Sunday, 21 November 2021

Media Prima Audio can run "single frequency network" for Buletin FM in South Perak and West Pahang by adding 2 repeaters in Bukit Asa and Bukit Fraser on FM 101.3MHz

 

Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM) Klang Valley frequency on 101.3MHz is currently transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi. Back to 7th August 2021, Buletin FM 101.3MHz went downtime transmission from 11am to 3pm, I thought Media Prima moved its transmission site to Gunung Ulu Kali, but it didn't happen, instead perform transmission system repairing in Bukit Sungai Besi.

 

As today, Buletin FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi transmission is limited in Klang Valley (excluding Rawang, Hulu Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Sepang). Unlike Hot FM 97.6MHz transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali, Buletin FM 101.3MHz is not available in West Pahang, and South Perak actually as it is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi.

 

As an alternative to Gunung Ulu Kali, but in order to expand coverage to South Perak and West Pahang with same coverage as Gunung Ulu Kali without moving transmission site, Media Prima can consider to add two more repeater in Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa to cover West Pahang and South Perak respectively on same frequency with FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi transmitter.

 

==Suggestion of adding Buletin FM 101.3MHz repeater==

- 101.3MHz Bukit Fraser to cover West Pahang (Bentong, Raub, Kuala Lipis, Temerloh, Bera and Chenor)

* Transmission power: 250W

 

- 101.3MHz Bukit Asa to cover South Perak (Slim River, Tanjung Malim, Terolak, Sungkai) 

* Transmission power: 500W

 

Based the suggestion above, FM 101.3MHz actually runs as Single Frequency Network (SFN) because three different transmitter sites are operating on same frequency.

 

101.3MHz: Bukit Sungai Besi (Klang Valley)

101.3MHz: Bukit Fraser (West Pahang)

101.3MHz: Bukit Asa (South Perak)

 

Bukit Fraser coverage (250W)

Bukit Asa coverage (500W)



To prevent self interference between three transmitters, Buletin FM 101.3MHz is required to use directional antenna in Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa to beam only the targeting areas. Hence, this can prevent signal overspill which cause interference.

 

I do admit this proposal has the limitation actually. Media Prima has to spent more money to add repeater in Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa in order to cover West Pahang and South Perak respectively like Gunung Ulu Kali, somehow the company has to pay more transmission fees annually with the 2 repeaters. As a radio broadcaster, it may not be worth to do so, the radio stations will choose Gunung Ulu Kali when they want to cover Klang Valley, West Pahang and South Perak because they just pay transmission fees for 1 transmitter, rather than 3. 


In addition, it does not guarantee that the coverage of Buletin FM 101.3MHz Bukit Sungai Besi transmitter with Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa repeaters will be same as Gunung Ulu Kali because Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa repeaters cannot travel so far like Gunung Ulu Kali. 


Maximum coverage of Bukit Fraser and Bukit Asa are Chenor in Pahang and Sungkai in Perak respectively, meanwhile Gunung Ulu Kali can transmit beyond these two locations.


IKIM FM 91.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali received in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

 

Generally IKIM FM tuning frequency in Langkawi Island, Kedah is FM 89.0MHz from Gunung Jerai or FM 102.7MHz from Bukit Genting (Balik Pulau, Penang), but surprisingly its Klang Valley frequency FM 91.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is received in Langkawi.

 

Sarawut DXer receives IKIM FM 91.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali in Langkawi today, here is his video:

 

The receiving signal is weak there, but I believe it is a tropospheric propagation actually because Gunung Ulu Kali radio station is not receivable normally in Langkawi.

 

As IKIM FM 91.5MHz signal from Gunung Ulu Kali is caught in Langkawi, so it is the furthest radio station receivable there so far.

 

• Radio Station : IKIM (Radio Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia) 

• Frequency : FM 91.5 MHz 

• Power : 2 kW 

• Transmission Location : Gunung Ulu Kali, Genting Highlands, Pahang State, Malaysia 

• Receiving Location : Tok Ayah Camp 1100 Meter From Seven Wells Waterfall (Air Terjun Telaga Tujuh) Mukim Padang Matsirat, Langkawi Island, Kedah State, Malaysia 

• Distance : 403 KM 

• Time : 1123H  (UTC+8 Malaysia time) 

• Date : 21 November 2021 

• Receiver : SIHUADON R-108 

• Antenna : Telescopic + Earbuds Wire 

• Propagation : Tropospheric

What will it happen if all Kota Bharu commercial radio stations (Astro Radio, Media Prima Audio, Manis FM, IKIM FM and Suria FM) move their transmission sites to Bukit Bakar without changing frequencies?

