RTM Asyik FM Negeri Sembilan frequency proposal (FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok at 0.25kW power)

 

The Orang Asli radio station, Asyik FM currently has no Negeri Sembilan tuning frequency, however it relies on FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, FM 91.1MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower and FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang in part of Negeri Sembilan.

 

Asyik FM can be tuned in part of Negeri Sembilan via existing transmitters by following locations below: 

 

1. FM 102.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali: Mantin, Labu, Simpang Pertang, Port Dickson, Lenggeng, Linggi, and part of Seremban

2. FM 91.1MHz Kuala Lumpur Tower: Nilai

3. FM 95.6MHz Gunung Ledang (low power transmission): Gemencheh, Rompin and part of Jempol

 

In fact, there are many Orang Asli villages in Negeri Sembilan. The Orang Asli villages are mostly located in Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Jempol and East Seremban districts. These areas can't receive Asyik FM via existing frequencies. Therefore, Asyik FM needs to set up a transmitter (0.25kW is sufficient) in Gunung Telapak Burok to cover Orang Asli areas in Negeri Sembilan, mainly districts in Kuala Pilah, Jelebu and Seremban.

 

The frequency availability in Gunung Telapak Burok is getting limited nowadays which cause Asyik FM or other radio broadcasters getting more difficult to get the new frequencies. Coincidentally, I notice FM 95.5MHz is also an empty frequency in Seremban and Jelebu. So, FM 95.5MHz becomes proposed frequency for Asyik FM's Gunung Telapak Burok transmission.

 

==Proposed transmission parameter for Asyik FM in Negeri Sembilan==

* Frequency: FM 95.5MHz

* Power: 0.25kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Telapak Burok, Negeri Sembilan

* Antenna height: (same with other RTM radio stations)

* Antenna gain: 6.0dBd (3 bay array dipole antenna, each bay 2.0dBd) 

* Antenna model: SIRA FM-04 or equivalent

* Antenna beaming angle: 30 DEG 

 

==Radio frequency analysis between RTM Asyik FM 95.5MHz (Gunung Telapak Burok) and adjacent stations==

 

95.3MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Ulu Kali

95.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Burok (0.25kW)

<200kHz, OK>

 

95.4MHz: MY FM Gunung Pulai

95.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Burok (0.25kW)

<100kHz, OK>

 

95.5MHz: Pahang FM Bukit Sulai

95.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Burok (0.25kW)

<0kHz, OK>

 

95.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Burok (0.25kW)

95.6MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Ledang (0.25kW)

<100kHz, AFN- Adjacent Frequency Network> 

 

95.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Burok (0.25kW)

95.7MHz: Negeri FM Bukit Tampin

<200kHz, OK>

 

95.5MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Telapak Burok (0.25kW)

95.8MHz: Fly FM Gunung Ulu Kali

<300kHz, OK> 

 

Based on RF analysis, the transmission of Asyik FM 95.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok will not cause any interference to existing radio stations' coverage because proposed parameter for Asyik FM is just low power transmitter as much 0.25kW.

 

In North Johor, Asyik FM is on 95.6MHz from Gunung Ledang, main targeting coverage is Chaah, Labis and Bekok in Segamat district, transmitter power is 0.25kW. The proposed frequency FM 95.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok will not cause interference to Asyik FM 95.6MHz coverage because both are using low power transmitters. Despite Asyik FM 95.5MHz and 95.6MHz will have interference each other in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, but it is not an issue because both are same radio stations, so it is considered as self-interference and AFN (adjacent frequency network), listeners can tune vice-versa with 100kHz frequency step.

 

In addition, Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok will not cause interference to Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai and Negeri FM 95.7MHz Bukit Tampin due to different coverage areas and antenna configuration. Negeri FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Tampin covers only Tampin, Rembau and Kota, but proposed Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok does not cover Rembau. Pahang FM 95.5MHz Bukit Sulai covers only Gambang and Pekan where Kuantan frequency FM 104.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung has co-channel interference with Best FM 104.1MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali. 

 

Gunung Telapak Burok radio transmission will not overspill to Gambang and Pekan (Chini).

 

I also sketch the antenna pattern map for Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmission, based on SIRA FM-04 dipole antenna and FM-07 Yagi antenna diagram, the drawings above are going to be sent to RTM engineering and planning team via email as the proposal.

 

SIRA FM-07 in different angle at 30DEG and 60DEG, meanwhile SIRA FM-04 is at 30DEG.

 

Among all 3 antenna pattern drawings, SIRA FM-04 at 30DEG is the best because Asyik FM reach more coverage in Negeri Sembilan on FM 95.5MHz from Gunung Telapak Burok, compare to SIRA FM-07 drawings.

