Telescopic arm

[bootech2]

I would like to build or buy a tubular telescopic arm.  With a range from 2 feet to 10 feet.  I was thinking of using a small co2 cartridge and a solenoid.  The tubing could be aluminum or carbinfiber. If I could find tubing with a close tolerance I could mil an o-ring slot and stops for each portion. Thank for the help.

[Soeren]

Hi,

You will need at least 7 sections and it will be quite weak when fully extended.
A much stronger solution would be a scissor arm.

But... If you reveal the purpose in enough detail, perhaps alternative methods could be suggested.
What is it supposed to lift or otherwise manipulate (weight, size, form), how fast should it work, what power do you have besides CO₂ etc.

[bootech2]

The arm can be a scissor type.  The arm will have a 3"X4" RF attenuation cloth attached to the end of it and be turned by a servo or stepper motor.  The arm will be nearly vertical when deployed and need to support little weight. I don't think the arm would ever have to be more that 30 to 40 degrees off center.  Once the arm is at the correct height the arm will be rotated to postion the RF attenuation cloth.  I was also thinking of a Fire Truck latter design as well.   I have a large Smithy and other tools, so I think I can make the parts. I just figured you guys had already done this a few times one way or another.  I made one of these about 10 years ago with servos and RC aircraft landing gear.  I'm just looking for a better way and an arm I can use for more than one project.