TV channels & antenna towers in Porcupine, South Dakota
Porcupine has 6 TV transmitters within 70 miles. About 2 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K10PS-D, 20 miles to the SW.
Over-the-air TV in Porcupine
With roughly 1,060 residents, Porcupine is a small community in South Dakota. Our map shows 6 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 2 full-power and 4 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 2 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 4 farther out.
No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KPRY-TV in Pierre, SD, 126 miles to the northeast. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KGWC-TV in Casper, WY, 207 miles to the west. 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 Porcupine
The nearest towers around Porcupine are in different directions: K10PS-D 218° SW (20 mi), KZSD-TV 71° ENE (41 mi) and K06JC-D 229° SW (45 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
All of the nearest towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Porcupine, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Porcupine
The farthest of the closest towers for Porcupine is K06JC-D, 45 miles away with a very weak 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 TV stations near Porcupine
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K10PS-DTranslator | 20 mi | 218° SW | Poor | Pine Ridge, SD |
| KZSD-TVFull power | 41 mi | 71° ENE | Fair | Martin, SD |
| K06JC-DTranslator | 45 mi | 229° SW | Poor | Chadron, NE |
| KRNE-TVFull power | 50 mi | 141° SE | Fair | Merriman, NE |
| K06KR-DTranslator | 67 mi | 234° SW | Poor | Crawford, NE |
| K36NX-DTranslator | 67 mi | 302° WNW | Poor | Pringle, SD |
How Porcupine compares with the rest of South Dakota
With 2 stations at fair strength or better, Porcupine ranks 68th of 101 places in South Dakota: fewer than the typical South Dakota town (4).
47% of South Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Porcupine: 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 229° SW, the direction of K06JC-D, 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 2 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 Porcupine?
6 transmitters within 70 miles of Porcupine; around 2 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 Porcupine?
The nearest towers around Porcupine are in different directions: K10PS-D 218° SW (20 mi), KZSD-TV 71° ENE (41 mi) and K06JC-D 229° SW (45 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Porcupine?
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. The towers are spread over about 159° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Porcupine?
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 Porcupine?
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.
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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 Porcupine; signal estimates ignore terrain.