Nauen, Germany

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia 

- Distance: 9662km

- Receiving date: 15.09.2021 1429H UTC (2229H UTC+8)

- SINPO: 24222

 

I'm very happy to receive Deutsche Welle shortwave broadcast because it is my very first time to receive this Germany public radio station in Malaysia which I never been done before. 

 

DW - Deutsche Welle is my second European radio station that I received in Malaysia after Radio Romania International. I don't include BBC World Service because the BBC frequency that I received in Malaysia is not from Europe, but Singapore transmitted. 

 

Compare between 15230kHz and 15390kHz signal quality, although both are mainly intended for Afghanistan, but 15390kHz is more ideal for ASEAN region (including Malaysia).

After performing signal monitoring for 1 hour, DW - Deutsche Welle Dari and Pashto broadcast can be heard in Malaysia and ASEAN region on SW 15390kHz from 1400 UTC to 1500 UTC.

Radio NUG evening broadcast is on SW 12000kHz (1330H UTC/2130 UTC+8). Signal is clearer than previous frequencies 17710kHz and 15300kHz in Malaysia,

 

Since 31st August 2021, the Myanmar Unity Government clandestine shortwave radio station Radio NUG transmits on the frequency SW 12000kHz for evening broadcast at 1330H (UTC) [2000H UTC+6.30 Myanmar time].

Previously Radio NUG was on SW 17710kHz, and 15300kHz for during evening broadcast, but test transmission.

In terms of receiving signal quality, Radio NUG SW 12000kHz that I receive in Malaysia on 31st August 2021 was much clearer than 15300kHz and 17710kHz. On my TECSUN PL-380 receiver, the field signal strength of SW 12000kHz is quite high, following by 15300kHz and weaker 17710kHz.

According to DXer, Radio NUG SW 12000kHz is presumably transmitted from Taiwan. Hence, I presume the frequency is from Paochung.

* Frequency: SW 12000kHz

* Power: 300kW (presumed)

* Transmission site: Paochung, Taiwan (台灣褒忠)

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur)

* Distance: 3047km

* Receiving date: 31.08.2021 2132H (UTC+8)

* Language: Burmese

* SINPO: 55545

[Verified] SV Sound Radio FM 107MHz is a repeater in Sungai Golok, Thailand by simulcasting Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz. Compared content in Ketereh, Kelantan, Malaysia.

 

Firstly I would like to thank to my friend from Kelantan for the videos of two Thailand radio stations on the frequency FM 88.75MHz and FM 107.0MHz where he records in Ketereh, Kelantan, Malaysia today.

 

With the video, I can instantly verify the station content which I previously wrote on blog. 

 

It's verified that SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz is a repeater of Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz in Sungai Golok, Thailand by simulcasting Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz entire station. 

 

Here is the video clip of FM 88.75MHz and FM 107.0MHz received in Ketereh, Kelantan, Malaysia (23km from Kota Bharu) by my friend.

 

According to the footage, Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz and SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz are simulcasting same content each other. From the video, I already verify that SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz relays Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz, but both radio stations have different targeting locations, despite they're based in Narathiwat province.

 

Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz and SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz are operated by SV Sound Media Limited Partnership, however both are having different targeting broadcast coverage.

 

Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz is for Tak Bai district, meanwhile SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz is for Sungai Golok area by relaying Kon Tak Bai Radio.

 

If you listen to Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz, you would hear its ident occassionally "Here is Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz and SV Sound Radio Sungai Golok FM 107.0MHz". So, it is verified.

 

In terms of receiving signal quality, Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz is clearer than Sungai Golok repeater SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz in Ketereh, Kelantan, Malaysia. Both radio stations are operating at low power transmission as much 500W.

 

Both radio stations can be tuned in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia actually, but Kon Tak Bai Radio FM 88.75MHz is interfered by Buletin FM 88.6MHz from Peringat, listeners can switch to SV Sound Radio FM 107.0MHz to continue listening to the Thai broadcast. 

 

==Reception report of SV Sound Media Limited Partnership radio stations in Ketereh, Kelantan==

 

1. Kon Tak Bai Radio

* Frequency: FM 88.75MHz

* Power: 0.5kW

* Transmission site: Tak Bai, Narathiwat Province, Thailand

* Distance: 40km

* Signal strength: Average to good

 

2. SV Sound Radio (simulcast of Kon Tak Bai Radio)

* Frequency: FM 107.0MHz

* Power: 0.5kW

* Transmission site: Sungai Golok, Thailand

* Distance: 33km (presumed)

* Signal strength: Weak

RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar diterima di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang?