In Kota Bharu and North Kelantan, many broadcasters are locating in different transmitter sites. 


Astro Radio such as Era FM 103.3MHz, Sinar FM 93.8MHz, Gegar FM 88.1MHz, MY FM 102.3MHz, Melody FM 99.8MHz, Hitz FM 92.8MHz, Mix FM 94.6MHz and Lite FM 104.3MHz are transmitted from Bukit Panau, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.


Media Prima Audio radio stations such as Hot FM 105.1MHz, Fly FM 107.4MHz and Buletin FM 88.6MHz are transmitted from Peringat, Kelantan where the tower is belonged to Media Prima.


IKIM FM 89.8MHz is transmitted from Bukit Panau.


Suria FM 106.1MHz is transmitted from Telipot, meanwhile Manis FM 90.6MHz is transmitted from KBX Tunjung.


Bukit Panau and Tunjung towers are belonged to CELCOM, meanwhile Telipot tower is belonged to Telekom Malaysia (TM).


In fact, there is no any strategic transmitter site to cover Kota Bharu, even large part of Kelantan. One thing that I realize is none of commercial radio broadcasters locate transmitter site in Bukit Bakar to cover Kota Bharu. 


Bukit Bakar is the only strategic transmitter site in Kelantan because it covers larger part of Kelantan, but in Kota Bharu and Tumpat, Bukit Bakar signal reception is not so clear actually. So, this makes commercial broadcasters are not interesting to locate transmitter site there, even Bukit Bakar transmission can cause interference to existing radio stations in Thailand, and Terengganu.


If Kota Bharu commercial radio stations move their transmitter sites to Bukit Bakar, they can interfere Terengganu and Thailand radio stations, hence I make frequency analysis of commercial radio stations if they transmit from Bukit Bakar.


1. Gegar FM 88.1MHz

88.1MHz: Gegar Bukit Bakar

88.25MHz: Narathiwat, Thailand

<150kHz, NOT OK>


88.1MHz: Gegar Bukit Bakar

88.1MHz: Kelantan FM Felda Paloh

<0kHz, NOT OK>

 

87.9MHz: Minnal FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

88.1MHz: Gegar FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


2. Buletin FM 88.6MHz

88.6MHz: Buletin FM Bukit Bakar

88.75MHz: Tak Bai, Thailand

<150kHz, NOT OK>


88.6MHz: Buletin FM Bukit Bakar

88.7MHz: Terengganu FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

88.4MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli)

88.6MHz: Buletin FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK> 

 

3. IKIM FM 89.8MHz

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

90.0MHz: Sungai Golok, Thailand

<200kHz, OK>


89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

90.0MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli)

<200kHz, OK>

 

89.7MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

89.7MHz: Radio Klasik FM Bukit Chupak (Gua Musang)

89.8MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK> 

 

4. Manis FM 90.6MHz

90.5MHz: Ai FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

90.6MHz: Manis FM Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK> 


90.6MHz: Manis FM Bukit Bakar

90.7MHz: Nasional FM Paloh

<100kHz, NOT OK>


90.6MHz: Manis FM Bukit Bakar

90.8MHz: Traxx FM Bukit Tangki Air (Jeli)

<200kHz, OK>


5. Hitz FM 92.8MHz

92.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Bakar

93.0MHz: Radio Thailand Betong

<200kHz, OK>


92.5MHz: Sungai Padi, Thailand

92.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Bakar

<300kHz, OK>


6. Sinar FM 93.8MHz

93.6MHz: Sinar FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

93.8MHz: Sinar FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


7. Mix FM 94.6MHz

94.3MHz: Radio Klasik Bukit Bintang (Besut)

94.6MHz: Mix FM Bukit Bakar

<300kHz, OK> 


94.6MHz: Mix FM Bukit Bakar

94.75MHz: Narathiwat, Thailand

<150kHz, NOT OK>


94.6MHz: Mix FM Bukit Bakar

94.8MHz: Hitz FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<200kHz, OK>


8. Melody FM 99.8MHz

99.8MHz: Melody FM Bukit Bakar

100.0MHz: Yala, Thailand (Khao Buyo)

