TV channels & antenna towers in Challis, Idaho
Challis has 22 TV transmitters within 70 miles. About 0 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K10AW-D, 7.7 miles to the ENE.
Over-the-air TV in Challis
Challis, Idaho has a population of about 1,040. There are 22 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 1 low-power and 21 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, none are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
3 of them are within 25 miles of Challis, 9 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 10 are more than 45 miles out.
No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KIVI-TV in Nampa, ID, 106 miles to the southwest. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KXLF-TV in Butte, MT, 135 miles to the northeast.
Which way to point your antenna in Challis
Point your antenna ENE, at about 66°. The nearest towers for Challis sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
All of the nearest towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Challis, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Challis
The farthest of the closest towers for Challis is K22IM-D, 7.8 miles away with a weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
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 TV stations near Challis
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K10AW-DTranslator | 7.7 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Challis, ID |
| K12LS-DTranslator | 7.7 mi | 65° ENE | Weak | Challis, ID |
| K22IM-DLow power | 7.8 mi | 69° ENE | Weak | Challis, ID |
| K05BE-DTranslator | 41 mi | 51° NE | Poor | Lehmi, Etc, ID |
| K08PI-DTranslator | 43 mi | 24° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K11TY-DTranslator | 43 mi | 24° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K09SD-DTranslator | 43 mi | 48° NE | Poor | Lemhi, Etc., ID |
| K27MM-DTranslator | 43 mi | 48° NE | Poor | Tendoy / Leadore, ID |
| K34CB-DTranslator | 45 mi | 75° ENE | Poor | Lemhi, Etc., ID |
| K23JH-DTranslator | 45 mi | 75° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K16KO-DTranslator | 45 mi | 75° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K25PY-DTranslator | 45 mi | 75° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K30PW-DTranslator | 46 mi | 14° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K15ME-DTranslator | 46 mi | 14° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K36PM-DTranslator | 46 mi | 14° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K32NQ-DTranslator | 46 mi | 14° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K29LY-DTranslator | 46 mi | 14° NNE | Poor | Salmon, ID |
| K11BD-DTranslator | 46 mi | 72° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K30BU-DTranslator | 47 mi | 72° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K14IJ-DTranslator | 47 mi | 72° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K13RV-DTranslator | 47 mi | 73° ENE | Poor | Leadore, ID |
| K15HR-DTranslator | 49 mi | 145° SE | Poor | Mackay, ID |
How Challis compares with the rest of Idaho
With 0 stations at fair strength or better, Challis ranks 94th of 98 places in Idaho: fewer than the typical Idaho town (10).
44% of Idaho's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Challis: 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 69° ENE, the direction of K22IM-D, 7.8 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 0 stations, 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 Challis?
22 transmitters within 70 miles of Challis; around 0 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 Challis?
Point your antenna ENE, at about 66°. The nearest towers for Challis sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Challis?
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 Challis?
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 Challis?
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.
TV channels in nearby Idaho cities
More: all TV stations in Idaho · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Challis; signal estimates ignore terrain.