TV channels & antenna towers in Big Timber, Montana
Big Timber has 40 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS and NBC. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K36PI-D, 33 miles to the WSW.
Network channels in Big Timber
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSKBZKCBS | 7 | 45 mi | 256° WSW | Fair | Bozeman, MT |
| NBCKDBZ-CDNBC | 29 | 65 mi | 258° WSW | Poor | Bozeman, MT |
| ABCKWYB-LDABC | 18 | 65 mi | 258° WSW | Poor | Bozeman, MT |
Over-the-air TV in Big Timber
Big Timber is a small community of about 1,650 people in Montana. There are 40 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 1 full-power, 1 Class A, 8 low-power and 30 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 14 between 25 and 45 miles, and 26 farther out. Three of the 3 network stations in range are licensed to Bozeman, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Bozeman's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 18 (KWYB-LD), CBS on channel 7 (KBZK) and NBC on channel 29 (KDBZ-CD). No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KHMT in Hardin, MT, 88 miles to the east.
Which way to point your antenna in Big Timber
Point your antenna WSW, at about 257°. The main network towers for Big Timber sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KDBZ-CD (NBC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Big Timber. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Big Timber
The farthest main network tower for Big Timber is KDBZ-CD (NBC), 65 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.
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 Big Timber
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal. Showing the closest 25 of 37; see all in the finder.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K36PI-DTranslator | 33 mi | 240° WSW | Poor | Livingston, Etc., MT |
| K20KQ-DTranslator | 33 mi | 240° WSW | Poor | Livingston, Etc., MT |
| K34PL-DTranslator | 33 mi | 240° WSW | Poor | Livingston, Etc, MT |
| K32MS-DTranslator | 33 mi | 240° WSW | Poor | Livingston, MT |
| K33EA-DTranslator | 34 mi | 113° ESE | Weak | Columbus, MT |
| K09YR-DTranslator | 36 mi | 18° NNE | Poor | Harlowton, MT |
| K13BE-DTranslator | 36 mi | 18° NNE | Poor | Harlowton, MT |
| K07ZR-DTLow power | 36 mi | 18° NNE | Poor | Harlowton & Shawmut, MT |
| K24FL-DTranslator | 36 mi | 113° ESE | Poor | Columbus, MT |
| K26GL-DTranslator | 36 mi | 113° ESE | Poor | Columbus, MT |
| K15JA-DTranslator | 37 mi | 346° NNW | Poor | Harlowton, Etc, MT |
| K17KZ-DTranslator | 37 mi | 346° NNW | Poor | Harlowton, Etc, MT |
| K19JO-DTranslator | 37 mi | 346° NNW | Poor | Harlowton, Etc, MT |
| K17JP-DLow power | 40 mi | 257° WSW | Poor | Big Timber, Etc., MT |
| K09LW-DTranslator | 48 mi | 332° NNW | Poor | Martinsdale/Lennep, MT |
| K27LO-DTranslator | 50 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Emigrant, MT |
| K19JM-DTranslator | 50 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Emigrant, MT |
| K21MA-DTranslator | 50 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Emigrant, MT |
| K23LW-DTranslator | 50 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Emigrant, MT |
| K10AH-DTranslator | 50 mi | 226° SW | Poor | Emigrant, MT |
| K15LB-DTranslator | 59 mi | 146° SE | Poor | Red Lodge, MT |
| K06QN-DTranslator | 60 mi | 10° N | Poor | Judith Gap, MT |
| K04RT-DTranslator | 60 mi | 10° N | Poor | Judith Gap, MT |
| K11MP-DTranslator | 61 mi | 315° NW | Poor | White Sulphur Spring, MT |
| K06NV-DTranslator | 61 mi | 315° NW | Poor | White Sulphur Spring, MT |
How Big Timber compares with the rest of Montana
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Big Timber ranks 80th of 104 places in Montana: fewer than the typical Montana town (5). Its nearest major network tower is 45 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.
49% of Montana's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Big Timber: 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 258° WSW, the direction of KDBZ-CD (NBC), 65 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
What channel is ABC in Big Timber, MT?
ABC is on channel 18 from KWYB-LD, broadcasting from 65 miles WSW of Big Timber. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is CBS in Big Timber, MT?
CBS is on channel 7 from KBZK, broadcasting from 45 miles WSW of Big Timber. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Big Timber, MT?
NBC is on channel 29 from KDBZ-CD, broadcasting from 65 miles WSW of Big Timber. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Big Timber?
40 transmitters within 70 miles of Big Timber; 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 Big Timber?
Point your antenna WSW, at about 257°. The main network towers for Big Timber sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Big Timber?
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 Big Timber?
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 Big Timber?
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 Montana cities
More: all TV stations in Montana · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Big Timber; signal estimates ignore terrain.