Thanks for the comments so far. (I agree the OAT probe makes a good ice detector!)
Good to see that someone has already done this - in Oz, I think?
That is definitely my preference. I just think a probe sticking through the windshield is archaic, unnecessary, and a liability - putting the cover on/off in a gale, it makes a wonderful sail, and one slip could result in the probe suffering more stress, probably breaking the windshield.
Any UK engineers out there, that have knowledge of this sort of thing, and the minor mod route?
If the probe was mounted on the aft fuselage, similar to the VHF antenna, would that work? I expect any permanent wiring change would need a Minor Mod raising, but what if it was just plugged into the cigarette lighter - would that keep it simpler? And legal?
All comments appreciated.