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I'm looking for advice on a good digital pyrometer to buy for my newly acquired used Paragon kiln. Its is a manual control Paragon E14A model, with a Kiln-Sitter model LT-3 attached. The kiln came with an analog pyrometer. This is my first kiln, and now that I'm forging out of workshop-lead fusing I'd like to understand the equipment and move beyond "novice" with using it myself.

I'd prefer to get a digital pyrometer that I can connect to a PC and run some experiments to see what the "1" or the "3" on the control dial equates to before I start firing glass. I can't figure out where to start in searching for a pyrometer - so many options. Can anyone suggest some specifics for a single thermocouple digital pyrometer? Thank you!!

If it were me, i would invest in an inexpensive controller. You can hook the pyrometer to it and combine digital output as well as a means to control your segments without bothering to know what 1, 3, or 9 do. Just set the rheostat to maximum and let the controller do the rest.

Yes, you will learn a lot about how glass performs at different temperatures and in different conditions (as I did), but it seems to me wasted time that could be spent on learning about your glass combinations.

If it were me, i would invest in an inexpensive controller. You can hook the pyrometer to it and combine digital output as well as a means to control your segments without bothering to know what 1, 3, or 9 do. Just set the rheostat to maximum and let the controller do the rest.

Yes, you will learn a lot about how glass performs at different temperatures and in different conditions (as I did), but it seems to me wasted time that could be spent on learning about your glass combinations.

Many cheap multi-meters work as pyrometers also.

this one from harborfreight $24.00 http://www.harborfreight.com/ac-dc-digi ... 37772.html



comes with a a temperature probe, this probe won't standup to kiln temps but you can easily change it to any type k thermocouples.

These work.
http://www.digitry.com/index.html

Cheaper but won't be as simple to hook up.
Plus note the pricing is in Cdn$ currently at about 20% discount to the US$, making things incredibly cheap for those with US dolllars.
http://stores.ebay.ca/rogersdini?_trksid=p2047675.l2563