69MyWay,

Sounds like you’re planning out the work for your next project I know that the idea of using an electric actuator for electronic shifting is legitimate, because the Mooneyes folks have a fully developed product based upon this technology. It sounds like you’re familiar with how the actuators work, and you just need to fully develop your idea with appropriate shift “stops” and all of the safety features incorporated.

If you use the brake light circuit as the prerequisite for engaging reverse, why not use a normally open switch (powered by the brake light circuit) in series with the reverse circuit so the reverse circuit is only closed when the brakes are applied....

Here are a couple of links about the Mooneyes “Smart Shift” product.

http://66.216.94.142/

http://www.semaphotos.com/winners.html

Good luck,
Dan J