Thanks for all the suggestions to get my temp probe to fit into the vent of my Smokette. Got it in today without too much trouble - straightening a little, pulling from inside - and its working just fine.
I have a corned beef in there now using the Pastrami directions found in the forum. Looking for success #4 with this recipe. First cook was strip steaks (I needed instant gratification after waiting three days for rain to stop). They were great! Next was pork tenderloins, then spareribs - all good. I have been following cooking suggestions in the forums here and then checking with the CS cookbook to compare.
I think the most important thing everyone here does is to help and encourage each other's cooking endeavors, especially us newbies so we won't be so intimidated by a few snags. Thanks for all the help.

Mudgie