When the radio is turned on, voltage is applied from the radio through to the radio power antenna internal relay coil. The relay contacts close, and battery voltage is applied to the motor. Terminal B of the motor is grounded through the up switch and the relay contacts. The motor drives the antenna mast up. When the antenna is at its full height, the up switch opens and the motor stops.

When the radio or ignition switch is turned off, voltage is removed from the relay coil. The relay contacts open, applying battery voltage to the motor. The motor terminal A is now grounded. The down switch at the antenna now has voltage applied through the relay, and the voltage of the motor has reversed polarity. It runs in the opposite direction, retracting the antenna mast.

At the end of the antenna's travel, the down switch opens and breaks the current flow. Both sets of switches are now in the places shown in the schematic, the radio is off, and the antenna mast is down.

The antenna is connected to the radio by coaxial cable.