You can get 20 free channels in ZIP 61285 (Thomson, IL)
Measured from the U.S. Census center of ZIP 61285 · 1 channels have a Strong indoor-ready signal.
Outdoor Rooftop Directional Antenna
Signals here are mostly distant or weak. A rooftop directional antenna (with a mast preamp) gives you the best shot at reliable HD.
🧭 Broadcast Tower Compass — Which Way to Point Your Antenna
Each dot is a local TV tower relative to your center point (● Green = Strong, ● Blue = Moderate, ● Amber = Weak).
Primary Aim Direction: SSW (214°)
Place your indoor antenna near a window or exterior wall facing SSW (214°), or aim your attic/rooftop antenna toward that compass bearing for the strongest signal lock.
After placing or moving your antenna, always run a fresh TV channel rescan.
Channel Lineup & Tower Directions for ZIP 61285
Sorted with Strong signals and major broadcast networks first. Channel is the virtual channel number your TV displays; Band / RF Ch. is the actual radio frequency that determines whether you need a VHF-capable antenna. How we calculate signals.
| Channel | Network | Station | Distance | Point Antenna | Band / RF Ch. | Estimated Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | CBS | WHBF-TV Rock Island, IL · Full Power | 37.0 mi | SSW (214°) | Low VHF RF 4 | ● Strong — Indoor OK |
| 6 | NBC | KWQC-TV Davenport, IA · Full Power | 37.0 mi | SSW (214°) | UHF RF 17 | ● Moderate — Window / High Indoor |
| 8 | ABC | WQAD-TV Moline, IL · Full Power | 49.5 mi | SSW (198°) | UHF RF 31 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 13 | NBC | WREX Rockford, IL · Full Power | 48.0 mi | ENE (64°) | High VHF RF 13 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 18 | FOX | KLJB Davenport, IA · Full Power | 49.5 mi | SSW (198°) | UHF RF 30 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 12 | PBS | KIIN Iowa City, IA · Full Power | 67.5 mi | WSW (254°) | High VHF RF 12 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| – | Local / LPTV | W27EJ-D Sterling, IL · Low Power | 25.4 mi | ESE (105°) | UHF RF 27 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 40 | Local / LPTV | KFXB-TV Dubuque, IA · Full Power | 45.5 mi | NW (323°) | UHF RF 14 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 53 | Local / LPTV | WMWC-TV Galesburg, IL · Full Power | 49.5 mi | SSW (198°) | High VHF RF 8 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 24 | Educational | WQPT-TV Moline, IL · Full Power | 49.5 mi | SSW (198°) | UHF RF 23 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 19 | Local / LPTV | WSLN Freeport, IL · Full Power | 51.2 mi | ENE (66°) | High VHF RF 9 | ▲ Weak — Outdoor / Attic |
| 17 | ABC | WTVO Rockford, IL · Full Power | 50.9 mi | ENE (66°) | UHF RF 16 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 3 | CBS | WISC-TV Madison, WI · Full Power | 78.5 mi | NNE (21°) | High VHF RF 11 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 7 | NBC | KWWL Waterloo, IA · Full Power | 94.4 mi | WNW (288°) | High VHF RF 7 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 39 | FOX | WQRF-TV Rockford, IL · Full Power | 50.9 mi | ENE (66°) | UHF RF 36 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 47 | FOX | WMSN-TV Madison, WI · Full Power | 78.5 mi | NNE (21°) | UHF RF 18 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 36 | PBS | KQIN Davenport, IA · Full Power | 49.5 mi | SSW (198°) | UHF RF 34 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 26 | CW | KGCW Burlington, IA · Full Power | 48.5 mi | SSW (199°) | UHF RF 21 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 20 | CW | KWKB Iowa City, IA · Full Power | 68.0 mi | WSW (255°) | UHF RF 25 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
| 59 | MyNetworkTV | WTVK Oswego, IL · Full Power | 77.0 mi | SE (129°) | High VHF RF 10 | ○ Fringe — Deep Outdoor |
Closest city guide: Thomson, IL Free TV Channels (2.0 mi from ZIP 61285 center) · Browse all Illinois cities & ZIPs.
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