Here's a great post for us newbies about how to set up a plain ol' dimmer switch: http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...t.php?p=855662

Since they're inexpensive, you can get one today until you can get a thermostat. You may even decide you don't need one and just stay with the dimmer, as long as you check the temperature reading often.

You should measure your hot side temp under the substrate right where the UTH is.
UNDER the substrate? Not on top, where the snake will actually be lying?