Kelantan FM boleh diterima dengan jelas di Lojing, Kelantan pada FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar

 

Beberapa bulan lepas, saya menulis sebuah artikel mengenai liputan siaran Kelantan FM untuk kawasan Lojing di jajahan Gua Musang kerana saya kurang pasti sama ada kawasan tersebut boleh menerima siaran Kelantan FM atau tidak melalui frekuensi yang sedia ada, namun saya berfikir bahawa jika Kelantan FM melancarkan pemancar di Gunung Brinchang untuk meliputi Lojing.

 

Oleh kerana aktiviti rentas negeri dibenarkan, saya merancang mengujunungi Gua Musang dan Lojing pada bulan depan dan membuat penerimaan isyarat radio di situ.

 

Jadual saya untuk melawat Gua Musang dan Lojing adalah pertengahan bulan November 2021. Sebelum saya melawat kawasan tersebut, saya tiba-tiba berasa teruja dan gembira kerana terdapat seorang pengguna YouTube memuat naik rakaman video siaran Kelantan FM di Lojing, dimana ia telah menarik perhatian saya.

 

Jom menonton dua buah rakaman video penerimaan siaran Kelantan FM di Lojing yang dimuat naik oleh DX Radio Malaysia.

 

Berdasarkan pada video berikut di atas, FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar, Machang adalah frekuensi yang paling jelas untuk Kelantan FM di Lojing. Bagi video pertama, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar sangat jelas dengan isyarat STEREO, diterima di Lojing. Manakala bagi video kedua, terdapat video mengenai perbandingan kualiti isyarat RTM Kelantan FM di Lojing antara FM 88.1MHz dari Felda Paloh, FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar dan FM 102.9MHz dari Wakaf Che Yeh, Kota Bharu.

Antara tiga frekuensi yang diterima di Lojing, FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar adalah paling jelas, dan diikuti oleh FM 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh dan FM 88.1MHz Felda Paloh.

FM 102.9MHz dan FM 88.1MHz diterima secara MONO sahaja, namun 88.1MHz mempunyai sedikit isyarat statik.

Kemungkinan FM 92.0MHz dari Bukit Chupak tidak diterima di Lojing, frekuensi tersebut mungkin menjadi siaran Radio Thailand Yala.

Dengan menonton dua buah rakaman video tersebut, penambahan pemancar jurang (gap filler) di Gunung Brinchang atau menara pemancar di Lojing untuk Kelantan FM bagi meliputi Lojing tidak diperlukan kerana FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar boleh diterima dengan jelas di kawasan tersebut. Tambahan pula, seperti saya nyatakan sebelum ini, isyarat Gunung Brinchang lemah dan tidak jelas di Lojing. Oleh sebab itu, Gunung Brinchang bukan tempat pemancar yang strategik untuk kawasan tersebut.

Anda boleh merujuk sebuah video bawah berikut, dimana Traxx FM diterima di Lojing dengan empat frekuensi (90.1MHz Gunung Kledang, 98.5MHz Bukit Bakar, 101.1MHz Gunung Brinchang dan 104.7MHz Wakaf Che Yeh).

 

Bukan sahaja di Lojing, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar mungkin boleh diterima di sebahagian kawasan Tanah Tinggi Cameron, Pahang.

 

* FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar 2kW (150km): Jelas (STEREO)

* FM 88.1MHz Felda Paloh 0.5kW (94km): OK, dengan statik (MONO)

* FM 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh 1kW (183km): OK (MONO)

THR Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut received in Puchong, Selangor (PART 2)

 

Last year in July 2020, I received Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut at Jalan Puchong Jaya Selatan, nearby Jalan Kasawari junction in Puchong, Selangor by tuning in my car (Perodua Axia).

 

Over last weekend, I received this radio station on same frequency again in Puchong, but different car radio receiver and location. 

 

The video was taken at Taman Perindustrian Kinrara 2 (TPK 2) in Puchong, Selangor through Nissan Almera N17 radio receiver (Clarion CY23G) on 23rd October 2021, approximately 0830 hours (UTC+8 Malaysia time).

 

Different from previous video that I took last year, the latest video of receiving THR Raaga FM 102.1MHz in Puchong is longer and clearer visual because I stopped my car in an appropriate place to record the video, meanwhile previous video was taken when I was stopping in front traffic light, so its duration was shorter due to traffic safety. 

 

Traffic safety is the first priority when FM DXing is performed in the car.

 

* Frequency: FM 102.1MHz

* Power: 0.5kW

* Transmission site: Bukit Larut, Taiping, Perak 

* Receiving site: Puchong, Selangor (Taman Perindustrian Kinrara 2- TPK 2)

* Distance: 221km

 

Receiving distance from Bukit Larut to TPK 2 is same as Jalan Puchong Jaya Selatan where both are having 221km distance.

