* 2m J-Pole antenna for 146 MHz C author=K6XYZ, 2024-03-15 C frequency (MHz)=146.0 C wire_diameter_mm=3.0 C material=Copper C design_notes: Long section 1.5m, short section 0.5m, spacing 0.1m C wire_number=3 *---------- Geometry ---------- 'wire' 1: 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 1.500, 0.003, -1 'wire' 2: 0.000, 0.100, 0.000, 0.000, 0.100, 0.500, 0.003, -1 'wire' 3: 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.100, 0.000, 0.003, -1 'feed' 1: 1, 1, 1, 50.0 *---------- End --------------
You rarely need to design an antenna from scratch. The MMANA-GAL community has generated thousands of verified files for almost every antenna geometry imaginable. 1. The Built-In MMANA-GAL Library
: Studying a complex file—like a multi-band Yagi or a Moxon—is the best way to learn how professional-grade antennas are actually constructed. Where to Find Quality MMANA-GAL Files
Instead of relying on heavy graphical formats, MMANA-GAL uses simple text coordinates and variables. When you open an .maa file, the software reads this text and reconstructs a 3D wireframe model of the antenna, calculates its currents, and simulates its radiation pattern, SWR (Standing Wave Ratio), and gain.
An intuitive interface compared to older NEC engines. mmana-gal antenna files
The title of the antenna and a comment line (indicated by * ). Line 3: The design frequency in megahertz (14.15 MHz).
: If you move your MMANA-GAL folder, ensure your antenna files stay within the subdirectory to keep the built-in file browser organized. from scratch in a new file?
Klaus, DL7APV, hosts one of the largest archives of MMANA-GAL models online. You’ll find everything from a simple dipole to complex 5-element Yagis for 144 MHz.
Placing a source on a segment that does not exist or at a joint where multiple wires intersect can crash the calculation engine. * 2m J-Pole antenna for 146 MHz C
Below is a breakdown of the file structure, plus tips on creating and sharing good antenna files.
When you open an example antenna file from the library, it's important to note that these files are typically read-only in their original location. To edit and save changes, you should use File > Save As to create a new copy in a separate directory.
Always back up your original .maa file before optimization. The optimizer can produce unrealistic results (e.g., negative wire lengths) if constraints aren’t set correctly.
Because they are plain text, .maa files are incredibly lightweight (usually only a few kilobytes) and can be easily shared via email, forums, or edited manually in a text editor like Notepad. The Internal Anatomy of an .maa File The Built-In MMANA-GAL Library : Studying a complex
It's important to know that the current demo version of GAL-ANA is restricted. It can open and calculate .gaa files but cannot edit them. Also, while it can read MMANA-GAL’s .maa and 4nec2’s .nec files, it cannot always run the models perfectly, and it will ultimately save them in its new .gaa format. So, for now, MMANA-GAL remains the go-to tool for creating and editing antenna designs.
The script then formats these coordinates into the standard .maa plain-text structure and saves the file directly. Troubleshooting Common File Errors
| File Extension | Full Name | Primary Purpose | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Antenna Description | The core antenna model containing wires, sources, loads, and all geometric and electrical data. | | .mab | Calculation Results | Stores the results of a calculation run, including impedance, SWR, and other performance data. | | .mao | Optimization File | Stores parameters and goals for the built-in optimizer to automatically refine antenna designs. | | .csv | Comma-Separated Values | Exports data such as current tables, near-field data, or far-field gain patterns for external analysis. |
If you are currently working on a specific antenna design, tell me: What are you targeting?
A good file is . Follow these guidelines: