alright, I have a thermometer to put in the meat and measure the meat temp. What I do not have is a way to measure the temp of the smoker. Was looking at the links and am thinking that I may just go with the candy cane method of letting the thermometer dangle from the top vent. Do y'all have any suggestions on the thermometer i should by? Am debating whether to go to Academy tomorrow or to simply order from Amazon. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Am not ready to drill into my smoker right now.