 

By tuning Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut at TPK 2 in Puchong, Selangor, 100kHz adjacent channel interference from RTM Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter where covers Raub was detected. For previous video recording, less adjacent channel interference from Pahang FM 102.2MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter was found in Puchong Jaya Selatan because Pahang FM 102.2MHz was very weak there. 

 

For FM DXing history in Puchong, THR Raaga 102.1MHz is the furthest local radio station caught there, but this is only applied for local radio station category, meanwhile MCOT Radio Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz from Thailand is the furthest radio station received in Puchong, thus Sporadic E propagation.

RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai received in Langkawi, Kedah

 

In Langkawi Island, most of Gunung Jerai transmitted radio stations can be received partially in Langkawi Island, but RTM Mutiara FM 93.9MHz is the most difficult radio station received there because it operates at low power transmission as much as 0.1kW to cover North Penang Island only as a gap filler transmitter to cover blind spot areas of FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara such as Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, and Tanjung Tokong.

 

When I was Langkawi, Mutiara FM 93.9MHz Gunung Jerai could not be received because interference from Thailand radio station, namely 94PFM We Love Satun. As 94PFM We Love Satun transmission can travel to Langkawi, this causes Mutiara FM 93.9MHz cannot be received there.

 

In certain conditions, the frequency FM 93.9MHz can become as Nasional FM from Bukit Genting. Hence, co-channel interference between Nasional FM and Mutiara FM also happens in Langkawi Island.

 

• Radio Station : RTM Mutiara FM 

• Frequency : FM 93.9 MHz 

• Power : 0.1 kW 

• Transmitting Location : Upper Gunung Jerai Mukim Yan, Yan District, Kedah State, Malaysia 

• Receiving Location : Tok Ayah Camp 1100 Meter From Seven Wells Waterfall Mukim Padang Matairat, Langkawi Island, Kedah State, Malaysia 

• Distance : 108 KM  

Alongside 93.9MHz, Langkawi can receive Mutiara FM 90.9MHz from Bukit Genting, but interference with Mix FM 91.0MHz from Gunung Jerai, meanwhile FM 95.7MHz Bukit Penara is not receivable because the frequency is occupied by MCOT Phatthalung FM 95.75MHz.

Perak FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut received in Langkawi, Kedah

 

RTM Perak FM is a state radio station for Perak state. As I know, it mainly serves Perak state listeners, but technically it can be heard in:

1. Northwest Selangor (via FM 95.6MHz from Gunung Kledang)

2. Cameron Highlands, Pahang and Lojing, Kelantan (via FM 94.7MHz from Gunung Brinchang) 

3. South Kedah: Bandar Baharu and part of Penang (via FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut)

 

Back to 1st September 2019, I was used to receive Perak FM in Alor Setar, Kedah on 104.1MHz from Bukit Larut. 

 

The signal was very weak actually when I listened to Perak FM 104.1MHz in Alor Setar, but surprisingly it can be received in Langkawi Island too.

 

Video is published by Sarawut DXers (aka Saiful Izham DXer):

 

Technically Perak FM 104.1MHz operates only 0.25kW in Bukit Larut to cover Taiping and Northwest Perak, it can overspill to Langkawi due to transmitter site height. 

 

Bukit Larut elevation above sea level is very high actually, 1349 meter, beyond the height of Gunung Jerai, so it can overspill to Langkawi easily.

 

==Perak FM in Langkawi==

* Frequency: FM 104.1MHz

* Power: 0.25kW

* Transmission site: Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), Perak, Malaysia

* Receiving site: Tok Ayah Camp 1100 Meter from Seven Falls Waterfall Mukim Padang Matsirat, Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia

* Distance: 211km 

 

Alongside Perak FM 104.1MHz, Sarawut DXers also received rest of RTM Bukit Larut radio stations such as Radio Klasik FM 103.3MHz, Nasional FM 107.1MHz, Traxx FM 105.3MHz, Ai FM 106.1MHz and Minnal FM 107.9MHz in Langkawi (same RX location).

Indonesia FM radio stations caught in Kinta Highlands, Perak, Malaysia.

In the past, I usually received Indonesia FM radio stations in Perak costal areas. Back to 2019 and 2020, I managed to receive Indonesia radio stations from Medan, Sei Rampah and Deli Serdang in West Perak.

In 2019, I received Radio Republik Indonesia Medan PRO-1 FM 94.3MHz in Taiping, Perak, and Sergai FM 92.5MHz from Sei Rampah in Teluk Intan, Perak.

