I ran across these flip-flop activated latching relay modules on eBay and was wondering if these inexpensive alternatives to an actual latching relay would be worthwhile for use with our model trains.
I checked a video on YouTube and found that once activated, the relay is held in the active state by a flip-flop so that the magnet continues to draw current (~70ma) until released. A normal latching relay does not require continuous power to maintain its state.
Although these may work well with a microprocessor, generating a brief negative pulse from a push-button may be problematic due to switch bounce.
The outputs can handle 10 amps of AC or DC power.
Here's a sample listing:
