When you download and install MMANA-GAL, it comes pre-packaged with hundreds of antenna files. Look inside the ANT folder within your MMANA-GAL installation directory. You will find neatly categorized folders containing files for:
An typically uses the .maa extension (though older versions may use .txt or .ant ). These files are plain text, meaning you can open them in Notepad or any code editor to manually tweak parameters.
– A commercial fork appeared with more features (NEC-4 support, 3D CAD import) but at $149. The free version remained, but development stopped.
The complete story today is one of .
If you open a .maa file in a text editor (like Notepad), you’ll see rows of data. While the GUI handles this for you, understanding the structure is helpful: mmana-gal antenna files
Select your targets (e.g., minimize SWR, maximize Gain, or maximize Front-to-Back ratio). Choose the elements/wires you want the software to change.
A single .maa file stores:
Why not just draw the antenna from scratch every time? Because save time and reduce errors.
Go to the tab to set your ground type and material (e.g., copper, aluminum). File > Save As to generate your .maa file. Method B: Scripting and Text Editing When you download and install MMANA-GAL, it comes
Always save your baseline model before running an optimization phase. Maintain a naming convention like Yagi_3el_Baseline.maa and Yagi_3el_Optimized_14_15MHz.maa . Conclusion
Many well-known antenna designers (such as DK7ZB or G3TXQ) historically provided .maa or .nec files for their high-gain designs.
The true power of an MMANA-GAL antenna file lies in your ability to tweak it for your specific operating environment. Adjusting for Local Wire Gauge
Search for *.maa files on GitHub or ask in the QRZ Modeling forum. Many users share files for specific bands like 160m or 6m. These files are plain text, meaning you can
Unlike commercial simulators (NEC-Win, EZNEC), MMANA-GAL files were plain text with minimal headers. You could edit them in Notepad. They were tiny (1–10 KB). They loaded instantly. They were free .
The birthplace of the software software, hosting legacy archives.
Do not mix incredibly long wires with ultra-short wires in a single model unless you adjust segments manually. Sharp changes in segment lengths confuse the MININEC engine.
Ensure that connected wires share the exact same X, Y, Z coordinate down to the decimal point. If they miss each other by even 1 millimeter, the software treats them as disconnected, open circuits.
MMANA-GAL primarily interacts with two specific file extensions. Each serves a distinct purpose in the simulation workflow: