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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* VOH-1 AM 610kHz

* VOH-2 FM 99.9MHz

* VOH-3 FM 95.6MHz

* VOH-4 FM 87.7MHz

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

==VOH AM DX report==

* Frequency: MW 610kHz

* Power: 200kW

* Transmitter site: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

* Receiver site: Balakong, Selangor, Malaysia

* Distance: 1035km

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

* Receiver: TECSUN PL-380

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

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

1. Sabak Bernam

2. Sungai Ayer Tawar

3. Sungai Besar

4. Sekinchan

5. Tanjong Karang

6. Kuala Selangor

7. Jeram

8. Ijok

9. Rawang

10. Bukit Tagar

11. Sungai Buloh

12. Serdang

13. Balakong

14. Seri Kembangan

15. Puchong

16. Bukit Beruntung

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

==Red FM 106.4MHz Ipoh DX information==

* Frequency: FM 106.4MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Gunung Kledang, Ipoh, Perak

* Receiver site: Mantin, Negeri Sembilan

* Distance: 220km

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Gunung Jerai FM radio stations received in Kuala Selangor!

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Senarai liputan kawasan siaran RTM Radio Klasik di negeri Perak

 

- FM 88.3MHz (Gunung Kledang): Ipoh, Kampar, Tanjung Tualang, Teluk Intan, Sitiawan, Manjung, Langkap, Manong, Lahat, Menglembu, Pusing, Teronoh, Batu Gajah, Simpang Pulai, Parit, Beruas, Pantai Remis, Chenderong Balai, Lumut, Pulau Pangkor, Chemor, Tanjung Rambutan, Bota, Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk, Selekoh, Seri Iskandar, Changkat Keruing, Ayer Tawar, Ulu Bertam, Jeram, Sauk, Lenggong & Malim Nawar.

 

- FM 103.3MHz (Bukit Larut): Taiping, Sauk, Padang Rengas, Kamunting, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Lenggong, Simpang, Kuala Sepetang, Semanggol, Batu Kurau, Selama, Rantau Panjang, Matang, Changkat Jering & Terong

 

- FM 94.9MHz (Gunung Jerai): Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Selama, & Pantai Remis

 

- FM 88.7MHz (Bukit Palong): Pengkalan Hulu, Klian Intan, Gerik Barat & Lawin

 

- FM 98.3MHz (Gunung Ulu Kali): Bidor, Sungkai, Terolak, Slim River, Behrang, Tanjung Malim, Bagan Datuk, & Hutan Melintang.

 

- FM 88.7MHz (Changkat Rembian): Tapah, Chenderiang & Temoh

 

- FM 97.8MHz (Memplam Sari): Gerik

 

- FM 90.7MHz: Sungai Siput (U)

 

- FM 90.3MHz: Felda Terolak Timur

 

- FM 90.7MHz: Ulu Slim

MYTV myFreeview is not available in Far North Perak (Hulu Perak) via DTT, but Far North Perak must gets MYTV via DTH.

Malaysia digital terrestrial television infrastructure provider, MYTV has two DTT transmitters in Perak. Gunung Kledang and Bukit Larut on UHF 666MHz (CH45) and 650MHz (CH43). In terms of transmission coverage, both reaches 10 out of 12 districts within the state, except Hulu Perak and Muallim.

Muallim district can receive MYTV via DTT from Gunung Ulu Kali, this involves Tanjung Malim and Slim River.

For Bukit Larut transmission, it covers Larut Matang Selama, Kerian and Kuala Kangsar districts, but MYTV DTT signal from Bukit Larut is unavailable in Far North Perak.

 

Lenggong and Southern Lawin are likely the maximum Far North Perak locations to receive Bukit Larut signal, but DTT signal may be unstable ones (<35%), depends on the antenna conditions.

The term "Far North Perak" defines as Hulu Perak district. In the districts, most locations are hilly areas. It is impossible to cover the "Far North Perak" areas by using DTT for MYTV with a strategic transmitter site. If MYTV wants cover Far North Perak areas (Hulu Perak), the TV infrastructure provider requires to install more gap filler transmitters such as Bukit Ladang Teh (Lenggong), Memplam Sari (Gerik), Lawin and neighboring site Bukit Palong (Pengkalan Hulu). Therefore, it costs more to launch gap filler transmitters for Far North Perak areas (Hulu Perak).

