[asudavew]

Hard to grab a infrared for less than 60-70 U.S. dollars.

The cheaper ones go up to 950f. ... For a little more money you can get one that reads higher temps.(that's the way I would go)

I don't have one, but I have a couple thermocouples and a thermocouple reader.
But you can survive without either. ( i got them on ebay, total cost $50..)
Just burn until the dome turns white, and all the soot is gone.

Spread your coals evenly on the floor. Let the oven rest for 20 - 30 minutes so temps can even out. Then push the coals to the back, clean the floor, and throw a new log on the coals. ( for light and it helps with cooking the tops some)

Then cook your pizzas, you will learn a bunch just by cooking often.

Let me know what you end up doing, curiosity and all!

Dave