<200kHz, OK>


9. MY FM 102.3MHz

102.3MHz: MY FM Bukit Bakar

102.4MHz: Suria FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

102.3MHz: MY FM Bukit Bakar

102.5MHz: MCOT Yala, Thailand

<200kHz, OK>


101.9MHz: Nasional FM Wakaf Che Yeh

102.3MHz: MY FM Bukit Bakar

<400kHz, OK>


10. Era FM 103.3MHz

103.3MHz: Era FM Bukit Bakar

103.3MHz: Nasional FM Keruak

<0kHz, NOT OK>


11. Lite FM 104.3MHz

104.0MHz: Narathiwat, Thailand

104.3MHz: Lite FM Bukit Bakar

<300kHz, OK>


104.1MHz: Nasional FM Dabong

104.3MHz: Lite FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


12. Hot FM 105.1MHz

105.0MHz: Hot FM Bukit Besar

105.1MHz: Hot FM Bukit Bakar 

<100kHz, NOT OK, self-interference>


104.7MHz: Traxx FM Wakaf Che Yeh

105.1MHz: Hot FM Bukit Bakar

<400kHz, OK>


13. Suria FM 106.1MHz

105.9MHz: Lite FM Bukit Besar (Kuala Terengganu)

106.1MHz: Suria FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>

 

105.7MHz: Ai FM Wakaf Che Yeh

106.1MHz: Suria FM Bukit Bakar

<400kHz, OK>

 

106.1MHz: Suria FM Bukit Bakar

106.5MHz: Radio Thailand Sungai Golok

<400kHz, OK>


14. Fly FM 107.4MHz

107.1MHz: Kelantan FM Bukit Bintang (Besut)

107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar 

<300kHz, OK>

 

107.2MHz: Kelantan FM Dabong

107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>


107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar

107.5MHz: Lochut, Thailand

<100kHz, NOT OK>


107.4MHz: Fly FM Bukit Bakar

107.5MHz: Fly FM Bukit Besar

<100kHz, NOT OK> 


By looking the radio frequency analysis above, not all commercial radio stations are safe to transmit from Bukit Bakar to cover Kota Bharu with existing frequencies because it can cause interference to radio stations coverage in Kuala Terengganu, Besut, Gua Musang and Thailand.


However, here are the radio stations list where they safe to transmit from Bukit Bakar with current frequencies.


1. Hitz FM 92.8MHz

2. Sinar FM 93.8MHz

3. Melody FM 99.8MHz

4. Lite FM 104.3MHz

5. Suria FM 106.1MHz


Only 5 out of 14 listed commercial radio stations are safe from interference if they move to Bukit Bakar.


If the commercial radio stations move to Bukit Bakar for Kota Bharu transmission, they have to meet the minimum frequency separation from surrounding transmitter sites by following below, to avoid interference:


- Bukit Bintang: 300kHz

- Bukit Besar: 200kHz

- Bukit Tangki Air: 200kHz

- Bukit Chupak: 200kHz

- Felda Paloh: 300kHz

- Dabong: 200kHz

- Felda Tenang: 200kHz

- Hulu Keruak: 200kHz

- Narathiwat/Sungai Golok/Sungai Padi/Tak Bai/Lochut Thailand: 300kHz

- Yala, Thailand: 200kHz 

- Betong, Thailand: 200kHz


Commercial radio stations don't use Bukit Bakar as Kota Bharu transmitter site because it is very hard to coordinate the frequency as it is very peak there. In terms of commercial value, Kota Bharu market value is not strong as west coast areas. Hence, you will realize there are many different transmitter sites of Kota Bharu radio stations, the advantage is more competition among them to proof which site is the best, rather than monopoly sites.

Saturday, 20 November 2021

Furthest Gunung Ledang FM DX: Traxx FM 97.4MHz in Padang Tengku, Pahang.

 

Before my Gua Musang trip on 14th November 2021, the furthest location of Gunung Ledang FM DX was in Kuala Selangor where I received Ai FM 100.4MHz there in 30th April 2017 with 186km receiving distance.

 

On 14th November 2021, I broke my distance record by receiving Traxx FM 97.4MHz from Gunung Ledang in Padang Tengku, Pahang.

 

Padang Tengku is located in Kuala Lipis district, Pahang, a small town between Merapoh and Kuala Lipis.

 

When I was trying to receive Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar signal in Padang Tengku, 97.3MHz was having weak signal, but the signal went zero after receiving for a while. Then, I randomly tuned my dial to FM 97.4MHz, I received Traxx FM on the frequency suddenly in Padang Tengku, Pahang, transmitted from Gunung Ledang. 

