TV channels & antenna towers in Cactus, Texas
Cactus has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, Fox, CW, Telemundo, Univision and MeTV. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KLDO-TV (Univision), 21 miles to the SW.
Network channels in Cactus
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIKLDO-TVUnivision | 27 | 21 mi | 218° SW | Good | Laredo, TX |
| ABCKGNS-TVABC | 8.2 | 23 mi | 226° SW | Fair | Laredo, TX |
| CWKYLX-CDCW | 13.2 | 23 mi | 226° SW | Weak | Laredo, TX |
| TLMKXNU-CDTelemundo | 10 | 23 mi | 226° SW | Weak | Laredo, TX |
| MeTVKLMV-LDMeTV | 15.1 | 28 mi | 197° SSW | Fair | Laredo, TX |
| FOXKXOF-CDFox | 31 | 28 mi | 196° SSW | Weak | Laredo, TX |
Over-the-air TV in Cactus
With roughly 2,720 residents, Cactus is a town in Texas. Our map shows 10 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 2 full-power, 4 Class A and 4 low-power. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 4 transmitters are within 25 miles, 6 between 25 and 45 miles, and 0 farther out. Six of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Laredo, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Laredo's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 8.2 (KGNS-TV), Fox on channel 31 (KXOF-CD), CW on channel 13.2 (KYLX-CD), Telemundo on channel 10 (KXNU-CD), Univision on channel 27 (KLDO-TV) and MeTV on channel 15.1 (KLMV-LD). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KZTV in Corpus Christi, TX, 108 miles to the east. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KRIS-TV in Corpus Christi, TX, 110 miles to the east. Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (weak signal) and Univision (good signal).
Which way to point your antenna in Cactus
Point your antenna SSW, at about 211°. The main network towers for Cactus sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, KGNS-TV, KYLX-CD and KXNU-CD, transmit from the same tower site about 23 miles southwest of Cactus (226° SW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Cactus, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Cactus
The farthest main network tower for Cactus is KXOF-CD (Fox), 28 miles away with a 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 Cactus
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KETF-CDClass A | 28 mi | 196° SSW | Fair | Laredo, TX |
| K16NN-DLow power | 35 mi | 185° S | Poor | Laredo, TX |
| K17OS-DLow power | 35 mi | 185° S | Poor | Laredo, TX |
| KTNR-LDLow power | 35 mi | 185° S | Poor | Laredo, TX |
How Cactus compares with the rest of Texas
With 4 stations at fair strength or better, Cactus ranks 876th of 1,039 places in Texas: fewer than the typical Texas town (14). Its nearest major network tower is 21 miles away, against a state median of 26 miles.
32% of Texas's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Laredo, 29 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Cactus: 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 196° SSW, the direction of KXOF-CD (Fox), 28 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 4 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 Cactus, TX?
ABC is on channel 8.2 from KGNS-TV, broadcasting from 23 miles SW of Cactus. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Cactus, TX?
Fox is on channel 31 from KXOF-CD, broadcasting from 28 miles SSW of Cactus. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is CW in Cactus, TX?
CW is on channel 13.2 from KYLX-CD, broadcasting from 23 miles SW of Cactus. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Telemundo in Cactus, TX?
Telemundo is on channel 10 from KXNU-CD, broadcasting from 23 miles SW of Cactus. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Univision in Cactus, TX?
Univision is on channel 27 from KLDO-TV, broadcasting from 21 miles SW of Cactus. Estimated signal: good.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Cactus?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of Cactus; around 4 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 Cactus?
Point your antenna SSW, at about 211°. The main network towers for Cactus sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Cactus?
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 Cactus?
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 Cactus?
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
More: all TV stations in Texas · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Cactus; signal estimates ignore terrain.