 

The existing gap filler transmitter sites which used by RTM in Far North Perak are not strategic at all because small coverage generated.

In fact, DTH (Direct-To-Home) is more economical than DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) to reach households in Far North Perak areas. So, MYTV viewers in Pengkalan Hulu, Lawin, Gerik and Lenggong must install MYTV satellite dish to watch their favorite local TV channels via DTH, rather than using UHF antenna.

List of Perak districts by classifying with north and south

 

- South: Muallim, Batang Padang, Hilir Perak & Bagan Datuk

- Central: Manjung, Perak Tengah & Kampar

- North: Larut Matang Selama, Kerian & Kuala Kangsar

- Far North: Hulu Perak

 

Bukit Larut transmitted North Perak and Taiping FM radio station does not mean to cover Hulu Perak.

Some of radio stations which have Bukit Larut transmitter will classify it as frequency for Taiping and North Perak, example 988 FM 101.0MHz: Taiping and North Perak.

In northern side of Perak, the district covers Larut Matang Selama, Kerian, Kuala Kangsar and Hulu Perak.

Technically, Bukit Larut radio stations cover only the districts of Larut Matang Selama, Kerian and Kuala Kangsar. Apart from Larut, Matang & Selama where Taiping is the main town of the district, actually Kerian and Kuala Kangsar are classified as North Perak.

Hulu Perak is not under "North Perak" frequency radio coverage because it is far north enough, compare to Taiping, and Parit Buntar.

Here are the areas of North Perak where covered by Bukit Larut transmitter stations for FM radio.

==Larut, Matang, & Selama==

* Taiping

* Kuala Sepetang

* Matang

* Changkat Jering

* Batu Kurau

* Bandar Selama

* Terong

* Simpang

* Kamunting

* Rantau Panjang

==Kerian==

* Parit Buntar

* Semanggol

* Bagan Serai

* Kuala Kurau

* Tanjung Piandang

==Kuala Kangsar==

* Kuala Kangsar

* Padang Rengas

* Sungai Siput (U)

* Enggor

* Sauk

For Hulu Perak district, it is classified as "Far North Perak". This far northern Perak consists Lenggong, Lawin, Gerik, Klian Intan, Pengkalan Hulu, Belum and Temenggor.

In fact, Hulu Perak district is not covered by any radio stations from Bukit Larut or Gunung Kledang where are main transmitter sites for Perak radio stations. For commercial radio stations, Bukit Larut can cover only up to Lenggong and Southern Lawin, then signal goes off after the locations when going northbound to Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu.

For RTM, as government broadcaster in Malaysia, the "Far North Perak" Hulu Perak is covered with three local gap filler transmitter sites and one neighboring TX site, namely:

1. Bukit Ladang Teh for Lenggong

2. Lawin

3. Memplam Sari for Gerik

4. Bukit Palong, Kedah for Pengkalan Hulu

Although Far North Perak (Hulu Perak district) can't really receive any radio stations from Bukit Larut (Taiping and North Perak), but the district can receive few Thailand FM radio stations from Yala and Betong partially.

IKIM FM boleh "memasuki" negara Brunei dengan menambah pemancar di Bukit Mas, Sarawak (Limbang)

 

Pada masa ketika ini, Radio IKIM FM boleh didengari di sebahagian Brunei dengan frekuensi Miri pada FM 104.0MHz yang dipancar dari Tanjong Lobang.

 

Bandar Seri Begawan ialah ibu kota negara Brunei. Di bandar tersebut, siaran radio Malaysia masih boleh diterima di Brunei dari Bukit Mas, Sarawak (Limbang). Selain itu, Brunei adalah negara Islam di Asia Tenggara.

 

Pada pandangan saya, untuk menyasarkan pendengar Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan), IKIM FM boleh memperluaskan siarannya ke kawasan Limbang dan negara Brunei dengan melancarkan satu pemancar di Bukit Mas. Jika IKIM FM mempunyai frekuensi Limbang, saya mempercayai bahawa terdapat persaingan baru bagi stesen radio Islamik antara Malaysia dan Brunei di negara tersebut.