 

Pada hari ini, saya menonton sebuah video audio clip yang diterbitkan oleh Senn Lens dimana video tersebut mengejutkan saya.

 

Jika anda ada mengikuti Senn Lens di YouTube, dia menerima isyarat Kelantan FM pada frekuensi FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar (Machang, Kelantan) di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang dengan menggunakan applikasi penerima radio Poco X3 Pro.

 

Di sini adalah video (audio sahaja) isyarat siaran RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar diterima di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang dan dimuat naik oleh Senn Lens pada sehari sebelum hari ini.

 

Selain daripada Kelantan FM, frekuensi FM 97.3MHz juga digunakan oleh Perak FM di tempat pemancar Changkat Rembian yang meliputi Tapah, Bidor, Chenderiang dan Temoh. Saya mula berasa ragu-ragu mengenai penerimaan siaran FM 97.3MHz yang lemah di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, sama ada stesen tersebut ialah Kelantan FM atau Perak FM, akibat kedua-dua stesen radio bersiaran dalam bahasa Melayu. Oleh itu, saya membuat penilaian dan pertimbangan, berdasarkan pada data paramater sistem pemancaran Kelantan FM dan Perak FM.

 

==Kelantan FM 97.3MHz==

* Kuasa pemancar: 2kW

* Tempat pemancar: Bukit Bakar, Kelantan

* Ketinggian aras paras laut: 580 meter

* Ketinggian antena: 76 meter

* Kuasa terpancar yang berkesan (ERP): 4kW

* Jarak jauh ke Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang: 225km

 

==Perak FM 97.3MHz==

* Kuasa pemancar: 0.5kW

* Tempat pemancar: Changkat Rembian, Tapah

* Ketinggian aras paras laut: 186 meter

* Ketinggian antena: 45 meter

* Kuasa terpancar yang berkesan (ERP): 1.5kW

* Jarak jauh ke Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang: 165km

 

Berbanding dengan data pemancaran kedua-dua stesen radio antara Kelantan FM dan Perak FM,

 

1. Ketinggian tempat pemancar dan antena Kelantan FM 97.3MHz di Bukit Bakar lebih tinggi daripada Perak FM 97.3MHz di Changkat Rembian.

 

2. Kuasa pemancar Kelantan FM 97.3MHz di Bukit Bakar melebihi Perak FM 97.3MHz di Changkat Rembian. Dengan pengiraan "perolehan antena" (antenna gain), kuasa terpancar yang berkesan (ERP: Effective Radiated Power) Kelantan FM 97.3MHz lebih tinggi daripada Perak FM 97.3MHz.

 

Pada sudut pemancaran isyarat, RTM Perak FM 97.3MHz beroperasi pada kuasa pemancar rendah sebanyak 0.5kW, pemancaran Perak FM 97.3MHz tidak lebih memancar ke arah barat. Antara Bayan Lepas dan Changkat Rembian, terdapat sebuah gunung tinggi terletak di Gunung Bubu dimana ia menghalang pemancar Changkat Rembian dari memancar ke arah barat laut. Gunung Bubu terletak di antara Ipoh dan Taiping.

 

Selain itu, di Taiping, Perak FM 97.3MHz dari Changkat Rembian mempunyai sedikit isyarat yang lebih lemah daripada RTM Radio Klasik FM 98.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Manakala Kelantan FM 97.3MHz beroperasi pada kuasa pemancar sebanyak 2kW di Bukit Bakar, dan nilai ERP (kuasa terpancar yang berkesan) melebihi Perak FM 97.3MHz di Changkat Rembian, oleh itu kemungkinan Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar diterima di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang adalah tinggi. 

 

Dari penyiasatan atas berikut, juga perbandingan data pemancaran, frekuensi FM 97.3MHz yang diterima di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang ialah RTM Kelantan FM dari Bukit Bakar.