In 2020 during Chinese New Year, I received Sergai FM 92.5MHz and Radio DSB FM 93.8MHz (Deli Serdang) in Sitiawan.

Surprisingly a YouTube user named DX Radio Malaysia received four Indonesia radio stations in Kinta Valley, Perak, Malaysia where it is nearby Cameron Highlands border.

- Suara Medan FM 94.7MHz

- Mutiara Kartika FM 100.3MHz

- Radio Maria Medan FM 104.2MHz

- Delta FM 105.8MHz

All received radio stations are transmitted from Medan, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia.

Here are the videos, please enjoy watching!

 

Suara Medan FM 94.7MHz has co-channel interference with Perak FM 94.7MHz from Gunung Brinchang there, although Kinta Highlands is not far from Cameron Highlands. It is likely because there is high terrain blocking signal from Gunung Brinchang there.

 

For FM 100.3MHz, the frequency is completely dominated by Radio Mutiara Kartika in Kinta Valley, instead of Pahang FM 100.3MHz from Gunung Brinchang. By watching the video, co-channel interference with Pahang FM 100.3MHz is not detected. Back to 2009, when I was going to Cameron Highlands via Simpang Pulai, Pahang FM 100.3MHz was interfered by MY FM 100.2MHz from Bukit Larut in between before Perak-Pahang border. After entering Pahang border, Pahang FM 100.3MHz was receivable.

 

Transmitting distance of four Indonesia radio stations must be more than 300km. 

 

Note: RTM Gunung Brinchang transmitter power is only 0.1kW, that's the reason its radio stations are easily "hijacked" by radio stations from Indonesia and other transmitter sites within Malaysia.

(VERIFIED) RTM Kelantan FM is receivable and clear in Lojing Highlands by tuning FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar transmitter site.

 

Few months ago, I had written about the radio coverage of RTM Kelantan FM for Lojing Highlands of Gua Musang district, Kelantan because I was feeling doubtful whether it is available there or not through existing frequencies, then I also think about if Kelantan FM set a transmitter in Gunung Brinchang to cover Lojing.

 

As government already allowed interstate activities, so we can cross the state after 9 months hiatus. I plan to travel Gua Musang and Lojing by next month to travel and perform FM DXing there. 

 

My schedule of traveling these two locations is actually on mid of November 2021 (a month to go). Before going there, I feel very excited and happy today because someone records few footage of receiving Kelantan FM in Lojing Highlands and publishes on YouTube which fully gain my attention.

 

Let's enjoy watching two videos of Kelantan FM signal reception in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan by DX Radio Malaysia.

 

In Lojing Highlands, FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is the clearest tuning frequency for Kelantan FM. At the first video, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar is very clear in Lojing with STEREO signal, meanwhile for second video, it is a signal comparison video of RTM Kelantan FM in Lojing between 88.1MHz from Felda Paloh, 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar and 102.9MHz from Wakaf Che Yeh, Kota Bharu.

 

Between three frequencies, FM 97.3MHz is the clearest, following by FM 102.9MHz and 88.1MHz. FM 97.3MHz is giving STEREO signal, meanwhile 102.9MHz and 88.1MHz are mono only. FM 88.1MHz Felda Paloh has static signal.

 

I don't think FM 92.0MHz from Bukit Chupak is receivable in Lojing, I think the frequency is likely occupied by Radio Thailand Yala there.

 

By watching two videos, it is no longer necessary to launch gap filler transmitter (including Gunung Brinchang) for Kelantan FM to cover Lojing. As I mentioned before, the radio signal from Gunung Brinchang is not clear in Lojing. In addition, Gunung Brinchang is not strategic location to cover there. 

You can refer this video below where Traxx FM is received in Lojing through four frequencies (90.1MHz Gunung Kledang, 98.5MHz Bukit Bakar, 101.1MHz Gunung Brinchang and 104.7MHz Wakaf Che Yeh).

 

Not only in Lojing, Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar is likely available in part of Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

 

* FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar 2kW (150km): Clear (STEREO)

* FM 88.1MHz Felda Paloh 0.5kW (94km): OK, but with static (MONO)

* FM 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh 1kW (183km): OK (MONO)

Radio stations in Tioman Island, Pahang.

 

Here are the radio stations list in Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia by transmitters.

 

In Tioman Island, for local transmitter, there are only two radio stations available there such as RTM Pahang FM 96.8MHz and Nasional FM 100.7MHz. Listeners may try to tune radio stations from either Bukit Pelindung or Bukit Tinggi transmitter in the island, but reception may not be clear.