 

To avoid interference to the existing adjacent stations, SIRA FM-07 at 60DEG angle drawing is proposed.

 

Although I think SIRA FM-04 at 30DEG antenna pattern drawing is the best for Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmission, but I send all the drawings to RTM via email as the proposal, so the engineering team can evaluate the proposed antenna pattern. 

 

The proposal was actually made in March 2019 (a month before I joined the broadcast transmitter equipment company).

 

I hope RTM will consider this proposal, so Asyik FM can reach Negeri Sembilan via FM frequency transmission.

 

==Targeting coverage areas of Asyik FM 95.5MHz Gunung Telapak Burok transmitter (0.25kW)==

* Seremban

* Pantai

* Kuala Klawang

* Titi

* Simpang Durian

* Simpang Pertang

* Serting 

* Batu Kikir

* Bandar Seri Jempol

* Bahau

* Kuala Pilah

* Juasseh

* Johol (Dangi) 

* Seri Menanti

* Tanjong Ipoh

* Mantin

* Lenggeng

Hot FM 87.7MHz dari Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Bukit Karatong) boleh diterima di Filipina?

 

FM 87.7MHz ialah frekuensi Hot FM di Kota Kinabalu, dipancar dari Bukit Karatong. Ia meliputi dari Beaufort ke sebahagian Kota Belud.

 

Dua minggu lepas, seorang peminat radio yang berasal dari Filipina menerima siaran Hot FM pada frekuensi 87.7MHz dari Kota Kinabalu di negara Filipina.

 

Pengguna YouTube bernama "Marvin brony and dxer" merakam isyarat Hot FM 87.7MHz di Sogoy, Wilayah Sorsogon, Filipina dan menerbit rakaman audio tersebut di YouTube.

Jarak penerimaan siaran Hot FM 87.7MHz di tempat dia adalah 1135km. Sogoy terletak di Wilayah Sorsogon, Filipina, 484km dari Manila (ibu negara Filipina).

 

- Frekuensi: FM 87.7MHz

- Kuasa pemancar: 2kW

- Tempat pemancar: Bukit Karatong, Sabah, Malaysia

- Tempat penerimaan isyarat: Sogoy, Perbandaran Castilla, Wilayah Sorsogon, Filipina

- Jarak: 1135km 

 

Siaran Hot FM 87.7MHz dari Kota Kinabalu di Sogoy, Filipina adalah jelas tanpa gangguan oleh siaran tempatan. Hakikatnya, isyarat Hot FM 87.7MHz yang diterima di Filipina adalah pemancaran Sporadic E dimana isyarat tersebut bukan selalu boleh diterima jauh di Filipina.

 

Memang mengagumkan.

MYTV will launch DVB-T2 transmitter in Gunung Telapak Buruk and TM Kangar tower after Dataprep wins the tender.

 

On 2nd August 2022, Dataprep Holdings Berhad won a RM 5.4 million contract from MYTV to set up and provide DTT transmission services infrastructure.

The managed services required to design, plan, set up, supply, delivery, install and commissioning DTT transmission system services in Gunung Telapak Burok and TM Kangar.

Based on what I understand regarding the news reported by KLSE and The Edge, MYTV will launch DTT (digital terrestrial television) transmitters in Gunung Telapak Burok and TM Kangar within this year, the transmission system will be supplied and installed by Dataprep Berhad.

Currently the coverage areas of Gunung Telapak Burok and TM Kangar are covered by DTH (Direct To Home) signal from Asiasat-9. 

I have been waiting for MYTV Gunung Telapak Burok DTT transmission for so long actually. In 2019, I felt disappointed over MYTV didn't launch Gunung Telapak Burok transmitter in related to an impact of the dispute between TM and MYTV in 2018.

The wait is to be over. 

About the frequencies, as most of the transmitters in west coast are using CH43 (UHF 650MHz) and CH45 (UHF 666MHz), so I also suggest MYTV to use these frequencies in TM Kangar and Gunung Telapak Burok.

When MYTV uses CH43 and CH45 in Gunung Telapak Burok and TM Kangar, MYTV runs single frequency network transmission from Perlis to Negeri Sembilan.

Somebody suggests to use same frequency with Bukit Tampin CH30 (UHF 546MHz) and CH32 (UHF 562MHz) in Gunung Telapak Burok, but I don't agree because CH32 will cause interference to TVRI Dumai DTT transmission CH32. 

Meanwhile in Perlis, MYTV can use same frequency with Gunung Raya and Gunung Jerai in TM Kangar as they're using CH43 and CH45.

