Where can I get these switches, I can't find them on the radioshack website. Any help would be appreciated.
Reed switches are a very common electronics item, and there are several types. What is your application? These should be available at a REAL electronics store, not RadioShack
I don't know anything about these folks, but their reed switches look like those used by many burglar alarm companies... http://www.directron.com/reed1.html
Do you need latching or non latching reed switches? Both suggestions put forward are valid, depending on what you want. Latching means that the switch stays in the current setting when you remove the magnet, and is mostly used for car lighting. The non-latching reed switches are normally used in sensing applications such as for a signal system.
I've been looking at latching switches to put in locomotives to turn them off, I still run DC and would like to eliminate some blocks in my sidings and this may be my answer. Now, to find one small enough to squeeze into a couple of shays.
Here are few from a reliable vendor: http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category/700350/Reed.html Might as well pick up some other MRR related items like switches, wires, LEDs, etc. Prices are very reasonable.
Hopefully you have a surplus electronics retailer in Monterrey. These switcheds can usually be found in great numbers in the surplus stores - at prices that encourage experimentation.
