Oh boy.. are we not using the same battery that should be running everything else to run the uno?
Also, not familiar with resistors, what would be their purpose and how would I incorporate them?
Again- my knowledge of all this is somewhere in the neighborhood of a kindergarten level.
Maybe, maybe not. What information do you have about the battery?
A normal fully charged 12V Li-ion battery can be as high as 12.6V with a nominal voltage of 11.1V. With a diode beween the battery and Uno that will be OK.
Here is a good tutorial on using push buttons, same applies to toggle switches.
You should try the code and circuits.
This is the battery I am using. Ideally, I would like to use this battery to power the entire system.
So, if I am following, a resistor limits or "resists against" the flow of electrical currents between two points. (Hence the name "resistor") - add another dumb question to the tally.
Not sure if the BMS circuit in that battery could be damaged when used with the cytron 20A driver. Cytron recommends using a Lead Acid battery.
Due to size restrictions and required runtime, this is the battery I need to use for this setup. If we start to see issues with the battery then we can reassess
It's an expensive battery, once it burns out, it's into the recycle bin
If you still want to use it then I recomment using a shunt regulator
You will also need a buck converter to supply power to the Uno. A 9V or adjustable output will work.
Ok on that note, can you elaborate on how we will connect the power supply to the uno? I know we will run the 12v through the buck converter to the uno but how will the buck converter and the uno be connected? can that be done with simple wiring or will I need a usb connector?
You should read all the documentation for the Uno so you will be familiar with the board.
There are two way of connecting external power, through the barrel jack or to the Vin pin and GND.
Got it. Thanks for the info.
Hi, @debugdoug
Is the run time so the pulley only moves a certain length of "rope" over it.
If so what happens when the load changes and the pulley speed changes?
Possibly elaborate more on your project.
Thanks... Tom.... 
Yes. It's essentially acting as a winch. The load on the cable will only change minimally during the cycle and the runtime is calculated to account for that.
For example: 100 RPM motor will operate at ~75-80 RPMs under load at maximum capacity. length of pull is then determined by drum diameter of spool and run time duration.
Hi, @debugdoug
Why don't you measure the rotation of the pulley, then any speed can be used.
How will you establish initial position when you first power up?
Tom....
I know the rotation of the pulley and what length will be pulled in one rotation of the pulley. I also know how much length I need to pull in one forward and reverse cycle. Speed matters because the speed at which the cable is traveling is critical. Initial position won't matter as long as the system will run from the beginning of the loop each time it is powered up.
Have you heard that stuff needs to accelerate and decelerate? Speed is irrelevant, but the total time is.
Agree. The acceleration/deceleration rates are unknown currently, but once the setup is built out and complete, total time can be adjusted if necessary.