Sites like QRZ.com, eHam.net, and specialized Yahoo/Groups.io forums for antenna modeling frequently feature .maa file attachments in design discussions. How to Import, Edit, and Run an .maa File
MMANA-GAL antenna files are more than just data; they are a bridge between theory and a successful contact. By mastering the use of .maa files, you save time, money, and frustration, ensuring that when you finally hoist that wire into the air, it performs exactly as intended.
Go to the Geometry tab to view the wire coordinates. Switch to the View tab to see a 3D visual rendering of the antenna. Rotate it to ensure the elements look correct. mmana-gal antenna files
with open("dipole.maa") as f: for line in f: if line.startswith(('1','2','3')): # Wire definitions # translate to NEC GW card print(f"GW tokens")
(Note: This format is tricky and prone to errors; using the GUI tables is safer, but knowing this helps you read antenna designs shared in text format). Sites like QRZ
MMANA-GAL files (ending in the .maa extension) are simple text files that contain the geometric and electrical descriptions of an antenna. Unlike complex CAD files, .maa files are lightweight and easily shared. They tell the software:
But none of this works without an .
Switch to the tab. Choose your environmental parameters:
: This is the freeware version, available for private, non-commercial use like amateur radio, hobby projects, and education. While free, it's remarkably capable, supporting models with up to 600 wires and 45,000 segments (versions 3.5+). This is generally more than enough for most home-built antennas, including complex Yagi-Uda arrays, dipoles, loops, and verticals. The file is only about 3 MB in size, and after installation, the default language is English, though community-created language packs are available for other languages. Go to the Geometry tab to view the wire coordinates
Many amateur radio clubs and independent RF engineers host collections of optimized .maa files. Popular community hubs include personal HAM radio blogs, GitHub repositories, and Yahoo/Groups replacements like Groups.io dedicated to antenna modeling. How to Create and Edit Antenna Files
If you find a design in .nec format that you want to use in MMANA-GAL, you can use online file converters or use the File > Import option in MMANA-GAL to translate the wire coordinates automatically. Best Practices for Creating Error-Free .maa Files