 

Video was taken in Padang Tengku, Pahang, nearby Central Spine Road exit.

 

Traxx FM 97.4MHz Gunung Ledang signal went zero again after entering Central Spine Road while I was heading to Gua Musang and Merapoh.

 

- Station name: Traxx FM

- Frequency: FM 97.4MHz

- Power: 2kW

- Transmitter site: Gunung Ledang, Johor

- Receiving site: Padang Tengku, Pahang

- Distance: 220km

- Receiving date/time: 14.11.2021 1019H (UTC+8)

 

Adjacent channel interference with RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar transmitter is not detected so far.

 

Padang Tengku is the furthest location that I did Gunung Ledang FM DX actually.

IKIM FM boleh diterima siarannya di Lojing, Kelantan pada FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang, namun pemancarannya boleh diterima sampai Pos Blau.

 

Tahukah anda? Siaran IKIM FM boleh diterima di Lojing, Kelantan pada FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang.

 

Pemancar IKIM FM 102.7MHz di Gunung Kledang sebenarnya meliputi kawasan Ipoh dan Perak Tengah, manakala Cameron Highlands boleh menerima siaran IKIM FM pada frekuensi yang sama, tetapi IKIM FM 102.7MHz masih ada isyarat di Lojing, Kelantan.

 

Semasa saya memandu dari Gua Musang ke Cameron Highlands, IKIM FM mempunyai isyarat jelas di Pos Brooke (Lojing Kecil) pada 102.7MHz, penerimaan siaran IKIM FM 102.7MHz lebih jelas daripada Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar, walaupun frekuensi itu dipancar dari Gunung Kledang.

 

Selepas saya mengunjungi Cameron Highlands dan kembali ke Gua Musang dengan melalui Jalan Lojing, saya berhenti di Masjid Keputeraan Lojing untuk FM DXing, bagi merakam isyarat radio jauh. 

 

IKIM FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang sangat jelas di Lojing, Kelantan.

 

Semasa saya memandu dari Lojing ke Gua Musang, IKIM FM 102.7MHz masih jelas di Pos Brooke, dan liputan IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang masih boleh diterima sehingga Pos Blau. Tiada isyarat selepas melalui Pos Blau.

 

Di kawasan Lojing, IKIM FM 102.7MHz adalah stesen radio Gunung Kledang yang paling jelas. Saya berasa teruja atas penerimaan isyaratnya di kawasan tersebut, sedangkan stesen radio Gunung Kledang lain sudah lemah di Lojing. Saya mungkin berasa sistem antena IKIM FM 102.7MHz dari Gunung Kledang memancar ke arah timur, oleh itu kawasan Lojing boleh menerima siaran IKIM FM 102.7MHz dengan jelas.

 

Jarak antara Gunung Kledang dan kawasan Kelantan Barat Daya ialah 50km-90km.

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Radio Thailand Yala is available in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia on FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz.


 

A year ago, there was a DXer receiving Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz (Pattani Malay radio station) in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia. The footage was recorded at Masjid Keputeraan Lojing (English: Lojing Mosque).

 

Between 14th and 17th November 2021, I traveled to Gua Musang actually, then I included my trip to Lojing and Cameron Highlands.

 

I watched the video above previously, so I planned to expand FM DXing activities in Lojing by receiving more Thailand radio stations.

 

I received Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia. Receiving site was located at Masjid Keputeraan Lojing.

 

Lojing is located nearby Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

 

Alongside Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz, I also tried to receive other Thailand radio stations in Lojing, Kelantan.

 

MCOT Yala FM 102.5MHz is receivable there, but signal is not clear, meanwhile Thailand Parliament Radio FM 89.0MHz is not receivable there because it is interfered by Radio Klasik FM 89.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang. 

 

I tried to receive any Thailand radio stations from Narathiwat, Betong, Sungai Padi, Sungai Golok and Pattani, no signal were available in Lojing, Kelantan.

 

However, Masjid Lojing is the best location to receive Radio Thailand Yala (92.0/94.25/95.0) and MCOT Yala 102.5 on FM radio frequencies, but these Thai radio stations signal went unstable and faded when going downhill to Pos Brooke. 

 

Thailand radio stations are no longer receivable in Pos Brooke, even no signal after stepping into Pahang border (Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands).

