JammedStab,
Selecting the ALTN gear switch drives electric motors on a gear uplock release mechanism, this also drives a cable run which operates a landing gear door safety valve (this ports both sides of the door actuator to return) and mechanically releases the internal locks with the landing gear door actuator.
With the wing gear, the operation of the electric motors is sequenced by position switches such that the motor operates to the extent that the door is unlocked and the safety valve at return position; the motor stops until the door is open and the motor restarts to release the gear uplock to drop the gear. At the completion of the cycle the motor resets the position of the system so the door safety valve is no longer ported to return.