 

Di negara Brunei, terdapat dua buah stesen radio Islamik iaitu RTB Nur Islam FM 93.3MHz dan Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz. IKIM FM boleh bersaing dengan kedua-dua stesen radio tersebut.

 

==Cadangan mengenai IKIM FM untuk Brunei dan Limbang==

- Frekuensi: FM 105.6MHz atau FM 106.4MHz

- Kuasa pemancar: 2kW

- Tempat pemancar: Bukit Mas, Sarawak

- Kawasan liputan: Sarawak (Limbang & Lawas), Brunei, Sabah (Sindumin) dan sebahagian Labuan. 

 

 

IKIM FM can enter Brunei market by launching Bukit Mas transmitter in Limbang, Sarawak.

 

At current moment, IKIM FM can be tuned in Western Brunei such as Kuala Belait and Seria on Miri frequency FM 104.0MHz from Tanjung Lobang, Sarawak.

In fact, as Brunei capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan can receive Malaysia radio stations from Limbang (Bukit Mas), Sarawak. In addition, Brunei is a Muslim majority country in South East Asia. From my view, there is a potential market for IKIM FM in Brunei.

To reach Brunei listeners, IKIM FM can launch a transmitter in Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak to cover Brunei (Bandar Seri Begawan). If IKIM FM expands its coverage to Limbang, Sarawak (thus mainly for Brunei), I believe there is a new competition of Islamic radio stations between Malaysia and Brunei.

In Brunei, currently there are two Islamic radio stations, such as RTB Nur Islam (FM 93.3MHz Bandar Seri Begawan) and Al-Quran Radio FM 89.1MHz. IKIM FM can compete against them with having Limbang frequency.

Apart of it, I love to scan vacant frequencies at the same time. Here's my personal proposed parameter:

==IKIM FM Limbang frequency==

* Frequency: FM 105.6MHz or FM 106.4MHz

* Power: 2kW

* Transmitter site: Bukit Mas, Limbang, Sarawak

* Targeting locations:

- Sarawak: Limbang, and Lawas

- Sabah: Sindumin

- Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan

- Part of Labuan

As a result, with Limbang frequency, Brunei gets covered by IKIM FM transmission with two frequencies from Miri and Limbang of Sarawak.

RTM Radio Klasik signal reception status in Kerian district, Perak.

On 30th August 2020, I traveled to Bagan Serai, Kuala Kurau, Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar. These four locations are under Kerian district, Perak.

Generally Kerian district of Perak is under coverage of Bukit Larut FM radio transmission, but technically it is not broadcast coverage of RTM Bukit Larut radio stations except Perak FM.

In Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau and Tanjung Piandang, basically RTM Radio Klasik stated that the frequency there is FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut, but the reception is not really clear in Bagan Serai, Tanjung Piandang, and Parit Buntar on FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut.

The actual coverage of Radio Klasik FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut is Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Selama and Kamunting. Transmission power for this frequency is only 0.25kW.

When I was in Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Bagan Serai, I tested few Radio Klasik frequencies such as FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut, FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai, FM 88.7MHz Bukit Palong, FM 101.7MHz Bukit Genting and FM 98.3MHz Gunung Ulu Kali. 

In these locations, Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai was much clearer than FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut.

I believe Radio Klasik listeners in Tanjung Piandang, Parit Buntar, and Bagan Serai usually tune to the station on the frequency FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai which is much clearer than FM 103.3MHz from Bukit Larut.

For your information, FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai transmits at 5kW power.

Here is the coverage of Radio Klasik in Northwest Perak.

==FM 103.3MHz Bukit Larut (0.25kW)==

- Taiping, Changkat Jering, Batu Kurau, Semanggol, Matang, Kuala Sepetang, Padang Rengas, Kuala Kangsar, Enggor, Selama and Kamunting.

==FM 94.9MHz Gunung Jerai (5kW)==

- Bagan Serai, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, Tanjung Piandang

 

On my TECSUN PL-380 radio receiver, among all frequencies signal strength measurement, Radio Klasik FM 94.9MHz is the highest one, tested in Parit Buntar. Therefore, this means that the exact tuning frequency for Radio Klasik FM in Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang and Bagan Serai is FM 94.9MHz from Gunung Jerai.

