Toggle sidebar

Relatively Inexpensive Thermocouple Reader

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
Remove the Ads for LIFE - 50% Off!
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
geek with fire

geek with fire

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
Aug 5, 2007
1,089
17
Rural out-skirts of Sedalia, MO
I just saw that the company I buy my thermocouples from (ThermoWorks....the makers of ThermaPen) is selling an realatively inexpensive thermocouple reader: the Mini MTC. It sells for $39 (without the thermocouple, which will run you an additional $25-$70). More exensive than the oven thermo's we typically use, but much more versitile and accurate than the cheap thermistor type probes used in those oven thermo's.
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/handheld/mtc.html

I use their air-type thermocouple that will pick up the temperature fluctuation of a gnat fart. Very fast and very accurate: THS-113-041

I also use their SmokeHouse probe. It is an 8" long probe with a 6' stainless armour enforced lead; built like a tank: THS-113-178
High Temp Probes: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/..._hightemp.html
 
Gnat fart?
Great mother of pearl!
PDT_Armataz_01_08.gif
 
not as fast acting but what I do is take T/C wire and twist the ends then weld the tip. For air temperature it works well enough, typically temperatures do not change that quickly except for the occasional gnat fart
 
Yep, and I have several of those as well. About the best bang for the buck. But since I already have several thermocouples, especially one with an 8" probe, it's nice to have something to read them without having to drag out the laptop (yes, even us Geeks have to unplug from time to time)
 
I've looked for the "Acu-Rite" thermometer with probe on the internet and I haven't found any close to $15.00. The least I've found is $25.00 marked special sale from $39.00. Where do you purchase this meat thermometer fo $15.00?
 
got mine at HD-and geek tell me ain't true u have to unplug at times?
 
If your smoking at 225 and a dozen gnat's fart....what would the temp jump be??? :)
 
I see them for around $14.99 -$15.99 at most grocery stores in the "kitchen stuff" area. Also, last time I was in FTW, TX, I picked up another one at "Barbques Galore", just off of S 820 by Mimi's Cafe.

The model #'s I have (both) #00648.

Chaney Instrument Co.
965 S. Wells St
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(877)-221-1252

Also, Google "acurite bbq thermometors". Saw them for $16.99 to about $27.99 at several places.
 
Well I work on computers for a living. I go home and somebody's always got a computer problem for me to fix. I have a photography business on the side, which requires computers. So, yea, sometimes a guy has to unplug....I never lasts long though ;->

While I was joking (sorta') about the gnat fart, I do want to know when the temperature changes even the slightest amount. When using PID loops to control temperatures, you have to keep in mind the concept that there is a delay between an intake adjustment and the actual change in temperature. If you round off to the nearest 5 degrees or so (which is the same result you get from probes that are not sensative enough), your temperatures will bounce; like in a "bang-bang" type thermostat in an electric oven. In the grand scheme of things, I suppose it's not a big deal, but...as they say: those that can...do.
 
Geek, I know it was sort of a joke, but it was funny and I had to add my .02 in....but thinking about gnat's they come mighty big down here near the water (except for the no'seems, which have a nasty byte).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Similar threads

sweller
Hi. My name is Steve.
Replies
23
Views
2K
Roll Call
jaso
jaso

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Top Bottom
Back
Clicky