 

* Stesen radio: Kelantan FM

* Frekuensi: 97.3MHz

* Kuasa pemancar: 2kW

* Lokasi pemancaran: Bukit Bakar, Kelantan

* Lokasi penerimaan: Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

* Jarak jauh: 225km

 

Walaupun Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar mempunyai sedikit isyarat di Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, saya mempercayai bahawa ia akan mempunyai gangguan isyarat daripada dua buah stesen radio yang dipancar dari Gunung Jerai iaitu Sinar FM 97.1MHz dan Kedah FM 97.5MHz kerana 97.3 "dikepit" oleh 97.1 dan 97.5 di Kedah, Perlis, Pulau Pinang dan Perak Utara.

RTM Kelantan FM can be received through radio on the frequency 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Bayan Lepas, Penang?

 

I watch someone, named Senn Lens published his radio signal monitoring audio clip on YouTube which greatly surprises me today.

 

He received RTM Kelantan FM via radio on frequency FM 97.3MHz in Bayan Lepas, Penang by using Poco X3 Pro radio receiver yesterday.

 

Here is the video clip (audio only) of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

 

Apart of Kelantan FM, actually FM 97.3MHz is also used by RTM Perak FM 97.3MHz in Changkat Rembian for Tapah, Bidor, Temoh and Chenderiang. This makes me more doubtful of FM 97.3MHz reception in Bayan Lepas, Penang. Hence, I need to make a comparison between both radio stations based on transmitter system parameter data.

 

==Kelantan FM 97.3MHz==

* Transmitter power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan

* Height above sea level: 580m

* Antenna height: 76m

* ERP: 4kW 

* Distance to Bayan Lepas, Penang: 225km

 

==Perak FM 97.3MHz==

* Transmitter power: 0.5kW

* Transmitter site: Changkat Rembian, Tapah, Perak

* Height above sea level: 186m

* Antenna height: 45m

* ERP: 1.5kW 

* Distance to Bayan Lepas, Penang: 165km 

 

Compare with both transmission data between Kelantan FM and Perak FM,

 

1. The transmitter site and antenna height of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar are much higher than Perak FM 97.3MHz Changkat Rembian

 

2. The transmitter power of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is more than Perak FM 97.3MHz from Changkat Rembian. With calculation of antenna gain, the effective radiated power (ERP) of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz is also more than Perak FM 97.3MHz.

 

In terms of signal propagation, RTM Perak FM 97.3MHz operates at low power transmission, the reception of the radio station doesn't beam very much to west direction. Between Bayan Lepas and Changkat Rembian, there is a high terrain in Gunung Bubu where Changkat Rembian signal is blocked by the mountain between Taiping and Ipoh from transmitting to the northwest side. Even in Taiping, Perak FM 97.3MHz is only having very little signal (much lesser than Gunung Ulu Kali).

 

Meanwhile Kelantan FM 97.3MHz operates at 2kW transmission power in Bukit Bakar, and ERP value is higher than Perak FM 97.3MHz, so the possibility of Kelantan FM 97.3MHz signal overspill to Bayan Lepas, Penang is very high.

 

From the investigation above, based on transmission data comparison, the frequency FM 97.3MHz which caught in Bayan Lepas, Penang is Kelantan FM from Bukit Bakar.

 

==DX report of Kelantan FM in Penang==

* Frequency: FM 97.3MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmission site: Bukit Bakar, Kelantan

* Receiving location: Bayan Lepas, Penang

* Distance: 225km

 

Although Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is having very little signal in Bayan Lepas, Penang, I believe it will have adjacent channel interference from two local transmitters such as Sinar FM 97.1MHz and Kedah FM 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai because 97.3MHz is "sandwiched" by 97.1 and 97.5 in Kedah, Perlis, Penang and North Perak.

Voice of Vietnam launched South-Central region AM transmitter in Ninh Thuan Province on the frequency 1071kHz for Vietnam's seas and Islands, caused co-channel interference with Thailand Parliament Radio Station in Malaysia.

 

On 1st September 2021, Voice of Vietnam launched South-Central region AM transmitter in Ninh Thuan Province on the frequency 1071kHz to target Vietnam's seas and island sovereignty by delivering VOV programs, information and Vietnamese government services to the fishermen and marine forces who are at the Vietnam's seas and island.

 

Transmitter site is located in Son Hai Village, Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam District, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam, meanwhile Voice of Vietnam AM 1071kHz operates transmission power at 400kW. 

 

I may think AM 1071kHz is VOV-1, which same station as AM 711kHz from Can Tho that I received in Malaysia. 