For Nasional FM, the reception of FM 107.1MHz Bukit Larut is not clear as FM 100.5MHz Gunung Jerai in same areas. In Parit Buntar and Tanjung Piandang, I could detect interference from Suria FM 106.9MHz Gunung Jerai when tuned to Nasional FM 107.1MHz, but I could even receive clearer signal on 100.5MHz from Gunung Jerai. 

Review of Nautel RF Toolkit, the free broadcast frequency coverage planning tool, but for prediction only!

For a small radio station, to get a frequency license from regulator, the authority requires the broadcasters to do frequency planning and interference analysis by making coverage report. The coverage report may be a mandatory if apply a frequency license.

Some say that it is very expensive to get a radio frequency planning and coverage report, but in fact those reports are done by professional engineers. Inversely, some say that they want to get coverage report of radio transmission for FREE! It is impossible to ask professional engineers to provide RF coverage report for FREE. Besides that, the RF coverage report is generated by using software, it also costs you for the software license.

 

I may understand that some of broadcasters may not afford to get FM coverage studies report by professional engineers due to the costs. A RF toolkit may help them, but for only coverage map of their transmitting station.

Want to do a basic RF coverage by your own without cost? Here is one of my favorite tool, it is Nautel RF Toolkit which is my favorite RF coverage tool since September 2016 until today.

Nautel RF Toolkit is a free radio coverage tool. To access it, you must create an account. Here are some screenshots of Nautel Radio Coverage Tool:

In my opinion, Nautel RF Coverage Tool is quite amazing. As FM DXer (amateur), I can check the coverage of existing radio stations' transmitter sites by using this toolkit because it can generate estimated coverage of a transmitter site by inserting site parameters and antenna system information.

 

This Nautel RF Radio Coverage Tool only generates coverage with only OMNI-directional antenna form. It won't generate directional antenna coverage, despite I set the directional antenna gain and TX line loss, this is because it has no antenna beaming angle configuration.

 

I usually publish a radio coverage map on blog by using Nautel RF Toolkit to show a roughly coverage of a radio station. For the field strength, I follow ITU recommendation which minimum field strength of stereo signal is 54dBuV/m (green), meanwhile lowest field strength (mono signal) is 30dBuV/m (yellow). In terms of accuracy, I can rate 89 out of 100.

This free toolkit will not generate any interference analysis like what professional series RF software company does. Moreover, it will not detect the vacant frequencies by performing FM band scanning. Therefore, we need to use FM band scanner toolkit (example: DEVA Band Scanner). To get only your radio station coverage map, Nautel Radio Coverage Tool is my recommendation. Please sign up account to generate your own radio station coverage map.

 

In addition, as Nautel also states that the coverage tool is not meant to replace the coverage studies and other works done by professional RF engineers. So, please consult with a qualified engineer before applying license or buying equipment. 

Although I'm former junior broadcast engineer now, BUT I continue as non-profit broadcast transmission journalist cum enthusiast. As I'm RF enthusiast, I love to use Nautel Radio Coverage Tool to discover the coverage of Malaysia, Singapore and Southern Thailand radio stations.

Disclaimer: The review of Nautel RF Toolkit is come out from my personal opinion, also my personal experience of using the toolkit.

Correction: Perak FM 102.9MHz that I received in Titi Serong, Parit Buntar, Perak is actually from Lawin, not Bukit Palong.

 

On 30th August 2020, I went to Parit Buntar, Tanjung Piandang, Kuala Kurau and Bagan Serai for a short vacancy. As they're located at coastal areas of Northwest Perak, so I planned to receive Perlis FM 102.9MHz from Padang Pauh there.

 

In fact, Perlis FM 102.9MHz was not receivable there. While I was driving from Tanjung Piandang to Parit Buntar, I received some unknown signal on FM 102.9MHz, it was not Perlis FM, but it was Perak FM.

 

Initially I suspected Perak FM 102.9MHz transmission is from Bukit Palong, Kedah to cover Pengkalan Hulu, so I sent a FM DX verification email to RTM for confirmation of FM 102.9MHz transmission. 

