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.

 

[BobDBirdDog]

My problems with the (XM18 "any other") is the fact of the (left/turn right) motor function terminals and the fact that it is set up for China 50mhz electricity...
Not a real problem in the US as its just a matter of common sense and simple math.

(China's Electricity is 50mhz and the US is 60mhz cycle...so lets say we need the egg tuning motor to rotate for 30 seconds (turn/run time).
""""of course the motor run time can be faster or slower depending on your choice of motors RPM""""aka Revelations per minute!

• China made electrical used and running in the US
  • 50mhz = 60/50-1.2 seconds
• US 60mhz made electrical made in the US and used in China
  • mhz 50/60 = 0.83333 second

(Ironically. Both will work just fine but the timer and motors may struggle or overheat or over/under count "seconds" depending on where you are plugging in!

Restated- if its made in and designed to use China electricity then any settings will run faster or slower in the timing of any settings depeidng on where you live. (USA or China)
so the electronic crystal timer may be "Swiss watch" accurate or run (Slower of Faster in the timer). I forget which... I have had a stoke.

In such and your in the US you may need to adjust your run times (digital settings).
Consider this... (You want the egg turning motor to turn/run for 30 seconds as to reach a 45 degree angle, then turn off.
You simply calculate one of the two methods below. (again I forget which)
30seconds X 1.2 = 36 seconds (to much)
25seconds X 1.2 = 30 seconds
or
30 seconds X 0.833~ = 24.99 seconds (to little)
36 seconds X 0.833~ = 29.988 seconds

Just to be USA accurate using USA electricity.


The MOTOR turn left/right opion is a simple fix as well.
(ITS SIMPLIFIED BELOW)
The simple US motor is designed to turn one way... Of course you could just revers the polarity... but why do you need to do that?
It is a waste of two extra wires and may confuse or get in the way of other.
Think about the clock hand and a lever or second hand (UP/Down)
The motor turns for 30 seconds and the tray rocks to the left 45 Degrees to the left side at a 45.
If the motor turns another 30 seconds and the tray rocks to the left 45 Degrees to the right side at a 45.

Since the common motor is designed to turn one way... its not a 3 phase... (just single phase)! So you do not need two "wall plugs" 4 wires!

Simply wire in the motor to use 1 plug (2 wires) for either the (Left or Right turn) and set the time for appropriate timing (noted above) until it reaches the 45 Degree angle. Then set how many turns per day it is to occur.

The electronic internals use a Micro size relay switch, just like a small (Micky Mouse) light switch! If one switch burns out then guess what????
You have a builtin spare and can simply swap the 2 wires to the other (Left/Right!).

Either that or just BUY a second BACK-UP replacement (XM18
"whatever") and keep it ready in case the first one gets fried or humidity damaged or other.

Beats the hell out of waiting 2+ weeks for the mail order replacement while your fertile eggs loses viability in storage!

Hope this makes sense.