PID temperature controller’s excellent choice for incubators.

[markleathers]

The main problem with DIY incubators is temperature control.

I have seen so many type of temp controllers (thermostats), but I can testify to PID. Proportional-integral-derivative controllers are cheep, cheaper than most temperature controllers you can by from any poultry supply house. Ebay is loaded with them. And you can purchase them with a thermocouple and relay, to control any type of heat source.

The advantage to a PID controller is that it learns. As the temperature swings up and down, it measures time against rate of rise and learns just how long to hold on the heat source. The temperature reading can be calibrated to within .5 degrees, thus maintaining accurate temperature control.

So, check out Ebay, search PID controller and take accurate control over your DIY incubator project.

 

[markleathers]

Here is a small lesson on PID controls.

Mark

 

[markleathers]

Here is a little lesson on PID controllers..

Mark

 

[dexzhou]

really helpful, learned, thx.

 

[HatchCraft]

The PID controllers are excellent choice. I spend a little more on mine and can achieve .1 deg stability. I would go with a pt100 temperature sensor over a regular thermocouple. The pt100 will sense slight variations in air temp quickly. PIDs cycle on and off quickly, so you will get a strobe effect when using light bulbs for a heat source. Make sure and check if it's the right voltage for your application. Also you will want one with the low voltage SSR driver and compatible solid state relay. Not a mechanical relay. If you don't find what you need on Ebay, Auber Instruments in Georgia is a good domestic source for PID's. Tell them what you're wanting to do and they can advise you.