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Making aluminum tubes telescope smoothly, with good electrical conductivity?
Hi:
I am working on an extensible vertical consisting of a 6m/18ft outer aluminum tube (40mm/1.5" diameter) and an inner aluminum tube that can be extended out of it with a motor mechanism. For certain reasons the inner tube has to be substantially slimmer than the outer one, probably around 25mm/1" diameter. So, to make a reasonably tight fit I will make a narrowing "collar" at the top of the outer tube, where the inner one will emerge upwards. Furthermore, at the bottom of the inner tube I will fasten a cylinder that almost fills the outer tube, providing mechanical stability there. Sort of like a piston inside the outer tube. Thus, the mechanical connections or interfaces between the outer tube and the inner tube are at the top of the outer tube and at the bottom of the inner tube. At these key points I need to ensu a) Good electrical contact (so that antenna currents can continue from the outer tube to the extended inner tube; b) Minimal mechanical friction as the inner tube is pushed up and retracted back down. Are there any suggestions on this? What metal should I use that slides with low friction against the aluminum tube wall, does not corrode at the contact and provides good conductivity? 73 - Kris, TF3KX (http://www.simnet.is/net/tf3kx) |
#2
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Linear bearings
Check out E Bay Art wrote in message oups.com... Hi: I am working on an extensible vertical consisting of a 6m/18ft outer aluminum tube (40mm/1.5" diameter) and an inner aluminum tube that can be extended out of it with a motor mechanism. For certain reasons the inner tube has to be substantially slimmer than the outer one, probably around 25mm/1" diameter. So, to make a reasonably tight fit I will make a narrowing "collar" at the top of the outer tube, where the inner one will emerge upwards. Furthermore, at the bottom of the inner tube I will fasten a cylinder that almost fills the outer tube, providing mechanical stability there. Sort of like a piston inside the outer tube. Thus, the mechanical connections or interfaces between the outer tube and the inner tube are at the top of the outer tube and at the bottom of the inner tube. At these key points I need to ensu a) Good electrical contact (so that antenna currents can continue from the outer tube to the extended inner tube; b) Minimal mechanical friction as the inner tube is pushed up and retracted back down. Are there any suggestions on this? What metal should I use that slides with low friction against the aluminum tube wall, does not corrode at the contact and provides good conductivity? 73 - Kris, TF3KX (http://www.simnet.is/net/tf3kx) |
#3
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You might try using "NoAlox" or "Penetrox" - or some other namebrand compound between the tubes. It contains particles for 'cutting-through' the aluminum oxide insulating film that would normally form - and - would inhibit the oxidation of the aluminum. Its also a grease - encourages smooth action. (put your gloves on.) available at in the electrical depts at home centers like lowes - or at electrical supply companies. |
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