Mike wrote:
>
> Anyone have much experience using ordinary 4cent diodes as temperature
> sensors ?

I don't think that diode is such a good idea for the temperature sensor.
I would use temperature dependent ceramic cap. It will be much more
reliable and easier to convert to some useful characteristic (frequency
for example).
I have been using PHILIPS ceramic caps for two years now exactly for this
purpose. Look in the catalogue and choose the curve you want. Ceramic cap
temperature/capacitance curve is not drifting over the time. (At least I
did not notice it)
Regards,
Alex