old hatchrite incubator

Hi everyone, I have the opportunity to purchase a two cabinet four tray style hatchrite (top and bottom compartments with two rows of rollers in each), $1k Canadian. Apparently rebuilt by an electrician for more than asking price, but hasn't been used since rebuild. What to look for when I go look at it? I should ask them to have it plugged in running so i can see it working I suppose. Anything else?

Alternatively I'm considering buying a new sportsman 1502. It is the exact capacity I need (all the chicks I can handle if I fill it every week). And new technology.

Also how would this size hatchrite be on electricity? And how many chicken eggs fit per "tray"? I would be looking to convert the bottom section to a hatcher, and fill the top section" gaps " in with the spare rollers from the bottom, to maximize the usable space.
 
you had mentioned hatchrite and while they were great machines they're no longer made ...getting parts for them would be difficult at best.
A gqf sportsman works well...many times can be found on craigslist at a good used price.
 
Here is mine, full of Muscovy eggs. Just did a hatch of some Icelandic chickens a few weeks ago.



The bottom drawer has been converted into a hatcher. You can see a Muscovy duckling peeking out in the lower left corner, plus a bunch of pipped eggs:



I am a software/computer hardware engineer, so I am writing some updated software for the thing to manage egg batches, monitor temp/humidity remotely, send me emails, Etc.

I now have manuals for this model, and can send one out via email to anyone that wants one - free. Caveat: The manual really sucks, and doesn't tell you a lot about how to fix it. I have it in PDF format, and it is small enough to email.

I can answer most questions and give you BYCers pointers on how to go about fixing one. I completely rebuilt mine. I've replaced many of the computer chips on the internal motherboard, all the belts, fan, humidfier and figured out how the old software worked.

I am very happy with mine - I bought it for about $200 and put another $150-200 into it in parts. Don't ask about how many hours of work though :)

Best regards,

Kevin G. McCoy
 
I wood like the information you have on the HatchRite incubator you rebuild. I have one too every thing working but the motor for the turner’s and need bands for the rollers.
 
so I was reading this post and know it very old but I thought I'd take a long shot as well. I actually have a Hatchrite I am trying to sell. it is a wonderful unit and is still in great condition. wonder if you or anyone you know may be interested?
Would you provide a contact # or call me at 979 567-4554
 

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