 

FM 92.0MHz and FM 94.25MHz broadcast in Thai language, meanwhile FM 95.0MHz is in Pattani Malay (Bahasa Melayu Pattani). Actually Radio Thailand Yala FM 95.0MHz is very popular in North Kelantan, alongside Kelantan FM, Manis FM and Gegar.

 

==Radio Thailand Yala in Lojing, Kelantan, Malaysia==

* Frequency: FM 92.0MHz, FM 94.25MHz & FM 95.0MHz

* Power: 10kW (for FM 92.0MHz), 1kW (for FM 94.25MHz and FM 95.0MHz)

* Transmission site: Khao Pok Yo, Bannang Sata District, Yala Province, Thailand

* Receiving site: Masjid Keputeraan Lojing, Kelantan, Malaysia

* Distance: 193km

* Receiving date: 15th November 2021 between 1358H to 1420H (UTC+8) 

 

==Thailand radio stations availability in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia, based on provinces==

 

1. Yala (Khao Pok Yo)

- FM 92.0MHz: Available 

- FM 94.25MHz: Available

- FM 95.0MHz: Available

- FM 102.5MHz: Available, but weak signal

- FM 89.0MHz: No signal

- FM 93.0MHz (Betong): No signal


2. Narathiwat

- FM 88.25MHz: No signal

- FM 92.5MHz (Sungai Padi): No signal

- FM 94.75MHz: No signal

- FM 96.0MHz: No signal

- FM 98.25MHz: No signal

- FM 99.1MHz: No signal

- FM 106.5MHz (Sungai Golok): No signal

- FM 107.75MHz: No signal 

 

3. Pattani

- FM 107.25MHz: No signal

- FM 91.0MHz: No signal

 

Exact tested location: Masjid Keputeraan Lojing

Siaran RTM Pahang FM boleh diikuti di sebahagian negeri Kelantan, FM 107.5MHz dan FM 100.3MHz

 

RTM Pahang FM ialah stesen radio negeri untuk Pahang, dan siaran Pahang FM boleh didengari di seluruh negeri Pahang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak Selatan, Terengganu Selatan dan sebahagian Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, dan Johor, tetapi Pahang FM masih boleh diterima di sebahagian kecil negeri Kelantan. 

 

Di sini adalah kawasan negeri Kelantan yang boleh menerima siaran Pahang FM dengan frekuensi bawah berikut:

 

1. FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali

- dari Taman Wangi ke Bandar Gua Musang (163km)

- Rantau Manis (173km)

- Sebahagian Pos Blau 

- Kuala Betis (163km) 

 

2. FM 100.3MHz Gunung Brinchang

- Lojing (hanya kawasan Masjid Keputeraan Lojing) [11km]

 

Pahang FM 107.5MHz adalah stesen radio Gunung Ulu Kali yang hanya boleh diterima di Bandar Gua Musang, tetapi Pahang FM 107.5MHz mempunyai gangguan frekuensi sama dengan sebuah stesen radio Thailand dari Lochut di kawasan tersebut.

 

Pemancaran FM 100.3MHz dari Gunung Brinchang hanya boleh diterima sehingga Masjid Lojing, lepas itu isyarat jadi lemah semasa turun bukit dari Lojing ke Pos Brooke. Isyarat Pahang FM 100.3MHz sudah tidak dapat diterima sepenuhnya dari Pos Brooke, manakala FM 107.5MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali boleh diterima di sebahagian Pos Blau, cuma kurang stabil isyaratnya.



Wednesday, 17 November 2021

Kelantan FM boleh didengari di sebahagian negeri Pahang pada frekuensi FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar, Kelantan.

 

RTM Kelantan FM ialah sebuah stesen radio negeri, khususnya untuk Kelantan. Ia meliputi seluruh negeri Kelantan dengan 7 pemancar seperti FM 102.9MHz (Kota Bharu), FM 97.3MHz (Kelantan Tengah dan Lojing), FM 107.1MHz (Besut dan Kelantan Timur), FM 107.2MHz (Dabong), FM 90.0MHz (Jeli), FM 88.1MHz (Paloh) dan FM 92.0MHz (Bandar Gua Musang).

 

Kelantan FM kini boleh didengari di seluruh negeri Kelantan, Terengganu Utara, dan Selatan Thailand (Narathiwat), tetapi Kelantan FM boleh diterima siarannya di sebahagian negeri Pahang pada FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar.