 

Today I receive RTM email regarding FM DX verification. RTM Perak FM 102.9MHz that I received in Titi Serong, Perak is transmitted from Lawin, Perak, not Bukit Palong that I speculated earlier.

 

Lawin is located between Lenggong and Gerik. In Lawin, RTM has Nasional FM on 101.7MHz (same frequency as Radio Klasik FM 101.7MHz in Bukit Genting which is for Balik Pulau).

 

 

RTM Perak FM 102.9MHz actually covers Lawin where it is a blind spot area of FM 94.2MHz Bukit Ladang Teh and FM 96.2MHz Gerik. In Lawin, RTM Perak FM 94.2MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh is likely interfered by far away transmitted Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz. Therefore, RTM launches Perak FM Lawin frequency FM 102.9MHz.

 

==RF analysis of Perak FM 102.9MHz Lawin==

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang

102.9MHz: Perak FM Lawin 

<200kHz, OK>

 

102.9MHz: Perak FM Lawin

102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh

<200kHz, OK>

 

The reception of RTM Perak FM 94.2MHz from Bukit Ladang Teh starts to have interference from Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz from Lawin to Gerik. In Gerik, Perak FM 94.2MHz signal becomes Radio Thailand Yala FM 94.25MHz. 

 

After I noticed that Perak FM 102.9MHz is from Lawin, so let's analyze if Perak FM 102.9MHz is from Bukit Palong, see what will happen.

 

==RF analysis if Perak FM uses 102.9MHz in Bukit Palong==

102.7MHz: IKIM FM Gunung Kledang

102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna)

<200kHz, OK>

 

102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna)

102.9MHz: Perlis FM Padang Pauh

<200kHz, OK>

 

102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna to Pengkalan Hulu)

103.0MHz: Nasional FM Gulau

<100kHz, NOT OK>

 

102.7MHz: Nasional FM Bukit Dedap

102.9MHz: Perak FM Bukit Palong (apply directional antenna to Pengkalan Hulu)

<200kHz, NOT OK>

 

If Perak FM 102.9MHz is transmitted from Bukit Palong, although it transmits by using directional antenna (regardless panel, Yagi or log-periodic), but it can cause interference to Nasional FM 102.7MHz Bukit Dedap and 103.0MHz Gulau coverage, even Perlis FM 102.9MHz Padang Pauh coverage can be interfered too.

 

I verified with RTM engineer that RTM Lawin radio stations Nasional FM 101.7MHz and Perak FM 102.9MHz are operating at 250W power only.

 

It is unbelievable to receive Perak FM 102.9MHz Lawin frequency in Titi Serong and Kuala Kangsar. Here is my DX information:

 

- Frequency: FM 102.9MHz

- Power: 0.25kW

- Transmitter site: Lawin, Perak

- Receiving site: Titi Serong, Perak

- Distance: 70km

==Coverage map of RTM Lawin==

 

It's official! RTM Sabah VFM and Wai FM that I suggested on April 2020 are now available on MYTV myFreeview DTTV platform, bonus with Sabah FM and Sarawak FM.

 

BY PHILIP YONG

philipyong0110@gmail.com

 

On 12th September 2020, RTM four radio stations from Sabah and Sarawak was officially launched on MYTV digital terrestrial television platform, they're:

 

1. Sabah FM on CH707

2. Sabah VFM on CH708

3. Sarawak FM on CH709

4. Wai FM on CH710

 

Other than RTM Mobile app which is online streaming based radio, people who stay outside Sabah and Sarawak now can listen to these four radio stations on MYTV digital terrestrial television platform.

 

Back to April 2020, I had published a blog article to suggest RTM to launch Wai FM and Sabah VFM on MYTV to promote Sabah and Sarawak culture. Now, my suggestion happens in reality. 

 

I'm very happy when Wai FM and Sabah VFM are launched on MYTV. In addition, RTM adds Sabah FM and Sarawak FM on MYTV that I did not suggest in April 2020, so it is another bonus. 

