A few weeks ago when I was in Philadelphia, I needed a DB-9 F-F null modem cable to connect two servers together for console purposes. Figured no big deal, they should have some at Radio Shack. Turns out they didn't have any. Stopped by Circuit City, again with no luck. Graybar was able to track down a warehouse about 45 minutes away which was willing to sell us one direct (on their second attempt, the first apparently didn't have any in stock anymore), so we didn't have to order and ship it out afterwards. But I thought it was rather odd and unfortunate that nobody carried them anymore. Jump forward a couple weeks (and back in the Twin Cities), and I want to grab a 24v SPDT relay for a little furnace hacking. Again, Radio Shack doesn't have it, as their relay selection has been slimmed to around 8. I guess any electronics hacking will have to involve more planning and ordering online in the future. :(
Copyright ©2000-2008 Jeremy Mooney (jeremy-at-qux-dot-net)
I would think an autoparts store would carry the SPDT. Why 24v? That seems odd considering there are so many applications in the 6 (small vehicles), 12 (autos), and 36V (trucks) configurations. I know you said it was for your furnace but it seems quite odd that the furnace company wouldn't use a more standard voltage. On second thought diesel (dual-battery) pickups I think are 24V.