 

Saya menerima siaran Kelantan FM 97.3MHz di beberapa kawasan negeri Pahang bawah berikut:

 

1. Benta (190km)

2. Merapoh (117km)

3. Cameron Highlands (Kea Farm Brinchang, Lavender Garden Tringkap, dan Blue Valley) **

 

** Kea Farm Brinchang (165km), Lavender Garden Tringkap (162km), Blue Valley (158km)

 

Kuasa pemancar Kelantan FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar ialah 2kW, terdapat beberapa rakaman video isyarat Kelantan FM diambil di beberapa kawasan negeri Pahang:

 

1. Benta

 

2. Merapoh

 

3. Cameron Highlands

 


Bagi kawasan Cameron Highlands, pendengar perlu menggunakan radio yang berkualiti baik dan menerima siaran Kelantan FM di kawasan yang tinggi. Oleh itu, isyarat mungkin lebih jelas. Rakaman video Kelantan FM 97.3MHz di Kea Farm Brinchang diambil semasa kesesakan lalu lintas.


Di Benta, rakaman video diambil di RnR Benta pada 14 November 2021, pukul 8 pagi.


Frekuensi Kelantan FM di kawasan Merapoh, Pahang ialah FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar, bukannya FM 92.0MHz dari Bukit Chupak yang disebut di Wikipedia. Untuk makluman, liputan FM 92.0MHz hanya terhad di Bandar Gua Musang sahaja.


Tiada isyarat Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dikesan di Padang Tengku, Bandar Kuala Lipis dan Raub, namun gangguan isyarat dari pemancar Ai FM Bukit Fraser 97.1MHz boleh dikesan di kawasan tersebut, termasuk Benta.


Benta adalah kawasan negeri Pahang yang paling jauh dimana saya menerima siaran Kelantan FM 97.3MHz dari Bukit Bakar.

List of radio stations in Gua Musang, Kelantan (updated)

 

Here is the list of radio stations which are likely available in Gua Musang, Kelantan, together with frequencies and transmitter sites.


==Bukit Chupak (LOCAL)==

* 89.7MHz: RTM Radio Klasik

* 91.1MHz: RTM Nasional FM

* 92.0MHz: RTM Kelantan FM

* 93.2MHz: RTM Minnal FM

* 94.1MHz: RTM Traxx FM

* 94.9MHz: RTM Ai FM


==Gunung Ulu Kali (DX)==

* 95.8MHz: Fly FM

* 105.3MHz: Suria FM

* 107.5MHz: RTM Pahang FM (co-channel interference with Thailand radio station in certain areas)

 

==Thailand (DX)==

* FM 107.5MHz from Lochut, Narathiwat (only available in Pekan Gua Musang)

* FM 98.25MHz: Radio Thailand Narathiwat (Rantau Manis only)

* FM 94.75MHz: Voice of Navy Narathiwat (Rantau Manis only)


The FM 107.5MHz is the only Thailand radio station available in Gua Musang town, Kelantan, Malaysia.

IKIM FM is available in Southwest Kelantan from Lojing Highlands to Pos Blau on 102.7MHz from Gunung Kledang.


From 14th to 17th November 2021, I had my holiday vacation in Gua Musang, Kelantan. Alongside Gua Musang, I did travel to Lojing and Cameron Highlands on 15th November 2021 from Gua Musang.


It is very far from Gua Musang to Cameron Highlands, the distance per direction is 120km. Between these two location, I was DXing few radio stations on Jalan Gua Musang-Cameron Highlands.


From Pos Brooke, Lojing to Cameron Highlands, I suddenly received IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Gunung Kledang clearly. Compare with RTM Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar, IKIM FM 102.7MHz signal reception is slightly clearer from Kampung Kelaik to Lojing Highlands. So, I took the video of its signal for 1-2 minutes.


Then, I departed from Cameron Highlands to Gua Musang. I dropped by Masjid Keputeraan Lojing for FM DXing to record few radio stations signal at 1400 hours (2pm), IKIM FM 102.7MHz is very clear in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan.


After recording IKIM FM 102.7MHz signal at Masjid Keputeraan Lojing, I drove back to Gua Musang. The signal is still clear in Pos Brooke, and availability of IKIM FM 102.7MHz from Gunung Kledang is up to Pos Blau, then the signal is fully dead.


I was very curious that IKIM FM 102.7MHz is the only radio station available in Lojing area, Kelantan while other Gunung Kledang transmitted radio stations are very weak there. I may think that IKIM FM 102.7MHz Gunung Kledang antenna system does beam to east direction with panel antenna, so this makes the radio station available in Lojing clearly.


Receiving distance range is between 50km-90km from Gunung Kledang to Southwest Kelantan RX locations.

 

Thailand's Voice of Navy 15 Radio FM 94.75MHz from Narathiwat received in Merapoh, Pahang, Malaysia.

 

After receiving FM 107.5MHz from Lochut, Thailand in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia yesterday, I depart from Gua Musang to Kuala Lumpur today.

 

When I drive back to Kuala Lumpur, I make two stop in between for FM DX and lunch break in Merapoh and Raub respectively. I stop in Merapoh, Pahang to check Kelantan FM 97.3MHz signal mainly.

 

While I'm recording a video of receiving Kelantan FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar in Merapoh, Pahang, at the same time I suddenly receive Voice of Navy 15 FM 94.75MHz from Narathiwat there.

 

I can't expect that I receive a Thailand radio station in Pahang, Malaysia.

 

In Merapoh, all Malaysia radio stations can be received loudly and clearly, transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali. As I can receive Voice of Navy 15 FM 94.75MHz from Narathiwat there, hence FM 94.75MHz is the only Thailand radio station where it can be received in Merapoh, Pahang, Malaysia.

 

Alongside FM 94.75MHz, I do try receiving other Thailand radio stations from Narathiwat in Merapoh. 

 

FM 88.25MHz, FM 92.5MHz, FM 96.0MHz, FM 98.25MHz, FM 99.1MHz, FM 106.5MHz and FM 107.75MHz. No signal are found in Merapoh.

 

If you want to listen to Thai radio station in Merapoh, you can tune only FM 94.75MHz.

 

I take the videos in Kampung Merapoh and Central Spine Road from Merapoh to Sungai Yu.

 

Sor. Thor. Ror. 15 {สทร.15} -- Siang Chak Thahan Ruea {เสียงจากทหารเรือ} (Voice of the Navy) 

* Frequency: FM 94.75MHz 

* Power: 1kW 

* ERP: 6.8kW 

* Transmission site: Tambon Khok Khian, Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand 

* Receiving site: Kampung Merapoh, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia

* Distance: 195km

* Receiving date/time: 17.11.2021 0946H (UTC+8)

 

In terms of signal propagation quality, FM 94.75MHz is not so clear in Merapoh, Pahang. Its signal, poor to average.


Among all locations within Pahang state, Merapoh is the only location to receive Thailand radio station, but FM 94.75MHz is the only available Thai radio station there.

RTM Pahang FM is available in part of Kelantan on 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali (for Gua Musang town) & 100.3MHz from Gunung Brinchang (Lojing Highlands)

 

RTM Pahang FM is a state radio station for Pahang state. It is available in Pahang, South Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, South Perak, part of Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. However, Pahang FM is still available in part of Kelantan by tuning FM 107.5MHz and FM 100.3MHz.

 

For your information, here are the available locations of Pahang FM in part of Kelantan by following frequencies below:

 

1. FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali (2kW): 

- from Taman Wangi to Bandar Baru Gua Musang  

- Gua Musang new town (163km)

- Rantau Manis (173km)

- Kuala Betis (163km)

- Part of Pos Blau

 

2. FM 100.3MHz Gunung Brinchang (0.1kW): 

- Lojing Highlands (Masjid Lojing only) [11km]

 

In Gua Musang town, Pahang FM 107.5MHz is the only available Gunung Ulu Kali radio station, but it has co-channel interference with Thailand radio station from Lochut there.


FM 100.3MHz from Gunung Brinchang is only available until Masjid Lojing, then signal went faded after going downhill from Lojing Highlands to Pos Brooke. No signal is available from Pos Brooke on FM 100.3MHz, but FM 107.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali is available partially in Pos Blau, but signal is inconsistently available.


FM 107.5MHz is the only available Thailand radio station in Gua Musang town, Kelantan, Malaysia. It is 11th Ranger Forces Regiment radio from Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat.

We may realize that most of Kelantan areas, especially northern side (Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Jeli, Rantau Panjang, Ketereh, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah and Machang) can receive many Thailand radio stations on FM frequencies as they're located next to Thailand border.


From Central to North Kelantan, listeners can receive Thailand radio stations from Yala, Narathiwat and somewhat Pattani.


Gua Musang, the southern location in Kelantan can't receive any radio stations from Kota Bharu and Thailand like what we receive in Kota Bharu. 


