diff --git a/libraries/AP_Scripting/examples/winch-test.lua b/libraries/AP_Scripting/examples/winch-test.lua
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..857e62c48b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libraries/AP_Scripting/examples/winch-test.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+-- mount-test.lua: allows the winch to be deployed or retracted at a fixed speed using an auxiliary switch
+--
+-- How To Use
+--   1. set RCx_OPTION to 300 to enable controlling the winch rate from an auxiliary switch
+--   2. optionally set WINCH_RATE_UP to the fixed retract speed (in m/s)
+--   3. optionally set WINCH_RATE_DN to the fixed deploy speed (in m/s)
+--   4. raise the RC auxiliary switch to retract the winch's line
+--   5. lower the RC auxiliary switch to deploy the winch's line
+--   6. center the RC auxiliary switch to stop the winch
+-- Alternatively a servo *output* can be used in place of the auxiliary switch input by setting WINCH_SRV_SRC_FN to match a servo channel's function.  For example
+--   a. set SERVO10_FUNCTION = 28 (Gripper)
+--   b. set WINCH_SRV_SRC_FN to 28
+--   c. use Mission Planner's Data screen's Servo/Relay tab to set the SERVO10 output to Low, Mid or High values
+--   Note: the full list of SERVOx_FUNCTION values that will work are 0:None, 1:Manual, 22:SprayerPump, 23:SprayerSpinner, 28/Gripper, 51:RCIN1 to 66:RCIN16
+--
+
+-- global definitions
+local UPDATE_INTERVAL_MS = 100
+
+-- add new parameters
+local PARAM_TABLE_KEY = 80
+assert(param:add_table(PARAM_TABLE_KEY, "WINCH_", 3), "could not add param table")
+assert(param:add_param(PARAM_TABLE_KEY, 1, "RATE_UP", 0.5), "could not add WINCH_RATE_UP param")
+assert(param:add_param(PARAM_TABLE_KEY, 2, "RATE_DN", 2), "could not add WINCH_RATE_DN param")
+assert(param:add_param(PARAM_TABLE_KEY, 3, "SRV_SRC_FN", -1), "could not add WINCH_SRV_SRC_FN param")
+
+local winch_rate_up = Parameter("WINCH_RATE_UP")
+local winch_rate_dn = Parameter("WINCH_RATE_DN")
+local winch_srv_src_fn = Parameter("WINCH_SRV_SRC_FN")
+
+-- local variables and definitions
+local last_rc_switch_pos = -1   -- last known rc switch position.  Used to detect change in RC switch position
+
+-- the main update function
+function update()
+
+  local rc_switch_pos = 1   -- default to middle position
+
+  -- check if servo output is used (as an input)
+  if winch_srv_src_fn:get() > 0 then
+    if not SRV_Channels:find_channel(winch_srv_src_fn:get()) then
+      gcs:send_text(3, string.format("Winch: SERVOx_FUNCTION = %d not found", winch_srv_src_fn:get()))    -- MAV_SEVERITY_ERROR
+      return update, 10000  -- check again in 10 seconds
+    end
+    local output_pwm = SRV_Channels:get_output_pwm(winch_srv_src_fn:get())
+    if output_pwm <= 0 then
+      -- servo output all zero so ignore
+      return update, UPDATE_INTERVAL_MS
+    end
+    if output_pwm <= 1300 then
+      rc_switch_pos = 0   -- LOW
+    elseif output_pwm >= 1700 then
+      rc_switch_pos = 2   -- HIGH
+    end
+  else
+    -- find RC channel used to control winch
+    local rc_switch_ch = rc:find_channel_for_option(300) --scripting ch 1
+    if (rc_switch_ch == nil) then
+      gcs:send_text(3, "Winch: RCx_OPTION = 300 not set")    -- MAV_SEVERITY_ERROR
+      return update, 10000  -- check again in 10 seconds
+    end
+
+    -- get RC switch position
+    rc_switch_pos = rc_switch_ch:get_aux_switch_pos()
+  end
+
+  -- initialise RC switch at startup
+  if last_rc_switch_pos == -1 then
+    last_rc_switch_pos = rc_switch_pos
+  end
+
+  -- check if user has moved RC switch
+  if rc_switch_pos == last_rc_switch_pos then
+    return update, UPDATE_INTERVAL_MS
+  end
+  last_rc_switch_pos = rc_switch_pos
+
+  -- set winch rate based on switch position
+  if rc_switch_pos == 0 then -- LOW, deploy winch line
+    local rate_dn = math.abs(winch_rate_dn:get())
+    winch:set_desired_rate(rate_dn)
+    gcs:send_text(6, string.format("Winch: lowering at %.1f m/s", rate_dn))
+  end
+  if rc_switch_pos == 1 then -- MIDDLE, stop winch
+    winch:set_desired_rate(0)
+    gcs:send_text(6, "Winch: stopped")
+  end
+  if rc_switch_pos == 2 then -- HIGH, retract winch line
+    local rate_up = math.abs(winch_rate_up:get())
+    winch:set_desired_rate(-rate_up)
+    gcs:send_text(6, string.format("Winch: raising at %.1f m/s", rate_up))
+  end
+
+  return update, UPDATE_INTERVAL_MS
+end
+
+return update()