When MYTV Gunung Telapak Burok DTT transmission is switched on, I can run DVB-T2 DX at my home, unless MYTV Gunung Telapak Burok frequencies are not same with Gunung Ulu Kali, KL Tower and Bukit Sungai Besi.

With Gunung Telapak Burok transmitter, MYTV can reach Seremban, Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Jempol, Port Dickson, Johol and several areas in Pahang/Selangor. In addition, some Jerantut areas in Pahang may receive MYTV signal from Gunung Telapak Burok with moderate reception.

The reason behind MYTV launches Gunung Telapak Burok and TM Kangar transmitters recently is because the covering areas of these towers are actually suburban and urban areas. However, Gunung Telapak Burok and TM Kangar are not gap filler transmitter sites.

Besides that, some of Seremban areas can't receive MYTV DTT services from Bukit Tampin, Bukit Sungai Besi and Gunung Ulu Kali, so Seremban needs Gunung Telapak Burok transmission.

I'm feeling excited to hear such news. Now I'm waiting what are the frequencies of MYTV in Gunung Telapak Burok.

* Gunung Telapak Burok: UHF 650MHz (CH43 MUX2) & UHF 666MHz (CH45 MUX1) [sme frequencies with Gunung Ulu Kali, Menara KL, Bukit Sungai Besi]

* Kangar: UHF 650MHz (CH43 MUX2) & UHF 666MHz (CH45 MUX1) [same frequencies with Gunung Jerai, Gunung Raya]

RTM Asyik FM can launch a transmitter in Gunung Kledang to cover Orang Asli areas in Central Perak (Ipoh, Gopeng, Kampar), and Lojing Highlands, Kelantan. Proposed frequency: FM 107.4MHz.

 

In Perak, RTM Asyik FM has only a transmitter, FM 93.1MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh, just covers Lenggong, meanwhile listeners other Perak areas rely on FM 105.1MHz from Cameron Highlands and FM 102.5MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali, but reception of both frequencies are not clear.

 

There are many Orang Asli in Central Perak, such as Gopeng, Kampar, Kampung Kepayang, Langkap, Sungai Siput (U), and Ulu Kinta, however these locations cannot receive Asyik FM via frequency transmission. Although FM 105.1MHz from Cameron Highlands can be received partially there, but reception is very poor. 

 

In my opinion, RTM Asyik FM can launch Ipoh frequency (Gunung Kledang) to cover Orang Asli areas in Central Perak. 

 

==Proposed parameter of Asyik FM Ipoh frequency==

- Frequency: FM 107.4MHz

- Power: 0.5kW

- Transmission site: Gunung Kledang, Ipoh, Perak

- Antenna type: Directional Dipole

- Targeting areas: Ipoh, Chemor, Sungai Siput (U), Gopeng, Tanjung Rambutan, Teronoh, Kampar, Batu Gajah, Simpang Pulai, Temoh, Kampung Kepayang, Ulu Kinta, Chenderiang (partly), Tapah (partly), Bidor (partly) and Lojing Highlands (partly)

- Antenna beaming angle: 75DEG

==RF analysis==

107.1MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Larut

107.4MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Kledang 

<300kHz, OK>

107.2MHz: Kelantan FM Dabong

107.4MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Kledang

<200kHz, OK>

107.4MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Kledang

107.5MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali (West Pahang only)

<100kHz, OK>

107.4MHz: Asyik FM Gunung Kledang

107.6MHz: goXUAN FM Bukit Penara

<200kHz, OK>

 

Based on RF analysis above, usage of the frequency FM 107.4MHz in Gunung Kledang by Asyik FM doesn't likely cause the interference to existing radio stations as the proposed parameter is low power transmission, rather than 2kW power like other RTM radio station. 

 

Besides that, Asyik FM 107.4MHz Gunung Kledang transmission will not cause interference to Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali coverage in West Pahang (Bentong, Lipis, Temerloh, Bera and Chenor). Although the interference between Asyik FM 107.4MHz and Pahang FM 107.5MHz happens in Southern Perak areas like Bidor, Sungkai, Teluk Intan, Langkap, and Kampung Gajah, but Pahang FM 107.5MHz is not affected because South Perak is not its service coverage as Pahang FM 107.5MHz targets only West Pahang areas.

 

Compare with the interference between 988 FM 98.8MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali and Minnal FM 98.9MHz Gunung Kledang, the interference between Asyik FM 107.4MHz (Gunung Kledang) and Pahang FM 107.5MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali) is lesser because Pahang FM 107.5MHz doesn't beam to Perak direction much like Traxx FM 100.1MHz as Pahang FM is using directional antenna (likely Yagi type). 

