DB, I just recently found a printed copy of an old I-10K project modeling my idea of the trombone tuner. I think the link below is the thread where I posted the information, but the post bears no interest: http://www.worldwidedx.com/threads/marconis-eznec-model-of-jays-i-10k.179524/#post-508684
Attached below is a model of my I-10K that I recently did over using the wire details from the old model noted above. This model was on my old computer that recently broke. I had to do it over on the new computer. Then the new OS failed and I had to do a reset of the computer, and that process does not save the apps I added during setup. So, I looked for the hard copies and I saved the wires, so I won't have to rebuild it from scratch.
The difference I see is in a distinctive pattern and my match is not quite as good as your model. Note the pattern produces both vertical and horizontal RF and this is the first model where I noticed horizontal show up. I do have a switch in the main screen that allows one to select all, vertical, horizontal individually or in combinations.
I did fiddle with the model earlier and produced a versions "b", but that was lost in the OS failure. Before the computer broke I tuned the antenna and got a better match, but I have to redo the model and try tuning again.
The attached "a" model noted here includes a feed line, and I think that addition lowered the gain some, but I'll have to check that. This model also shows a very narrow <2.00:1 SWR bandwidth, and I recall an earlier tweak that produced a better match and remained close to 27.205 mhz. I will try and duplicate my results and get back with a better model hopefully.
Note: I don't recall testing this model to see how it performs setting it up in Free Space, but if it shows a good Average Gain, and does not show some deformed pattern, then maybe the model has some merit.
I see one error in the model below. I did not make the wire diameter the same as the coax when I added the feed line. I will fix that and I look for that to make some difference. I also notice that we look to have the source (Feed Point) on a different wire. I added my source to the center of wire #10 with 1 segment. I'm not sure if this small wire is OK with Eznec. My model also has the radials set symmetrical and the real I-10K has the radials set a little asymmetrical.
I also see that I made the radiator into three vertical wires of the same diameter, maybe .625" or .75". I know I fixed that earlier and that too make a bit of difference to the match. Eznec does not like tapper of any kind...me thinks.
Sometime back I also posted the I-10K model on Mauldroppers to the attention of Master Chief. He cast the idea aside like dirty underwear. At the time I was reporting that IMO the model was showing us what Jay and MC always claimed...the raised radiator and the trombone tuner allowed the I-10K to perform better that other 5/8 wave, and by a noticeable difference. I am not sure weather this model is and does what it shows for the real antenna, and your model doesn't support what I see in the pattern...so I'm not sure. I do know that the trombone tuner is big component compared to other matchers, and that might make a difference.
I will also have to compare my currents to what you report for the tuner as well. I seem to recall that my model showed the tuner as one polarity throughout, but I don't remember the sign (+ -).
I will send another model later of my I-10K without a matching device added, and maybe you can compare it to your similar model. In this model I placed the source at the base of the radiator at segment #1 like you might have done.
