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infrared thermometer for measuring compost temperature?

 
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Hi all,

Does anyone have any comments on using an infrared thermometer instead of a probe for monitoring compost temps? I'm in a rental in a city I'm leaving before too long and can't justify the cost of a probe (pricey in Australia) for my 20 by 20 foot garden. Not sure I fancy another DIY project to add to the long list either. Any comments appreciated...
 
steward
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Location: Currently in Lake Stevens, WA. Home in Spokane
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The infra red thermometers would only measure the surface of the pile.
The probe thermometer is designed to take internal temperatures...at the hottest part of the pile.

 
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Location: Austin, Tx
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I've heard good things about this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Compost-Thermometer-Composting-Fahrenheit-Temperature/dp/B00KXAGST4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446581929&sr=8-1&keywords=compost+pile+thermometer
 
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Location: Central Oklahoma (zone 7a)
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I wonder how people managed to compost successfully in the days before instrumentation was an option? Dug a small hole and stuck their hand in it, I'm guessing.
 
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Location: Ontario zone 4
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Using the outdoor probe of a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer worked well for me and can be fairly cost effective.
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Sensor & wire taped to a wooden dowel.
 
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