 

With Asyik FM Ipoh frequency 107.4MHz from Gunung Kledang, the radio station is expected to become receivable in part of Lojing Highlands, Kelantan as proposal antenna pattern diagram is beaming to northeast direction at 75DEG angle. Lojing Highlands has many Orang Asli people, the reception of Asyik FM 105.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang is unstable there due to interference with Molek FM 105.1MHz from Kota Bharu (Peringat). If Asyik FM Ipoh frequency 107.4MHz is launched, I may predict that the signal reception of FM 107.4MHz is slightly better than FM 105.1MHz in Lojing Highlands. 

 

Orang Asli villages in South Perak like Tapah, Chenderiang and Bidor can receive Asyik FM 107.4MHz from Gunung Kledang. Although it is less clear, but at least it is clearer than 105.1 and 102.5. For the interference, Asyik FM 107.4MHz may dominate the signal more than Pahang FM 107.5MHz. If Asyik FM 107.4MHz signal is moderate in Bidor and Tapah, so it is unnecessary to launch Tapah frequency from Changkat Rembian.

 

Next, Orang Asli villages in Sungai Siput (U) are expected to receive Asyik FM 107.4MHz from Gunung Kledang, signal is likely better than FM 93.1MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh which covers Lenggong. Despite Asyik FM 107.4MHz Gunung Kledang reception in less clear in Sungai Siput (U) town, but the main targeting areas are actually the Orang Asli villages. Therefore, it is not necessary to launch a repeater in Sungai Siput (U) town like Nasional FM 89.5MHz and Radio Klasik FM 90.7MHz.

 

For Gopeng, the town in Kinta district has many Orang Asli villages also. Asyik FM signal is expected to be clearer in Gopeng with the launch of Gunung Kledang transmitter FM 107.4MHz, the listeners will receive clearer signal than 105.1MHz from Gunung Brinchang.

FM DX Sporadic E in Malaysia (Episode 3): AIR (All India Radio) Rainbow FM 102.8MHz from Puducherry, India received in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia.

It is very interesting when we receive the ultra far radio stations signal via troprospheric, Sporadic E, and E-skip radio propagation. As I mentioned on previous article related to Thailand radio station which I received in Balakong, Selangor state, Malaysia, it was Sporadic E radio propagation day yesterday on 31st January 2022 in Malaysia.

 

In Langkawi Island, there is a DXer, named Sarawut DXers (Saiful Izham) received All India Radio AIR Rainbow FM 102.8MHz from Puducherry, India. It is the second furthest FM radio station received in Langkawi after Guangdong News Radio FM 91.4MHz from China which recorded in Langkawi on 15/09/2021 with 2356km distance.

 

Here is the audio clip which he received AIR Rainbow FM 102.8MHz in Langkawi, Malaysia.  

The signal was moderately clear with little fading signal. AIR Rainbow FM in Puducherry, India broadcasts in Tamil language, rather than Hindi language because Puducherry is located in South India where spoken language is Tamil there.

 

- Frequency: FM 102.8MHz 

- Power: 3kW

- Transmitter site: VCRC Road, Indra Nagar Extension, Gorimendu, Priyadarshini Nagar, Puducherry, Puducherry Union Territory, Republic of India

- Receiving site: Pemandangan Indah Kampung Yooi Mukim Bohor, Langkawi Island, Kedah State, Malaysia

- Distance: 2278km

- Receiving date/time: 31.07.2022 1554H (UTC+8)/0754H (UTC)

- Receiver: REALME 6 PRO (DSP)

- Antenna: Earbuds Wire 

 

SINPO: 45544

 

Radio reception information is taken from Sarawut DXers YouTube channel.

 

No interference from any distant radio stations like Perlis FM 102.9MHz (Padang Pauh) and IKIM FM 102.7MHz (Bukit Genting) was detected during the reception. 

 

The signal of AIR Rainbow FM 102.8MHz in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia is not consistently available because it is just a Sporadic E radio propagation signal only.

FM Sporadic E DX in Malaysia (Episode 2): Thailand Parliament Radio FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok & Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz from Surat Thani, Thailand received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

On 31st July 2022, it was the Sporadic E radio propagation day in Malaysia where I could receive 3 Thailand FM radio stations in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia (20km south from Kuala Lumpur).

