[echin]

3467 has used steel cables for the last two years on major mechanisms. Last year, we used a single .125" (I think) steel cable to lift the robot in our climbing arm, so .125" should be strong enough for use in a telescoping arm. We haven't really had a problem with cables winding on the winch spools; they seem to naturally spool in a reasonably orderly fassion (we do use pulleys to make sure the cable comes in at a consistent angle).