a portable telescopic mast assembly with positive retraction for raising and lowering an associated device includes an outer body and a plurality of mast sections slideably engaged with the outer body . a lifting cable is disposed between the plurality of mast sections . the lifting cable operatively connects the plurality of mast sections so as to urge one or more of the mast sections towards an extended position . the lifting cable includes a first end and a second end , the first end being secured to an inner most mast section of the plurality of mast sections . a retraction cable is disposed at least partially inside the outer body . the retraction cable includes a first end and a second end , the first end being secured to the inner most mast section . a winch is secured to the outer body . the winch includes a first output and a second output , the second end of the lifting cable operatively connected to the first output and the second end of the retraction cable operatively connected to the second output .