 

After I heard this news yesterday, I decided to check its signal in Malaysia during evening after sunset. Before launching of Voice of Vietnam South-Central AM transmitter on 1071kHz, actually the frequency AM 1071kHz was Thailand Parliament Radio Station from Bangkok in Malaysia.

 

Before VOV-1, the receiving signal of Thailand Parliament Radio Station on the frequency AM 1071kHz was very stable in Malaysia with less static. 

 

Since Voice of Vietnam VOV-1 AM 1071kHz is launched in Ninh Thuan Province at 400kW transmitter power, I can detect the co-channel interference signal between Voice of Vietnam VOV-1 and Thailand Parliament Radio Station in Malaysia.

 

CCI was spotted in Balakong and Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia where they're not far from Kuala Lumpur.

 

Here is the footage of AM 1071kHz co-channel interference signal, spotted in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia where I filmed yesterday.

 

The receiving signal of Thailand Parliament Radio Station AM 1071kHz from Bangkok is unstable in my QTH location. Not really surprised, as Thailand Parliament Radio AM 1071kHz transmits only at 30kW in Bangkok, meanwhile VOV-1 AM 1071kHz from Ninh Thuan province transmits at 400kHz, so I'm sure that AM 1071kHz will have serious co-channel interference in Malaysia.

 

Same as AM 1242kHz in Malaysia. In Malaysia, AM 1242kHz is Radio Thailand National Education Network (Sor Wor Sor) from Surat Thani, operated at 50kW transmitter power, reception is very clear in Malaysia during evening, but co-channel interference is detected when Voice of Vietnam VOV-5 operates on the frequency 1242kHz in Can Tho after 2130 hours (UTC+8) or 1330 hours (UTC).

 

By using TECSUN PL-380 receiver, AM 1071kHz is mostly Thailand Parliament Radio Station signal from Bangkok, with little interference with Voice of Vietnam VOV-1 from Ninh Thuan Province. As I could not copy the CCI signal clearly from TECSUN PL-380, hence I recorded the signal through car radio instead.

 

==AM 1071kHz co-channel interference (Thailand vs. Vietnam) report==

* Frequency: MW 1071kHz

* QTH: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Receiving date/time: 03.09.2021 2016H (UTC+8)

* Stations:

1. Thailand Parliament Radio Station from Bangkok (1186km distance to QTH location) [TX Power: 30kW]

2. Voice of Vietnam VOV-1 from Ninh Thuan Province (1231km distance to QTH location) [TX Power: 400kW]

Alongside Malaysia, Thailand Parliament Radio Station AM 1071kHz from Bangkok is expected to have co-channel interference with Voice of Vietnam VOV-1 in Southern Thailand (especially East Coast provinces such as Yala, Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Pattani, Narathiwat, Phatthalung and Chumphon).

I finally received Radio NUG on SW 15300kHz in Malaysia yesterday at 0130H UTC.

 

On last Saturday, Radio NUG announced to launch another frequency alongside SW 17710kHz at Facebook page, this new additional frequency will be aired on 0130H UTC (8pm Myanmar time, meanwhile 9.30pm Malaysia time).

 

At its official Facebook page, Radio NUG initially stated this additional frequency was SW 15530kHz, but it provided wrong frequency information and caused many listeners including DXer are unable to receive the broadcast on the frequency. Until few minutes before Radio NUG signing off at 0200H (UTC), a DXer informed that Radio NUG was broadcasting on SW 15300kHz, and caused I was not able to copy the signal. 

 

I was a little bit disappointed for not receiving Radio NUG on the additional frequency, hence I planned to try it again by last Sunday, however no signal was shown up at 0130H (UTC), regardless 15300kHz and 17710kHz.

 

Until yesterday when it was Monday, I finally received Radio NUG on SW 15300kHz on 30th August 2021 at 0130H (UTC). 

 

QTH is Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia).

 

Compare with SW 17710kHz night transmission, Radio NUG SW 15300kHz is much louder and clearer in Malaysia, the field strength reading meter on my TECSUN PL-380 is higher than 17710kHz when I tuned Radio NUG on SW 15300kHz.

 

I believe SW 15300kHz is not transmitted from Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar, but I may presume it is from Tashkent, Uzbekistan by beaming to southeast direction (please correct me if I'm wrong).