 

For Wai FM on MYTV, it is based on Astro CH871 and SW11665kHz version, rather than Kuching FM 101.3MHz (Iban) and FM 106.1MHz (Bidayuh and Kayan). MYTV version of Wai FM is combination of Iban, Bidayuh and Kayan services in terms of content. 

 

I realize there are many Sabahans and Sarawakians staying in Peninsular Malaysia, and these radio stations have no FM frequencies in Peninsular Malaysia, but from now they can listen to Wai FM and Sabah VFM on MYTV.

 

Congratulations for the launching. In my opinion, I also wish RTM will add Sarawak's Red FM on MYTV too. For your information, Sarawak's Red FM (not confuse with defunct Red FM where closed in 2016) is bilingual radio station in Sarawak, broadcast in Chinese and English. I could listen to this Sarawak English and Chinese radio station on MYTV if RTM Red FM launched on the platform.

Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz is the only Indonesia MW radio station available in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia during daytime transmission

We know that many AM radio stations from Indonesia can be received in Malaysia during nighttime transmission.

 

Normally I only managed to receive Indonesia AM radio stations, mainly Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) in Malaysia after evening.

 

Believe it or not? There is only 1 Indonesia AM radio station that I received in Malaysia during daytime propagation from morning to noon, it is Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz.

 

Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz is actually transmitted from Medan, Indonesia, then I received it in Tanjung Piandang (Ban Pecah), Perak, Malaysia at noon. For your information, it is available in Penang and coastal areas of Perak all day, but Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz could be interfered by high transmission power Radio Thailand AM 891kHz from Bangkok in Tanjung Piandang, Perak and Penang when reach in the evening.

 

Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz from Medan, Indonesia can be received in Tanjung Piandang, Malaysia all day because Tanjung Piandang and other coastal areas in Perak are located to the adjacent areas of Sumatera, Indonesia.

 

Between Indonesia and Malaysia, there is only sea, no terrain.

 

==INDONESIA AM RADIO DX DAYTIME TRANSMISSION REPORT==

- Frequency: MW 900kHz

- Power: 10kW

- Transmission site: Medan, North Sumatra province, Indonesia

- Receiving site: Ban Pecah Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia

- Distance: 250km

- Receiving date/time: 30.08.2020 1143H (UTC+8)

- SINPO: 45334  

 

In conclusion, Radio Aksi Bethany AM 900kHz is the only Indonesia MW radio station which available in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia all day.

Voice of Navy 3 AM 1458kHz (Phuket), the only Thailand AM radio station can be received in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia during daytime.

 

Voice of Navy 3 from Phuket, Thailand operates on AM 1458kHz and FM 88.0MHz. In Tanjung Piandang (Ban Pecah), Perak, Malaysia, I attempted to receive on FM 88.0MHz, but nothing signal from Phuket after I saw a friend received Voice of Navy 3 FM 88.0MHz in Taiping, Malaysia.

 

In fact, I could receive AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia during daytime transmission. Meanwhile Radio Thailand Phuket AM 1062kHz is not receivable there during daytime transmission.

 

Usually I could only receive AM radio stations from Thailand during nighttime.

 

==AM DX report==

 - Frequency: MW 1458kHz 

- Power: 10kW 

- Transmission site: Tambon Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket province, Thailand 

- Receiving site: Tanjung Piandang, Perak Malaysia (Ban Pecah) 

- Distance: 384km 

- Receiving date: 30.08.2020 1130-1250H (UTC+8)

- SINPO: 35434 

Other than Songkhla based AM radio stations such as 1269kHz, 1431kHz and 1512kHz where can be received in Malaysia during daytime transmission, AM 1458kHz is the only Phuket based AM radio station can be received in Tanjung Piandang, Perak, Malaysia during daytime, even it can be received in Langkawi, and Penang during daytime as these areas are located at adjacent area nearby Malacca Straits. Between Tanjung Piandang and Phuket, there are no any terrains and buildings, so Phuket AM 1458kHz can transmit there during daytime.

When comes to nighttime transmission, AM 1458kHz from Phuket is likely having adjacent channel interference from high power Bangkok transmitted Radio Thailand Educational Network AM 1467kHz there.

In Tanjung Piandang, the signal of AM 1458kHz from Phuket, Thailand is available all day.