I tried searching for that brand name - couldn't find a thing. If I'm correct - a thermocoupler is the wire thingee that is inside the kiln to tell the temp on the outside pyrometer. ( thermometer for us newbies) I bought a similar old kiln - only without the temperature stuff. Mine just has an on & off switch ,too. I did alot of playing and experimenting with mine -- I turned it on and just timed it & kept notes( by peeking ) till the glass was doing what I wanted it to. You can turn yours on and watch the temp rise without peeking ( lucky you !) WHen it gets to the temp you want and the glass is doing what you want - just open the door for a quick cool down ( about 15 seconds )shut it off and let it cool. Once you use it a few times - you 'll get the hang of it. I'm still playing with mine - I've had lots of successes and lots of failures. I'm still learning !!

Sorry my spam blocker blocked notice of a reply. So if I try glass for my 1st project, what do I place the glass project on so it doesn't stick in kiln? Do I need any special equipment to fire clay or I've heard of silver clay, which sounds interesting? I'm ready to experiment as long as I don't ruin the kiln or set anything on fire! As you can see I seriously don't know what I'm doing and wish I could find a website with the very basics.
Thanks for the time and help.

You should buy a kiln shelf to bake your glass on. It's just a bisque slab.You also have to use "kiln wash" to coat the shelf - it keeps the glass from sticking. The worst that I think can happen is that your glass will melt into a puddle. ( Been there - done that !) Just keep your eye on it ! LOL