I got enough cord to try it out and ended up returning indoors :/
the missing part is a button. in case it works. if it doesn't, all I need is a good spool affixed to it.
switches are tempting but could result in me being physically wound around a spool. so, buttons are preferred here.
I can also simply unite two exposed wires to turn it on.
it's helpful to have very long wires. I may also have power relays somewhere if thinner wire is helpful.