==Radio stations list in Tioman Island== 

 

1. RTM

* 88.3MHz: Minnal FM (Bukit Tinggi)  

* 89.1MHz: Ai FM (Bukit Tinggi)

* 90.1MHz: Radio Klasik (Bukit Tinggi)

* 92.1MHz: Johor FM (Bukit Tinggi)

* 96.8MHz: Pahang FM (Tioman)

* 92.9MHz: Traxx FM (Bukit Tinggi)

* 100.7MHz: Nasional FM (Tioman)

 

2. Commercial radio stations

- 88.8MHz: Gegar (Bukit Pelindung)

- 89.6MHz: IKIM FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 90.4MHz: 988 FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 91.6MHz: Zayan FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 92.4MHz: Hot FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 93.2MHz: Hitz FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 94.1MHz: Mix FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 95.1MHz: Manis FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 96.1MHz: Suria FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 97.2MHz: Sinar FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 98.0MHz: Era FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 100.0MHz: Melody FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 101.1MHz: MY FM (Bukit Pelindung)

- 102.5MHz: Best FM (Bukit Tinggi) 

  

8FM 100.4MHz and Fly FM 87.6MHz are not available in Tioman Island because they operate at low power transmission which cover Kuantan and surrounding areas only.

FM Sporadic E DX in Malaysia (Episode 1): MCOT Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz from Thailand is received in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia via Sporadic-E propagation. It is the furthest FM radio station that I received ever today.

 

It is an very impressive Thursday to me today for FM DXing. This is because I suddenly receive about three Thailand FM radio stations in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia via Sporadic-E propagation. 

 

When I'm going back from office to home after working hours, I attempt to receive Era FM 102.0MHz from Changkat Rembian (Tapah) and THR Raaga FM 102.1MHz from Bukit Larut (Taiping) while I'm stuck in traffic jam around Bandar Puteri area, Puchong at LDP (Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong) highway, nothing signal are detected from Era FM 102.0MHz or Raaga FM 102.1MHz, but surprisingly I receive Thailand radio station on FM 102.0MHz. Hence, I continue to monitor the signal.

 

FM 102.0MHz is quite noisy because there are co-channel interference between 3 Thailand radio stations. Few seconds later, I heard a Thailand radio DJ mentions the station name, MCOT Chaiyaphum. I take opportunity to record a video as a proof.

 

When I reach home, I search any MCOT Radio who occupies FM 102.0MHz, the search shows Chaiyaphum and Surat Thani, so I verify that FM 102.0MHz is from Chaiyaphum, Thailand. 

I break my FM DXing record today after 1 year hiatus, MCOT Radio Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz now becomes the furthest radio station which I receive in Puchong, and also the entire locations in Malaysia. Previously I received Al-Falah Radio FM 93.8MHz from Sigli, Aceh Province, Indonesia in Kuala Kedah with 486km distance, now I achieve the distance with 1422km.

* Station name: MCOT Chaiyaphum

* Frequency: FM 102.0MHz

* Power: 1kW

* Transmitter site: Tambon Nai Muang, Mueang Chaiyaphum District, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand

* Receiving site: Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia (LDP highway around Puchong Perdana)

* Distance: 1422km

* Receiving date/time: 07.10.2021 1813H (UTC+8)

 

Co-channel interference with another two Thailand radio stations is also detected when I monitor MCOT Radio Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz, I personally suspect another two stations are likely from Surat Thani and Trang, but I cannot identify accurately because co-channel interference by two stations are very rapidly disappeared when the car is moving.

 

For your information, Chaiyaphum Province is located in Central Northeastern Thailand. Honestly I never manage to receive any radio stations from that province in Malaysia through MW band, but suddenly I get it on FM band. In addition, it is also my first time to receive Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok in Malaysia. Before this, I usually receive Thailand FM radio stations from southern region (Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Yala, and Betong) in Northern Malaysia bordering region such as Perak, Kedah, Langkawi and Penang.

 

Alongside MCOT Radio Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz, I also receive Parliament Radio FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia (1207km distance), also an unknown Thailand radio station on FM 92.0MHz in same location. Both are received through Sporadic-E propagation.

 

Note: Unknown Thailand radio station on FM 92.0MHz via Sporadic-E is not Radio Thailand Yala because Radio Thailand Yala broadcasts talk program from 5pm to 6pm (Thailand time UTC+7)/6pm to 7pm (Malaysia time UTC+8), meanwhile FM 92.0MHz which I receive in Puchong is playing Thailand country music (Lukthung) or oldies. 

 

The Sporadic-E signal from Thailand is quickly disappeared after Puchong Selatan toll while heading to Putrajaya. 