I don't expect to receive any Thailand radio stations in Gua Musang town, Kelantan, Malaysia, instead focus on Gunung Ulu Kali and Bukit Bakar transmitters. 


When I was driving around Gua Musang town yesterday and tuning to FM 107.5MHz to monitor Pahang FM signal there, but I heard the frequency was having co-channel interference with a Thailand radio station from Gua Musang new town to the old town. After that, FM 107.5MHz becomes Thailand radio station when I reach Gua Musang old town and old KTM railway station. 


Unexpectedly I received a Thailand radio station on FM 107.5MHz in Gua Musang, Kelantan yesterday. From what I investigated, FM 107.5MHz is operated by 11th Ranger Forces Regiment, based in Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand.


I do recognize this radio station because my friend says that it interferes Fly FM 107.4MHz in Kota Bharu and Tumpat badly.


While Gua Musang town can only receive RTM radio station from local repeater in Bukit Chupak, now the Thailand radio station FM 107.5MHz is available there.

 

FM 107.5MHz is operated by Thailand 11th Ranger Forces Regiment, based in Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat Province. 



หน่วยเฉพาะกิจกรมทหารพรานที่11 สถานีวิทยุ FM.107.5MHz


* Frequency: FM 107.5MHz

* Power: (unknown)

* Transmission site: Tambon Lochut, Waeng District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand

* Receiving site: Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia

* Distance: 110km

 

Signal was taken by using three radio receivers, namely:

1. TECSUN PL-380

2. TECSUN PL-310ET

3. Perodua Axia SE 2017 car radio

 

The signal is getting clearer at old KTM railway station in Gua Musang old town, and STEREO signal is appeared. 

 

Here are 4 videos of Thailand radio FM 107.5MHz received in Gua Musang old town, recorded on 16th November 2021 between 8am and 1pm with 3 different radio receivers.

 

For your information, Thailand radio FM 107.5MHz from Lochut is available in Gua Musang old town (areas surrounding Sungai Chindai and old KTM Gua Musang railway station).

 

Can't find Thai radio station in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia? Try FM 107.5MHz.

RTM Kelantan FM is available in part of Pahang by tuning FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar

 

RTM Kelantan FM is a state radio station for Kelantan, it broadcasts with 7 frequencies such as FM 102.9MHz Wakaf Che Yeh for Kota Bharu, FM 88.1MHz Felda Paloh, FM 97.3MHz Bukit Bakar for Central Kelantan and Lojing Highlands, FM 92.0MHz Bukit Chupak for Gua Musang town, FM 107.2MHz Dabong, FM 90.0MHz Bukit Tangki Air for Jeli and FM 107.1MHz Bukit Bintang for Besut, Terengganu.

 

This radio station covers Kelantan, North Terengganu and part of Thailand (Narathiwat province), however Kelantan FM is available in part of Pahang by tuning on FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar.

 

Available areas in Pahang are:

1. Merapoh [117km]

2. Cameron Highlands (Blue Valley, Kea Farm Brinchang and Lavender Garden Tringkap)**

3. Benta [190km]

 

**Blue Valley [158km], Lavender Garden Tringkap [162km] & Kea Farm Brinchang [165km]

 

The receiving signal is moderate to poor in these locations. 

 

Transmission power is 2kW. Here are the videos of receiving Kelantan FM in Pahang state:

 

1. Benta

 

2. Merapoh

 

3. Cameron Highlands

 


For Cameron Highlands, listeners need to tune with high sensitivity radio receiver in higher location in order to get better reception. For Kelantan FM 97.3MHz where I received in Brinchang Kea Farm, I recorded the footage while I was stuck in traffic congestion.

 

In Benta, I received Kelantan FM at RnR (rest station) at 14th November 2021 approximately 0800 hours (UTC+8).

 

Kelantan FM tuning frequency in Merapoh is FM 97.3MHz from Bukit Bakar, not FM 92.0MHz from Bukit Chupak which was mentioned on Wikipedia. For your information, FM 92.0MHz is for Gua Musang town only.

 

Among all FM DX videos of receiving Kelantan FM in Pahang, Benta is the furthest location that I received so far with 190km distance.

 

No signal in Kuala Lipis town, Padang Tengku, Dong and Raub, possibly adjacent channel interference from Ai FM 97.1MHz Bukit Fraser transmitter is detected in these three locations, even in Benta too.

 

With the videos as evidence, I believe this can benefit to Kelantan FM's listeners who tune the radio station in Pahang state if they travel both states.