An electronically controlled solenoid assembly comprising: a switching regulator having an input power connection , an input switching connection , and an output signal connection ; a solenoid including a solenoid coil electrically connected to the output signal connection of the switching regulator , the solenoid electrically actuable between an extended position and a pull-in position of a plunger biased towards the extended position by a spring , wherein a distance between the extended position and the pull-in position is at least about 1⁄4 inches and a pull-in force of the solenoid exceeds about 14 pounds (6,35 kg); an output level switch electrically connected to the input switching connection and the output signal connection of the switching regulator ; a timer electrically connected to an output of the switching regulator and an input of the output level switch , the timer configured to, a predetermined time after sensing a signal on the output of the switching regulator , generate a signal at the output of the output level switch , thereby causing the output level switch to generate a hold signal at the input switching connection of the switching regulator ; wherein, upon receiving the hold signal at the input switching connection , the switching regulator causes an output signal on the output signal connection to switch from a switching level to a hold level, wherein the switching level is at a first signal value having a first voltage value and a first current value and the hold level is at a second signal value having a second voltage value and a second current value, and wherein the first voltage value is higher than the second voltage value and the first current value is higher than the second current value; wherein the second signal value has a magnitude sufficient to maintain the solenoid in the pull-in position but lower than is required to actuate the solenoid from the extended position to the pull-in position. a switching regulator having an input power connection , an input switching connection , and an output signal connection ; a solenoid including a solenoid coil electrically connected to the output signal connection of the switching regulator , the solenoid electrically actuable between an extended position and a pull-in position of a plunger biased towards the extended position by a spring , wherein a distance between the extended position and the pull-in position is at least about 1⁄4 inches and a pull-in force of the solenoid exceeds about 14 pounds (6,35 kg); an output level switch electrically connected to the input switching connection and the output signal connection of the switching regulator ; a timer electrically connected to an output of the switching regulator and an input of the output level switch , the timer configured to, a predetermined time after sensing a signal on the output of the switching regulator , generate a signal at the output of the output level switch , thereby causing the output level switch to generate a hold signal at the input switching connection of the switching regulator ; wherein, upon receiving the hold signal at the input switching connection , the switching regulator causes an output signal on the output signal connection to switch from a switching level to a hold level, wherein the switching level is at a first signal value having a first voltage value and a first current value and the hold level is at a second signal value having a second voltage value and a second current value, and wherein the first voltage value is higher than the second voltage value and the first current value is higher than the second current value; wherein the second signal value has a magnitude sufficient to maintain the solenoid in the pull-in position but lower than is required to actuate the solenoid from the extended position to the pull-in position. <EOS>