Yes the extended radials did fix the phase issue. The full radiator length for the S4 is now in phase with the bottom radiator, the radials, and the top of the mast. No cancellation noted on the Sigma4, but the angle is about 10* degrees and that was set by the diameter for the hoop, not by me.
When I modeled this part of the antenna, I had to set the hoop first, to the spec's diameter. Then I extend the radials between the base bracket I built and out to the proper segment junction on the hoop. It is not an easy process or I would fix the S4 model to show the radials at 30* degrees...like you suggested and see what happens.
Thus, you're right, the S4 model appears to work about the same without the hoop, but you have to extend the radials. The radial angle looks to work out to 8.8888' feet to bring the model back to a similar pattern for the hoop model, and this task was just trial and error tweaking. I wish I could model the gamma match, and then maybe I could really check this all out by comparing match and resonance.
The no hoop model does show 4.38 vs. 4.61 gain for the S4 with a hoop, so I can only guess there is a little less current flowing in the radiator for the no hoop model, but the phase for each is very close to the same.
I don't think Jgar will likely be successful with such a modification unless he does some serious fabricating to the radials if he were to go up in angle. I don't think 30 degrees above the horizon will get it.
Added note: I did go back and compare the currents and the "no hoop" model has slightly less current in all parts of the radiator, and more in the radials and mast.