 

SINPO code for SW 15300kHz is 45444.

 

==Completed QSL report of Radio NUG SW 15300kHz in Malaysia==

* Frequency: SW 15300kHz

* Power: 100kW (presumed)

* Transmitter site: Tashkent, Uzbekistan

* QTH: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 5351km 

* Language: Burmese

* Receiving date/time: 30.08.2021 2130H (UTC+8)/1330H (UTC)

* SINPO: 45444

Radio Romania International shortwave signal are caught in Malaysia. It is the only European transmitted shortwave station available in Malaysia.

 

After KNLS is the furthest shortwave radio station that I received in Malaysia from Alaska, USA, now Radio Romania International is second furthest shortwave broadcaster received in Malaysia.

 

In addition, Radio Romania International is the only European transmitted shortwave broadcaster which I can tune in Malaysia.

 

As August 2021, I received two Radio Romania International shortwave frequencies.

 

11825kHz broadcasts in English to target India, meanwhile 15340kHz broadcasts in Romanian by relaying Actualitati program.

 

- Frequencies: SW 11825kHz (English) & 15340kHz (Romanian) 

- QTH: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur)

- Receiving date:

* 05.08.2021 0336H UTC (SW 11825kHz)

* 29.08.2021 1338H UTC (SW 15340kHz)

* Distance from Galbeni-Bacau, Romania transmitter site: 8617km 

* SINPO: 35333 (both frequencies)

 

In conclusion, Malaysia DXers (HBC 101 and me) had received at least two Radio Romania channels, namely Radio Romania International (SW 11825kHz & 15340kHz; QTH: Balakong, Selangor) and Antena Satelor LW 153kHz (QTH: Segamat, Johor).

Astro Radio patut menjenamakan Zayan FM kepada Awani FM untuk bersaing dengan Buletin FM dan Bernama Radio.

 

Astro Radio kini mempunyai 4 buah stesen radio berbahasa Melayu, iaitu Era, Sinar, Gegar dan Zayan.

 

Zayan ialah stesen radio Melayu keempat daripada Astro Radio, ia adalah stesen radio yang berformat "kontemporari Muslim" (atau dikenali sebagai Muslim Moden). Frekuensinya dahulu digunakan oleh Red FM dimana Astro membeli Red FM dan Capital FM daripada Kumpulan Star Media Radio pada 30 September 2016.

 

Zayan telah bersiaran selama hampir 4 tahun, tetapi pada sudut pemasaran jenamanya, Zayan memfokuskan pada platform digital dan hasil pendapatan iklan dijana melalui plaform digital. Manakala, pada sudut prestasi stesen radio, Zayan adalah stesen radio Melayu yang "kurang berjaya", berbanding dengan Era, Sinar dan Gegar.

 

Saya membuat sedikit kajian tentang stesen radio yang didengari oleh ramai orang Melayu, kebanyakkan orang Melayu tidak kira muda atau tua mendengarkan siaran Era, Sinar, Suria FM, Best FM, IKIM FM dan Hot FM, manakala banyak orang Melayu di Pantai Timur mendengarkan siaran Gegar dan Manis FM, juga stesen negeri RTM seperti Terengganu FM dan Kelantan FM.

Tetapi saya memerhatikan bahawa kurang pendengar Melayu mendengarkan siaran Zayan FM. Jika saya membuat perbandingan antara Zayan dan Ikim FM, pendengar Melayu yang suka kandungan ilmu keagamaan lebih cenderung kepada IKIM FM, daripada Zayan.

 

Pada sudut rating antara dua buah stesen radio Muslim, IKIM FM pasti dah menang, dan mempunyai lebih pendengar daripada Zayan.

 

Pada pandangan saya, lagi sesuai jika Zayan boleh dijenamakan kepada "Awani FM" oleh pihak pengurusan Astro Radio demi mendapatkan lebih hasil pendapatan iklan.

 

Penjemaan semula radio Zayan kepada Awani FM sangat menyakinkan kerana Astro Radio boleh mempunyai sebuah stesen radio Bahasa Melayu yang dikenali sebagai "teman" kepada saluran TV Astro Awani.