Between 4pm to 6pm (UTC+8), I heard 3 Thailand radio stations via TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver such as:

 

- Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok (1205km)

- Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz from Surat Thani (726km)

- Unknown Thailand radio station FM 92.0MHz

 

It is my second time to receive Sporadic E radio stations in Malaysia since last DX in October 2021 where I heard MCOT Chaiyaphum FM 102.0MHz in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

1. Thailand Parliament Radio Station FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok  

FM 87.5MHz from Bangkok is the furthest FM radio station that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia in the DX history. Adjacent channel interference noise with local radio station RTM Radio Klasik FM 87.7MHz from Kuala Lumpur Tower was detected when monitoring Sporadic E propagation of Thailand Parliament Radio Station from Bangkok.

 

In Surat Thani and Udon Thani, this radio station is also operating on the frequency FM 87.5MHz. As Bangkok transmitter has higher ERP (effective radiated power) than Surat Thani and Udon Thani, so I identify FM 87.5MHz signal that I received in Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia is from Bangkok.

 

SINPO: 21121

Sathani Witthayu Krachaisiang Ratthasapha (สถานีวิทยุกระจายเสียงรัฐสภา) 

- Frequency: FM 87.5MHz 

- Power: 5kW 

- ERP: 20kW 

- Transmission site: Soi Aree Samphan (ซอยอารีย์สัมพันธ์), Rama VI Road (ถ.พระราม 6), Khwaeng Sam Sen Nai (แขวงสามเสนใน), Khet Phaya Thai (เขตพญาไท), Bangkok กรุงเทพฯ, Thailand 

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia 

- Distance: 1205km 

- Receiving date/time: 31.07.2022 1738H (UTC+8)

 

2. Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz from Surat Thani
 

In Southern Thailand region where nearby Malaysia border, FM 95.5MHz is also operated by Radio Thailand Satun in Satun Province. However, I matched with Radio Thailand Satun FM 95.5MHz online LIVE streaming content with what I heard on FM 95.5MHz through the radio receiver, it does not match at all. Therefore, FM 95.5MHz Sporadic E signal from Thailand is not Radio Thailand Satun because Radio Thailand Satun does not play Lukthung (Thai country music) during the receiving time. Somebody told that FM 95.5MHz maybe from Bangkok, but FM 95.5MHz in Bangkok is Hitz 955 (formerly known as Virgin Hitz) which is a hot contemporary Thai radio station in Bangkok City. 

 

During the signal monitoring, FM 95.5MHz was airing bunch of commercials after playing Thai Lukthung. So, FM 95.5MHz is Happy Time Radio from Surat Thani. 

 

Happy Time Radio frequency license is belonged to Radio Thailand Surat Thani. The NBT (National Broadcasting of Thailand) Surat Thani division leases its frequency FM 95.5MHz to Happy Time Radio.

 

Transmitter site is located in Khao Tha Phet, the height above sea level is about 210 meters, meanwhile antenna height of Happy Time Radio FM 95.5MHz is 60 meters.

 

Adjacent channel interference with local radio station RTM Nasional FM 95.3MHz from Gunung Ulu Kali was detected when monitoring Sporadic E radio propagation from Happy Time Radio Surat Thani on FM 95.5MHz.

 

- Frequency: FM 95.5MHz

- Power: 5kW

- ERP: 3.6kW (possibly using circular antenna with negative value antenna gain)

- Transmitter site: Khao Tha Phet, Tambon Makham Tia, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

- Receiving site: Balakong, Selangor State, Malaysia

- Distance: 726km

- Receiving date/time: 31.07.2022 1725H (UTC+8)

SINPO: 22322

3. FM 92.0MHz unknown radio station from Thailand
 

In Balakong, FM 92.0MHz was RTM Nasional FM from Hulu Langat Batu 18, but it was permanently off air. Until today, FM 92.0MHz is totally empty frequency. During Sporadic E propagation, I heard Thailand radio signal on the frequency FM 92.0MHz. Thought it was Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz from Khao Pok Yo which is available in Malaysia areas where border with Thailand like Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Hulu Perak. By identifying the radio station with comparing the content between radio and online LIVE streaming of, Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz, the contents between them were negatively matched. 

 

So, FM 92.0MHz that I received in Malaysia is not Radio Thailand Yala, but I heard there were having co-channel interference of two different Thailand radio stations. Again, I matched them with Radio Thailand Yala FM 92.0MHz online streaming, they are not matched. 

 

In conclusion, I could not identify where is the Thailand radio station on FM 92.0MHz transmitted from. 

 

SINPO code for FM 92.0MHz UNID Sporadic E from Thailand is 31422.

Best FM boleh didengari di Gua Musang, Kelantan pada frekuensi FM 104.1MHz yang dipancar dari Gunung Ulu Kali?

