TV channels & antenna towers in Ely, Minnesota
Ely has 8 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and NBC. About 0 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K22MR-D, 42 miles to the SW.
Network channels in Ely
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBCKRIINBC | 11 | 50 mi | 267° W | Weak | Chisholm, MN |
| ABCWIRT-DTABC | 13 | 62 mi | 235° SW | Poor | Hibbing, MN |
Over-the-air TV in Ely
Ely, Minnesota has a population of about 3,410. There are 8 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 3 full-power and 5 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, none are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 7 farther out.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 13 (WIRT-DT) and NBC on channel 11 (KRII). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KCCW-TV in Walker, MN, 138 miles to the southwest. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KQDS-TV in Duluth, MN, 78 miles to the south. 1 full-power station in range has no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Ely
Point your antenna WSW, at about 251°. The main network towers for Ely sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
WIRT-DT (ABC) and KRII (NBC) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Ely. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Ely
The farthest main network tower for Ely is WIRT-DT (ABC), 62 miles away with a very 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 stations near Ely
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K22MR-DTranslator | 42 mi | 227° SW | Poor | Virginia, MN |
| K34LJ-DTranslator | 61 mi | 301° WNW | Poor | Kabetogama, MN |
| K36LA-DTranslator | 61 mi | 301° WNW | Poor | Kabetogama, MN |
| K32JZ-DTranslator | 61 mi | 301° WNW | Poor | Kabetogama, MN |
| WRPTFull power | 62 mi | 235° SW | Poor | Hibbing, MN |
| K15GT-DTranslator | 62 mi | 235° SW | Poor | Hibbing, MN |
How Ely compares with the rest of Minnesota
With 0 stations at fair strength or better, Ely ranks 369th of 371 places in Minnesota: fewer than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 50 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
33% of Minnesota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Ely: 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 235° SW, the direction of WIRT-DT (ABC), 62 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
What channel is ABC in Ely, MN?
ABC is on channel 13 from WIRT-DT, broadcasting from 62 miles SW of Ely. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is NBC in Ely, MN?
NBC is on channel 11 from KRII, broadcasting from 50 miles W of Ely. Estimated signal: weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Ely?
8 transmitters within 70 miles of Ely; 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 Ely?
Point your antenna WSW, at about 251°. The main network towers for Ely sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Ely?
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 Ely?
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 Ely?
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 Minnesota cities
- Babbitt14 mi
- Hoyt Lakes29 mi
- Aurora31 mi
- Gilbert40 mi
- Virginia41 mi
- Parkville42 mi
- Mountain Iron44 mi
- Eveleth44 mi
More: all TV stations in Minnesota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Ely; signal estimates ignore terrain.