 

I feel very excited today because I successfully receive 3 Thailand radio stations on FM 87.5MHz, FM 92.0MHz and the furthest FM 102.0MHz in Puchong, Malaysia.

RTM Kedah FM coverage and tuning frequencies in Perak.

 

RTM Kedah FM can be tuned in Kedah, Penang, Perlis and part of Thailand, but it is also receivable in large part of Perak state, especially North Perak.

 

Penang receives Kedah FM on 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai, but Kedah FM can be tuned in Perak with two frequencies FM 97.5MHz, FM 90.5MHz and FM 88.5MHz. Hence, I listed down the coverage areas by tuning frequencies.

 

1. FM 97.5MHz Gunung Jerai

* Taiping

* Batu Kurau

* Semanggol

* Changkat Jering

* Kamunting

* Parit Buntar

* Kuala Kurau

* Bagan Serai

* Tanjung Piandang

* Kuala Sepetang

* Matang

* Simpang

* Terong

 

2. FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong

* Pengkalan Hulu

* Klian Intan

* Gerik

* Lawin (presumed) 

 

3. FM 88.5MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil

* Selama

* Lenggong (presumed)

* Lawin (presumed)

After English service, I finally receive Radio Romania International Arabic service on SW 11900kHz in Malaysia.

 

 

In recent weeks, I already managed to receive Radio Romania International signal in Malaysia, they're English language service on SW 11825kHz, 17760kHz & 11825kHz and Romanian Curierul Romanesc program on SW 15200kHz.

 

On 16th September 2021, I attempted receiving Radio Romania International Arabic language radio service, but no signal was detected, even I couldn't receive its Chinese radio service. Until 25th September 2021, approximately 2335 hours (UTC+8) or 1435 hours (UTC), I received Radio Romania International on SW 11900kHz successfully, it broadcasted in Arabic language, intend for Middle East region.

 

Transmitter site is same as what I received Radio Romania International shortwave frequencies, SW 11900kHz is from Galbeni-Bacau, Romania. 

 

Video was taken on 25th September 2021 at 2334 hours (UTC+8)/1534 hours (UTC). QTH location is in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

SINPO code is 35333.

 

As 26th September 2021, I had received about 7 Radio Romania (International & Actualitati) shortwave frequencies in Malaysia.  

 

- SW 11825kHz

- SW 11900kHz (Arabic)

- SW 11950kHz (Actualitati in Romanian)

- SW 15200kHz (Curierul Romanesc)

- SW 15340kHz (Actualitati in Romanian)

- SW 17760kHz (English)

- SW 21550kHz (English)

 

All frequencies I received are transmitted from Galbeni-Bacau, except SW 21550kHz from Tiganesti (40km from Bucharest).

SW 11950kHz is my second shortwave frequency of Radio Romania Actualitati received in Malaysia after SW 15340kHz.

 

From 1300 hours to 1500 hours (UTC) daily, Radio Romania Actualitati broadcasts on SW 15340kHz and 11950kHz through Radio Romania International. 

 

In recent weeks, I successfully received Radio Romania Actualitati SW 15340kHz in Malaysia, meanwhile 11950kHz is always unsuccessful one because of China Radio International Malay and Indonesian broadcast services.

China Radio International operates on SW 11955kHz in Malay and Indonesian languages from 1230 hours to 1430 hours daily (UTC), this causes me unable to receive Radio Romania Actualitati SW 11950kHz from 1300 hours to 1430 hours (UTC). Hence, I have to wait until 1430 hours to receive Radio Romania Actualitati SW 11950kHz in Malaysia after China Radio International signed off.

 

After 1430 hours (UTC) or 2230 hours (UTC+8 Malaysia time), finally I can receive Radio Romania Actualitati SW 11950kHz successfully.

 

In fact, SW 11950kHz is my second shortwave frequency of Radio Romania Actualitati received in Malaysia after 15340kHz. Here is the footage:

 

In terms of receiving signal quality, 11950kHz is clearer than 15340kHz, despite both are beaming same direction to Europe at 285 DEG angle, and transmitted from Galbeni-Bacau, Romania at 300kW transmitter output power. Unfortunately, I could only listen to Radio Romania Actualitati on 11950kHz after 1430 hours (UTC) because of China Radio International SW 11955kHz. 

 

* Frequency: SW 11950kHz

* Power: 300kW

* Transmission site: Galbeni-Bacau, Romania

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

* Distance: 8617km

* Receiving date/time: 25.09.2021 2238H (UTC+8)/1438H (UTC)

* SINPO: 45444 

 

By combining my videos of receiving Radio Romania International and Actualitati shortwave videos, majority are transmitted from Galbeni-Bacau, Romania, meanwhile there is only 1 frequency transmitted from Tiganesti, namely Radio Romania International SW 21550kHz.