 

Logo konsept Awani FM

Berbanding dengan Zayan, saya percaya bahawa Astro Radio akan mendapatkan lebih hasil pengiklanan jika Zayan ditukar kepada Awani FM. Di samping itu, saya juga percaya bahawa Awani FM akan menarik perhatian ramai golongan profesional Melayu atau PMEBs (Profesional, Pengurus, Usahawan dan Ahli Perniagaan) untuk mendengarkan siaran Awani FM.

Oleh itu, golongan PMEBs akan mendapat lebih maklumat yang mereka inginkan melalui stesen radio ini.

Sekiranya Astro Radio menjenamakan Zayan kepada Awani FM, ia boleh bersaing dengan Buletin FM dan Bernama Radio.

Jangkaan saya mengenai kandungan topik Awani FM ialah:

1. Isu semasa (politik, sosial dan dunia)

2. Keusahawanan, bisnes dan kewangan

3. Sukan

4. Dokumentari

5. Cara hidup

6. Bualan topik keagamaan 

7. Lagu indie Melayu (seperti Xfresh FM)

8. Teknologi

9. Berita

10. Analisis dan Ulasan

 

Saya berharap Astro Radio akan mempertimbangkan cadangan ini pada masa depan yang terdekat.

 

 

Astro Radio should rebrand Zayan to "Awani FM" as Malay language business and talk radio station, so it can compete with Buletin FM and Bernama Radio.

 

It is to be 4 years anniversary of Zayan FM by 2nd October 2021. 5 years ago, Astro Radio acquired loss-making Red FM and Capital FM from Star Media Group. Red FM was rebranded as Zayan FM, Astro's 4th Malay language radio station, a Muslim contemporary format channel, meanwhile Capital FM was rebranded as GoXUAN, Astro's Chinese Gen Z radio station.

 

Now both radio stations are almost 4 years old. 

 

Zayan, the Astro Radio's Malay language Muslim contemporary radio station, it delivers Islamic content, but more modern than long established IKIM FM. This radio station is focusing more on digital platform than conventional FM radio platform, hence its advertising revenue is from online digital platform. 

 

Despite Zayan is airing Islamic content, but there is some duplicate element actually, especially the playlist. 

 

Compare to its sister radio stations such as Era, Gegar and Sinar, Zayan is less successful one within Astro Radio's Malay language channel segment.

 

Astro Radio's biggest "enemy", Media Prima Audio recently rebranded all of its radio stations in 2nd August 2021. 

 

Hot FM and Fly FM got new logos and DJ lineup, meanwhile One FM and Kool FM rebranded to 8FM and Buletin FM respectively. Buletin FM is second Malay language talk radio station after Bernama Radio in Malaysia. It is also a companion radio station to TV3 Buletin Utama and news related segment.

 

In order to make more revenue on FM 104.9MHz (Klang Valley) and other former Red FM frequencies, I highly suggest Astro Radio to switch Zayan FM to "Awani FM", where FM 104.9MHz is to become Malay language news, business and talk radio station.

 

Awani FM sounds very convincing because Astro Radio can have a companion radio station to Astro Awani TV channel.

 

Muslim radio market in Malaysia is considered niche, IKIM FM already monopolizes the segment since 2001, even RTM Malay language radio stations carry religious content too. Moreover, the standalone East Coast Malay radio station, Manis FM also already put more religious contenT.

 

Astro Awani FM concept logo

 

Compare to Zayan, I may believe Astro Radio will get more advertising revenue if Zayan is switched to Awani FM. This is because Awani FM topic coverage is wider than Zayan. I believe Awani FM will attract more Malay professionals, and PMEBs to tune, so the professionals will get more information through this radio.

 

If Astro Radio rebrands Zayan to Awani FM, it can compete with Buletin FM and Bernama Radio in Malay language talk radio segment.

 

What I expect the topics about Awani FM are:

 

1. Current affairs (politics, social and world)

2. Entrepreneur, business, finance

3. Sports

4. Documentary

5. Living, lifestyle

6. Religious talk (during evening which it is near to Maghrib prayer)

7. Niche Malay music (eg: Indie)

8. Technology 

9. News

10. Analysis & Commentary 

 

For entrepreneur segment, I believe Awani FM branding will encourage more Malay SMEs actually. 

 

I hope Astro Radio will consider this suggestion in the future.

 

 

Radio NUG (Myanmar's clandestine shortwave radio station) presumed transmitter site

Presumed transmitter sites of Radio NUG.

