attaching thermo to metal in the 'bator

[BeardedChick]

I read about it, tried it and didn't get good results so I thought I'd report back.

Here's the setup. I used a piece of heavy flashing behind the thermostat, thinking it would provide mass and make the water heater thermostat work better.

The first problem is that the metal gets hotter faster than the rest of the bator, and the thermostat clicks off early. Hence, it takes a while for temperatures to stabilize at first.

The second problem is that when you open the bator, the air temperature drops fast but the metal stays warm. So when you close the bator, the heat doesn't come on because the metal is still warm. Not sure how much of a problem this is for eggs, but I didn't like this effect very well.

Anyway, I didn't think that putting the thermometer onto metal really helped the bator with thermal stability.

I do think I will try to add heat containing mass to my bator by putting a couple of those hot/cold gel packs in the bottom of it, wrapped in ziplocks.

I ended up removing the metal off the wall and bending it to make a heat shield for the light. Now the light doesn't shine right at the thermostat.

ps. I'm still tinkering with my bator, so it's not finished. It needs different sized mesh and a shield to keep the chicks away from the light bulb.

 

[dbcooper02]

I think its great to see all the different foks building their own incubators. Something that really seems to be a hang-up for most is finding a workable, reliable thermostat.

The wafer type thermostat has been in use controlling the temps in incubators and brooders since the use of electricity came on the scene. The wafer itself was used on some kerosene heated incubators even before the electric models were developed.

Wafer thermostats are readily available from a number of internet sources for around the price of a dozen shipped eggs. McMurray, GQF, Randal Burkey, and others all carry them.

For a few dollars more a Solid State Thermostat
for the Little Giant may be had. Like this one on eBay, Item number: 120315690517.

I just wanted to share this information so that, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, folks can get their homemade incubators up and running and get on with the fun of hatching.
db