BFBS Radio Brunei FM 101.7MHz received in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia?

 

A month ago, I published an article about BFBS Radio Brunei FM 101.7MHz availability in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

 

Recently, BFBS Radio Brunei FM 101.7MHz was also received in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Thanks to Shafik 1995 DXers for publishing the video on YouTube.

 

The entire footage was taken in Samalaju, Bintulu, Sarawak actually, radio receiver is Panasonic RQ-C18V with earphone antenna.

 

The signal of BFBS Radio Brunei FM 101.7MHz is weaker in Bintulu, compare with Miri actually. According to the footage, BFBS Radio Brunei FM 101.7MHz was received at higher elevation area and coastal area.

 

- Frequency: FM 101.7MHz

- Power: 1kW

- Transmitter site: Garrison-Seria, Brunei

- Receiving site: Samalaju, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

- Distance: 163km

Kurdish radio station, Radyo Denge Welat SW 11530kHz received in Malaysia without Turkish jamming on 25th September 2021 at 1529H (UTC)

 

A week ago, I attempted to receive Radyo Denge Welat SW 11530kHz from Moldova transmitter between 1130H to 1230H (UTC) in Malaysia, but the frequency was completely jammed by Turkish jammer, known as TRT Radio Recep Erdogan.

 

In 26th September 2021, approximately 1530 hours (UTC), I successfully received Radyo Denge Welat SW 11530kHz in my QTH location Balakong, Selangor state, Malaysia without Turkish jamming, but the frequency was actually transmitted from Issoudun, France.

 

The reception was quite loud and clear on SW 11530kHz. 

 

* Frequency: SW 11530kHz 

* Power: 250kW 

* Transmission site: Issoudun, France 

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

* Distance: 10508km 

* Receiving date/time: 16.09.2021 2329H (UTC+8)/1529H (UTC) 

* Language: Kurdish

 

Since I successfully received Radyo Denge Welat SW 11530kHz from Issoudun, France in Malaysia yesterday, it becomes 2nd furthest shortwave radio station that I heard in Malaysia after KNLS from Alaska, USA in terms of receiving distance. 

In addition, Radyo Denge Welat SW 11530kHz is my forth Europe transmitted radio station received in Malaysia after Radio Romania International, Deutsche Welle and TRT Radyo Recep Erdogan.

RTM Kedah FM is available in Gerik, Perak via FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong (Baling) transmitter.

 

 

As I know so far, RTM Kedah FM can be received in greater part of Northwest Perak areas such as Taiping, Pairt Buntar, Semanggol, Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau, Kamunting and Batu Kurau via 97.5MHz from Gunung Jerai, meanwhile it is available in Selama and likely Lenggong via 88.5MHz from Bukit Sungai Kechil.

FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong transmitter is available in Pengkalan Hulu and Klian Intan too, but Kedah FM also can be tuned clearly in Gerik, Perak via FM 90.5MHz from Bukit Palong which targets Baling.

On DX Radio Malaysia YouTube channel, there is a video of Kedah FM signal reception in Gerik on 90.5, 88.5 and 97.5MHz.

 

In Gerik, Kedah FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong is the clearest tuning frequency, following by FM 88.5MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil (Selama) and FM 97.5MHz Gunung Jerai is the weakest frequency there.

== Kedah FM reception in Gerik, Perak on 3 frequencies from different transmitter sites==

QTH is in Gerik, Perak.

* 90.5MHz Bukit Palong 1kW (30km): CLEAR

* 88.5MHz Bukit Sungai Kechil 0.25kW (68km): OK

* 97.5MHz Gunung Jerai 5kW (87km): WEAK

Although Hot FM uses 90.5MHz for its Taiping frequency from Bukit Larut, but Kedah FM 90.5MHz from Bukit Palong has no co-channel interference with Hot FM 90.5MHz from Bukit Larut in Gerik because Bukit Larut transmission cannot reach there.

Kedah FM 90.5MHz Bukit Palong coverage areas in Perak are only Pengkalan Hulu, Klian Intan, Gerik and Lawin.

Is the kids or children oriented radio station relevant in the market?

 Radio stations are usually airing music, entertainment, business, news, religious, politics, social and talk contents. Most of listeners age are minimum 10 years old.

In certain countries, there was a kids/children oriented radio station, but broadcast operation is not long due to market concern.

Is a radio station for kids/children irrelevant?

In my opinion, yes, it is irrelevant of kids radio market, commercially a broadcaster cannot survive if operate a kids/children oriented radio station because kids radio market is extremely niche, compare to specialized format radio station market.

