DIY incubator using XM-18D Controller

[darndt]

I have built a DIY incubator using XM-18D controller. It's been working well, but have a question about the 12v terminals. Are they for backup power source? I am using 2 ceramic heating bulbs (50 and 75 watt) - IF for backup power what size wire would you use? Photo is of the back (right side) of the controller.

 

[cavemanrich]

I looked up the model you posted,, (XM-18D) but the wiring diagrams are slightly different. From your pix above,, I see the 12 volt terminals as an output source. Maybe for an external low voltage light???,, or extra 12 volt fan??

The unit needs to be plugged in (L N stand for line and neutral from home power outlet) to provide the 120 volts needed to power your ceramic heating bulbs.
This does not look like it would be an inverter that could/would provide 120 volt current from a 12 volt power source,,,, like a car battery. Those terminals would be much larger, and heavy duty.
I do own a power inverter that I only would use in emergency power outages. The power cord cables that it has to connect to battery are quite heavy gauge.

I can search further if you could possibly give me the more complete model number. The XM-18D probably covers more than one sub models.
I understand electronic circuits.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[darndt]

Thank You for your input - I agree if it is 12v Input power source the terminals should be much larger. That's why I'm stumped.
I put a volt meter on the terminals and it did not register a voltage - but that may have been just because that circuit (like egg turner circuit or a fan circuit) was not active at that time.
I do have the unit up and running and all functions are working well. The incubator is in an unheated building and holding temp better than I'd expected.
There are multiple versions of the XM-18 - The XM-18D seems to be the only one with the 12v terminals. It is from China the users manual does not mention the 12v terminals. Also cannot find a company name or website to try to get answers there.

 

[jher77]

This is the only wiring diagram I could find which isn't much help.

But this model (XM 18) has the 12v terminals. Might try to look up the purpose in that models manual.