Updated Brower Top Hatch Incubator. ^^PICS^^

I have been in the process of fixing this Brower Top Hatch incubator since I got the thing.

First off, this incubator was given to me!

The thermostat worked for about a day, then quit.

I took out that thermostat and wired a modified water heater thermostat to the candelabra base 60 watt light bulb. (That didn't work well)

I took out the candelabra base socket.

Then I bought a Bi-metal thermostat, and wired it to a regular light socket, and added a couple PC fans. It worked great, but only in certain places in the incubator, because the light bulb shined on the surface of some areas in the incubator.

Today, while Yard Selling, I bought a crock pot for 5 dollars. Later when I got home I took apart the crock pot to find that it had a Nylon coated heating element. I then bought 4 porcelain fencing insulators, and Wha-lla the incubator is finished.

Now, I don't have to change the light bulbs, and the incubator temperature is even throughout. The air temperature has remained between 99.0-100.4.

Here are the pictures!

By the way, in the pictures, the nylon coated heating element is shown hanging loose with the other wires, but the first 8-10 inches of heating element on either side don't get hot.

I let it stabilize yesterday evening, and it's extremes in air temperatures have been at 98.6 to 100.5. I am very pleased with the heating element, and how well the Bi-metal thermostat works with the heating element.

Looks to me like I have a nice Goose, Peacock, and Turkey egg incubator. 

As for the design of the incubator its self, I am not a big fan. The thin "plastic bowl" of an incubator has been holding temperatures great throughout. (after the heating portion had been modified). I am displeased with the turner, I have been having to re-oil it about every 2 months to keep it from sticking, and stopping. I have been thinking, I will either buy a new motor, (a different brand) and attach it directly to the turning arm of the incubator. I have invested about 12 dollars into making this incubator work as it is now. I am probably going spend another $10 and get on Ebay, and get a 120 volt 1-1/3 RPM motor and attach it directly to the turning arm of the incubator.

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverfox0786 

very nice

 

 

glad you reviewed the thermostat as for mine thats what i got from USA

 

gonna take a few weeks for delivery and cant wait

 

also got my maino elements and they look real good

I have had the thermostat for about 4-5 months now, but thanks!

Delivery waiting time STINKS!

I am glad you got your maino heating elements.

Have you tested them yet to see if they work, or how hot they get?