TV channels & antenna towers in Ames, Texas
Ames has 15 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and Univision. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KWKT-TV (Fox), 30 miles to the ESE.
Network channels in Ames
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXKWKT-TVFox | 44 | 30 mi | 118° ESE | Good | Waco, TX |
| ABCKXXVABC | 25 | 30 mi | 114° ESE | Good | Waco, TX |
| CWKNCTCW | 46 | 31 mi | 117° ESE | Good | Belton, TX |
| CBSKWTX-TVCBS | 10 | 31 mi | 117° ESE | Fair | Waco, TX |
| NBCKCEN-TVNBC | 6 | 37 mi | 117° ESE | Fair | Temple, TX |
| UNIKAKW-DTUnivision | 62 | 56 mi | 193° SSW | Fair | Killeen, TX |
Over-the-air TV in Ames
Ames, Texas has a population of about 1,170. There are 15 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 6 full-power, 3 Class A and 6 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 8 between 25 and 45 miles, and 7 farther out. Three of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Waco, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Waco's stations.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 25 (KXXV), CBS on channel 10 (KWTX-TV), NBC on channel 6 (KCEN-TV), Fox on channel 44 (KWKT-TV), CW on channel 46 (KNCT) and Univision on channel 62 (KAKW-DT). Spanish-language viewers can pick up Univision (fair signal).
Which way to point your antenna in Ames
Point your antenna ESE, at about 117°. The main network towers for Ames sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Four network stations, KWKT-TV, KXXV, KNCT and KWTX-TV, transmit from the same tower site about 30 miles southeast of Ames (118° ESE). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 6 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Ames at fair strength or better, 83% arrive from the southeast; the rest are spread across one other direction.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Ames, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Ames
The farthest main network tower for Ames is KCEN-TV (NBC), 37 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
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 Ames
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPLE-CDClass A | 30 mi | 176° S | Fair | Killeen, TX |
| KAXW-LDLow power | 34 mi | 115° ESE | Weak | Mullin, TX |
| KZCZ-LDLow power | 34 mi | 115° ESE | Weak | College Station, TX |
| K12XA-DLow power | 52 mi | 320° NW | Poor | Abilene, TX |
| K22NR-DLow power | 60 mi | 329° NNW | Poor | Stephenville, TX |
| KHPZ-CDClass A | 64 mi | 174° S | Poor | Round Rock, TX |
| KHPX-CDClass A | 64 mi | 174° S | Poor | Georgetown, TX |
| K07AAF-DLow power | 64 mi | 20° NNE | Poor | Corsicana, TX |
| KGSW-LDLow power | 67 mi | 23° NNE | Poor | Keene, TX |
How Ames compares with the rest of Texas
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Ames ranks 767th of 1,039 places in Texas: fewer than the typical Texas town (14). Its nearest major network tower is 30 miles away, against a state median of 26 miles.
43% of Texas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Fort Hood, 27 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Ames: 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 117° ESE, the direction of KCEN-TV (NBC), 37 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 7 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 Ames, TX?
ABC is on channel 25 from KXXV, broadcasting from 30 miles ESE of Ames. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Ames, TX?
CBS is on channel 10 from KWTX-TV, broadcasting from 31 miles ESE of Ames. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Ames, TX?
NBC is on channel 6 from KCEN-TV, broadcasting from 37 miles ESE of Ames. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Ames, TX?
Fox is on channel 44 from KWKT-TV, broadcasting from 30 miles ESE of Ames. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CW in Ames, TX?
CW is on channel 46 from KNCT, broadcasting from 31 miles ESE of Ames. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Ames?
15 transmitters within 70 miles of Ames; around 7 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 Ames?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 117°. The main network towers for Ames sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Ames?
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.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Ames?
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.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Ames?
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 Texas cities
- Gatesville6.3 mi
- Valley Mills20 mi
- Clifton22 mi
- McGregor22 mi
- Hamilton24 mi
- Fort Hood27 mi
- Killeen28 mi
- Copperas Cove28 mi
- Meridian29 mi
- Harker Heights31 mi
- Woodway34 mi
- Hewitt35 mi
- Hico35 mi
- Belton37 mi
- Waco37 mi
- Temple39 mi
- Robinson39 mi
- Lampasas40 mi
- Bellmead40 mi
- Whitney40 mi
- Lacy-Lakeview41 mi
- West45 mi
- Goldthwaite47 mi
- Florence47 mi
More: all TV stations in Texas · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Ames; signal estimates ignore terrain.