TV channels & antenna towers in Sterling, Colorado
Sterling has 74 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ION. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K15LI-D, 9.1 miles to the ESE.
Network channels in Sterling
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONKCDO-TVION | 10.2 | 56 mi | 224° SW | Good | Sterling, CO |
Over-the-air TV in Sterling
Sterling is a town of about 14,100 people in Colorado. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 74 licensed TV transmitters: 1 full-power and 73 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 23 transmitters are within 25 miles, 14 between 25 and 45 miles, and 37 farther out.
The strongest network signals here are ION on channel 10.2 (KCDO-TV). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KLWY in Cheyenne, WY, 93 miles to the west. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KBSL-DT in Goodland, KS, 118 miles to the southeast.
Which way to point your antenna in Sterling
Point your antenna ESE, at about 105°. The main network towers for Sterling sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Sterling, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Sterling
The farthest main network tower for Sterling is K36OY-D, 9.1 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Sterling
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 73; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K15LI-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling, CO |
| K19LW-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling, CO |
| K36OY-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling, CO |
| K33PA-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling, CO |
| K17NH-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling, CO |
| K34OS-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling,S.Logan Cty, CO |
| K31IQ-DTranslator | 9.1 mi | 105° ESE | Weak | Sterling, CO |
| K16EJ-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K28FW-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K30FO-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K14JZ-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K18FN-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K26FM-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K32EX-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K20FS-DTranslator | 18 mi | 356° N | Weak | Peetz, CO |
| K33FI-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K20NI-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K26OT-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K35FI-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K08ND-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K11UW-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K13XW-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K18MS-DTranslator | 24 mi | 166° SSE | Poor | Akron, CO |
| K32NU-DTranslator | 28 mi | 86° E | Poor | Haxtun, CO |
| K33GM-DTranslator | 28 mi | 86° E | Poor | Haxtun, CO |
How Sterling compares with the rest of Colorado
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Sterling ranks 193rd of 225 places in Colorado: fewer than the typical Colorado town (18). Its nearest major network tower is 56 miles away, against a state median of 18 miles.
38% of Colorado's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Sterling: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 105° ESE, the direction of K36OY-D, 9.1 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 1 station, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Sterling?
74 transmitters within 70 miles of Sterling; around 1 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Sterling?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 105°. The main network towers for Sterling sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Sterling?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Sterling?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Sterling?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
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More: all TV stations in Colorado · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Sterling; signal estimates ignore terrain.