Cooler incubator!

[Timbeas8907]

I've already ordered all the controllers and everything and do to an error in the place I ordered the pc fans from I recived 16 extra lol. So I was thinking of doing false sides with 4 fans instead of a false back. My thinking is the two air currants meeting at the bottom would stir the air and make a more even heat.

 

[lazy gardener]

As for cost, the most expensive component is the thermostat. a digital can be had for ? $10 - 15. Used computer fans can be picked up very cheap, or scavenged for free. Same with light sockets, glass. A lot of people have old coolers kicking around, or you can get a free styrofoam cooler from pet store or local pharmacy. Add a used 12V phone charger, some MacGuyver supplies: duct tape, caulking, wire nuts, and you're ready to go.

 

[eatwhatyougrow]

I've already ordered all the controllers and everything and do to an error in the place I ordered the pc fans from I recived 16 extra lol. So I was thinking of doing false sides with 4 fans instead of a false back. My thinking is the two air currants meeting at the bottom would stir the air and make a more even heat. View attachment 1310100

You might possibly consider position the fans on opposite sides to help eliminate cold spots...

 

[BobDBirdDog]

AWWWW Heck! Just wire up all 16 fans and dont worry about a coldspot!

 

[BobDBirdDog]

I've already ordered all the controllers and everything and do to an error in the place I ordered the pc fans from I recived 16 extra lol. So I was thinking of doing false sides with 4 fans instead of a false back. My thinking is the two air currants meeting at the bottom would stir the air and make a more even heat. View attachment 1310100

False sides will help creat the flow and return ducts and add to the weight but that shouldnt be a problem. The warm air clashing from both sides at the bottom (2 returns at top) might creat some wird air tunnle or flow. I would make it so the bottom air flows never hit (one blowing left and one blowing right) so that it stirs the air in a horizontal circle; The fans/retruns at the top will pull the stired air up and recycle it. A diffuser would be a good idea I think.
Im not sure about the stir, but just basing it on blowing smoke at a wall, and two fans facing each other and blowing... seems it will force clashing air in the middle between the two.
Another thought: too many fans blowing might have some drying effect on the eggs (dont know for sure).

Still- once any forced air Incubator reaches Opperating temps, I cant wrap my pea brain around the cold spot scenerio as air movement will cause a vaccume in dead corners if circled and contained. Dead corners might collect dust, but heat will still be ambiant as its contined in one area.
So, you migh consider a diffuser (like on an window unit AC or car) where you can divert air in certain directions Forward, left , right, etc and cause the horizontal flow rather than letting the air hit (where-ever?) in the middle.

 

[Timbeas8907]

this is what I have done so far it's hard to to get stuff done with three crazy kid's running around sometimes lol When I get the window in the front I'll see about having someone with one off those vapes blow some into the top of it so I can watch the air flow.

 

[BobDBirdDog]

You might want to check out the controlers on Amazon, STL-1000 and the XM-18 but if you go with the XM-18 you will probably have to wait on a long shipping term and should be aware it uses china's 50hz electricity, US uses 60hz. It should work as it just means the electrictiy flickers/pulses 10 more times per second.
In comparison, your choice does seem to have tighter specs and if your "Tim Allen/home inprovement" style and budget requrires that, more power to you and the incubator. LOL

As for my Cooler Bater history.....
I cant remember the total cost but I think my original cooler-bator was around $50 after I bought the racks, wafer thermostat, plexi-glass and trays. I had a PC fan laying around and other materials to work with so all cost were not all included.
Still, the cooler-bator let me set and hatch over 250 qual eggs, or 150 phesants (at at time), and I loved that little bator and still have it for small jobs! It has it's faults such as cleaning and sterializing is a b***uger and is very airy/drafty due to all its past use! Besides that its plastic.

But my current Big-Boy upgrade hatchs over 1750 quail (all manual egg turning) which causes me to have nightmares about eggs after about a week of turning....lol! I have used it for a few years with good results and hatch rates. But I had to throw that one together as I had several large orders for chicks and juvies for a few seasons.

Thus such is prompting my new build.....a clone of the 1500/15002 but better, like you more bells and whistles and everything automatic. I'll will have nearly $250 in this one (I hope) when done. I am giving the XM a shot but have back up plans (STL) just in case.

I bought extra materials as well (not included in the above cost) and will be rebuilding the "Big Boy 1750" after I get the 1500 up and running.

Okay, as to update on the new incubator. I have now reached the $500 dollar mark but such has gone into building two units the auto egg turner unit and a seperate unit just for hatching as it will be more sterial of a procees. AND IM NOT DONE YET. LOL

 

[BobDBirdDog]

View attachment 1324629 View attachment 1324630this is what I have done so far it's hard to to get stuff done with three crazy kid's running around sometimes lol When I get the window in the front I'll see about having someone with one off those vapes blow some into the top of it so I can watch the air flow.

Oh those F-12's look nice sitting in there. Ooops ther F-14 pwms.. are you using a speed controller or just running them at full blast?

 

[Timbeas8907]

Oh those F-12's look nice sitting in there. Ooops ther F-14 pwms.. are you using a speed controller or just running them at full blast?

Full blast it seems to hold pretty consistent temps for now but I've been so busy I haven't got the egg racks in yet I know that'll mess with air flow. The only issue I have is the temp will spike in start up and when i open the door. But it only makes it to 101.1 then works its way back down and bounces between 99.5 and 99.4

 

[BobDBirdDog]

Yeah those door spikes are fun... if you can try to manually set the temp lower until it stabilizes then bump it back up. Mine comes back online in about 10 minutes, so I dont mind hanging around until it stabilizes, then bump it back up.