[Steve Chryssos]

Don't do it. The transmission computer is the heart of the system--not the paddle shifter. The paddle shifter is just an input device like a keyboard or mouse. Electronically actuated shift solenoids and line pressure solenoids are the only way to ensure quick, predictable and repeatable shifts. With an electronic trans, shifts will always happen in .5 sec or less. With a pre-electronic trans, you will tap a paddle and the shift may or may not occur in a timely manner depending on the mechanical, non-adjustable shift programming in the transmission. It could take up to 3 seconds. It looks like this:
Pre-Electronic Trans:
1) Tap paddle to send signal
2) Move mechanical arm on side of the trans
3) Move fluid thru valve body circuitry and rely on vacuum, counterweights, springs and other doo-kickeys (aka slushbox)
What happens if that mechanical arm jams or fails? Connecting an electronic paddle shifter to a pre-electronic trans is like trying to plug a Logitech mouse into a typewriter.

Electronic Trans:
1) Tap paddle to send signal
2) Electronically hit solenoids based on 100% electronic parameters such as TPS, rpm and vehicle speed sensors.
That's it. The computer processes data in milliseconds. There are no mechanical parts to jam or fail.

Furthermore, the computer software has crucial reliability and safety functions that prevent shifting under the wrong circumstances. One example: When coming to a full stop, the TCI controller will automatically reset the trans to 1st gear. This way you don't burn your trans up by leaving in high gear. I sincerely hope that the other thing has some sort of downshift prevention. Otherwise, you could downshift too far at 100mph. Very bad. Without some sort of TPS/VSS/RPM input, I don't see how that design can prevent that from happening. Blown engines, blown transmission and dead customers are bad for business.
There are countless reasons why the OE's apply manumatic technology to electronic transmissions ONLY. Likewise, we (Twist Machine, LLC) absolutely, positively refuse to build a linear actuator motored paddle shifter. It's ineffective and potentially dangerous.

It may be tempting -- but don't do it.