Glossary L

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Latching

Latching can apply to both mechanical devices and electronic circuits. An example of mechanical latching would be a push on / push off switch, see here. See also description of a latching relay. (e.g. relay)
An example of an electronic latch would be a flip-flop or bistable circuit.
A standard relay may be made self latching by supplying a current path for the coil through one of its normally open contact sets.

Layout Command Control

Layout Command Control (LCC) s a system for controlling all the functions on your layout that don’t have to do with how fast the locomotive is moving – things like signals, or sounds, or passenger car lighting. LCC is NMRANet, just under a different name. LCC is designed as a separate, generic control bus which is positioned to take the load off your throttle bus. It is a bi-directional data bus that can send and receive data. Since it is an NMRA Standard, you are not confined to one manufacturer's products. Any manufacturer can make LCC compatible devices.

Lead free

This is a change in the content of solder. Lead free solder is generally recommended due to Health and Safety considerations, but 60:40 tin:lead is preferred for electronic kits and is still available from suppliers such as Rapid Electronics.

LED

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) emit light when an electric current passes through them
\\Circuit symbol:
http://www.merg.org.uk/merg_resources/led.php
http://electronicsclub.info/leds.htm

LENZ

A German dcc system and decoder manufacturer

Lighting decoder

A DCC decoder made especially for lights for a loco or carriages.

Logic

In a model railway it is a way to do step by step sequence to make the train do what you require.
Logic
Logic Gates