 

Stesen radio swasta yang berasal dari Johor, iaitu Best FM memperluaskan siarannya ke Lembah Klang pada frekuensi FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali sejak tahun 1996 untuk bersaing dengan THR FM (Time Highway Radio) semasa zaman Best FM yang bersiaran dalam bahasa Inggeris. Ia menyebabkan Best FM boleh diikuti di Perak Selatan, dan Pahang Barat.

 

Best FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali bukan sahaja boleh didengari di Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor, ia boleh diterima di Pahang Barat dan Perak Selatan, tetapi Best FM boleh didengari di sedikit bahagian Kelantan (Gua Musang) pada frekuensi yang sama.

 

Sebenarnya Best FM 104.1MHz susah dapat diterima di sekitar Bandar Gua Musang, Kelantan, isyarat Best FM 104.1MHz cuma boleh dipancar sehingga Merapoh, Pahang.

 

Pada 14hb November 2021, apabila saya berada di Gua Musang, tiada isyarat Best FM dikesan pada 104.1MHz di sekitar bandar, namun saya boleh menerima siaran Best FM 104.1MHz di Rantau Manis (20km dari Bandar Gua Musang).

 

Rantau Manis terletak di antara Bandar Gua Musang and Felda Paloh. Isyarat Best FM 104.1MHz dari Gunung Ulu Kali memang lemah di Rantau Manis.

 

Rakaman video diambil di sekitar Taman Agropolitan, Rantau Manis, 18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan. 

- Frekuensi: FM 104.1MHz

- Kuasa: 2kW

- Tempat pemancar: Gunung Ulu Kali, Pahang

- Tempat penerima: Rantau Manis, Gua Musang, Kelantan

- Jarak: 173km

 

Terdapat juga Nasional FM menggunakan frekuensi 104.1MHz di Dabong (jarak 70km dari Bandar Gua Musang). Walaupun frekuensi Best FM menggunakan frekuensi 104.1MHz yang sama dengan Nasional FM, tetapi tiada gangguan frekuensi sama antara Best FM dan Nasional FM dikesan di Gua Musang (termasuk Rantau Manis), kerana Nasional FM 104.1MHz menggunakan kuasa pemancar rendah sebagai pemancar jurang (gap filler) yang hanya meliputi Dabong dan Kuala Balah sahaja.

 

Mengenai penerimaan isyarat Best FM 104.1MHz yang saya rakam di Rantau Manis, Kelantan, saya menggunakan penerima radio TECSUN PL-380 dengan antena yang telah diubahsuai (kerana antena asal telah patah).

Radio frequency proposal and analysis of FM 100.4MHz for the broadcast transmission in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

In Kelantan, there is no any strategic transmission site to cover Kota Bharu and the whole state like Kedah where Gunung Jerai can cover whole state.

Kota Bharu is a state capital of Kelantan. By doing a bandscan, FM 100.4MHz is a likely vacant frequency for Kota Bharu radio transmission.

In Kota Bharu, the town is covered by different transmitter sites such as Bukit Bakar, Telipot, Peringat, Bukit Panau, Wakaf Che Yeh and Tunjung. So, I would like to run an analysis where is the suitable site for FM 100.4MHz transmission in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Transmission data is given.

- Frequency: FM 100.4MHz

- Transmitter power: 1kW

- Tested sites: Bukit Bakar, Peringat, Telipot, Bukit Panau.

 

==RF analysis of FM 100.4MHz in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by sites==

1. Bukit Bakar

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Bukit Bakar

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Bukit Bakar

<100kHz, NOT OK>

100.4MHz: Bukit Bakar

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, NOT OK>

2. Telipot

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Telipot

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Telipot

<100kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Telipot

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

 

3. Peringat

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Peringat

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Peringat

<100kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Peringat

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

 

4. Bukit Panau

100.2MHz: IKIM FM Bukit Besar

100.4MHz: Bukit Panau

<200kHz, OK>

100.3MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Brinchang

100.4MHz: Bukit Panau

<100kHz, OK>

100.4MHz: Bukit Panau

100.5MHz: Nasional FM Gunung Jerai

<100kHz, OK>

 

Based on RF analysis by the transmission sites above, FM 100.4MHz is not suitable in Bukit Bakar because it causes interference to Pahang FM 100.3MHz Gunung Brinchang coverage in Cameron Highlands. This means Pahang FM's listeners who tune to FM 100.3MHz may hear interference noise of FM 100.4MHz Bukit Bakar transmission in some areas in Cameron Highlands.

Meanwhile FM 100.4MHz is suitable in Bukit Panau, Peringat or Telipot for Kota Bharu transmission, but I can propose this frequency actually.

