If you open an .maa file, you won’t see indecipherable code. You will see a structured list of coordinates. MMANA-GAL uses the Method of Moments (MoM) to simulate antennas, which requires the antenna to be broken down into straight "wires."
# Header Antenna: Dipole Frequency: 7.1 MHz Units: Meters mmana-gal antenna files
The file tells the software:
Always verify the wire definition. Some files default to "Steal" (Steel) or Aluminum, while others use Copper. The resistivity of the metal changes the efficiency calculations. You can usually change this globally in the "Wires" tab without rewriting the geometry. If you open an
# Loads Load 1: 50 Ohms
Because an antenna file is never just a file. It is a conversation with absence. Some files default to "Steal" (Steel) or Aluminum,
Downloading an .maa file and hitting "Calculate" is easy, but getting accurate results requires watching out for these common file errors:
