In 2005, we used three stages of Igus linear bearings (Drylin?), actuated by steel cables (the setup was a lot like the left pic
here) and a winch driven by FPs with those big clunky plastic kit gearboxes. The elevator was mounted close to the center of the bot and it worked great. It was a pain to align those little sliding shuttles, but they didn't require much maintenance during competition. We fell over once, but I think that was at full extension, about 12 feet, with a very heavy grabber, after getting pushed. Look at my icon for details
