It’s something radio nerds drool over: a huge, full Class C FM signal, nearing the 100kW at 600 meters above average terrain maximum for FM stations in the U.S.
Here’s a look at the biggest FM signals in the Upper Midwest:
Station | City | Frequency | Facility | TX site | 60 dBu radius |
KTPT | Rapid City, SD | 97.9 | 100kW/579m | Terry Peak | 91km |
KSLT | Spearfish, SD | 107.1 | 100kW/579m | Terry Peak | 91km |
KZEN | Central City, NE | 100.3 | 100kW/562m | Near Genoa | 90km |
KTWB | Sioux Falls, SD | 92.5 | 100kW/555m | Near Rowena | 90km |
KFMW | Waterloo, IA | 107.9 | 100kW/550m | Near Rowley | 90km |
WAXX | Eau Claire, WI | 104.5 | 100kW/549m | Near Fairchild | 90km |
KDRB | Des Moines, IA | 100.3 | 100kW/547m | Alleman | 89km |
KZZI | Belle Fourche, SD | 95.9 | 100kW/545m | Terry Peak | 89km |
KDDX | Spearfish, SD | 101.1 | 100kW/545m | Terry Peak | 89km |
KUNI | Cedar Falls, IA | 90.9 | 100kW/524m | Near Rowley | 88km |
KSQY | Deadwood, SD | 95.1 | 100kW/521m | Terry Peak | 88km |
KRCF | Lead, SD (CP) | 96.7 | 100kW/501m | Terry Peak | 87km |
As you can see, many of the largest signals in the region transmit from Terry Peak in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Radio nerds can drive right by the towers since Terry Peak Summit is actually an overlook open to the public.
For those not on Terry Peak, most have one thing in common: TV towers.