thats great thanks,
but my lifter has to be locked open so the robot can be fastened to the carry frame but, ie if the lifter is down it covers up a bolt used to secure the robot to the carry frame so i cannot get to it. but ive got an idea thanks for the help.

one more thing, is it a must have to have micro switches to cut out the power to the actuator at its max and min lenght of travel?? woody says its best to but i cant fit in one for the max travel as its impossible.

im off to do some welding and to make a bar to keep the lifter open,as the day of the event gets closer more works needs doing lol

thanks calum