Glossary of terms

ABC Braking is a Lenz proprietary method of halting the train at a signal or other stopping point.

Alternating current is an electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals.

A vehicle's capacity to gain speed, measured by the rate of change of velocity per unit of time.

Accessory decoders act as a translator and enabler between a DCC controller and equipment such as point motors, signals and lights on a layout. They operate in the same way as a locomotive decoder.

A metallic substance composed of two or more metals.

An Amp (short for amperes), is the unit of measurement of current in an electrical circuit. Its symbol is 'I'.

1. A 'traditional' DC controlled layout. Direction and speed are controlled by polarity and voltage respectively.
2. A multimeter using a moving needle to display the measured value.
3. Electrically, analogue describes the proportional relationship between a signal and a voltage.

A heavy-duty connector for currents upto 350A.

It is the wire winding of an electric motor, or the metal 'slug' acting as the core of a solenoid.

In electronics, a cylindrical device with wires at either end.