FM 100.4MHz Bukit Panau (Astro Radio transmission site)= Zayan

FM 100.4MHz Peringat (Media Prima)= Hot FM or Fly FM (for migrating from existing frequency to new frequency)

FM 100.4MHz Telipot = Independent radio station (eg: Bernama Radio)

Between the proposal above, in my opinion, due to the Kota Bharu radio market demand, I would propose FM 100.4MHz for Astro Radio's Zayan, transmitted from Bukit Panau. Currently Zayan has no tuning frequency in Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu, despite there are a lot of vacant frequency slots in Kuala Terengganu and few slots in Kota Bharu, but it seems Astro Radio can't expand Zayan coverage there due to license issue. If Zayan's broadcast license which purchased from Red FM and Capital FM (Star Radio Group) is allowed by MCMC to expand the frequency coverage, the radio station can have Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu frequencies then.

List of Sabah based Malaysia radio stations frequencies (for Philippines DXers reference for DX purpose)

As there is a Philippines DXer successfully receiving Hot FM 87.7MHz from Kota Kinabalu transmission signal in Philippines (Sogoy, Sorsogon Province), now I would like to list down all Sabah based Malaysia radio stations frequencies for Philippines DXers reference for distant radio signal monitoring.

==Kota Kinabalu==

* 87.7MHz: Hot FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 88.1MHz: Radio Klasik (Lawa Mandau)

* 88.9MHz: Nasional FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 89.5MHz: KK12FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 89.9MHz: Sabah FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 90.7MHz: Traxx FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 91.9MHz: Ai FM (Lawa Mandau)

* 92.7MHz: Sabah VFM (Lawa Mandau)

* 93.9MHz: IKIM FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 95.7MHz: 8FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 96.3MHz: Kupi-Kupi FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 98.6MHz: Melody FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 100.8MHz: Hitz FM Sabah (Bukit Karatong)

* 101.6MHz: Mix FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 102.4MHz: Era FM Sabah (Bukit Karatong)

* 102.8MHz: Tea FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 103.2MHz: Lite FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 104.0MHz: MY FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 104.9MHz: Sinar FM (Bukit Karatong)

* 107.9MHz: Bernama Radio (Bukit Karatong)

==Central Sabah (Mount Kinabalu)==

* 99.5MHz: Radio Klasik

* 100.3MHz: Nasional FM

* 104.5MHz: Sabah FM

* 105.3MHz: Traxx FM

* 106.3MHz: Ai FM

* 107.1MHz: Sabah VFM

==Kudat (Bukit Kelapa)==

* 94.1MHz: Radio Klasik

* 94.9MHz: Nasional FM

* 95.9MHz: Sabah FM

* 96.7MHz: Traxx FM

* 98.1MHz: Ai FM

* 98.9MHz: Sabah VFM

 

==Sandakan (Trig Hill)==

* 91.1MHz: Radio Klasik

* 92.1MHz: Nasional FM

* 92.9MHz: Sabah FM

* 94.3MHz: Traxx FM

* 95.1MHz: Ai FM

* 96.1MHz: Sabah VFM

* 90.1MHz: Sandakan FM

* 102.2MHz: Melody FM

* 103.0MHz: Era FM Sabah

* 99.8MHz: Hitz FM Sabah

* 100.6MHz: MY FM Sabah

* 106.9MHz: Sinar FM

 

==Lahad Datu (Mount Silam)==

* 87.9MHz: Radio Klasik

* 88.7MHz: Nasional FM

* 89.7MHz: Sabah FM

* 90.5MHz: Traxx FM

* 91.7MHz: Ai FM

* 92.6MHz: Sabah VFM

* 93.6MHz: Tawau FM

* 107.3MHz: IKIM FM 

 

==Kota Belud (Pompod)==

* 99.9MHz: Radio Klasik

* 100.7MHz: Nasional FM

* 101.5MHz: Sabah FM

* 102.5MHz: Traxx FM

* 103.3MHz: Ai FM

* 104.1MHz: Sabah VFM

 

(Sporadic E DX) Hot FM Kota Kinabalu frequency 87.7MHz from Bukit Karatong received in Philippines?

The Malay hot contemporary radio station by Media Prima Audio, Hot FM Kota Kinabalu frequency FM 87.7MHz is transmitted from Bukit Karatong, mainly covering Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Papar and Central West Coast Sabah.

 

Surprisingly Hot FM 87.7MHz can be received in Philippines which people can't believe actually. The receiving signal of Hot FM 87.7MHz from Bukit Karatong in Philippines is actually Sporadic E propagation.

