Digital "stick" thermometer from Dick Smith about 6-7 years ago. Has a K type thermocouple probe with it. Still use it but since then I got a couple of 4 inch dial (with 6 inch) probe thermometers (analogue) from "Onetemp" in Melbourne. They are fixed into mash tun and HLT.
I bought one of these off eBay and pulled it apart and extended the probe with some wire to immerse deeply in the mash. It's about 4 high in it's reading which is irritating but again for 99 cents and $12 postage you can't complain too hard I'm looking at a workplace redundant data logger/ computer interface that accepts up to 8 thermocouples to pull my system together a bit more neatly. The peltier heated/ cooled Ferment fridge has a cheap Tricky Dicky inside/ outside probe for monitoring however I use a Oatley Electronics Peltier Controller to keep my temp stable inside Jaycar and Altronics have digi multimeters with temp probes for about $20 which is where I would go for other alternative measurement.
Cheers
Doug
I use a temp reading DMM from Jaycar with a K-type thermocouple. I just shoved the probe into a 40cm length of 6mm OD copper tubing and soldered the end shut.
Takes a couple of secs to get to the correct temp but works like a charm and is easy to move completely around the mash. Only problem is it confirms my fears and reveals temp shifts of up to 2-3 degrees in the mash.
I like the old days of what I don't know not hurting me. :lol:
I am the same I use a DMM with a K-tpe probe from Jaycar. Havnt done my first AG just yet but have collected most items just waiting to buy a kettle now