I think we need to make a course correction. Take a look at the relay implementation. I think using the FETs will be a problem even with the suggestions made. So lets take the best of both worlds.
In this circuit the actuator will retract unless told to extend by the micro. I think tou can get everything at Radio Shack.
Still doesn't make sense why it didn't work, pretty bummed out as I was excited to learn more about transistors, and I have seen plenty of working H-Bridges with firgelli linear actuators on youtube, but I will stop by Radioshack today and get the parts, post back with results if I have a chance to assemble it this weekend.
Thanks!
-Falven
I tried the Relay way, since I already have most of the parts laying around, I can definitely hear the relay go off, so that was good, however, the polarity isn't being reversed, the multimeter reads 12.38V, and goes down to 12.34V rather than negate when switched. I double checked the wiring, and everything seems ok?
Note: Two wires, one from NC on negative side and one from NC on positive side go to the 100uF cap. although it looks like they go to NO on either side.