TV channels & antenna towers in Onida, South Dakota
Onida has 9 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 3 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K34GM-D, 29 miles to the SW.
Network channels in Onida
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCKPRY-TVABC | 4 | 45 mi | 182° S | Good | Pierre, SD |
| CWKPLO-TVCW | 6.4 | 58 mi | 162° SSE | Weak | Reliance, SD |
Over-the-air TV in Onida
With roughly 658 residents, Onida is a small community in South Dakota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 9 licensed TV transmitters: 4 full-power, 3 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 3 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 5 between 25 and 45 miles, and 4 farther out.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 4 (KPRY-TV) and CW on channel 6.4 (KPLO-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KNBN in Rapid City, SD, 163 miles to the west. No Fox affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KDLV-TV in Mitchell, SD, 105 miles to the southeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Onida. 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 Onida
Point your antenna S, at about 182°. The main network towers for Onida 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 Onida, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Onida
The farthest main network tower for Onida is KPRY-TV (ABC), 45 miles away with a good 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 Onida
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K34GM-DLow power | 29 mi | 217° SW | Weak | Pierre, SD |
| K32FW-DLow power | 29 mi | 217° SW | Weak | Pierre, SD |
| K14IO-DTranslator | 31 mi | 208° SSW | Weak | Pierre, SD |
| K27HJ-DTranslator | 31 mi | 208° SSW | Weak | Pierre, SD |
| KQSD-TVFull power | 39 mi | 5° N | Fair | Lowry, SD |
| K17KW-DLow power | 48 mi | 7° N | Poor | Gettysburg, SD |
| KTSD-TVFull power | 56 mi | 156° SSE | Fair | Pierre, SD |
How Onida compares with the rest of South Dakota
With 3 stations at fair strength or better, Onida ranks 58th of 101 places in South Dakota: fewer than the typical South Dakota town (4). Its nearest major network tower is 45 miles away, against a state median of 31 miles.
47% of South Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Onida: 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 182° S, the direction of KPRY-TV (ABC), 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 3 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 Onida, SD?
ABC is on channel 4 from KPRY-TV, broadcasting from 45 miles S of Onida. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Onida, SD?
CW is on channel 6.4 from KPLO-TV, broadcasting from 58 miles SSE of Onida. Estimated signal: weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Onida?
9 transmitters within 70 miles of Onida; around 3 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 Onida?
Point your antenna S, at about 182°. The main network towers for Onida sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Onida?
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 Onida?
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 Onida?
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 South Dakota cities
More: all TV stations in South Dakota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Onida; signal estimates ignore terrain.