 

The recording was published by Marvin the brony and dxer from Philippines on YouTube two weeks ago.

According to the Philippines DXer, he received Hot FM 87.7MHz from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (Bukit Karatong) in Barangay Sogoy, Castilla, Sorsogon. The transmission distance is about 1135km.

 

- Frequency: FM 87.7MHz

- Power: 2kW

- Transmission site: Bukit Karatong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

- Receiving site: Sogoy, Castilla, Sorsogon, Philipines

- Distance: 1135km

- Receiver: Itel it2613 with modified radio antenna

 

The signal quality of Hot FM 87.7MHz in Sogoy, Philippines is quite clear without static. No interference with any local radio stations is detected during Sporadic E propagation in Philippines.

 

Inversely, there are also few Philippines FM radio stations can be received in Sabah areas, Malaysia. 

 

Sogoy is a town located in Sorsogon Province, 484km from Manila. 

 

It is my very first time to know Malaysia radio stations can be heard in Philippines. 

Kuantan radio stations from Bukit Pelindung overspilled to Selangor (Balakong) and Putrajaya when Seremban radio stations from Gunung Telapak Burok were switched off due to a landslide of the transmission tower happened in January 2022.

Remember early of this year in 2022, Malaysia suffered the massive flash floods, the most serious location was in Shah Alam, Selangor, even in Negeri Sembilan and the east coast states.

In Negeri Sembilan's Jelebu, there was a flash flood too, until Gunung Telapak Burok had a landslide on 3rd January 2022, causing all radio stations' transmission were forced to switch off the transmission. When Negeri Sembilan's radio stations which were transmitted from Gunung Telapak Burok tower temporarily closed down the transmission due to landslide, it seriously affected the listeners in Negeri Sembilan, Southern Selangor and Central Pahang, even part of Melaka.

 

Back to January 2022, when Gunung Telapak Burok transmitted radio stations were switched off for 3 days due to landslide, some Kuantan radio stations from Bukit Pelindung could overspill signal to Selangor state easily with weaker signal.

 

I managed to catch few Bukit Pelindung radio stations in Putrajaya and Balakong.

 

In Putrajaya SKVE interchange nearby IOI City Mall, I heard Manis FM 95.1MHz signal from Bukit Pelindung, meanwhile at my home in Balakong, I could receive Ai FM 106.1MHz, Nasional FM 107.1MHz and Manis FM 95.1MHz from Bukit Pelindung too.

 

Signals were very weak in both locations.

 

Transmission distance from Bukit Pelindung to stated receiving locations: 

* Balakong (202km)

* Putrajaya: SKVE Interchange (208km) 

 

1. Manis FM 95.1MHz (Putrajaya)

2. Balakong, Selangor

a. Manis FM 95.1MHz 

b. Ai FM 106.1MHz

 

c. Nasional FM 107.1MHz

When Gunung Telapak Burok radio stations resume their transmission, these Bukit Pelindung transmitted Kuantan radio stations are no longer receivable, however it leaves only MY FM 101.1MHz and Suria FM 96.1MHz as the only receivable Kuantan radio stations in Balakong, Serdang UPM highway and Putrajaya with very weak signal.

Fly FM can be tuned on 99.1MHz from Alor Setar Tower in Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang when 89.9MHz is not receivable

 

Fly FM tuning frequency in Penang is FM 89.9MHz, transmitted from Bukit Penara at 2kW transmission power. It reaches 90% areas in Penang state, covering whole Seberang Perai district (Mainland), and most of the cities and towns in the Penang Island.

 

Alongside Penang, Fly FM 89.9MHz does cover part of Kedah (Kulim, Sungai Petani, Bandar Baharu) and North Perak (Parit Buntar, Selama, Taiping, Semanggol).

 

In Penang Island, there are three locations such as Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang cannot receive Fly FM on 89.9MHz from Bukit Penara due to terrains.

 

Actually Fly FM can be tuned alternatively via the frequency FM 99.1MHz from Alor Setar Tower in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, however the signal reception is not strong as Gunung Jerai transmitted radio stations as Alor Setar Tower height is lower than Gunung Jerai. In addition, Fly FM 99.1MHz Alor Setar Tower transmission power is just only 0.25kW.

 

When you can't receive Fly FM on 89.9MHz in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, you can try to tune on FM 99.1MHz.

 

Here is my signal recording on Fly FM 99.1MHz received in Tanjung Bungah, Penang (Rainbow Paradise Hotel) in November 2015:

Meanwhile, there is another signal recording of Fly FM 99.1MHz that I received in Georgetown area in November 2017.