Kids oriented radio station defines as a radio station to target kids group by playing content and music related to kids (eg: children's songs).

I don't even think the children/kids group will listen to kids content on radio because kids prefer to watch their favorite content on TV or Video-On-Demand, rather than listening to radio. This is because radio delivers the audio only content, meanwhile television or Video-On-Demand kids content (cartoons, animation etc) delivers pictures and sound together which can impress the kids viewers.

If the kids listen to radio, surely they will prefer listening to hot contemporary radio station to enjoy latest music. Or adult contemporary/classic radio station when they follow their parents' listening suit.

Broadcaster can still survive and earn more revenue if they run teenagers' oriented radio station because teenagers' market is very wide. In Malaysia, we have teenagers to youth oriented radio stations which are very popular. (Example: Hitz FM, Era FM, goXUAN FM, Rakita)

In Romania, there was a radio station to target the kids, operated by Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company, known as Radio Romania Junior (formerly known as Kids Radio), an online only radio station by Radio Romania, however this radio station only survived for 4 years, then it was ceased transmission due to low listenership. Radio Romania Junior contents were merged into Radio Romania Cultural after stopping broadcast. Hence, Radio Romania Cultural has a program slot for kids. Merging kids radio content into exisiting adult oriented radio station can make it as family radio station which can generate larger listenership by combining two into single.

Based on Logopedia - Fandom, Radio Romania launched Kids Radio in 2008, then renamed to Radio Romania Junior in 2011, but it was ceased broadcast in 2012 (unknown date).

This proved that kids oriented radio market doesn't function due to commercial and listenership reasons.

Radio Romania Antena Satelor longwave (LW) frequency 153kHz has more attention from DXers, compare with FM and medium wave (MW) frequencies

 

The Radio Romania Antena Satelor, a fifth radio station by Romanian Radio Broadcasting Company to focus on rural affairs and folk music currently broadcasts on LW, MW and FM frequency, as well as DAB+ in Bucharest.

 

Here are the tuning frequencies of Radio Romania Antena Satelor.

 

* LW 153kHz from Bod transmitter covers Romania and Moldova. (200kW)

* MW 531 kHz from Urziceni covers Bacău, Brăila, Călărași, Ialomița, Vrancea (14kW)

* MW 603 kHz from Herastrau covers Ilfov, Giurgiu, Prahova, Teleorman (400kW)

* MW 630 kHz from Voinesti covers Argeș, Dâmbovița, Dolj, Olt, Vâlcea (400kW)

* MW 1314 kHz from Vala Lui Tarian covers Dobrogea (50kW)

* MW 1314 kHz from Timisoara covers Banat (30kW)

* FM 89.0MHz Comanesti (1kW ERP)

* FM 103.2MHz Sulina (1kW ERP)

* FM 106.9MHz Zalau (0.05kW ERP)

 

Among all the frequencies listed above, Radio Romania Antena Satelor LW 153kHz gains the attention most from the DXers outside of Romania because LW 153kHz is the only radio station in Romania, and DXers outside Romania perform DXing of Radio Romania LW 153kHz to monitor the signal propagation. During the darkness, the sky wave signal can transmit to most of Europe region, even Asia continent sporadically. Hence, it gets more attention from the DXers to monitor Radio Romania Antena Satelor longwave transmitter propagation.

I watch most of Radio Romania Antena Satelor signal monitoring videos on YouTube, most of the videos are the receiving signal of LW 153kHz.

Less attention from DXers over Radio Romania Antena Satelor on FM and MW frequencies because its FM frequencies output power are very low, so it is hard to receive Antena Satelor on FM frequency in distant areas.

For MW frequencies, I don't really see any DXers monitored Radio Romania Antena Satelor on high power medium wave frequencies MW 603kHz and 630kHz because both frequencies were occupied by Radio Romania Actualitati and other European radio station. Hence, Antena Satelor MW frequencies are hard to be caught.

For FM frequencies, Antena Satelor has more attention than MW. Currently, I only see few DXers caught Radio Romania Antena Satelor via FM frequency through Sporadic E propagation, notably FM 89.0MHz and FM 103.2MHz.

Raaga is available in Kuantan, Pahang by tuning the frequency FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

The Malaysia's no.1 Tamil radio station, Raaga, operated by Astro Radio currently broadcasts in West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, meanwhile it has no any tuning frequencies in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia (Kuantan, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu) because of Gegar (East Coast Malay radio station) broadcasts there. 

 

Due to broadcast license condition, Astro is unable to expand coverage of Raaga in East Coast Malaysia, hence Raaga has no Kuantan frequency, but in fact Raaga's listeners are still able to tune to Raaga in part of Kuantan by tuning the frequency to FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Raaga is available in part of Kuantan on FM 99.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

Although the reception of Raaga 99.3MHz is not clear as Bukit Pelindung radio station, but listeners can tune it in Kuantan.