SW 17710kHz

* Paochung, Taiwan (UTC 0130H)

* Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar (UTC 1230H)

SW 15300kHz (NEW)

* Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UTC 1330H)

The latest shortwave radio station, Radio NUG SW 17710kHz and Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz are available in Malaysia.

 

In August 2021, there are two latest shortwave radio broadcast stations which both are clandestine radio stations against Myanmar Military and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan governments. 

 

1. Radio NUG (National Unity Government of Myanmar) SW 17710kHz.

2. Radio Afghanistan International SW 7600kHz.

 

Both shortwave radio stations are receivable in Malaysia by tuning on shortwave radio receiver.

==Radio NUG==

Radio NUG broadcasts daily at 8am and 8pm (Myanmar time zone UTC+6.30) [1.30am and 1.30pm UTC], each time slot duration is 30 minutes. Tuning frequency is SW 17710kHz. Radio NUG SW 17710kHz is transmitted from two different locations. According to DXers, Radio NUG SW 17710kHz is transmitted from Taiwan during morning broadcast (1.30am to 2pm UTC), meanwhile it is transmitted from Madagascar during night broadcast (1.30pm to 2pm UTC).

 

For Myanmar expats in Malaysia, Radio NUG can be listened via Facebook LIVE, podcast and shortwave radio. The broadcast schedule of Radio NUG SW 17710kHz based on Malaysia time zone below.

 

09:30 A.M. to 10 A.M (UTC+8)

09:30 P.M. to 10 P.M (UTC+8)

 

Malaysia time zone is UTC+8

 

Here are two videos of Radio NUG SW 17710kHz signal reception in Malaysia.

 

==Radio NUG shortwave DX report==

* Frequency: SW 17710kHz

* Power: 300kW (morning)/250kW (night) [presumed]

* Transmission site: Paochung, Taiwan (morning) & Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar (night)

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 3047km (from Taiwan) & 6393km (from Madagascar)

* Receiving date: 26.08.2021 2130H (UTC+8) & 28.08.2021 0930H (UTC+8)

* SINPO: 24333  

 

==Radio Afghanistan International TV==

Recently Taliban takes over Afghanistan government, the Afghanistan's clandestine radio station, Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz is launched.

 

According to DXer, Radio Afghanistan International TV broadcasts 24 hours to target listeners in Afghanistan. Broadcast frequency is SW 7600kHz, but transmission site is unknown yet.

 

Many DXers thought SW 7600kHz is transmitted from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, but according to Shortwave Central on YouTube, it believes that Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz transmitter site is from Armenia, instead of Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

 

So, I trace the transmission site of this radio station by looking where is the exact location of Armenia shortwave radio station.

 

In Malaysia, I can receive Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz actually. Here is the video:

 

In terms of reception signal, Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz is quite clear in Malaysia, signal is copied in Balakong, Selangor where it is 20km from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia's capital city.

 

Recorded on 28th August 2021 between 0745-0800 hours (UTC+8). If Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz is transmitted from Tashkent, Uzbekistan where many DXer presumed, I don't think I can receive this radio station in Malaysia as I believe Tashkent transmitter site won't beam to east if targets Afghanistan. 

 

Therefore, I believe it is transmitted from Yerevan-Gavar, Armenia as the site beams to southeast direction in order to target Afghanistan primarily. 

 

==Radio Afghanistan International TV shortwave DX report==

* Frequency: SW 7600kHz

* Power: 300kW (presumed)

* Transmission site: Yereven-Gavar, Armenia

* Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km from Kuala Lumpur)

* Distance: 7011km

* Receiving date/time: 28.08.2021 0749H (UTC+8)

* Language: Pashto/Dari

* SINPO: 35444

 

Signal reception of Radio Afghanistan International TV SW 7600kHz is average, meanwhile Radio NUG SW 17710kHz signal is not really consistently clear in Malaysia. Both radio stations are received by using TECSUN PL-380.

Completed list of Brunei FM radio stations in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Here is the completed lineup of Brunei FM radio stations in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

* BFBS Brunei Gurkha Radio FM 89.5MHz (the only Nepali language radio station in Miri)

* RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz

* RTB Nasional FM 93.8MHz

* RTB Nur Islam FM 94.9MHz

* RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

* RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz

* Kristal FM 98.7MHz

* Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

* BFBS Brunei Radio FM 101.7MHz (English)