How are the actuation cables in multi-stage telescoping lifts tensioned?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

We would put a wire tie around the lift string and hold it tensioned (to the side) with surgical tubing. That gave a shock relief to the assembly when it ran into a mechanical stop as well.

[sanddrag]

968 used a bungee cord between the carriage and the down wire rope.

[MichaelBick]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

968 used a bungee cord between the carriage and the down wire rope.

It looks like 254 did the same using a spring on slipstream.

http://media.team254.com/2012/08/slipstream.jpg

With cascade there is usually not a problem. From what I've sent eh more popular solution with cascaded elevators is chain, belts, or rack/pinion, which either isn't prone to losing tension or can easily be tensioned using a method other than a spring.