 

Thanks to my friend from Kuantan for the footage.

 

* Frequency: FM 99.3MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang

* Receiving site: Taman Inderapura, Kuantan, Pahang

* Distance: 168km

 

It is perfect if Astro can expand Raaga FM coverage to Kuantan, but unfortunately this cannot be done due to license condition. The broadcast license can be terminated if a broadcaster breaches the condition, unless MCMC allows to do so.

 

For listeners who are looking for Raaga tuning frequency in Kuantan, but unable to search it on website, you may try tuning the frequency to FM 99.3MHz in Kuantan and listen to Raaga via radio. 

BFM 89.9 is available in Kuantan, Pahang via radio, receiving signal is still clear as tuning in Melaka.

 

BY PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

 

Believe it or not? BFM 89.9 can be received in Kuantan, Pahang via same frequency.

 

The Malaysia's first English language business radio station BFM 89.9 is based in Klang Valley, transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali which can be tuned in Greater Klang Valley, South Perak, West Pahang and part of Negeri Sembilan/Melaka/Johor.

 

Thanks to my friend from Kuantan for the footage, so I can publish this here easily as I have the evidence.

 

In fact, BFM 89.9 is available in large part of Pahang. In Pahang state, the radio station is very clear in Bentong, Temerloh, Chenor, Maran, Bera, Kuala Lipis, Karak, Jengka, Kemayan, Teriang and Mentakab. However, BFM 89.9 can be tuned in Kuantan and part of Pekan too.

Based on the received footage from my friend in Kuantan, BFM 89.9 signal reception is still clear there. Video was taken in Taman Inderapura where is only 4-5km away from Kuantan town. After I watch the footage, BFM 89.9 signal in Kuantan is about the same as what I tuned in Melaka before.

 

According to my friend in Kuantan, BFM 89.9 is available in 70% of Kuantan area.

 

* Frequency: FM 89.9MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang

* Receiving site: Taman Inderapura, Kuantan, Pahang

* Distance: 168km

 

No interference from surrounding transmitter which assign the frequency nearby 89.9 is found in Kuantan, despite RTM Terengganu FM uses 90.0MHz in Felda Cerul transmitter site where located 50km from Kuantan.

 

Note: Terengganu FM 90.0MHz Felda Cerul transmitter goes faded in Jabor area in Terengganu. So, no overspill signal to Kuantan area is detected. 

 

Without launching Bukit Pelindung local transmitter, BFM 89.9 from Gunung Ulu Kali is still receivable in Kuantan, Pahang. This proofs how powerful of BFM 89.9 transmission system is.

TRT Radyo Recep Erdogan SW 11530kHz from Emirler, Turkey received in Malaysia.

 

On 19th September 2021, approximately 2053 hours (UTC+8), I prepared to receive Radio France International (RFI) SW 9650kHz Vietnamese broadcast from Taiwan transmitter. Before RFI signing on, I attempted to receive Radyo Denge Welat SW 11530kHz from Moldova actually.

 

At SW 11530kHz, I heard something music which sounds like Arabic songs, then I checked the station list on short-wave.info. It showed two radio stations were on air during 2054H (UTC+8). So, I went to Radyo Denge Welat website online streaming player to listen to the content, in fact its content did not match with SW 11530kHz which I was receiving in Malaysia.

 

Next, I went to refer few DXers videos on YouTube of receiving TRT Radyo Recep Erdogan. It is exactly same as what I was listening yesterday.

 

In conclusion, SW 11530kHz which I received in Malaysia was TRT Radyo Recep Erdogan from Emirler, Turkey. 

 

The radio stations play Turkish military music actually. It is called as jammer by many DXers.

 

According to DXers, Turkey's government runs TRT Radyo Recept Erdogan as a radio jammer against Kurdistan's clandestine radio station Radio Denge Welat signal. I believe there is a conflict between Turkey and Kurdish, that is a cold war through radio. The Turkey-Kurdish conflict happens since 27th November 1978.

 

In terms of reception, TRT Radyo Recep Erdogan was receivable, but signal quality was moderate. Hence, I gave the SINPO code 35333.

 

 - Frequency: SW 11530kHz 

- Power: 500kW 

- Transmission site: Emirler, Turkey 

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

- Distance: 7948km 

- Receiving date/time: 19.09.2021 2054H (UTC+8)/1254H (UTC) 

- Receiver: TECSUN PL-380 

- Language: Turkish

- SINPO: 35333