TV channels & antenna towers in Melcher-Dallas, Iowa
Melcher-Dallas has 18 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and ION. About 9 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WBXF-CD, 32 miles to the NW.
Network channels in Melcher-Dallas
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCWOI-DTABC | 5 | 45 mi | 335° NNW | Fair | Ames, IA |
| NBCWHO-DTNBC | 13 | 45 mi | 335° NNW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| CBSKCCICBS | 8 | 45 mi | 334° NNW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| IONKFPX-TVION | 39 | 45 mi | 334° NNW | Good | Newton, IA |
| CWKCWI-TVCW | 23 | 46 mi | 335° NNW | Good | Ames, IA |
| FOXKDSM-TVFox | 17 | 46 mi | 335° NNW | Good | Des Moines, IA |
| ABCKTVOABC | 3 | 64 mi | 139° SE | Weak | Kirksville, MO |
| CWKYOU-TVCW | 15.4 | 67 mi | 91° E | Weak | Ottumwa, IA |
Over-the-air TV in Melcher-Dallas
Melcher-Dallas, Iowa has a population of about 1,260. Our map shows 18 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 10 full-power, 2 Class A, 4 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 9 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 4 at good or strong strength.
0 of them are within 25 miles of Melcher-Dallas, 11 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 7 are more than 45 miles out. Three of the 8 network stations in range are licensed to Des Moines, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Des Moines's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 5 (WOI-DT), CBS on channel 8 (KCCI), NBC on channel 13 (WHO-DT), Fox on channel 17 (KDSM-TV), CW on channel 23 (KCWI-TV) and ION on channel 39 (KFPX-TV). 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Melcher-Dallas
Point your antenna NNW, at about 334°. The main network towers for Melcher-Dallas sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Six network stations, WOI-DT, WHO-DT, KCCI, KFPX-TV and KCWI-TV and others, transmit from the same tower site about 45 miles northwest of Melcher-Dallas (335° NNW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Melcher-Dallas at fair strength or better, all arrive from the northwest, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Melcher-Dallas, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Melcher-Dallas
The farthest main network tower for Melcher-Dallas is KCCI (CBS), 45 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here.
KDSM-TV (Fox), 46 miles northwest, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Melcher-Dallas
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBXF-CDClass A | 32 mi | 322° NW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| K32NM-DLow power | 40 mi | 319° NW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KAJR-LDLow power | 41 mi | 2° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KCYM-LDLow power | 41 mi | 2° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KRPG-LDLow power | 41 mi | 2° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| K31PO-DTranslator | 42 mi | 357° N | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KDIN-TVFull power | 45 mi | 335° NNW | Fair | Des Moines, IA |
| KDIT-CDClass A | 46 mi | 335° NNW | Poor | Des Moines, IA |
| KDMIFull power | 46 mi | 335° NNW | Good | Des Moines, IA |
| K18GU-DTranslator | 49 mi | 112° ESE | Poor | Ottumwa, IA |
How Melcher-Dallas compares with the rest of Iowa
With 9 stations at fair strength or better, Melcher-Dallas ranks 178th of 285 places in Iowa: fewer than the typical Iowa town (11). Its nearest major network tower is 45 miles away, against a state median of 34 miles.
44% of Iowa's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Des Moines, 32 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Melcher-Dallas: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 334° NNW, the direction of KCCI (CBS), 45 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 9 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
What channel is ABC in Melcher-Dallas, IA?
ABC is on channel 5 from WOI-DT, broadcasting from 45 miles NNW of Melcher-Dallas. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Melcher-Dallas, IA?
CBS is on channel 8 from KCCI, broadcasting from 45 miles NNW of Melcher-Dallas. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Melcher-Dallas, IA?
NBC is on channel 13 from WHO-DT, broadcasting from 45 miles NNW of Melcher-Dallas. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Melcher-Dallas, IA?
Fox is on channel 17 from KDSM-TV, broadcasting from 46 miles NNW of Melcher-Dallas. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Melcher-Dallas, IA?
CW is on channel 23 from KCWI-TV, broadcasting from 46 miles NNW of Melcher-Dallas. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Melcher-Dallas?
18 transmitters within 70 miles of Melcher-Dallas; around 9 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic 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 Melcher-Dallas?
Point your antenna NNW, at about 334°. The main network towers for Melcher-Dallas sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Melcher-Dallas?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice. Picking up Fox from up to 46 miles away would take an outdoor antenna.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Melcher-Dallas?
KDSM-TV (Fox), 46 miles northwest, is the exception: the nearest listed affiliate of its network is far enough away to need an outdoor antenna. Some local stations in our data carry no network tag, so check the other stations table below before buying a bigger antenna just for that one.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Melcher-Dallas?
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 Iowa cities
- Knoxville9.5 mi
- Pleasantville11 mi
- Chariton15 mi
- Indianola19 mi
- Pella21 mi
- Monroe22 mi
- Albia26 mi
- Norwalk29 mi
- Pleasant Hill29 mi
- Osceola30 mi
- Altoona31 mi
- Oskaloosa31 mi
- Eddyville32 mi
- Des Moines32 mi
- Corydon33 mi
- Newton34 mi
- West Des Moines34 mi
- New Sharon35 mi
- Clive36 mi
- Urbandale37 mi
- Centerville39 mi
- Johnston39 mi
- Ankeny40 mi
- Winterset41 mi
More: all TV stations in Iowa · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Melcher-Dallas; signal estimates ignore terrain.